Many readers will remember that the idea for my ‘talking walks’ came from my cousin Des, who, thanks to an inherited condition, was gradually losing his sight. Sadly, Des’ sight has deteriorated dramatically to all but zero over the last two years. He wrote the following piece for a local newspaper using only Voiceover technology …
Hampstead Heath
After the rains
After the drought of April the heath’s flora have been revelling in the rains of the last few weeks – and none more so than the nettles which have all but enveloped the new dead hedge on my path down from Hampstead Lane. Here it is a mere ten days ago. I had not actually …
Early morning slow moments
I woke up on Tuesday morning to such sparkling blue sky and such glorious sun that by 7.15 I was out on the heath caught by the light filtering through the new young leaves. Down on Kenwood lake a lone goose sailed slowly towards me, contemplated the shore, turned around and then stopped to meditate. …
Kenwood breaks into flower
The bigger bushes around east end of the lawns are already in full bloom making a dramatic backdrop for Barbara Hepworth – and bringing the amateur photographers out in force. A little further round to the right the pale pink and white bushes take over, swaying gently in the breeze. However, you do wonder whether …
Book now for Highgate Festival Chamber concerts
As those of you who also receive mailings from my Salon’s blog will know, I was asked some months ago if I could help to arrange some chamber music concerts for the Highgate Festival in June. Since the festival starts on the 19th June and all COVID restrictions on live performances are scheduled to be …
Random flora, swans and courting Mandarin ducks
Late daffodils down by Kenwood lake – and breaking buds on the trees up on the ridge. Bluebells hiding behind the railings down by the Boating pond and delicate early cow parsley Down on Hampstead Pond No 1. our swan watcher reported that one swan pair has hatched no less than ten cygnets. I haven’t …