Dearest Reader,
Many apologies for my tardy diary update - this is my first diary catch up since 24 May, so feel free to grab a cuppa and a biscuit before you settle down.
These have been busy times in the 'hood, taking in history, flora and fauna, as well as an Isle of Wight visit and the Glastonbury Festival.
If you are sitting comfortably, I will begin ...
On 30 May, during half term week, I went up to Hampton Court to take a peek inside with my friend and her daughter (and her sister and niece).
Having a 3 and 7 year old in the party meant that we could not linger too long, but I saw enough to want go back and have a more leisurely look at the palace. <See more here>
The day after, we went up that way again and visited Bushy Park which ajoins Hampton Court, after a swim at the open air pool at Hampton <more of Bushy here>
June kicked off with a great day at Whipsnade Zoo with friends and their families. This is a good day out with space and many animals both large and small to keep your attention.
It is indeed a BDO (Big Day Out). <more photos here> So ended the school half term break....
June kicked in and on Saturday 10 June, my friend, her daughter and myself went to the Ardingly Showground for the South of England Show on a very warm day. This is a big agricultural / rural show (but not actually as big as I imagined). We saw Birds of Prey demonstrations, a great Sheep Dog and Duck round up, masses of animals and a bit of horse jumping. It was very, very enjoyable.
<South of England Show photos here>
On the following day 11 June, the RHS Garden at Wisley called again, more chilled time with friends and their family. <more photos here>
Saturday 17 June marked the Queen's Official Birthday and Central London was pretty much closed because of the Trooping The Colour ceremony being held on Horseguard's Parade. I got up to my Mum's and while watching the event on the BBC, realised that we were on the flypast route so I popped up to the walkway above the flat. I managed a few reasonable photos.
<Google Photos - Flypast album>
A few days later on 21 June until the 26th, I ventured west to the Glastonbury Festival.
I have discussed this at length elsewhere on the site and in my blog: Diary and Photos <Glastonbury 2017> Blog: <Epilogue - A Last few Words About Glastonbury 2017>
The weekend following Glastonbury on 1-2 July, I was lucky enough to spend a lovely weekend visiting the Isle of Wight with my bestest friend. We had a busy and exhausting couple of days exploring the island. While we were there, we met up with her sister and brother who were both on holiday there at the same time.
We will be going back. <more Isle of Wight here>
On 23 July, we found ourselves at the gardens at Wisley once more. My friend and I had a really nice potter and saw some very nice metal garden ornaments.
<Photos here>
And that, Dearest Reader brings us pretty much up to date.
Pip pip !! Take care until next time...
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So, I went and I have come back in one piece.
My Photo Galleries and Diary Pages are written and published <links below>. <Initial Thoughts> <A Diary of Sorts> Photos:<Wednesday><Thursday><Friday> <Saturday> <Sunday> A week or so on, and what do I think about my Glastonbury conundrum ? I really enjoyed the few days at Worthy Farm, especially the "quieter" pre-music Wednesday and Thursday. Strolling around the festival site and seeing what is on offer was really good, perhaps even among my favourite times there. As always there was a huge variety of acts on the music bill, so it would have been hard for me not to have found more than enough to keep me happy. Did I enjoy the few days ? "Well yes..."
...yet there is a lingering "BUT" in my mind.
There were, in my memory at least, too many people. There were more punters milling around than I had seen before. Whether this was due to the good weather meaning that people weren't sheltering in tents from the rain, I don't know - but the pathways and infrastructure were under massive pressure. Both the Avalon and John Peel Stages were closed at some point as they were seriously overcrowded. The closure of the John Peel area in particular, caused massive navigation and crowd circulation problems as it is on one of the main routes around that section of the festival site. When I was bimbling around, I found that very often my progress would suddenly stop. All I can think is that this was caused by crowd numbers as audiences moved on after performances finished on the Pyramid, Other or West Holts Stages. This pressure of people did bother me, as the risks if there are either medical, trampling or even worse incidents can only be imagined.
As always, I loved the festival - it is interesting, varied, surprising and tolerant - but this time my feeling was different - on occasion, for the first time at Glastonbury, I plain missed people and friends at home.
2017 was a good Glastonbury for me, but I can't help but think that my days at these huge events are done. Maybe I am getting old, maybe the trudging from place to place and carrying my kit is physically too demanding for me, maybe my life focus is changing - I am not absolutely sure of the reasons why. I am still surprised at this and, right now if I ask myself about going again, I feel a little apathetic to the idea. On every previous occasion, my reaction has been "Yes, definitely". If I am not going to go to a festival again, this was a fitting place to end. Glastonbury 2017, I thank you. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Arts is very, very special and I will always look back on the times I have been with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.
