Royal Wedding : Street Party : Cheshunt North Ward

Having been enchanted by the marriage celebrations' broadcast of TRH William and Catherine, Duke & Duchess of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey, Street Party guests were invited, just for fun, to wear a crown and be photographed on a throne.

Mrs Mins Gray certainly made the part of Queen her own, especially the Royal-wave as can be seen on the right.

Luncheons included BBQs and picnics which were shared by guests whose main topic of conversation was the Happy Couple and being Proud to be British! 

Mayor, Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop arrived just ahead of the concert by Downtown Artist Chloe Swaby
http://downtownartists.co.uk/coventry/ whose show he very much enjoyed.

Chloe wowed the audience of Friends of Hotspur Wood who were raising funds for Teens:)Unite http://www.teensunitefightingcancer.org/ the Mayor's chosen charity.

Talk turned to having more al fresco parties and setting diary dates;  how grateful we were for a wonderful day, to be recreated over and over again. 

A confetti bomb showered sunbathing guests at the end of the party as they toasted the Royal newlyweds:  Hip, Hip, Hooray! echoed around Saunders Close with the bunting and flags waving gently in the evening breeze and the dusk sunlight reflecting in clinking glasses.

Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity. Aristotle

Some years ago, whilst presenting prizes at Speech Day, Sir Clive Martin, Rt Hon Lord Mayor of London congratulated those who had won prizes and also commiserated with those who had not.

Sir Clive stated that throughout life, opportunities would certainly arise whereby individuals may rise higher than predicted whilst in an educational setting ~ and that many such eminent persons were known to him.

The stroke of genius was to give non-prize holders each a box of Smarties with the message 'only Smarties have the answer' ~ a magnanimous gesture that would be remembered by everyone for the idea that life holds promise, throughout it.

Later, Sir Clive introduced himself at a Master's Lodge supper where he spoke enthusiastically on many topics and about the Lord Mayor's Show in which Haileybury had participated.

Later still, students from Hertford Regional College learned during a visit to Mansion House that the Lord Mayor's main role, as it has been for centuries, is to represent, support and promote the businesses and the people of the City of London.

The students' fascination with The City triggered subsequent visits to the House of Commons, Big Ben and Portcullis House where debates were held on topics of interest to young people.

Sir Clive and I recalled his earlier speech and also discussed education this evening whilst attending a drinks reception to celebrate a musical concert held at Chapel, Haileybury in which we had both participated as part of the chorus.

This thread of events created pause for thought on my behalf and having reflected further I hope and trust that young people will overcome current government financial policy obstacles for education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity ~ and no matter what path we choose, a higher education will enhance our prospects.

In Loving Memory of Arthur Charles Welch 1927-2004

Many years have passed since I first learned from my dear late Father a fascinating story of a family court case ('in chancery') and entitlement to a huge inheritance.



William Adrian Allery
In contention with the Ecclesiatical Commissioners
At Russell House, Brixton

In my Father's memory, I was prompted to research The Allery family legacy.

William Adrian Allery's Herculean task to challenge the Ecclesiastical Commission without financial means did not deter him:  he had secured a public subscription fund, thus backing of many influential and wealthy supporters ~ ample evidence of the validity to his claims. 

Furthermore, sisters, Phobe and Grace Allery, my paternal Grandmother and Great Aunt held legal documents and Press cuttings in safe hands during both World Wars when male members of the family had died in service.

The sisters' grandparents lived within a community where migrants had fled from Ireland due to the Great Famine and so they found themselves too, living from hand-to-mouth whilst they should have been living in the lap of luxury.

So, a story of romance, tragedy and crime lies behind the claim to property in London worth, in 1929, $800,000,000, comprising 60 square miles of London's properties.

... ... ... Once upon his retirement, the wealthy seafarer John Stockwell, who lived during the Golden Age of Pirates, went to live with the twice-heiress 'widow Angell' and her son, John Angell:  upon whose death, she was made the beneficiary of his London Estate.


