On Wednesday this week, I did a day trip to London – and for the first time in almost a decade I used public transport. A big achievement for me, as I have avoided it (particularly the Tube) because of how my Essential Tremor causes problems when taking public transport.
My reason for going to London was, while looking for VE Day anniversary events online (with a view to doing something on Thursday), I came across the ‘Palace of Westminster Victory in Europe Day 80th Anniversary Concert‘.
Taking place on Wednesday evening in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament, the event was scheduled to take place at about the time when, on the evening of 7th May 1945, news was announced to the public that the following day would be Victory In Europe Day.
With 1000 guests including HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, members of Parliament from both houses, and also broadcast live on Classic FM, the concert featured the Parliament Choir which is made up of members Parliament (from both houses – the Commons and the Lords), their staff, and Parliamentary officials; The Synfonia Smith Square orchestra was also playing, and featured pre-recorded inserts from the Imperial War Museum, recording people’s memories of May 1945.
There were also reflections from the Speaker of the House of Commons (Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP) and from the Lord Speaker (Lord McFall of Alcluith), and the whole evening was compèred by Alexander Armstrong.
Afterwards, with the concert finishing at 9pm, I went for a late evening meal (I like eating late – don’t judge!) – To ensure I would not be disappointed I booked a table at one of the few establishments open on a Wednesday serving food after 9pm – at Tattershall Castle – a boat which sits opposite the London Eye. I had a very tasty Hunters Chicken.
On the way from Parliament to the restaurant, I walked past New Scotland Yard (Met Police HQ) – this reminded me that, while I enjoy going sight-seeing, doing day trips, and being a tourist both in the UK and abroad – I really want to be working, and sharing my experiences with colleagues & friends. I miss them all.
Not to be – not yet anyway.
Therapy (Equine Assisted), now in to its 4th month; the NHS; my mental health support worker; the National Tremor Foundation; and an Autism support group in Cheltenham are getting me through – I’m slowly on the mend and will bounce back……eventually.
Happy Saturday 🙂
FH.