The appalling events in Manchester have overtaken my writing of this diary / blog update.
My thoughts and sympathy go to the victims and families affected my this cowardly attack. This was a soft target, and bad news. No good ever comes of these acts.
Now, here is the blog, I was going to publish:
Hello there Dear Reader,
May has been another (fairly) busy month in Eggybreadland. Apart from the usual weekend visits for mothercare, I have been lucky enough to visit gardens, parks and the V&A.
On 7 May, I popped up to the RHS Gardens at Wisley with friends and their families (after a full English at a nearby Morrisons supermarket). Although I am no gardener, I like Wisley - it changes each time you go. There are many opportunities to take some very nice photos.
On Saturday 13 May after a morning visit to my Mum, a friend and I met up and after a potter around the West End, took a 24 bus up to Hampstead Heath.
If you are not aware, a short stroll from the bus terminus takes you to Parliament Hill Fields, which offers a great view of London from the 2012 Olympic site in the East to City and St Pauls round to the BT Tower and Houses of Parliament in the West.
The main features which gave the hill it's name are still visible although the new steel and glass boxes and towers are beginning to encroach severely, but the obelisk that is the Shard still (to my eye at least) looks exciting.
I took a few images and they can be viewed elsewhere on this site.
On Sunday 14 May, after another Full English Breakfast at the Morrisons store in Weybridge, a friend and their daughter left the car at Hampton Court station car park (£2 all day on Sundays - but not public holidays!).
We had a nice stroll past Hampton Court to Henry VIII's adjoining deer chase at Bushy Park. The weather was very good, and I managed to get my first very red face of the year (but just the right hand side). A lovely day :) <Pictures and page here>
On Saturday 20 May, I was up in London Town checking on my Mum and visited "The Pink Floyd Exhibition-Their Mortal Remains" at the V&A. This was very, very good and if you are a fan, get there if you can.
I was just a little surprised at the £24 ticket price, but would say that as a fan, it was very interesting and immersive. < Photos and web page here > Another good one.
The 2016/17 Premier League Season has been a very frustrating one, not only for the Arsenal Fans but I suspect, the players and the Manager.
Yet again, the spine and steel within the team has been lacking, there is a surplus of creative midfield players but the team is shy of defending and strike force cover. Bad decisions regarding announcements about Arsene Wenger's future seem to have made the ship unstable. I stick by my statement in the previous blog that it is time for Arsene Wenger to leave the manager's job. I would have no problem with the idea that he could "go upstairs" to a consultative role. In fact I think that Wenger is one of the two great visionary managers in Arsenal's history together with Herbert Chapman in the early days at Highbury. My issue is really about who should take over, and why has no candidate been groomed ? I really don't know the answer, but do fear what is to come if Wenger decides to go at the end of his current contract. I am expecting little from next weekend's FA Cup Final against Chelsea, so would prefer to remember The Professor not as in the slide show at the top of this section, but like this:
I suspect that realisation of what Arsenal have had will not hit most fans until he is gone.
Arsenal Football Club under Arsene Wenger has been very special. That said, we won't know if he is staying or going until after the Cup Final. If you would like to review my ramblings about football and more specifically check these pages out: <The Beautiful Game - my outlook on the football matters> or select the "Football" category to the right towards the top of this page to see what my blog ramblings have been.
A few people have asked me if I miss the Scouting and the honest answer is a loud "No".
That said, when I went to Bushy Park earlier in the month, I did have my very first heart-tug since giving up my appointment in February. At the start of the fair, there was a parade of cars and bikes , the groups who were there, a marching ban, local Sea Cadets and a local Scout Group. The Scouts were a bit scruffy although in uniform as were the Cub Scouts, but I did have a "that would have been me" moment when I saw the leaders with them. Just 29 days until the <Glastonbury Festival>, which I am looking forward to attending for the third time - it is nice in this instance to be classed as a "Veteran". Next week sees the local school's half term, and I am taking a few days leave to hang out with my dear friend and their lovely daughter. There are a few trips planned, but more of that next time. Until then, pip pip... And let's be careful out there. Hello there Dear Reader, At the risk of sounding my age, "Just where does the time go ?", this past month has flown by! I ended last month with a theatre trip, started this month with a seaside trip and have visited one of Henry VIII's old places... ... and I have celebrated another birthday on the Saturday of the Easter weekend. 25 March - A trip to London Town to see Matilda at the theatre and also see the "Bond In Motion" exhibition at the London Film Museum with friends. The adaptation of Matilda by Roald Dahl was brilliant and I loved the sets. We also took in the "Bond In Motion" exhibition of vehicles from the James Bond movies, which was also interesting. <More Photos Here>
On 2 April, I had my first trip of the year to the seaside and went to Worthing with friends and their daughter.