Grandson of the thrice-heiress Widow Angell, John Angell, died at sea:  his 'illegitimate' grand-daughter was not a 'male-heir' as depicted in his curious Will ~ enter The Benedict-Browns who changed their name to Angell and along with the Ecclesiastical Commission, inherited the huge fortune.

No man, let alone an Angell man, would wish an 'illegitimate' grand-daughter to live without means upon his death:  and especially anyone who would top the equivalent of today's Rich List.

Therein lies a tale of the South Hams, The Garden of Devonshire where The Allery family were once farmers.

The Claxtons, the 'illegitimate' daughter's immediate descendents, decided make a claim on the Estate but fell victims to the sinking of the Royal George in 65ft of water within eyesight of land.

The 'unlawful' seizure of the estate as reported in the newspaper by William Adrian Allery had resulted in the 'disinherited' family descending into poverty.

{Commander Kempenfelt was writing in his cabin when the ship sank; the cabin doors had jammed due to 'the ship heeling' and he perished with 900 people, including 300 women and 60 children before any distress signal could be given.  A court martial failed to attribute blame for the tragedy and acquitted the officers and crew.}

The Sinking of the Royal George

Toll for the brave
The Brave that are no more,
All sunk beneath the wave,
Fast by their native shore.

William Cowper

(Between 1836 and 1839 John and Charles Deane, inventors of the deep sea diving suit, raised 29 cannon from the wreck but reported that the hull was beyond salvage. In 1839 Colonel Palsey, a pioneer of marine demolition, raised the remaining cannon by using gunpowder.  The cannon were melted down and were used to make the bronze and iron capital for Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, London, celebrating the triumph of Royal George's sister ship HMS Victory.)

Hence the notorious Will in question ~ an already extraordinary document that would not thesedays pass scrutiny continues to raise questions.

William Adrian Allery died at 83 years of age, having fought for 50 years to prove The Allery entitlement to the huge fortune, given the earlier Angell-Allery marriage; and having witnessed his ancestors unfairly plummet into poverty.

Yes, London had survived the Great Plague, The Great Fire and WWI & WWII as had its inhabitants who had learned to smile in the face of adversity.

In the last year of his life, William Adrian Allery seized Russell House, Brixton and told tenants that he was the Landlord ~ what had he to lose?  The Establishment had won, for now.

Thank you William and Charles for keeping this unholy injustice alive and, equally, for breathing oxygen into The Allery family tree, so magnificently:  you are the giants on whose shoulders we stand.

Copyright reserved

{Curiously, recent online access to a Family Tree disappeared into the ether but not before I was able to record the information I required to connect the families involved.  The above photograph disappeared too.}

The Wild Frontier

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Docklands Light Railway in 1987 when the working population of the area was sparse and certainly not welcomed by the locals, who referred to us as Yuppies.

Our offices at Sugar Quay Wharf were combed thoroughly by the Royal Security Staff ahead of Her Majesty's arrival.  The 'to be ignored' working dogs sniffed around the newsdesks, whipping us with their wagging tails as they eagerly obeyed commands.

As Her Majesty arrived, she was warmly welcomed by representatives who escorted her around our offices, finishing in the newsroom where many a fast-breaking news story would erupt unannounced. 

With my thoughts on a newspiece deadline, I took a photograph of Her Majesty as she walked behind my boss who was also working at his desk ~ an event he often recalled whilst smiling contentedly, as he had considered the result worthy of a front page splash.  Great boss whom I remember fondly.

Equerries to Her Majesty mingled amongst us and engaged in conversations about our work and Docklands itself.  Most impressive.

We watched excitedly from our office windows as the unmanned train pulled out of Sugar Quay Wharf with Her Majesty on board and then, held our breath, as it slowed and stopped, momentarily, before pulling away rather unceremoniously towards the end of the journey.  All is well that ends well.

The DLR is now 19 miles long (31km) and it has 40 stations.  The station shown on the left is Canary Wharf which is Dockland's major financial and media business district. 

Hundreds of shops, waterside bars and restaurants await your pleasure here, right now, in our dear Blighty.

Pardon me boy !

