London #4...

Yesterday a special day and not (just) because it was the Olympic Games opening ceremony. Firstly I mentioned to my breakfast companions – all Catholic priests I’m guessing – that I was hoping to see friends at Bexleyheath, whereupon one asked if I was also going to visit the Red House. I knew nothing about this National Trust property – designed and built for William Morris by friend Philip Webb. So when I phoned Lily again I was able to say that that I was coming down to Bexleyheath to see her and Les and to see the Red House – allaying Lily’s concerns that she might suddenly be taken sick (as she has been recently) and my trip would be for ‘nothing’.

I then called Deidre Borner with whom I had a good long chat. She was unwell – but we enjoyed the catch-up. Lily and Deidre both friends of Mum’s from her time in England, 1949/51; both of whom I had met previously and corresponded with over the years.

So then off on another of those London public transport jigsaw puzzles. Bus to Sloane Square, tube to Victoria and BR train from Victoria to Bexleyheath. The latter a slow trip stopping at all the little south-east London stations. I found my way, with some difficulty, to the Red House. Morris only lived there for five years, leaving ostensibly because his business had taken off and he needed to be closer to central London but probably also because his wife had begun an affair with Dante Gabriel Rossetti and the Red House had become a place of sadness for him. A lovely, brick building set in an equally lovely garden. The interior of the house is presently lacking the furnishings that the NT will no doubt acquire over time. Some delightful little touches like these stained glass windows painted by Morris.

Stained glass windows painted by Morris

Walked from there back to Lily and Les in – and that was what was special about the day. So good to see them, such a warm welcome. Neither in the best of health but Lily nevertheless bright and bouncy as ever, born near Bow Bells – a true cockney. We went out together, had a look at the charity shops in the main street (Lily bought me a pair of tiny bird earrings and knocked the boy down on the price!) and came home with fish and chips – bought early for my benefit I am sure. I loved it all and hated to say goodbye.

Tonight an early, quiet night despite the fact that I could watch the games opening downstairs. Yesterday warned me that I need to watch my pace and conserve energy to last the distance!!

Thank you Lily and Les if you read this. I wouldn’t have missed seeing you for all the Olympic Games xx

Just a postscript. Met two people at breakfast this morning who are volunteering for the games. One, a young woman, has come down from Manchester for the duration and she is a driver for a big-wig from Mali. The other, a retired man from Yorkshire, is co-ordinator of an organizing team for the beach volleyball (being played at Horse-guards Parade!). They are both paying for their own accommodation and transport and giving all their time voluntarily in whatever capacity they have been assigned. I think that’s amazing – it’s part of the spirit of the games which it has been such a delight to experience from my place on the periphery.