From an ocean deep
The deep-throated Trinity Laban Bass Clarinets brought back a once familiar Thameside sound to the Thursday lunchtime concert in St. Alfege Church. The ten deep, sonorous instruments scattered around every corner of the church boomed out just like the ships of yesteryear as they navigated on the nearby Greenwich Reach, only occasionally heard when a visiting cruise ship slips its moorings bound for the open sea, or at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The fortunate concert goers receive startling performances from students and visiting soloists, certainly elevating the spirits. The nearby Chapel at the Old Royal Naval College also holds free performances ever Tuesday – http://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/whats-on/music-events for more information.
News from both Barneses who just completed a trans-Atlantic passage on a giant container ship – arrival at the Panama Canal was reported prior to a South American exploration on mostly dry land – quite an inspiring adventure for these two Blackheath pensioners.
Activity here on the Thames is quiet as boat owners at Paul Deverill’s Yard prepare for the oncoming season. The trio of floating docks just downstream are beavering away.
The Thames Clippers with their smart new corporate image go down to Turks Yard within the historic Chatham Dock Yard, safe inside one of the giant ship building sheds. Likewise, Livetts sternwheelers motor up along the East coast to a yard at Lowestoft for their annual upgrade. I often wonder what coast guards think as they chortle past – a double take with the telescope no doubt!!
Likewise, I am putting my studio in order as I reclaim the images which have been on show at The Greenwich Gallery for the last month or so
The exhibition closed on a high as enthusiasts gathered for a forum/party at the Othens’ town centre gallery – standing room only – with John Bevan’s and Tom Lane’s expertise and a thought-provoking question and answer session. Thank you also for John Payne’s sponsorship, and opening party for property people – their ‘Best Kept Secrets’ book was a delight, and Greenwich Visitor also did me proud – Thank you!
The comprehensive review of developments in the Greenwich Peninsula and Docklands is an ongoing project but, for a change, I am tempted to get out into the countryside in the Spring and Summer to continue my architectural appetite for riverine settlements and their churches.
