London / SE Forum Friends

[Phil B]

New home up and running!

[Tetricus]

I've not been there, it's English Heritage isn't it ?
I think that may be a day for the summer, when it will be pleasant to look around the garden ?

[Eileen]

Yes, it's EH. How civilised, it doesn't open until 11am

[Tetricus]

This might make a good day out, house/gardens visit, and look at excavations ?

TT dug here looking for the church.

JUNE - JULY 2009 - MONDAY 8TH JUNE - SUNDAY 12TH JULY
ARCHAEOLOGY OF SYON ABBEY - This summer is the sixth season of the Birkbeck training excavations, investigating the Medieval Bridgettine Abbey and the architecturally designed gardens that formed the landscape of Syon House, from the 16th century onwards. This year's dig will focus on two monastic building complexes, north and south of the Abbey church. Week-long courses in excavation methods, geophysics, recording buildings and environmental archaeology will take place and are open to all aged 17 or over. Beginners are welcome. For further details please contact Brett O'Shaughnessy on 020 7631 6627 or email b.oshaughnessy@bbk.ac.uk. Site viewing as House opening times Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday. House admission applies.


-JULY 2009 - SUNDAY 12TH
ARCHAEOLOGY OPEN DAY - Last chance to visit the archaeological dig in 2009.
....................................................................................................
We shall also be going for this one

-JULY 2009 - SUNDAY 26TH
TELESCOPE 400 - THOMAS HARRIOT DAY - During 2009 the International Year of Astronomy, Telescope 400 sponsored by the RAS are celebrating the 400th anniversary of Thomas Harriot's telescope observations of the moon, which took place here at Syon Park on this day in 1609. With exhibitions, demonstrations, 'rocket building' and other exciting activities, it will be a great day for all the family. See www.telescope400.org.uk for more details. House admission costs apply.

[Pete]

here's an interesting webby - food for thought <groan> for future trips:

listing and map of two dozen London based Medical themed Museums
http://www.medicalmuseums.org/

Everyone has an interest in health, and visits to London's museums of health and medicine will reveal the fascinating range and diversity of the subject.

From rare plants, heart surgery, illuminated manuscripts, and helicopter emergency services, to pharmacies, false teeth and Freud, the exhibits in these museums help to place the history and development of medicine and health care in its widest context. Along the way, they provide some remarkable insights into an age-long campaign against illness, disease and injury.

I first thought this was a UK wide listing but it belongs here in London/SE - many might make an extra small aside on to a bigger exhibition or trip.

there's also family history research leads here if you have medical ancestors (esp. Wellcome Inst.)

[Tetricus.]

The top floor of the science museum has quite a lot of medical equipment on display too.
(or it used to)

[Jonathan]

The Wellcome library is a very impressive library and does not just cover medical subjects. It is also significantly easier to join than most academic libraries.

Jonathan

[Tetricus.]

This might make an interesting visit, the FreeMasons Hall in London.
http://www.ugle.org.uk/freemasons-hall/tours/
A friend of mine was there last week and had a tour, lovely place apparently.
Pre-arranged trips are available on Saturdays, and i't not a long walk from the BM.

[nigelb]

I would definitely be up for this and depending on how long the tour lasts we could possibly fit some other local attractions in. Rather than doing the obvious and heading for the BM there is the Sir John Soames Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields which is free and open from 1000 - 1700 on Saturdays. Other buildings in the area are the old curiosity shop and Temple Church is not too far away. More importantly there are any number of historic pubs in the area. You could probably do a whole day on visiting the most interesting ones

[Nish]

Or one, in the singular! Is The Cheshire Cheese still as good as it was? And the Cittie of Yorke?


I have a slight niggle about this place though. I'm not convinced that they have truly embraced the 21st century. Do they let women in these days, as visitors I mean. But it is a spectacular building.

[nigelb]

I am fairly sure they have embraced the 21st century, if only for PR purposes.

There is also the Princess Louise. Not the best pub but directly opposite My Old Dutch pancake house.

[Nish]

Have you been there since they reinstated the partitions between the drinking "booths"? It's a nice return to the old layout but (never thought I'd say this!) makes it almost less drinker friendly.

[Tetricus.]

This might make an interesting visit, the FreeMasons Hall in London.
http://www.ugle.org.uk/freemasons-hall/tours/
A friend of mine was there last week and had a tour, lovely place apparently.
Pre-arranged trips are available on Saturdays, and i't not a long walk from the BM.

I was told today, that although tours could be pre booked for Saturdays, the Library and shop wouldn't be open. Weekdays are best when you don't need to book. and everything is open.

[nigelb]

Could we do without the library and shop? It would be far easier to arrange for a Saturday then finding a time when enough people have the same day off

[Tetricus.]

When the days get a little longer and warmer