A nice day - <More Photos here>
15 April - and a brilliant 59th Birthday chilling with friends and their family at Hever Castle .
28 April, I had a cheeky weekend away in the North Staffordshire and the Peak District with friends who had never been. I visited the cemetery in Alton and a few tourist and not so-much tourist sights. A good weekend.
<More photos here>
I have seen a few things around the office this month..
There won't be any St Totteringham's Day this year - after more than 20 years Spurs have managed to finish above the Gunners.
It is about time - the balance of power in North London has been on the red side for too long. Enough for now. Let's be careful out there. Adieu mes amis... Pip pip... 14/3/2017 0 Comments "Every great story has an end".
Wednesday, 8 March - To be honest, I suspected that my beloved Gunners would not manage to overhaul the 5-1 deficit they had suffered in Germany against uber-efficient Bayern Munich.
In truth, I was enjoying a visit to a dear friend at the time, and completely forgot that the 2nd leg of the Champions' League tie was actually being played. Hearing the news this morning that Arsenal had failed to achieve a win or even a draw on the night, and had in fact been humilated once more and in fact lost the game 1-5 (aggregate 2-10) was enough for this fan to think that the time has come for changes at the Emirates. I absolutely respect Arsene Wenger and what he has steered my football club to and for the healthy state the club is in, but I have serious worries about what will happen in the near future in London N5. Surely Wenger's position is now untenable and his time has come to move on. He defends the players that he has chosen and blamed the refereeing. I counter this simply by stating that the team of Invincibles, or any team of his successful squads had a spine of steel - running from the goalkeeper, through the defence to the midfield. They would not roll over until the final whistle. His teams of the last 5 years have been soft- centred, with no leader of any note for the last few years (except Alexis Sanchez, who must be be a very frustrated man as he seems to be the only player with anything like a winning mentality). Sadly, as the placard being waved at the game said: "Every great story has an end". 14 March - A week has passed by now, Arsenal have secured a place in the FA Cup Semi Final, but sadly my view has not changed even though I am not as angry now ! My concern is essentially that someone needs to take over Wenger's position, but I really do not see any one worthy of doing that on the horizon. The Arsenal board needs to address the nurturing and grooming of someone who the reins can be passed to when the inevitable happens and the Professor calls it a day. In other news ---
25 February - A couple of weekends ago, I went up to London with my friend and had a potter around London's West End and we ended up at the British Museum.
In essence, "Big Archeology and very old things" are not her bag at all - we checked out some of the exhibits and I enjoyed seeing the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles and the Egyptian stuff again, but I thought that it would be best not to push it and we left after a brief visit without her getting too bored with things.
After a restoring and warming latte or two in the Shakespeare pub near Holborn, we hopped on a bus to the City and checked out Leadenhall Market in the City which Jenny had not seen in the flesh (only as it featured in a scene in one of the Harry Potter films). All in all, it was a very enjoyable 16,500 steps. The following day, we had a steady and fairly lazy day, and for me, a slightly frustrating attempt at finding the Pooh Sticks Bridge near Hartfield on the Ashdown Forest. We got close, but it resulted in a failure this time. By chance, the route took us past Coleman's Hatch church, so we stopped off and paid respects to Pip Round, an old family friend of mine.
A week later on 11 March, we went back up to London Town, this time for a visit to the Science Museum in Kensington.
A breakfast at the Wetherspoon's pub at Victoria Station set us up and off we went. I loved the Science Museum as a kid, (and still do) but I have not visited with 7 year old since James and Chris were young. My friend and I enjoyed what we saw, but I was left more than a little surprised that my 7 year old friend got bored very quickly. This is not a criticism of her at all, because I do think that some of the themes in some of the exhibits around the museum are just too big for young visitors to take on board. The interactive sections are fine, but need a youngster and parent to stand and use a screen and answer questions to get responses. Personally, I think that this is hard on both the child and adult. The museum do not seem to realise this ! Order and enjoyment was restored after a drink and snack in the basement and a look around an old school exhibition of household appliances - comprising many buttons to press and handles to crank. This pretty much got the joy back in the enjoyment aspect of the visit! In the early afternoon, we strolled past the Royal Albert Hall and Albert Memorial to the Diana Princess of Wales Playground in Kensington Gardens. This was bigger and better than I thought it might be and very good. Another couple of bus rides and dinner at Frankie and Benny's in the Strand ended another very enjoyable day out.
