Colin Tells You Where To Go!

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:10:45 +0100

REVISED SCHEDULE

I now have SIX blogs on the Internet and I am beginning find them a struggle to manage on a regular daily basis.

They are taking too much of my time away from other interests, so I have decided to cut down the frequency of posts.

My two personal favourites are http://poemsandprose.blog.co.uk/ and http://picturepost.blog.co.uk/ and they will continue on 5 days of the week, Monday to Friday.

The others will appear less frequently, as I find interesting things to add.

There will be no posts on any of the blogs at weekends.

I am extremely grateful to the small group of loyal followers who have added brilliant, witty and relevant comments over the past few years.

Please continue to do so.

Time is precious for us all and my re-scheduling may help you as well as me.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Colin (kendrive)

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TEST FOR "I SAY" BLOG

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:32:38 +0100

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I'M BACK . .

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:44:17 +0200

. . . and busy on the computer.

Check out my new blog at: http://ME-TALKING.blog.co.uk

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I'M AWAY

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:11:35 +0200

Leaving it all behind for . . .

My hotel in Costa, Argolis, Peloponnese, Greece.

Blog postings will recommence on September 17.

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PLEASE SEE MY OTHER BLOGS

Mon, 15 May 2006 08:23:44 +0200

I HAVE RESUMED POSTINGS TO:

www.kendrive.blog.co.uk

www.grumpy.blog.co.uk

www.poemsandprose.blog.co.uk

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TAKING A REST

Thu, 11 May 2006 12:41:32 +0200

TAKING A REST

I AM HAVING A FEW DAYS AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER

BACK AFTER THE WEEKEND.

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MY OTHER BLOGS

Tue, 02 May 2006 08:04:51 +0200

Please visit:

http://kendrive.blog.co.uk

http://poemsandprose.blog.co.uk

http://picturepost.blog.co.uk

http://grumpy.blog.co.uk

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SIR RICHARD WHO?

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 20:34:45 +0100

Walton residents, do you know the location of Sir Richard's Bridge? I am sure you do

It is at the top end of Ashley Road and leads over over the railway to the Burwood Park roundabout.

But who is it named after?

It was the second Sir Richard Frederick, who lived in Burwood House until his death in 1873.

When the railway came to Walton in 1838, surveyors were careful to choose an alignment that did not impinge on Burwood Park where the original mansion was built by Sir John Frederick (1708-1783), a wealthy city merchant.

The bridge across the ex-London and South Western Railway main line from Nine Elms to Woking Common was named after Sir Richard, who had it built to enable his pony and trap access to Walton for Hersham Station (as it was then called) which was opened in May 1838.

Here is the Frederick family coast of arms:

Motto: Prudens simplicitas beat.

Latin translation is "prudent, wise + simple, unaffected + blessed, fortunate, sometimes saint"

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STAY AT HOME

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 13:24:22 +0100

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Arctic weather warning for the UK

On Tuesday Britain was buffeted with high winds - with more to come.

Icy winds from the North Pole are sweeping across the country as Britain prepares to face some of the coldest weather so far this year.

Temperatures could plummet to -15C (5F) in northern Scotland, with 20cm (about 8in) of snow in parts.

24F (-4C) is forecast for London on Friday night.

It should be sunny on Saturday though.

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COMING SOON

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 14:38:16 +0100

I am waiting for warmer weather before I resume posts to this blog and I am thinking of featuring National Trust properties, illustrated by my own photographs.

It will probably not be until Easter - so

WATCH THIS SPACE!

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I FORGOT!

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 19:44:45 +0100

More than a week ago, following my trip to the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, I promised to post photos of the marina at Port Solent, at the northern end of Portsmouth Harbour.

Well, I forgot - but, following a reminder from one of my friends, here they are:

As you can see, it was a beautiful day, but the whole complex was deserted. There were very few boat movements.

There are several places to eat, with prices from £4.50 for a two-course meal. However, you get what you pay for and it is better to pay a little more.

The last photo is of Porchester Castle:

"Surrounded by the most complete Roman walls in Northern Europe, the vast keep gives breathtaking birds-eye views over Portsmouth, the harbour and the Solent. See the magnificent 14th century palace of King Richard II and the 12 century Norman church."

