For tourists, London presents an all-the-year-round opportunity to explore the history of a city that offers so much history and is linked to characters, personalities and politicians, and events, ceremonial and traditional, that have origins going back several centuries. Summer is the peak period for visitors and the main attractions are often packed and there…
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For almost 20 years I have been walking the streets of the City and never cease to be surprised at the questions that come up frequently. Those who have been joining me over that period are always talking about change – the rise of more towering office blocks, increasing pedestrianisation, limits on traffic in the…
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It has not been easy to organise walks around the City of London in recent weeks. The weather has been poor and problems with the train strikes have made it difficult to be confident that prior arrangements would not have to be cancelled. Hopefully, by the beginning of March it may be possible to have…
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The walking programme for LONDON FOOTSTEPS suffered some unexpected setbacks and there was nothing that could be done to prevent this happening. The start of the year looked promising as Covid restrictions were lifted but there was still a wide reluctance to sign up for London walks. Our changeable British weather has always been an issue…
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As advanced technology has a greater effect on our shopping habits so the focus has been on the future of the High Street. Will it survive in its traditional form or is there an opportunity to win back customers by re-inventing the concept of shopping? That is a topic for further discussion while this talk,…
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During the Summer there was a sense of optimism creeping into our lives. Were we beginning to escape the clutches of coronavirus ? It soon proved to be a false dawn of optimism. Yet already there were efforts being made by clubs, societies and organisations to get-together again, to socialise, to have meetings and try…
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Those who have been on my Docklands and Limehouse walks know that we finish outside the Museum of Dockland before being revitalised by a pint and a curry special in the next door Wetherspoon pub, The Ledger Building. The walk has always ended on a controversial note as I explain why the statue of Robert…
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The talk I gave to members of South Woodham Ferrers U3A via Zoom was a great success and demonstrates that this on-line facility is giving members of the organisation a chance to get involved in some U3A activities from the comfort of their own homes. For me it was also a chance to launch a…
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After six months ‘off the road’ I am pleased to say that September and October will see me back taking small tour groups around London. Because of restrictions, numbers are limited to just 10 people and everyone has to go on line to book a place. The Project has been launched by the City of…
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Many people who join my walks or come to the talks often tell me about their own background and upbringing as well as the lives and fortunes of ageing relatives or those that have passed on. Some of my presentations – notably POUNDS, SHILLINGS AND POVERTY – touch on stories and circumstances that involve their…
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