Tuesday 30 June 2015

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN...

.                                   
                                        World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


...well perhaps not quite. These two sets of steps in Grosvenor Road are having a good try though if you like flowers. They always look attractive, obviously someone cares a great deal. The stairs on the left lead to flats, I'm not sure about the ones on the right, attractive but a bit tricky to navigate I would have thought...

Monday 29 June 2015

MINSTRELS....

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


A pair of strolling troubadours, at least that's what ran through my mind when I saw these two guys with their guitars slung over the shoulders. I spotted them making their way along Southview Drive a few days ago, as I have mentioned before there seem to be a large number of folk in Wanstead who play stringed instruments. Do we have a large number of music teachers in the area, I only know of one...

I also checked the meaning of troubadour in the dictionary, 'a French medieval lyric poet composing and singing in Provencal in the 11th to 13 century, especially on the theme of courtly love'.... isn't that delicious, I'm just an old romantic really...

Sunday 28 June 2015

A QUIET SPOT...

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

I though this would be a nice, simple and peaceful picture for Sunday morning. This path runs alongside the river Roding, I'm not sure who but someone goes to the trouble of cutting this path through the undergrowth. It's a lovely stroll, you feel miles away from the hustle of London with just the sounds of the river to accompany you...I hope you are enjoying the weekend..

Saturday 27 June 2015

PAUSE..

                            World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


It suddenly occurred to me that I haven't been looking at the sky enough lately. So as I walked across Christchurch Green the other day I paused for a moment looked up and I really like the result.

Friday 26 June 2015

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 'GALE...

                             World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


Double congratulations are in order to Noel McMahon the guv'nor of The Nightingale pub in Nightingale Lane, it's just opposite our Gallery. Last night Noel was awarded 'Cellar Keeper of the Year' by Enterprise Inns, not only did he win the East London award but also the Greater London award. The Nightingale is a lovely traditional pub with smashing food, so well done Noel.....drinks all round I suspect... 

Thursday 25 June 2015

A BOOK LAUNCH..

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


You may recall a few days ago I posted a story about a Wansted author and her first book. Well last night I had the pleasure of attending Geraldine Roberts book launch party. 'The Angel and the Cad' has been launched to some terrific reviews and whatever your interest be it Wanstead, scandal or Regency history this is a terrific read.

The launch took place in Daunt bookshop in Marylebone High street, if you have never been it's really worth a visit. Not only do they probably have the largest collection of travel books in London the interior of the shop is itself is beautiful. The picture at the top of the page shows Geraldine making a brief speech of thanks to all those who supported her in this project. Isn't that a wonderful gallery running around the rear room of the shop, definitely pop in for a look around and of course do pick up a copy of Geraldine's book..



World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

...and of course there was plenty of signing to be done...


Wednesday 24 June 2015

THE ROYAL ACADEMY..

    World © Alison Ball

Wanstead resident Allison Ball, an artist of some considerable  talent, really has something to smile about. She has had one of her works accepted by The Royal Academy for hanging in this years summer exhibition. If you look carefully at the picture above, Allison's lino print is the lovely picture of a dog at the top above, the title is 'Bitch'. If you would like to see more of Allison's work you can visit her website and shop by clicking here...

...and here's a close up of 'Bitch' below..


          World © Alison Ball - All rights reserved

Monday 22 June 2015

THE POLICE..

     World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


...not The Police that singer Sting was in of course. I came across this fabulous restored police car in Piccadilly yesterday morning. It's a 1951 Wolsley complete with bell and blue police sign on top. It's a bit of a coincidence really as I was on my way to The Wolsey restaurant for a fathers day breakfast en famille. Interestingly The Wolsey restaurant is housed in the former showroom of Wolsey cars...talk about fate or what..

On a more important and serious note you may know that there has been a television programme about the Metropolitan Police running on BBC television, it's been featuring various parts of London. Coming up shortly it's the turn of Redbridge to be featured. Wanstead resident and Neighbourhood Watch ward co-ordinator Steve Wilks popped into the Gallery the other day to tell me that there is a chance to get a preview on the 24th June between 6 and 8pm at Wanstead Golf Club, do try to get along and support our local police who do such a great job. More details supplied by Steve below..

'The BBC have filmed a documentary on the Metropolitan Police. The film crews were give unparalleled access in the hope of producing an honest and frank portrait of the Metropolitan Police.

Police at Redbridge would like to invite residents to view the films with us. Seniot officers will be present and available for a question and answer session around the content of the film - and other matters that concern you, the residents of the borough.

This invitation is to attend a showing, and a question and answer session afterwards together with how Neighbourhood Watch allies with the Met Police.



There will be a viewing for the new BBC Documentary on the Metropolitan Police (The Redbridge Episode) at Wanstead Golf Club on the 24th June at 6pm until 8pm expected.

If you are interested in attending, please e.mail Alan Winston (Wanstead PCSO) at Alan.Winston@met.pnn.police.uk who will be running the show. The Neighbourhood Watch ward co-ordinators for Wanstead and Snaresbrook - Steve Wilks and Debs Selner will also be in attendance.'






Sunday 21 June 2015

DADS DAY...

                             World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


As it's father day I though this picture rather fitting. It should be dads day off today and we should all be relaxing, sitting in a chair in the garden would be perfect. I personally am have a long leisurely breakfast at The Wolsley... back in time for Monday though...and do dads every relax...


Friday 19 June 2015

CAN'T DECIDE...

I found these lovely curved leaves during my river Roding walk. They were from a plant that was growing in a 'wildlife' pond, unfortunately I didn't see any frogs or the like. I was quite happy though that the rain had left these lovely drops  on the leaves for pictures. Anyway I can't decide which one I like better, any thoughts....




                 All pictures World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

Thursday 18 June 2015

THE GREAT ESCAPE..

                             World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

I spotted this little guy trying to escape. I was walking along Nightingale Lane when I came across this plant creeping between the boards of the garden fence. Perhaps he had outgrown the garden that he was planted in...bit like a triffid, will it take over Nightingale Lane eventually....


Wednesday 17 June 2015

FLIGHT OF FANCY..

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


Having shown you a picture of a dummy owl yesterday I thought I had better post a picture of a real bird today. I spotted this egret as I walked along the river Roding the other day, it always seems to hang around in the same area, good for fishing perhaps? I have in my minds eye the picture that I want to achieve but I have a feeling that it will take a lot of time and patience...I'll hang in there though and keep trying.. 

Tuesday 16 June 2015

WHAT A HOOT...

                 World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

I was walking along Grosvenor Road last Sunday when I spotted a curious look object on a fire escape on the side of a house. I couldn't quite make out what it was with my naked eye but through the cameras lens I spied an owl. This is quite a find I thought, then I zoomed in and discovered it was just a  model owl. A very clever idea, I suspect to keep away those pesky pigeons...


                World © Geoff Wilkinson -All rights reserved

Monday 15 June 2015

LINE UP...

                             World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


If you are interest in photography you may have heard of 'the rule of thirds'. That's exactly what sprung into my mind when I spotted this grass, pebbles and bark combination in a Grosvenor Road garden. Not that the composition of this picture bears any relationship to the photography 'rule of thirds', that's quite different... 

A few people have been kind enough to contact me about the black and white picture of the Cutty Sark that I posted a few days ago. If you would like to know the technical stuff and perhaps more importantly the thinking behind the picture please just just click on this LINK...

Sunday 14 June 2015

A CHAT...

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

I am speaking to the Chingford Photographic Society later this month. I'm going to talk about some of the pictures that I have taken during my career working for magazines, the talk is titled 'The rich, the famous and other people' and I'm look forward to it enormously. Next month I'm at the Woodford and Wanstead Camera Club, my local club. The Chingford Times telephoned last week and we had a long chat about my work, and as you can see they ran a story with quite a few of my pictures...

Saturday 13 June 2015

ALONE...

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

...please don't ask, I don't know, it just appeals to me, seriously it does....enjoy the weekend... 

Friday 12 June 2015

100 YEARS ON..

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

This is one of my favourite buildings of all time. It's so simple, one story, one door and two windows with a stream running in front. Its like a child's drawing of a cottage or house. It is in fact the home of Llanafan Womens Institute, as you may know the WI is celebrating its 100 year centenary this year. Formed in 1915 'to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become involved in producing food during the First World War'. It's still going from strength to strength and this lovely building in the heart of Wales is still the home of regular meetings. Wanstead of course has its own branch who meet at Christ Church hall the third Thursday of every month at 8pm, you can check out their website by clicking here.

I know I'll be taking another picture of my favourite little building next time I'm in Llanafan...

Thursday 11 June 2015

JUST ONE MORE FARMERS MARKET POST..

    All pictures World © Geoff Wilkinson

...and just to round off a fabulous Sunday Farmers Market here are some more pictures of the people and the produce that was on offer...







...and there was a gentleman in his kilt walking his dog, what a wonderful day..


Wednesday 10 June 2015

IT'S STILL SUNNY..

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

I'm still on the sunshine kick I'm afraid so there's a little more farmers market to see. This picture is taken from near The Corner House looking toward Wanstead Station, isn't it great to see so many people out and about.

   World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

There were some great breads and of course my personal favourites....sausages. Not while I'm on the diet of course...

       World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

Tuesday 9 June 2015

LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON..

     World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


As I said yesterday it was a fabulous Sunday, loads of people out and about in Wanstead. As you can see Christchurch Green was full of families, couples, dogs being walked, everything was in full swing. I assume that the floating number six balloon was to celebrate a birthday...belated happy birthday whoever you are..

...and here's some more from the farmer market..
   World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
This young lady, Shabana, had a stall called Bobbins & Spool, with some smashing sewing bits and pieces on. They included DIY kits that had everything for a sewing project. She also had this lovely old Singer sewing machine that I couldn't resist photographing...

Monday 8 June 2015

WONDERFUL WANSTEAD..

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved


It was a fabulous day yesterday, the sun was out, it was lovely and warm, the farmers market was in full flow and there were lots of Wanstead folk out and about. As I wandered through the farmers market there was delicious  temptation at very turn, food, beer, wine and of course clothes, meat, cheeses and much more, it was wonderful stroll. I took quite a lot of pictures, too many to use on one story so I'll pop one on every day along with other pictures. Don't ya just living here....

                                     World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
As you can see from the picture above Wanstead's Dan Clapton was there with refeshing Wanstead Tap beer, it was a chance to get an early fathers day present. I was tempted to a beer, strictly due to the heat you understand, but on this new diet alas....more to came later in the week


Saturday 6 June 2015

WANSTEAD AUTHOR..

                            World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

Geraldine Roberts came into the studio a couple of months ago for a photoshoot, we had a really lovely day and produced some great pictures, The one above is one of my favourites from the shoot. Geraldine is a Regency historian and author, she has always lived in East London and has spent many a happy weekend wandering through Wanstead Park, this leads me to the point of the photoshoot.

Geraldine has her first novel coming out on the 18th of June, 'The Angel and the Cad', the story revolves around 'going on's' at Wanstead House. The words on Geraldine's website can explain it much better than I can... 

'It is the true story of a high society scandal that gripped the British public 200 years ago. Catherine Tylney Long was the richest heiress in Regency Britian... her dashing husband was a notorious libertine. Togther they exuded glamour and wealth, living like royalty at Wanstead House, while keeping the nation enthralled with the shocking twists and turns of their marriage'.

Whether your interest is in scandal, history or Wanstead this is the book to buy... I'm all of a tremble, I can't wait to get my hands on my copy...


Friday 5 June 2015

BLACK AND WHITE..TWICE

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved 


Remember where the antique shop was in the High Street? Well as you probably know it's gone, and the building has a 'for sale' sign on it. Anyway along the side of the main building I found this delightful shiplap timber shed complete with peeling paint. It looks as if it has some age, I hope when the new owners take over they keep this little beauty...

..and here's another.. The Cutty Sark..
   World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

Greenwich Photography Workshop/Walk
Sunday June 28th 2015 
£75 pp
————————————————————————

Following on from the fun and success of the Carter Lane/Fleet Street photo walk we are moving East for the next. Along the river Thames from central London is Greenwich the destination for the next photo walk/workshop.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is great for photography. From the Cutty Sark the famous tea clipper by the river Thames to the Royal Observatory high on the hill in Greenwich Park. Our day will cover both and everything in between. The first picture opportunity will be from Island Gardens look across the river toward the old Royal Naval College, this was founded in 1873 and with its English Baroque style of architecture and the river in the foreground makes an excellent picture. From there we will walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the river Thames, an experience in itself and arrive by the Cutty Sark. This is where the picture opportunities really start. Aside from the ship itself and the photography opportunities that it affords, there is of course the river, plus some wonderful architecture to be photographed. Before we leave to head off up the hill there are the gardens of The National Maritime Museum, St Alfege Church and some lovely streets to be explored. We will make our way up though the park to the Royal Observatory where apart from the building itself there are great views across the river to East London and Canary Wharf.  

This is a full day workshop meeting and leaving from Wanstead tube station at 10am we will wrap up on location at 4pm. There will opportunities for coffee breaks etc during the day. If you are not Wanstead based it’s not a problem you can join us at Island Gardens or Greenwich.
As usual I will not be there to take pictures, maybe the odd snap, but to give you support with things like composition,  white balance, exposure compensation etc. Of course I’ll chuck in a few ideas as well..

This workshop is limited to just six places.


To book a place on this workshop you can either ‘phone the Gallery on 0208 530 1244 or e.mail me at gtw@dircon.co.uk

Thursday 4 June 2015

HOPEFULLY...

     World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

I like many others was sad when the decision was made to close Wanstead Police Station. I passed  the other day to see if anything was happening on the site, as you can see there was plenty of building work going on. I was however delighted to see that the structure of the old police building was still standing, I really hope it stays and is incorporated into the new building scheme. After all it is a Wanstead landmark...

Wednesday 3 June 2015

WILDLIFE..

                                   Pictures world © Maxine Lister - All rights reserved

You may have seen on my photography blog recently a wonderful picture of a baby gorilla, his name is Christopher and lives in the safety of a wildlife sanctuary in Cameroon. The photograph was taken by Maxine Lister a Leytonstone based wildlife photographer. I have known Maxine for several years, she has logged thousands of air miles as she volunteered to help wildlife charities and NGO's around the world.

She currently has an exhibition of her work, which I am delighted to say we printed at 'eightyfour', running at the Wild Goose Bakery, 654 High Road, Leytonstone, it's on until the end of the month. In the meantime if you would like to see Maxine's picture of Christopher just click here, it's worth having a look he is a delight...


Tuesday 2 June 2015

VICTORIANS..

    World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

This is the Victorian Pumping Station in Roding Lane South, although it is slightly out of Wanstead you can see it quite clearly from the River Roding. I rather like the fact that the Victorians went to so much trouble with their buildings, I feel they always made a statement, not that I am an expert. The 'curved bits' between the top of the wall and the roof just add a bit of a flourish to a substantial  working building..