11 March - Another weekend chilling with friends and a trip down to the Ashdown Forest
We visited Coleman's Hatch church again and this time put some flowers on Pip's grave, found the Pooh Sticks Bridge, had a nice walk and ate a nice salad on the way around !
A lovely day. So now, Dear Reader, we are up to date, so I shall wish you farewell and get to my lunch. Pip, pip !! Last year, the lamented and confusing 2016 was a bit of a mixed bag.
If I was a betting man, I would essentially have lost. I still struggle to understand the logic or benefit of Britain leaving the European Union, but the referendum happened and that is what came out. I also can’t foresee what President Trump brings to a political table, but the US electorate in their wisdom, decided that Hilary was not for them. We lost too many major celebrities and icons during 2016. Although this is sad of course, there is no “Curse of 2016”. It is not the year that killed these folks off. It is just that their time had come or their lifestyle choices did for them. But on a personal level, I had a great year and have made some lovely friends and had some brilliant times. There were wobbles – mainly related to my Mum’s health and care. But looking back, I would say that 2016 was actually the best year I have had for some time. I won’t be naming names or thanking individuals here, but those responsible know who you are, so thank you. 11/1/2017 0 Comments New Year ... big decision
Ironically just after the Cub Scouts Centenary celebration on 16 December 2016, I have decided to hang up my 5th Reigate Scout Group fleece.
I have been on a bit of a downward cycle in my attitude about Scouts for probably over a year now and it hasn't improved (as it always has in the past). I haven't missed Cub Scouts during the holiday breaks and haven't thought "Great, it's Monday. Let's get me to Cubs" when we have been due to start again, even after the extended Summer break. Cub Scouts has become little more than what I do on a Monday evening. After much soul searching, I decided over the Christmas break that the time has come for me to jump and see where I land as my heart isn't in it now. I will miss the camaraderie and good nature of some of the leaders who I have worked with for about 24 years, but that is about all, and I will keep in touch with them. This decision has been a long time coming, but I think the time is right for me to go, before the great memories of the good times we have had are tainted by bitterness and resentment because I am just going through the motions for the next meeting / term / year or whatever. My appointment as Cub Scout Sectioon Assistant will officially end on 28 February 2017.
As seems to have become "the norm" Dear Reader, the best part of a month has passed by very quickly and it is time for a catch-up
Saturday 13 August - Wicked
I hadn't seen a proper musical theatre show in the 22 years since the revival of Lionel Bart's Oliver! at the London Palladium with Jonathon Pryce as Fagin. I took the opportunity of seeing the matinee performance of Wicked at the New Victoria Theatre and was not disappointed. The staging was brilliant, and the cast tremendous although I don't believe that any of the songs matches the classics in the 1939 "sequel", The Wizard of Oz. Some of the sequences are truly memorable and I really felt that the nods to the film were great. Personally, I didn't leave the theatre singing any of the songs even though I absolutely loved the show and would recommend it unreservedly. The day also included urgent birthday present shopping with a good friend and an impromptu meal at the Rainforest Cafe.
22 August - Best Pick Me Up Ever ??
I was feeling a bit down due to a couple of personal issues, but accidentally discovered the best pick me up while visiting a friend to claim a piece of their daughter's birthday cake. After helping her jump around the living room, the 7 year old lead me out of the house telling me that "I want to show you something". When we arrived at the end of the garden at the trampoline, she said "Come on we are going to jump!". Worried that it is at least two full decades since I had been on a trampoline, I protest but am told that "I have to do it". Shoes off, we hold hands and start to jump, and jump and jump and jump. Brilliant fun and all problems rendered irrelevant ! The only caveat I should pass on is that a 58 year old really needs to put a mental break on what they agree to do when being shown "moves" by a 7 year old. "I'll show you a roly-poly now!" should have raised alarm bells, but my younger self could do them, so no problem. A seven year old jumps and rolls and bounces just a little. A 58 year old rolls and their weight is absorbed by the mat, and takes their backside almost to ground level. Then the springs on the trampoline take effect and you are quickly brought back to normal position, except your ribs and internal organs are still going in a downward direction and stop very suddenly as your backside bounces up and down to a rest. At that point, you need that cup of tea and sit down with the cake! Trampolining is great fun, but my back was reminding me that I should have taken more care for another four days.
