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.

cup cakes

I seem to be entering my second childhood. I got excited like a kid at making these with Susan. It took three hours to make 30 and I arranged them and snapped them and put them out for the Sunday service at Christ Church.

I was not as rubbish at making them as I thought I would be. Cue me filling our cupboard with assorted bits and pieces for topping the cakes- and a bin ready for those I mess up!

another 'Times' offer

a freebie courtesy of the' Times'

Brilliant film, funny and totally absorbing.

New Found Affection - Ripping My Heart Out

Met this fantastic woman at the Excel stand. She used to live in Brick Lane- she is at the Luxe this Sunday and is coming to my place for tea before! I love the music- she is quite a character.

International Food and Drink Exhibition

This was a trade exhibition. Good for tasting bits and pieces but an afternoon of noodles, buffalo milk ice cream, Irish sandwiches, fruit cake, washed down with fudge vodka and numerous fruit shots led to my feeling very queasy.

But we met some really interesting people especially the girlin the group New Found Affection.

Please see the link in the next posting

Quiz League charity night

The photos are of Mark, the captain of the Flutterers and Mary who guested on the team. The evening was a charity event in aid of talking books for ther Blind. We came about seventh in a very tight contest. The winning team was captained by the famous Kevin Ashman of 'Mastermind' and 'The Eggheads' fame.

The last photo is of the interior of the Counting House in Cornhill - a fabulous pub with huge exterior and a balcony with small quiet corners and nooks and crannies. It's quite a place.

International Womens Day

It was at the market that I met Theresa- she had a stall alongside me and Joan at Stoke Newington last year. www.kitchenbuddy.eu

The stalls fell into three types- clothes, badges and loads of jewellery- some butch, most very girly

Then there was food and we bought great cakes from the East End WI. And then information- the women knitting vulvas (!) some groaning on about oppression in the UK- not very convincing. It all felt a bit like the seventies. I noted how few working class women were there- most things do not seem to change at all. Except cupcakes had replaced the biscuits and fairy cakes.

But it was a fun afternoon and great to meet up with Theresa again. She came home with me and nibbled some carrots while I dished up steak pies and chips. I did feel a bit feeble.

The Artillery Arms

The photo is of part of our quiz team 'The Flutterers' who have won their division in the London Quiz League of 2010-2011. Sadly I have missed five other regular players- including our esteemed captain Mark. But watch out for their photos soon. If anybody feels like joining us then Mark promises newcomers will always get a go at a' friendly' -although our team is fiercely competitive. But we try hard to hide it- unlike many of the teams in the competition!

Not a sheep: More on Shami Chakrabarti and the BBC

Not a sheep: More on Shami Chakrabarti and the BBC

Arts and Crafts workshops, parties and shops.: Pop-Up Shop

Arts and Crafts workshops, parties and shops.: Pop-Up Shop: "Mothers Day Pop-Up ShopSaturday 26th March Come and buy a hand made gift for your Mum at this unique Pop-Up Shop. We will be selecting t..."

'Last Friday'

This is my favourite museum- but I have not been there for ages- not sure why. The last Friday in the month always has something special and it is open till nearly 10pm. I went this month because the theme was recollection. We saw a superb film about an Indian doctor who had come to the UK in the fifties and tried to return..

He had shot the film himself- in India and UK and it was wonderful. He had longed to return home but within a year he was back in the UK- He had left the India of his childhood behind. It was very bittersweet but why the museum had to put in footage of the NF rallies of the seventies and the ugly aspects of British life. I always feel there has to be a 'payback'' somehow and the doctor had not intended this.

There was also a free blogging workshop which made me think about where my blog was going and what the hell was it all about and what for and for who. So I may be making some changes but want to keep blogging.

Of course we went to the cafe there- lovely food but pricey. My advice if you are short of cash is to take your own and buy some tea- there are lots of unobtrusive places to east discreetly

Jan's new passion- fad?

I have lately been very interested in craft work of all kinds. Deemed hopeless at school where I was the only one (with my sister) not to be able to complete the cookery apron. I never managed to thread the machine and dreaded the lessons. I can still remember double craft on Tuesdays and little else about my school

But so many of my friends love needlework and making things- Anne, Una ,Geena, Susan, Joan, Fay, Fiona- and surely it's not too late to learn. So I bought this lovely machine and it stands proudly in the living room- posing proudly on the table next to my computer. Waiting... for friends to come and help.

Spitalfields What's On Guide

Spitalfields What's On Guide

Tomb of Elizabeth 1st

In keeping with our budget conscious ways, we borrowed a church pass and went in for free. Otherwise it can be as much as £15. I begrudge it- money taken from bewildered tourists by a grumpy cashier with a huge cross round her neck. Once inside the place feels like a giant antique store- over stuffed with huge statues and tombs. The high altar I found not so impressive- what was amazing for me was the tomb of the queen, somehow I felt her to be our queen- in some way connected personally with me. The crowds were packed in but there was a hush there. The face is said to be the death mask of the queen. Very difficult to see in the Abbey for a short arse like me.

'Poppies Fish and Chips'

http://http//www.poppiesfishandchips.co.uk/

We decided to try this place - two weeks after it opened. The place was packed with loads of people filling the 4 or so tables and a queue waiting for fish and chips. I really recommend this place. By chance I met the owner before it opened and he said his aim was quality but not to rip people off. I think he has achieved this. The prices are cheaper than Goulston Street nearby and I think the service was superb. The staff are dressed in kitsch Edwardian style and although it was busy, they were still very friendly and patient. We had a take away - one medium cod and large chips and a pickle- £8.50 and we couldn't eat all the chips. I would say 10/10 but go on a weekday to get a good seat.