The Beatles, The Motown Sound and Swing follow me everywhere I go ~ in a sense ~ since the lyrics spring unbidden into my mind throughout each day.

I sometimes find myself singing along, especially when driving and I may add a little dancing when in any room of the house, including the garden.

Being transported back in time, momentarily, provides an endorphin rush amid the day's 'to do' list ~ which is most days.

It is unlikely that I will remember the song title of the year it was released but the lyrics, I seem to know them all.

Swing was my Father's music of choice, Tamla Motown and The Beatles my own favourites.  There is nothing finer than ChattanoogaChoo Choo  Mercy Mercy me and Let it be  also any song by Coldplay, however, I am unsure about the latest MP3 Download Christmas Lights.

I never got into my brothers' music preferences apart from the inimitable Eric Clapton.

I have sung throughout my life, from as early as I can remember to my Father's records that he played and sang along to, mostly at weekends.

Later on, whilst still very young, I sang at my first concert, to raise funds for The Salvation Army ~ our chorus line was lit by candlelight and we were all wearing pyjamas.  I wish I were able to remember what we sang as it looks as though we are really enjoying ourselves in the photograph.
   

Many concerts followed at primary school where I conducted the school orchestra and, another time, danced at the local Town Hall where the Mayor was present, folks, for the 'One Night Only' performance. 

As a teenager, I had wanted to make singing recordings with my best friend ~ of course, both 45rpm singles and 33rpm albums.  I would imagine being photographed and filmed in London whilst sitting on Lambretta Scooters, wearing a furry~hooded Parker jackets whilst we sang our latest Top of The Pops No. 1 Hit.

The dream was to scoot along on the Lambretta ~ whilst clinging to Paul McCartney ~ towards Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Kings Road, Kensington, Hampstead and some shopping at Barbara Hulanicki's Biba ... whose clothes I adored and my wardrobe was testament to them.  How I wish I had kept them all !

Musical memories developed into membership of Haileybury Choral Society that has given me so much pleasure over many years.

Last summer, the 70th Anniversary of the Madrigals took place at Amwell Pool, Ware in aid of Isabel Hospice ~ the floodlit willow trees were mirrored in the pool, set perfectly for asthetics and sound ~ the audience appeared as if by magic as volunteers collected donations for the chosen charity.

Betty's Garden Party followed the concert, as it always had, in her magical home set by Amwell Pool.  We would enter the flower garden through a door on the bridge, reminiscent of the beginning of a children's fairytale complete with its happy ending.

Lit candles set inside jamjars illuminated the path towards the al fresco reception for performers and supporters, where Betty's sons and friends served drinks to the gathering communities. 

A wonderful evening to commemorate, annually, the ending of WWII, the homecoming of our heroes and remembering the ones who sacrificed their lives for our country. 

One of the highlights of Summers for my friends and me, always.

Peddling off the Pud

A measure of Warninks Advocaat shaken with a splash of lime cordial and topped-up with a R White's lemonade is a mocktail reminiscent of Butlin's, Bognor Regis, where I spent a family holiday with my parents and three brothers in the 60s.

For the first time, families were able to enjoy a one-stop venue for their annual holiday together where they were fed, watered and entertained before heading back to their chalets to sleep-off the days' sunbathing excesses, only to be woken by a tannoy at 7am ~ kinda "Mornin' Campers" a la Hi-Di-Hi ! 

Fancy Dress competions were a regular feature of the entertainment programme:  my youngest brother was dressed as Popeye  ~ "That's all I can stands, and I can't stands no more!" ~ he wore a Sea Captain's cap, smoked a pipe and completed the ensemble with a 'tattoo' of a ship on his tummy, rolling the ship across the waves with his abdominal muscles to loud applause.  "Well blow me down"!

Trampolining Dads competed for the Best Dad trophy whilst children watched in awe at the high performance double front flips, backflips, front drops, knee flips ... WOW !! ... Mums' flashed glances between themselves and back towards their husbands whose dopamine levels had clearly peaked for the day.

Evening dancing to live bands were a must ... it felt sooo sophisticated to sip Snowball mocktails whilst watching my parents trip the light fantastic around the ballroom.  "You'll have a really wonderful time at Butlins by the sea".  And so we had.

Holidays in dear old Blighty, I predict, will enjoy a resurgence due to the times of austerity we are about to experience, thankfully, this will likely be a saving grace for all, not least, The Kingdom.

Many families book their holidays between Christmas and the New Year.  The world is our oyster ~ Eat, Pray, Love ... England.

Hotels to youth hostels  await us and most will not break the bank ... ... ... so long as the Eurozone is held off.

With almost 200 BEACHES in South East England on which to build sandcastles, we are spoilt for choice amongst the many that also hold Blue Flags.

With 1457.4 hours of sunshine each year, watersports and landside activities offer opportunities to families to enjoy this green and pleasant land ... ... 'til we have built Jerusalem.    

Hertfordshire's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, historic towns and many old villages remain unspoiled with thatched cottages set in leafy lanes.

Broxbourne's Lee Valley Park is unrivalled activities include White Water Rafting, sailing, athletics, golf, horse riding, ice skating, fishing, cycling, bird watching, camping ... the list is endless.

I shall most likely be Peddling off the Pud at 10am-1pm, 29th December with a 15 mile cycle through Lee Valley Park

Meet at Pindar Car Park Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Herts EN8 9AJ near Cheshunt Railway Station.

Book with Lee Valley 08456 770 600.   See you there?

With Season's Greetings and every good wish for the coming New Year.

Christmases Past : Fare thee well

Child standing at Geffrye Court
with Geffrye Museum in the background
divided by Kingsland Road

As a child, on many weekends and randomly, throughout school holidays, I would queue outside Geffrye Museum to take part in its children's activities.  As the clock struck 10am and 2pm, the entrance doors would be opened by the security guard who would beckon us inside to the silent magical world where time was suspended, my very own Dr Who Tardis in which to travel in time and space.

The Collection of eleven period rooms that span 400 years from around 1600 to the present day were on display.  Children were given question sheets that required answers as well as sketches of objects from the various collections ~ this tested knowledge together with drawing skills.  Sets of completed questionnaires enabled children to apply for Museum membership and eligibility for trips around England ~ brilliant motivational technique that concentrated young minds.

Weaving baskets and tea trays was a treat for me and I found it so easy.  I still have a scar on my left hand where I accidentally stabbed myself whilst lino cutting ~ some TCP and a plaster soon sorted it out.

Behind  '...the Geffrye' via a small staircase was a play park with swings, sandpits and curiuosly, a transit van to sit in ~ boys would pretend to drive it whilst we sat in the back chatting and waiting for the Geffrye's 2pm afternoon session.

In those days, parks had Attendents who would keep an eye on all children who were rarely, if ever, accompanied by adults.

What a blessing the Geffrye was to me and my friends, its beautiful lawns came alive each Spring when daffodils would appear beneath the tall trees where sparrows busily tweeted, it seemed they were chatting to each other as my friends and I sat on the garden benches, safe in the bosom of the Geffrye.

Thesedays, there are period gardens and a walled herb garden to reflect the period room displays.  Virtual online tours can be taken too.  How innovative.

No surprise that I shall be eagerly returning to the Geffrye's Christmas Past Exhibition which offers a fascinating insight into how Christmas has been celebrated in middle-class homes from 1600 to the present day.  The rooms provide the perfect settings to explore the origins of some of the rich and colourful traditions of Christmases Past, from feasting, dancing and kissing under the mistletoe to playing parlour games, hanging-up stockings, sending cards, decorating the tree and throwing cocktail parties.  Get there before Sunday, 2nd January 2011 when the Exhibition will end.

I may also say Farewell to Christmas at the Geffrye's own traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, celebrated with carol singing, stories about Epiphany and a taste of mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake.  Wrap up as this event takes place in The Gardens.

4-5pm,Thursday, 6th January.  Epiphany at St. Paul's

With Season's Greetings and

With every good wish for the coming New Year