27 August - River Thames Trip and Cable Car ride
Something else I hadn't done in years was a trip on the River Thames to Greenwich. These days, there are regular commuter services stopping at many piers. The boats are modern and comfortable and you can even pay with your Transport for London Oyster Card. Although I have obviously been aware of the regeneration of the London Docklands and Canary Wharf, the boat still provides just about the best viewpoint and seeing the redevelopment is very interesting. It was just a shame that the windows on the boat needed a clean! We got out at North Greenwich pier, near the O2 Centre and strolled to the nicely named cable car "Emirates Air Line". Although the engineering is pretty impressive, and the views down to the Thames Barrier and up the Thames and over Canary Wharf very good, the terminals are in a strange place to my mind. There is currently little on the northern end that people are likely to want to see as it is almost exclusively residential, but it was worth the effort.
4 September - Herne Bay
School Summer Holidays are long, so I suggested to my friend that a day out might break the monotony a little. We went to Herne Bay with her now 7 year old daughter and all in all had a smashing day. Motorway closures and detours added about an hour to the trip there, but we went on the beach (but didn't paddle as it was a bit chilly) and strolled down the coast path towards Reculver. We had a lovely picnic on the beach and a nice chilled out sort of day enjoying each other's company. Inevitably, comparisons were made with Littlehampton. Herne Bay is nice, but parts are are little unkept and in need of a little love. Again, even though Herne Bay offers much, it just falls short of family friendly Littlehampton. We had a good day out, and if measured by just how tired I felt by the time I got home, it was a corker !
6 September - Cutty Sark by boat, DLR train and London
Another day out with friends and their daughter to round off the Summer Holidays. Train to Victoria and then a 24 bus to Whitehall, then a short stroll to Westminster Pier. The Thames Clipper service took us up to Greenwich Maritime where we got off and went onto the Cutty Sark. I had been on board a couple of years ago, but taking a live wire 7 year old was a very different experience. I loved it, but had forgotten that a 7 year old goes from one thing to the next at the speed of light. After a cuppa in the tea shop, we went to one of the greens at the Naval College and had a sandwich for lunch. After the compulsory run around, we strolled to the DLR station and took it from Greenwich Maritime to Bank. The trains and route are interesting. The trains themselves remind me of a child's toy, with small carriages with no driver. The route is nice as it has many bends. Also the route features one of my favourite named stations "Mudchute" as well as Canary Wharf. After that, my friend needed to do some more urgent shopping for school shoes. I found this a little odd, because there are at least two Clarks dedicated shoe shops in Oxford Street, but neither sells children's shoes. You are directed to the John Lewis department store or Mothercare in another Oxford Street location. The deed done, we had a late tea in McDonalds and then quickly went to M&M World in Leicester Square before getting the train back to Redhill and home.
10 September - IKEA by Tram
A friend had been threatening to make me use a tram one day and this turned out to be it. A 405 bus ride from Merstham to Croydon was followed by a change to a tram from Croydon to Ampere Way in Purley where we visited IKEA. The trams are airy and bright and quick. It was a very enjoyable and leisurely trip.
To end it all...
Cubs Scouts - first meeting was last night, a games evening. We lost 4 Cubs to Scouts at the end of last term but had 3 young starters come last night. Football - The Gunners have got off to a faltering start this season. We will see what difference Arsene's new signings will make. Next weekend - I have my first gig since the Latitude Festival coming up - Peter Hook & The Light playing Joy Division and New Order And on the horizon - a trip to Harry Potter World on 25 September !!! Watch this space ... Adieu ! My Dear Reader, Crikey, over a month has gone by since my last blog update. Looking back, it has been a busy old time National History Museum, 9 July I offered to meet up with a friend from work and their family for a day out during the school summer holidays and as a pre-cursor, a trip to London's Natural History Museum was arranged. I haven't been for years, so couldn't resist the chance. After a quick visit to my Mum, I doubled back to Victoria to meet my friend and their 6 year old daughter. We had a stroll through Victoria, past Buckingham Palace during the Changing of The Guard and then over Westminster Bridge to the South Bank. After that we went back over the Thames on the Hungerford Railway Bridge and picked up the Underground train at Embankment and went around to South Kensington. I have always loved the Natural History Museum, so it was good to go back. We visited the Mammals Gallery with the full size model of the Blue Whale, saw the skeleton of the Diplodicus in the lobby and also risked the wrath of a Tyrannosaurus Rex in the Dinosaur exhibit. The crowds around the museum (and to be honest, Central London generally) were heaving and the queues to go in massive, but it was great to see the place again, although now I did notice that the cleaners needed to dust the exhibits. I also had reservations about some of the exhibits and "suitability" for a very young audience - questions being raised by the 6 year with us when we saw the stuffed remains of Chi- Chi the panda who was at London Zoo were excruciating: "Is it real ?". A tricky question was answered with a definite sounding "No". Wise, I feel. Still a great day out. Latitude Festival , 14-17 July My festival of choice for 2016 crept up on me and was a brilliant few days. The music good and the support events really good. I would certainly have it on my list again My website <Latitude 2016 pages are here> Family Day @ Canon UK HQ and a trip to Littlehampton, 23 July The Saturday after I got back from Latitude, I was booked to help out at a Family Day at Canon UK HQ in Woodhatch. This year I was tasked with a bit of set up, Reception duties checking in the 250 pre-booked people and helping pack up. There was the usual bouncy castles, crafting and face painting, but this year there was a farm petting zoo, crazy golf, a hog roast and a road train around the grounds. It was a good one, and I managed to take the last train ride of the day. The family day started at 10am and ended at 2pm and a good time seemed to be had by all on a very warm and sunny day. After the tidy up, I met up with my friend and her 6 year old and we headed down to Littlehampton. I have liked Littlehampton since visiting when the boys were young and not much has changed over the years. The beach is sandy and it is just a friendly feeling place. We had a lovely afternoon and evening chilling on the beach and strolling along the front and paddling in the sea. We also checked out the neighbouring beach at Climping. Science Museum, 6 August After receiving an email telling me that a couple of special exhibits would be ending in early September, I thought I had better make the effort. I had seen posters for "Fox Talbot: Dawn of the Photograph" and "Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Genius" and they were both on my "Must Get To That" list. I booked up entry times and took the tube to South Kensington after I had visited my Mum. Having an interest in photography and knowing that he was a pioneer in the art, I thought that the Fox Talbot exhibit would be really interesting. Sadly, this proved not to be the case and the 5 or 6 galleries were actually quite tedious. There were of course copies of the pioneer's photographs of his home, but there was just too much reading. Later on, I thought about why it was not for me. It was just too dry and academic. If I had wanted to read about the man and his mission, I would have got a book by now! I then ventured down to the basement for the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, which looked at the genius's inventions. Cleverer folk than me had made models and replicas of some of Leonardo's designs for war machines, aircraft, diving equipment, water pumps, wind-powered and man-powered vehicles. All in all, it was fascinating and worth the trip. London Zoo, 7 August Another opportunity came up to meet up with a friend and their daughter and go out for the day. Having decided on London Zoo, my friend very kindly laid on a lovely picnic and a full day's plodding from area to area was had and enjoyed by us all. It was a great day out. I remember going years ago when there were elephants, bears and the famous chimpanzees tea party. A great day - I know it was, because I was absolutely shattered by the time I got home! Southend, 10 August I thought it might be good to get out for a day during the school summer break, so we chose a date and went off to Southend on Sea. Apart from the pier I knew little of the place, even though I lived for a while in Pitsea, a short drive away up the A13. Initially the weather was less than kind and it rained on us for about half an hour after we got there. We lunched on the beach with another nice picnic, paddled in the sea, walked the 1.3 mile pier (and came back), pottered along the front and chilled on the beach. In truth, we decided that Southend is a pretty garish place, and is full of places to take your hard earned cash, it is a little vulgar for my tastes. We did spend another great day out, but with a 6 year old with us, Littlehampton wins in a head-to-head battle as it is all in all, a more gentle feeling place To end it all...