Hoop and Grapes

This is the gorgeous interior of this very old pub. Right near Aldgate bus station and over the road from Aldgate East and Aldgate tubes, the food was lovely- The speciality are sausages and we shared a plate of sausage sandwich and chips for around £6. The Times are doing an offer of a meal for £5 at the moment. The day we went (Friday) it was packed yet still offering a bottle of wine for £10

Rigby and Peller

This is the most packed sale of bras, knickers, swimsuits and held every year in this theatre. We did arrive on the first day and it was so busy with queues for the cash tills and changing room. Prices were mostly bras £15, swimsuits £15 and loads of oddments at £1 They were very expensive items and so very cheap but do we really need all this stuff. In the end we did not buy anything at all

Free exhibition of crafts

A few of us visited this lovely small exhibition at the Women's Library. It was great to see this usually quiet place full of people. The local WI were 'selling' cakes for donations and there were many groups demonstrating crafts- including one that highlights female genital mutilation and they were sewing vagina- representations of I mean, rather than the horrible practice of mutilating them. I met the leader of the East End WI who was pretty amazing and welcoming and I may join?

'The Kings Speech'

Probably well over egged story but we found the film compelling. Only 2 people in the auditorium!

'Black Swan'

Wonderful surreal film. To repeat £3 concessions at Genesis anytime.

Both of us eating choc ices watching these lovely lithe dancers.

One of the best films ever, with a very scary mother

Home

http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevecadman/4365426305/in/photostream/

Julie Burchill: In Helpline Britain, a whole generation gets its kicks from sexed-up sorrow - Julie Burchill, Columnists - The Independent

Julie Burchill: In Helpline Britain, a whole generation gets its kicks from sexed-up sorrow - Julie Burchill, Columnists - The Independent

The Fighter - film

This was one of the offers from my membership of the Times. We got two free tickets to see this great film- Christian Bales was magnificent and it gave a rare glimpse into small town american life. The fight scenes were exciting and the story gripping

Maggies Centre

We visited this wonderful place - great staff (no name badges), calm and serene atmosphere, no notice boards, signage and clutter- just everything designed to promote a healing space.

The Goat comes to Spitalfields

This was the winner of a public competition and the sculptor was Kenny Hunter. Its supposed to symbolise all the immigrants who have come to Spitalfields over the years. The goat is mounted on packing cases to show the transient nature. Its all a bit fanciful I think the case of sculpting something and then making a story to justify the choice. It was unveiled yesterday

Hairdressing

In Mare street Hackney, just opposite Cordwainers College there is a brilliant hairdressers called
'Design Room'
Run by a Londoner and with a multi-national staff its the cheapest and friendliest I have come across. A dry cut costs £13 and with free tea and a quick blow dry thrown in, what more could you want? My hairdresser was Svetlana from Siberia. She is fluent in english, beautiful and very friendly. Amazingly she answers to the name 'Vita' as she says us Brits find Svetlana too difficult.


189 Mare Street E8 3QE tel0208 5259258

Spitalfields What's On Guide

Spitalfields What's On Guide

The 'Lets' Scheme for Waltham Forest

http://www.wflets.org

Ann and myself went to one of the events run by this thriving scheme.
The scheme gives members the chance to exchange 'beams' for work - there are over 150 members who are active. Some other schemes have very few members - this is a very successful group which runs entirely with volunteers and no professional management.

A great idea for people who live in Waltham Forest and have no money to pay for services.
There are other schemes in other areas but I have found many are barely functioning

Finding new places to socialise

This is the Rose and Crown in Walthamstow. Its in Hoe street, turn right from the station.

It's a very different pub. Still has the old fashioned victorian fittings and as it is huge, has loads of little nooks and crannies.

It serves real ales and teas and coffees on trays with china crockery. It is such a friendly place- a bit ageing hippy perhaps but anybody could fit in

. The next big event there is a Burns Night Dinner on the 26th January- only £9 - including a free whisky and the traditional piping of the haggis

http://http://www.roseandcrowntheatrepub.webeden.co.uk/

Love never Dies

I keep forgetting this blog is supposed to be about living on a budget so forget that I should mention the prices. Because this show is not selling that well we got tickets for £14.50. The seats were in the upper circle, very comfortable and a good view.
The music in the show, and the orchestra was superb to my untrained ears. The show, I thought, was very camp and at times I wanted to laugh. I could not identify with the characters very much so was surprised how moving I found the ending. This show has been parodied as 'paint never dries'- that is not fair but it is not the feel- good show we usually see in the West End

I am always amazed to think I am lucky enough to live in London and get the chance to see such amazing creations at a price I can afford

Mary- our host for Christmas

Christmas was in Staffordshire as usual. With Mary and her family, including her nephew and his girlfriend from Brisbane.

It was one of the best ever.

Goodbye Lenin

This is easily the best sub-titled film I have seen in ages. Funny, touching, absurd and the wonderful son in the film reminded me of my own. It was riveting and brilliant

London Fireworks on New Year's Day 2011 - New Year Live - BBC One

A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year

John and I 'saw' most of the fireworks on Southwark Bridge- in a very eastern european atmosphere. Exciting as Big Ben chimed and the cheers rang out. Then a walk home in the chilly night air, thronged by police and hundreds of young people. How fortunate we are to be close to all this and we both hope for the best for everyone who is reading this blog

A Reluctant Sinner: Three former Anglican bishops and three nuns are r...

A Reluctant Sinner: Three former Anglican bishops and three nuns are r...: "The 12.30pm Mass at Westminster Cathedral was packed this afternoon, though most of those in the congregation had no idea that they were ab..."


I did go to the Mass, with very mixed feelings as I know many of the people involved. It was all very quiet, almost subdued inspite of a huge congregation. I think it is the beginning of the end of the catholic part of the Church of England