A Celebration of London's Architecture

Last week end was Open House London 2012, the biggest celebration of London’s architecture that takes place every year at the end of September.

It is really an opportunity to explore the diverse buildings, gardens and neighbourhoods in London.

I’m not an architect or a designer, but I’ve always been fascinated by the contrasts of this city’s architecture: the historic and the new next to each other in a fluid mix of contemporary shapes and classical columns.

So I couldn’t miss this opportunity to explore some of the most famous landmarks and small private houses usually closed to the public.

We decided to start with our neighbourhood, Hampstead. The list of buildings was so long that we had to opt for a couple of houses not too far from each other. The first one was Fenton House and its garden, a beautiful 17th-century merchant's house, a place of unique charm and ambience. They host a large collection of beautiful and charming porcelains and early keyboard instruments. What was a nice surprise was the view from the top floor balcony: the green hills of Hampstead leave space on the South-East side to a spectacular view of the City skyline. The garden is a gem: orchards and lawns alternate and the apple orchard is rich with 30 different varieties.  Once a year  “Apple and Orchard Day” gives the opportunity to harvest apples, vegetables and herbs. A really nice discovery at our doorstep! Unfortunately no time was left for the second house we wanted to visit.

The following day we explored a Victorian house in Primrose Hill: it has been recently renovated in a contemporary style, maintaining many of the original features. A creative lights arrangement and a Victorian stairway contributed substantially to the mix. A high standard interior design work completed the picture.

I wish we had more time to spend for Open House London: many more buildings deserve a visit and one that I won’t miss next year is St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, a Victorian masterpiece designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1873 to accommodate rail travellers through the St. Pancras Rail Station. 

I’m already looking forward to next year event on 21^st & 22^nd September 2013.   Check the website for more information: www.londonopenhouse.org

 by Paola Longobardi

Visit the FOCUS website www.focus-info.org

On your bike

Last Sunday I was one of thousands of Londoners taking part in one of my favorite charity events: The 52 mile London Bikeathon supporting Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

After booking my entry and making sure I set a reasonable fundraising target, a few days later I received my T-shirt, stickers with my rider number and most importantly my allotted time slot: 9:30am.

My chosen starting point was the Royal Hospital Chelsea.  At 9.30 on Sunday I was ready, clean bike with my rider number on my helmet bike frame.  Perhaps you have already guessed that I am your typical MAMIL (middle-aged man in lycra). I love to cycle and wearing my lycra sports gear is equally important. Yes, MAMILs might look ridiculous, but I must confess, I think we look cool. To my delight, there were plenty of MAWILs and YWILs as well.

The first leg of the bikeathon was going east, from Chelsea to the Thames barrier, passing through the City, sometimes using the unbelievably smooth blue cycle lanes. There were no traffic closures for this event, but it was incredibly well sign posted and there were marshals along the route to guide and cheer you up. There were also pit stops along the way manned by volunteers serving refreshments, bananas and mechanics to  fix any problem you might have with your bike.  When I arrived at the Thames Barrier I had a small snack, looked around and continued riding going west this time, passing through Fulham, Richmond park and finally arriving at Hampton Court Palace.  By then I was quite tired, I had done 40 miles.  I filled my water bottle and indulged in an ice cream and resumed my last leg of the journey, back to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

On arrival to the Hospital, I crossed the finish line and was awarded a medal to great applause from the public.  I promptly went home to be with my family, who for obvious reasons,  were reluctant to hug and kiss me when they saw me. After a long shower and a good rest I promptly told the world on FB about my achievement and reminded them to give generously to the charity I support. Not surprisingly, within a day I had nearly reached my target. You might want to contribute as well, please go to:  www.justgiving.com/rolando-stein

by Rolando Stein


Note: It is important that you prepare yourself beforehand when planning to take part in any demanding sport activity. I am a frequent road bike cyclist, nevertheless I trained for this race starting a week before the event. Always wear a heart monitor and don’t overdo it!!

The Royal Hospital Chelsea:  http://www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/

London Bikeathon for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research:  http://leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/get-involved-sports-challenges-cycling/london-bikeathon

Visit the FOCUS website: www.focus-info.org

An inspired 10-year-old boy

I am trying to think about a good story for this blog now that the Olympics buzz is fading and my 10-year-old son asks me what I am doing. I tell him and he decides to show me his diary. He has been making notes for the future about various things and ideas. This is what he wrote on Monday 10^th September, the day after the London 2012 Paralympics final day:

‘After the Olympic and Paralympic games have finally finished, this is without a doubt the best experience in my life and I hope I keep the memory inside me forever. 

Today there was a Team GB parade, celebrating the success of the Games. My mum, one of 70,000 happy and enthusiastic 'games makers'(volunteers) was there. She has worked at Wimbledon (tennis) at the royal box(VIP) and saw people such as Bill Gates and Kate Middleton.

I won't forget memories of watching Mo Farah win gold in the 10000m and Jessica Ennis win gold at the heptathlon. I won't forget Chris Hoy winning the keirin. In the Paralympic Games, I won't forget Jonathan fox winning his first gold for GB in Paralympic swimming and watching Oliveira win vs. Pistorius in the 200m. Pistorius then make up a silly excuse that Oliveira's blades were too long, even though they were within regulations and he had been using the blades for a month.

 

Some venues I went to were:

- Olympic events

.Water polo arena(water polo)

.Copper Box(handball)

.Basketball arena(basketball)

.Horse guards parade(beach volleyball)

.Earl's court(volleyball)

.Wimbledon (tennis)

 

- Paralympics

.North Greenwich arena(wheelchair basketball)

.Aquatics centre(swimming)

.Olympic stadium(athletics)

 

I enjoyed the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games so much that I already miss it after one day! I will keep all my safe memories with me until I die.

 

Inspire a generation!

by Maurício Alencar '  

 

This is the legacy of the Games: a generation inspired. 

Ana Beatriz Alencar 

Visit the FOCUS website www.focus-info.org 

 

Is it Christmas already?

In London one often bumps into celebrities. Last year, when my husband and I took our two daughters to see Santa at the Christmas Grotto in Harrods, the entire Beckham family was there as well. My husband thought Victoria looked fabulous, which I could not confirm as I was obviously looking at David. I thought he looked so thin!

Well, August is over and the booking for the Harrods Christmas Grotto 2012 has arrived! Have you booked your tickets yet? If not, this is the time! Who knows whom are you going to bump into this year...except Father Christmas of course!

I know what you are thinking......it’s too early!  I just came back from holidays myself and I’m up to my eyeballs with unpacking, school shopping, overdue bills...

but all of these need to wait....ensuring the kids see Father Christmas is far more important! I wouldn’t even dare to be in a situation where I would need to explain to my kids why they couldn’t see Santa this year....! They enjoy it too much - the fairies, the elves, the story books, the whole festive atmosphere of a Christmas Grotto is a long lasting magical tradition! It wouldn’t be fair not to mention the fabulous and exciting family photograph with the 2012 Father Christmas....I could definitely use another addition to my collection!

My tickets are already booked...how about yours? There are many wonderful Christmas Grottos throughout London, just make sure you book in advance or you will have to wait in the queue.

Good luck and see you there!

by Maria Alexopoulou 

Visit the FOCUS website www.focus-info.org