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Early Daffodils

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 22:22:11 +0100

Every year, at this time, I go to the roundabout at the junction of the A244 (Esher-Oxshott) and the A3 to look at the daffodils, which are always the most advanced in the area.

Here are some photos that I took today:

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PORTSMOUTH SPINNAKER TOWER

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 10:29:34 +0100

At last, together with some friends, I have made the trip to Portsmouth to see the Spinnaker Tower.

It was a beautiful clear sunny day and the views from the top were spectacular, as you will see from the accompanying photos.

Unfortunately, there is no outside viewing area, so all the pictures had to be taken through glass, which caused some reflection and loss of quality.

Earlier in the day we had visited Port Solent Marina and I shall post some photos tomorrow.

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A SPECIAL PLACE TO "GO"

Thu, 02 Feb 2006 08:50:15 +0100

Visit Garson's (Garden Centre) at Winterdown Road, West End Village, near Esher, and inspect the new Gent's Loo.

It is palatial and would not be out of place at a 5-star hotel or a luxury cruise liner.

Some time ago they won the "Loo Of The Year" in the "Good Loo Guide".

I think they are aiming for it again.

If you will pardon the expression!

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THE HEART

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:29:45 +0100

This is an artist's impression of the new shopping mall, which will open in Walton-on-Thames later this year.

The names of shops to be included have not yet been announced, but it is rumoured that there will be a Debenhams department store.

Some people say "Bring back Beales" !

There will also be several new restaurants/cafes. I believe there are are already more than 20 eating places in Walton. Do we need more?

Finally, where will all the extra cars park? The existing multi-storey car park over Sainsbury's has 740 spaces, but it is already almost full most weekends.

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HAVING A REST

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 08:51:42 +0100

I am taking a break from posting to my blogs, as I do not seem to be getting any feedback.

There have been very few comments since before Christmas.

So, farewell for a while.

I will be back soon.

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NEW BLOG

Mon, 09 Jan 2006 09:19:24 +0100

I HAVE STARTED A NEW BLOG AT: http://picturepost.blog.co.uk

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The Tree

Mon, 02 Jan 2006 13:13:44 +0100

(click on picture to enlarge)

Unfortunately, I couldn't get there yesterday, as my car had a puncture.

However, it isn't long to go until Christmas 2006!

See you then.

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LAST CHANCE

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 19:03:22 +0100

Peter and Alpha at "The Tree" (Click on picture to enlarge)

Don't delay your trip to the tree.

Tomorrow, Sunday 1st January 2006 will be your final opportunity. The decorations will be taken down during the afternoon.

So go along in the morning and GIVE GENEROUSLY to the animal charity.

Colin

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CHRISTMAS TREE

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 09:51:11 +0100

FOLLOWING AN ACT OF VANDALISM, DETAILS OF THE ACTUAL LOCATION HAVE NOW BEEN REMOVED FROM THIS BLOG.

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New Blog

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 22:08:52 +0100

I shall soon be starting a new blog.

Go to: www.poemsandprose.blog.co.uk

Colin

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Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Mon, 17 Oct 2005 07:56:50 +0200

It opens tomorrow - Tuesday 18th October 2005.

There has been advanced booking, so it may be difficuly to get admission for a few days.

Go to this website:

http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/home.htm

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Why don't YOU tell ME where to go?

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 10:18:52 +0200

Any suggestions?

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Meandering Mole

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 21:49:58 +0200

Residents of Elmbridge, how well do you know your Mole?

Only in part, I suspect.

The River Mole rises in the urban and industrial areas of Crawley before flowing 50 miles to join the Thames opposite Hampton Court.

The other day, I described a walk along The Ledges, near West End and last Sunday I walked through the meadows, alongside the Mole near Box Hill, to the stepping stones.

But there are interesting and beautiful stretches of the river much nearer home.

Today we are going to visit some of them.

(Click on the map and any of the photos to enlarge)

We start our walk in the car-park at the rear of Waitrose (formerly Safeway) in Hersham. With your back to the store, you will see an infants' school to your right and, between that and a block of retirement apartments (Paul Vanson Court), there is a footpath which will lead you into Hersham Riverside Park.

Turn right and follow the boundary in an anti-clockwise direction. You will soon find yourself at the riverbank, with views like these:

There is even a tree house:

You will turn North (see map) and, when you can go no further, take the path to the left, where you will see a small car-park, which leads into Brittain Road.

Turn left and then right into Old Esher Road, where there is a footpath along the flood-protection wall.

After 200 yards or so, you will rejoin the busy Esher Road (A 244) and, after a short distance, you will cross the Mole at Albany Bridge.

Immediately turn right, through the gate into West End Recreation Ground, where you can once again walk along the river bank.

Here is a view across the river:

Pass into the far playing-field and take the footpath to the left, which will take you into Winterdown Road and West End Village.

Enjoy the views across the cricket field and pond and, if you are thirsty (or hungry), drop into The Prince of Wales.

Return along West End Lane, passing this charming cottage, to The Princess Alice Hospice roundabout.

Taking great care, cross the A244 and enter Riverside Drive, an expensive private housing estate. Continue slightly uphill and pass through a small metal gate into Pelhams Walk.

In about 400 yards on your left you will see Wayneflete Tower (also known as Wolsey's Tower). It is all that remains of a palatial manor built in 1470 by Bishop William Wayneflete of Winchester as the gatehouse to Esher Palace. The house was demolished in 1670 but the gatehouse with its twin towers still stands.

When I last saw it a few years ago, it was a crumbling building, covered in ivy. Now it has been "refurbished and restored" and looks like a modern replica. It is a private residence and not open to the public.

This is the view from the other side of the river:

Leaving the tower, walk uphill along Waynflete Tower Avenue and, in about 500 yards at a min-roundabout, turn right into Esher Place Avenue. Continue until the end where you will see a building in the style of a French chateau. This is the "modern" Esher Place, built in 1805.

Here is a little of the history:

The first house on this site was erected in the 11th century and was demolished by William Wayneflete, Bishop of Winchester in the 15th century. He built a stately new residence of red brick- the gate house of which still stands. Cardinal Wolesey extended the house in 1528.

It passed through several owners including Richard Drake, cousin to Sir Francis Drake. After the Armada three captured Spanish Admirals were confined there in some style for five years.

The estate was acquired in 1680 by Sir Thomas Lynch first Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. Henry Pelham, Prime Minister to George II purchased it in 1729 and made lavish alterations to the house and grounds. When John Spicer, a wealthy stockbroker, bought it in 1805 he pulled down all but the remaining gatehouse by the river and built a new home on higher ground.

The present mansion, incorporating Spicer's house, was completed by Lord D'Abernon. It is now owned by Amicus the UK's largest manufacturing, technical & skilled persons' union, who use it as a conference centre.

Unfortunately, you cannot enter the building, unless you are a trade union member, and there is strict security.

I understand that there are extensive views from the grounds.

Return along Esher Place Avenue and you will find yourself in the heart of Esher, with Esher Green in front of you and Christ Church (1854) Church to your right.

You can take a drink at The Wheatsheaf on the the Green, or visit one of the many bars or restaurants in the High Street. The newest is Carluccio's.

Behind The Bear public house in the High Street, which dates from the early 1800's when it had stabling for 100 horses for the coaches that plied the road from London to Portsmouth,lies the old parish church of St. George. Built in 1540, its congregations included Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, when they stayed nearby at Claremont. The church was not used once they built Christ Church in 1854 and remains almost exactly the same as it was 130 years ago. It can be visited on Saturday mornings during the summer (May to September.)

It is Esher's oldest building and one of the earlist Anglican churches. Most of the structure is 16th Century Tudor.

This completes our tour and you can return to Hersham along Esher Road and the Hersham Bypass.

However, if you are feeling energetic, immediately, after crossing Albany Bridge on the right-hand side you will, if you look carefully, find a track which will lead you along the riverbank. You have to climb over several metal field gates, but is is well worth it. You will find yourself in unspoiled open countryside, with no buildings in sight.

On your way you will see this/these! What are they?

In less than a mile, you will reach the red-brick railway bridge over the River Mole. Do not attempt to pass under it, but turn left, where you will find a footpath coming from your right. Turn LEFT (not right under the bridge) and the path continues alongside the Hersham Village Golf Course. It eventually emerges into the Longmore estate, from where you can continue (crossing the A 244 again) back to the car-park.

The total distance is approximately 6 miles.

P.S. The River Mole is so named because in several places between Dorking and Leatherhead it flows underground. In dry summers sections of the river bed dry up completely, but the river continues to flow in the rock beneath.

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Coming Soon

Sun, 21 Aug 2005 20:39:25 +0200

Hersham/Esher Borders - The Mole, the Tower and The Place

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More About The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Thu, 18 Aug 2005 23:52:48 +0200

Not since the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House or the London Eye has a new tall structure attracted such attention.

Elegant, sculptural and awe-inspiring, the Spinnaker Tower is set to become a new national icon.

Soaring 170 metres into the sky above the historic harbour of Portsmouth, gateway to the English Channel, the Spinnaker Tower will soon be open to view.

Come on up. The views are outstanding. The sensation is amazing.

Glide to the top in style in the panoramic lift*. Or take the high speed internal lift.

Step out onto View Deck 1 and you step right into the best view in the country. On a clear day you can see for 23 miles or more.

Dare you "Walk on Air"? See if you dare cross our glass floor, the largest in Europe.

Go higher!

On View Deck 2 see the modern view or watch history unfold on our unique Time Telescopes, where you can catch Mary Rose or H.M.S. Victory sailing by.

Go higher!

Feel the wind in your hair on the "Crow's Nest". On our top deck, you are exposed to the elements.

Return to earth and enjoy our waterfront Tower Café/Bar.

Opening times
Spinnaker Tower and Tower Café/Bar open

Monday – Saturday from 10am

Sundays from 11am
Closed Christmas Day.

Opening times may be subject to change; for up-to-date information on admission prices and opening times, please call our information line 02392 857520.

Prices

Adult
£4.95
Child (5-15yrs)
£4.00
Concessions
£4.50
Family Ticket
(2xadult 2xchild)
£16.00
Additional children at full child rate.

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Not Quite Yet!

Sun, 14 Aug 2005 09:17:01 +0200

I can only suggest that you visit this structure SOON, as it is yet to open to the public - perhaps in the next few weeks.

It is the Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf, Porsmouth and, at 170m (two and a half times the size of Nelson's Column), it is it the tallest accessible structure in the United Kingdom outside of London.

It features viewing decks at sea level, 100 m, 105 m, and 110 m. A high speed internal lift runs up one leg, and a stunningly designed panoramic external glass lift runs up the outside of the opposite leg. The tower represents sails billowing in the wind - which is accomplished by two large white sweeping steel arcs giving the tower its own distinctive spinnaker sail design.

At the top is an observation deck where you can see as far as the Isle of Wight, the Hampshire and West Sussex coastlines, as well as the local landmarks like The Naval Base, HMS Warrior, Southsea Common, Old Portsmouth and the rest of the city sprawling out below.

The tower has been completed 5 years beyond schedule, at a cost of over £30M. It was originally meant to be ready for the Millenium celebrations. When it was clear that this was not going to be possible, the tower was renamed from the Portsmouth Millennium Tower to The Spinnaker Tower.

There is an interesting webpage about the construction of the tower at:

http://www.lusas.com/case/civil/spinnaker_tower.html

You can also see webcam views, updated every five minutes, at:

http://www.portsmouthand.co.uk/86.htm

Finally, I have seen in the news today that a parachutist has broken through security to "base jump" 350ft from the top platform.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Constabulary said the jump had been reported to them but added: "It is not a crime to jump off a tower." !

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Eureka!

Fri, 12 Aug 2005 20:19:38 +0200

Yes, I have found it -

The Semaphore House at Pewley Hill, Guildford - the next one on from the tower at Chatley Heath.

I visited Guildford today and walked for about an hour on Pewley Down, where I had read the Semaphore House was once sited.

I was disappointed not to find it but, when I returned to my car, parked on Pewley Hill (a residential road with large houses), there it was - a few hundred yards ahead on the right-hand side.

I had driven right past it.

Even from a distance, there was no mistaking what it was. Here is one of the photos I took:

As you can see, it is being reburbished and it has scaffolding around it. I shall return in a couple of weeks to take another photo.

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St. Ann's Hill

Thu, 11 Aug 2005 10:02:44 +0200

We are back in business today, with a visit to St. Ann's Hill, near Chertsey.

Here is a map of the approaches:

(click to enlarge map)

(1) If coming from Shepperton, cross Chertsey Bridge and then follow the B375 through the centre of the town until you reach the junction with Staines road (A320). Turn left onto the dual-carriageway and at the next roundabout go straight ahead into St. Ann's Road (SP Lyne and St. Ann's Hill). Shortly, at a mini-roundabout, bear right into St. Ann's Hill Road, with "The Golden Grove" PH immediately on your right. Follow this road and, at a sharp LH bend (to the right of some wooden gates) turn right onto a track, which leads to the parking area for St. Ann's Hill.

(2) If approaching from Weybridge, leave via Woburn Hill and, at the next roundabout, take the Chertsey direction. At the traffic lights, turn left into Eastworth Road and continue straight ahead along Pyrcroft Road and Chilsey Green Road. This will lead you to the roundabout, mentioned above, at the end of Staines Road.

After parking the car (or walking), enter the grounds through the gateway that has two brick pillars. There is an information board alongside, with a map of the park, showing points of interest.

St. Ann's is a wooded hill of great beauty. It is almost 250 feet high and at one time had commanding views over the surrounding countryside. It is said that, on a clear day you could see St. Paul's Cathedral and, of course, the much closer Windsor Castle. Today many of the views are obscured by trees, but there is a good lookout from the beacon, where you can see aircraft taking off from Heathrow - and the new Terminal 5 and control tower.

The hill takes its name from a chapel built in 1334 and dedicated to St.Ann. Its original name was Eldebury (Oldbury) Hill and it is the site of a Bronze Age fort (around 300 BC). There are traces of old earthen defences. Unfortunately, the chapel became a ruin and almost all of it is now buried. A single wall remains, but that is within the private grounds of Reservoir Cottage.

One interesting feature that you can still see is the "Nun's Well", which is a spring emerging from under a brick arch. It is said that it never freezes, even in the coldest winter. There is also another spring in Monk's Grove, on the east side of the hill (towards Thorpe Road) - but I have not visited it.

Somewhere nearby is the "Devil's Stone" (or "Treasure Stone") beneath which is said to be buried "a great treasure". Several people have searched in vain, digging to a depth of 10 feet or more.

At the south side of the hill, by the entrance lodge, there is a pleasant grassed area, in a hollow called "The Dingle". This has picnic tables, but no refreshments are available, so take your own. There are good, clean, newly-painted public toilets.

Immediately across the road from the adjacent entrance, you will see "St. Ann's Court" - a white modernistic round house, built in 1938. A few years ago, £1M was spent on refurbishing it. Unfortunately, you can only catch a restricted view, through the boarded gates. It was built on the site of a house erected by Charles James Fox (1749-1806), the eminent radical politician, who supported American Independence and the French Revolution. He also brought about the abolition of the slave trade.

In the grounds, two of the original buildings remain (not open to the public) - the 18th century "Temple of Friendship", with an entrance flanked by Ionic columns, and Fox's Tea House (1794) which has "Gothic arches, a lower grotto-like room with imitation stalactites - and a chinoiserie staircase leading to the upper floor."

The chief attraction of St. Ann's Hill is the woodland, with lofty firs. There is a feeling of isolation, although I cannot say " peace and quiet" - as there is constant traffic noise from the nearby M3 motorway.

As a final point of interest, in 1440 King Henry Vl granted a charter for a fair to be held on the hill each year on the Festival Of St. Ann (July 26). Many years later, this was transferred to the town of Chertsey where it became known as "Black Cherry Fair". It still continues to this day and takes place on Abbey Field, close to the historic Abbey ruins (666 AD). This year it was held on Saturday, July 9th.

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Intermission

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 07:15:14 +0200

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