Cubs Scouts - has broken up for the summer break Football - the Premier League is kicking off tomorrow The Rio Olympics is becoming very interesting for Team GB Tomorrow, I am off to London to see the acclaimed long running musical Wicked, which I am pretty damned excited about. Watch this space ... Until next time. 7/7/2016 0 Comments Jury Service - my experienceOn the day after my 58th birthday, I received a letter with "Her Majesty's Court Service" on the back. When I opened it, it was a pink coloured "Jury Service Summons". I had thought that the possibility of Jury Service had passed me by, so was very surprised and actually quite excited at the prospect at serving at the court for two weeks in June. I filled out the forms and told my employer, and after two weeks the confirmation was returned to me. Start date was scheduled for Monday 13 June. Slightly archaically, at a time when "right-on" employers actively encourage staff to "do their bit" to help their local community, volunteer and perform their Civic Duty, there are forms to be filled in related to loss of earnings claims. Long and short of it is that the juror has to claim from the court, who make a payment to them. The juror then advises their employer what dates and how long they served and then a deduction is made from their next pay packet. I thought little of what was coming up until a couple of weeks before the due date and wondered what sort of cases might be heard at Croydon Crown Court. Most likely, or so I thought would be theft and minor violence cases - anything more sinister would probably go up to the London courts. A little later, I got a little anxious at the thought of violent or physical abuse cases, as I just find that hard sort of thing hard to take. In the week before the start date, I got impatient to get things started. The day came around, so I got to the station early - 07:57 train would get me to East Croydon in plenty of time for my required attendance at 08:45. Needless to say, Southern Railways were having a bad morning with 133 cancellations or delays that morning - I arrived at the court at 09:30. The Jury Meeting Room was empty so I had to wait until other late comers arrived, then we were escorted to a court where an induction film and discussion had taken place. Then the waiting started. The Jury Liaison staff do their best to keep the jurors in waiting informed as to when jury panels may be called or what cases are expected to start and so on. You wait. And wait. And wait. If they tell you they will be calling things soon, it will be at least an hour and a half. Just one jury panel was called. 15 jurors were on the panel, and 12 selected. Monday came and went, but at least I managed to get a couple of Scouting magazines read and a blog update written. We were told to go home at 16:00 and to report back to the curt at 10:00. Tuesday arrived, and the morning proceeded with the same waiting game with promises of news. One panel was called at about 11:30, and my name was in it. 15 potential jurors were taken to Court Number One. 12 names were randomly selected, and I was sat in Juror # 8's seat. We were individually sworn in either on the Bible or Affirmed to try the defendant fairly on the evidence given. Then we were told what the case was: R v TP who was charged with Murder The defendant had stabbed and killed a 35 female victim with a single knife blow to her neck. She had admitted the stabbing, but the Prosecution felt that there was enough evidence to convict on a murder charge, whereas the Defence was trying to prove Manslaughter based on Diminished Responsiblity. Before lunch, the Prosecution outline the facts of their case. Alcoholism and drug use came into play. Possible theft from the defendant's son by the victim. Bullying of the victim, and finally the stabbing with a 12 cm serrated kitchen knife. As much as we were able to say while going to lunch was really just "Wow! Murder! We did not expect that in Croydon". The prosecution continued with a witness called in the afternoon session, but at 15:45 we were told that was as far as we could go for the day, so we should leave the court and discuss the case with no one, not search on the internet about it, and report on Wednesday at 10:00. The jury left the court buzzing with anticipation. On Wednesday, we arrived expectant. At 10:20 we were called in, but were asked to leave again for an extended coffee break while "Legal Technicalities" were resolved. The jury left the court and we went to our Jury Room. We started to talk about what the legal definition of "Diminished Responsibility" might be. That was going to be a very interesting point. At 11:30, we were called in again but were told that the "Legal Technicalities" had not been resolved so we should go home for the day and report back at 10:00 on Thursday prompt. This suited me fine as my car was in the garage for it's MoT test, so I could pick it up early. As it happened, I was also able to meet up with a friend and give them a lift to Crawley. On Thursday, we arrived on time but were not called into the court until 10:20. The judge explained that the tardy start was partly due to transport delays for the defendant, and partly because the "Legal Technicalities" had not yet been resolved. This unfortunately meant that the case would be postponed until a future date, but the jury would now be dismissed. The jury left the court a little dejected, but went to the Jury Waiting Room. The first thing most of us did was search the case stories on the internet! We then waited, and were told at 13:00 that we could leave for the day and would not be required in court again until Monday at 10:00. I went into work on the Friday, but received a call asking if I wished to attend court on Monday or not. I replied "Of course". I was slightly disappointed by a few comments made to me : "why would you go back?", "but they have said you don't have to go back", "you could have got out of it". I wondered if my sense of civic duty was misplaced in the modern day. On Monday of the second week, I was actually surprised that 10 of the 12 jurors from the case from the previous week had agreed to attend again. After a couple of hours waiting around, the jurors in waiting were dismissed for lunch, but shortly after 14:00 all of the second weekers, together with 3 first timers were called onto a jury panel. This time, we were taken to Court Three. The name cards were shuffled very deliberately by the Clerk of the Court and one by one the juror's seats were filled from 1 to 12. This time I was Juror # 7. Only a nice guy called Adrian from the second weekers was not chosen, but he and the other 2 unchosen