The Roof of the Royal Academy

I had two work meetings yesterday just by Burlington Arcade, opposite the Royal Academy of Arts near Picadilly. The roof of the Academy is just so extraordinary that I had to take some pictures, and share them with you. Note the human sculptures. As you will also see, there is a tremendous clock on the roof, sadly not set at the right time. Nevertheless, it is an example of remarkable craftmanship. The RA website is HERE.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Back to work tomorrow! But a lovely weekend in Rutland

Back home today after a great weekend! Although I have come back with a stonking sore throat, our two day visit to Rutland was a fantastic way to spend the Easter Holidays. I had wanted to show you some photos of Rutland Water, but it was raining, so I only have three rain swept pictures for your perusal!

I had no idea that Rutland Water had been built in the 1970s, with water piped in from nearby rivers. It was created, as there were forecasts at the time, that Rutland would have severe water shortages. Apparently there are a few old farm houses underneath the water, though not a whole village as some have suggested. We went on a boat trip around the water, but apart from the unique Normanton Church, it was difficult see anything except water, because of the inclement weather.

After Rutland Water and a lunch of jacket potatoes by the waterfront, we drove to Burghley House, just outside Stamford. The splendour of this huge Elizabethan House is quite unbelievable, particularly since it was built in the late sixteenth Century, for William Cecil, Chief Adviser to Queen Elizabeth I.

Now, I am a great fan of Lord Burghley for one particular reason. And its not because he was a hard-working servant to my favourite British Monarch. The great man had a bad leg (caused by gout) and was worried about his service to his Queen. Her Majesty replied:

"My Lord, we make use of you not for your bad legs, but your good head".

To those who know me, you will understand why I like this quotation - but don't worry, I don't suffer from gout! But its a true story and quote, nevertheless.

Later by complete contrast, we visited Yew Tree Avenue. These are Yew Trees that have been carved into many special shapes over a number of years. Being a bit presumptuous, I stood by a particular tree (as you will see from the picture)! This tree avenue is something else and the trees have been clipped since 1870 and some since the 1960s, and a few have special messages on them carved into the tree.

We stayed in a very special place, the ancient Vaults Pub in Uppingham. With mostly independent shops (except a Boots chemist) and second hand bookshops, this is a town that has withstood the ravages of modern consumerism. The 14th Century Church, has a magnificent clock (built in 1898), which chimes every hour and half hour of every day and night, for the whole town to hear.

The Pub food was superb and we ate too much as always. The Vaults were recently taken over by a Latvian couple, Kaspari and Edita, and it was good to experience some first-rate Eastern European Hospitality, in the heart of old England!

Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

My favourite place in Harlow

Last night, before I went to Roydon Parish Council meeting, I was very pleased to be invited to Parndon Mill by owner, Sally Anderson, to see a new exhibition, by local Artist Liz Boast. I love Parndon Mill, it is my favourite place in Harlow. It is just so beautiful, both the Mill and the Canal outside with the Boats propped up against the Moorings. In fact, as the two pictures above show, there is no better guide to the changing seasons, than seeing Parndon Mill in the Winter and the Spring. When I visited Parndon Mill after Christmas, it was if I had entered Narnia. Yesterday, in the early evening Sunshine, it looked like Aslan had returned.

Inside the Mill, the exhibition was original, and imaginative. Etchings of dog headed men, were particularly unusual. It was good to see the pictures and I enjoyed meeting some friends there, like Mark Cotton. Mark is a particularly lucky architect, as his office is actually inside Parndon Mill, so he works from an office with one of the best views in the County. All in all, going to Parndon Mill Gallery was a wonderful way to spend an hour after work, with good wine too!

Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering.