Quiz League of London finals night

This is our captain Mark who won a plate for making the best contribution to the league this season.  He is the captain of our team 'The Flutterers' and he manages to bring this most diverse group of people together with panache and warmth.  He can get mad when we make mistakes but even that makes things more fun.  He is just so brilliant and I know he reads this blog. 

We won division three and play in the second division next season.  We had bombshell news last night Ian can't be with us for the opening games of the season so if anybody wants to join us they can get in touch with the league and if they are good Mark will put them in the team.  It works on putting out the best people, not how long you have been in the team!

http://quizleagueoflondon.biz/home/default.aspx

Other team members in the picture are Ian, Sancho and Johnny. 

invitation to a free concert

Arranged by St Ethelburga but actually at St Paul's Cathedral, please let me know if this is something you would like to come to.  It is free but I do need names as they charge admission to the cathedral otherwise!......

Amira Medunjaninin is performing:

The hour long show starts at 5pm and the date is Monday 6th June.  I will be able to come myself but might be a little late. John is helping steward

The Chapel of Repose at St Chad's

St George's Day

We decided to go to Trafalgar Square to celebrate the Saint's Day.  It was a free show of mostly west end theatre and musicals and very enjoyable.  The crowds were big, but enough space to find a railing and cling on while listening to the music. The shapes and sizes of people there was amazing- people size 20+ jammed into boob tubes and shorts.  The men in football shirts and english emblems on bare bodies. It is amazing how much there is in London for free- loads of families took picnics.  How I wished the children were small again and we could have the time again.  But it felt great to be able to come - just me and John and suit ourselves what we did.

Just a sunny day around Easter

A weekend in the country

This is of no obvious interest to anyone except friends and family

Jewish East End Celebration Society

http://www.jeecs.org.uk/index.html

Along with some friends, we went to hear Clive Bettingdon of the JEECS introduce a new film about the Jewish east end.  The film reminded the packed audience what the Jews of the east end had accomplished and was a sad reminder of how this wonderful community had almost vanished. 
Clive Bettingdon, although not a Jew, is a passionate devotee of these amazing people and all they accomplished. He leads superb tours of the area and has an acerbic wit- not merely just following scripts that most people know
If you are interested in the east end- consider joining the JEECS.  If  we do not take an interest we will find the history of the area changed to suit the aspirations of the present inhabitants. It was interesting to note that in the packed audience that watched the film, none were from the bengali community- it's a real shame at a time when cultural signposts and all sorts of tat are being scattered around the borough.  Goats in Spitalfields and arches in Brick Lane come to mind!

Concert given by Alison Beck

Listen to Alison singing 'Lamb of God'  it is so beautiful.  She was singing with a group tonight at the National portrait Gallery.  They have loads of free shows on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 6.30. This one was rightly packed.  You have to get there early to get a seat/

http://www.myspace.com/alisonbeckmusic/music/songs/Lamb-of-God-SPGC-feat-Alison-Beck-70288094

Views from Holden Point viewing platform - 23 floors up

These are the snaps from Holden Point.  It is an ordinary tower block at Maryland Point and they have adapted the top floor as a viewing platform- complete with a special loo for the Queen's use when she looked over the site last year.  The top photo shows the eastern part of Stratford and Leyton, the middle the athletes village and the bottom is the new shopping centre.
Holden Point has regular open days so that groups can tour.  You need to check with Newham Council

Mary returns

No explanation needed really as Mary returns to London for a while.

Joan made her shawl, cowl or whatever you call it.

She will make one for you if you email her: joan@joanburgen.wanadoo.co.uk

Prices are about £20- it depends on the quality of the wool

Stitching on the first Sunday of the month

Christ Church are inviting anyone to come at 1.30 on the first Sunday of the month to come and sew together or just chat. This week we had a gorgeous tea afterwards but this is not on offer most Sundays.

The church closes at 5 to get ready for the evening service but the space and company are lovely and it's a wonderful way to spend Sunday afternoon. All are welcome and not just church goers

It always seems very strange to be in this quiet place when outside is so hectic and busy- the markets are in full swing and the restaurants overflowing.