jurors left the room. The jury was sworn in. This time it was a sexual assault case - the defendant (EE) was a 42 year old Nigerian who had allegedly assaulted an 18 year old girl (SB) who was working as a child minder for him and his wife in December 2014. I was not looking forward to it, but you don't get a choice in what case you get. The defendant, EE, was a trainee solicitor. We were given the broad case details before being dismissed for the day at 15:30. Tuesday's travelling was bad - there was RMT strike action leading to many cancellations on the trains. I was forced to shift my allegiance to the 405 bus. Although it took a while to get up to Croydon, I have to admit that the £3 return fare was a bargain! We were into the Prosecution case (the burden is on them to prove the case to the jury rather than for the defendant to prove their innocence). Police video of a statement by the victim, SB, was shown and very distressing 999 call recordings played. Then the victim was called to the stand as a witness, and appeared quite plausible. She had obviously been coached, but kept to her line even when pressured by the Defence. Why would she make these allegations if they weren't genuine? There were some major gaps in her memory but the incident took place along time ago. The victim's mother and sister also gave evidence. We noted that some key elements of remembrance were different than the victim's story. On Wednesday, the Prosecution completed their case by calling the police officers and a friend of the defendant called Ken. The Defence obviously cross examined all the witnesses. We made notes and listened. The afternoon saw the start of the Defence and the defendant took the stand. On advice, the defendant had given a "No Comment" interview at the Police Station (even to his name). This seemed to suggest that he was being less than open and honest. But his statements were plausible, even if his actions were naive. There were storms in the South East on Wednesday night and Thursday early morning. This led to a myriad train cancellations and transport problems. I ended upon the 405 bus again. The jurors all arrived on time (10:00), but sadly the judge was caught by flooding on the M25, so he was late by about 90 minutes. The court action finished the Defence case and the defendant's wife and mother were called. During some body camera footage which the defendant had not seen before, he broke down. The judge asked the Defence Lawyer if they might want to look to the defendant as they appeared to be so distressed. This led to over-the-top uncontrolled sobbing and wailing which we (as a jury) felt was completely stage managed. Again there had obviously been coaching in how to reply. This evidence also suggested that the victim had tried to blackmail the defendant and threatened "to ruin his career" The Prosecution's cross examination of the defendant was quite vicious (but of course, that is his job). The Prosecution and then the Defence summing up ended the day. The jury was ordered to return at 09:30 on Friday, we would expect the Judge's summing up and direction of the jury. We arrived bright and early at the Crown Court, all feeling a little nervy. It was our 'Big Day'. The Judge summed up and directed the jury on the legal matters. Effectively, he re-addressed all the evidence from the start of the case in two hours. At 11:45, the jury then retired to their room to consider the case. Throughout the trial, we had obviously discussed some matters as they had arisen. The evidence had been extensive, but there were omissions - no phone records of calls or texts, some obvious questions not asked, some important forensic evidence (clothing) was just not produced. There were contradictions between versions of events from the witnesses who should, in theory have corroborated the victims story. We had to establish just how important the discrepancies were to the credibility of the case. Both parties had acted naively, the defendant had acted foolishly and to a degree vainly. Had the victim been acting during the 999 calls. Initial discussions confirmed that all 12 jurors felt that the Prosecution had just not proved it's case against the defendant. We had been given a decision flow chart so we were able to reach a correct verdict for both of the items on the Indictment. There was a little confusion regarding the timings of the 999 calls so we asked if they could be played back for us. Not only did this help clarify the times but also revealed a change in the victim's voice tone (from a very matter of fact "Someone has tried to rape me" to absolutely hysterical in 10 seconds.) After replaying this call a couple more times, any doubt we may have had vanished. The 'victim' was acting - very well. We had first heard these recordings on Tuesday, and since then we have had preconceptions skewed and questioned by other elements in the evidence. The Foreman asked for a show of hands regarding both indictments. A unanimous "Not Guilty" verdict had been reached within one hour of our retiring. The great thing about the UK judicial system is that verdicts can not be taken by the judge between 13:00 and 14:00 - the court's lunch time. After lunch we returned to the Court Room and confirmed our verdict. The defendant broke down again and threw himself to the floor of the dock. We were dismissed. And that, as stories normally go should be the end. ------ ------------- ------ Considering the evidence and realising the weaknesses had been fairly straight forward. We were talking as we left and I realised that what we had done was to give the defendant and his family their lives back after what must have been 18 months of hell. As we left the Court Building the Defence Counsel called over to us and thanked us for what for him had been about the hardest case he had taken in his 25 years. He had been unable to get permission for evidence to be allowed in court which would have meant that the "No Comment" interview would not have mattered. He told us that when the Jury had returned with a verdict so quickly, the Judge and Prosecution had apparently assumed it was one of "Guilty", so a guideline of sentence was passed between them. I feel that we did a good thing seeing through the lies and untruths. Yes, although the defendant had been naive and foolish and made a bad judgement he was not guilty of the alleged crimes. The so called victim was apparently a chancer, from a family of chancers after a blackmail payout. I am pleased to say that for me, Jury Service was a privilege, a great thing and a genuine "Life Experience".
And I would love to do it again. |
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