Wanderers' Wander,
Thursday 30th January, 2014
A brief report from Westie.
Now Chaps, you have to admit (rather, that is all those of you who were fortunate enough to have been able to attend our last outing - if you weren't able to, then, well all I can say is, just read on, and enjoy!) aren't we really, really - not just once you will note - lucky people, to have such a wonderful fine inspirational Cultural Secretary, who takes his responsibilities so profoundly seriously!
Yes, it is all down to him - or should that be 'he' - grammatically speaking, which as everyone will appreciate, when it comes to the written word of our gloriously rich language, is something on which I am particularly acutely and meticulously conscious!
Whatever, he really did do us proud, when he selected our trip to the magnificent Victoria and Albert Museum for our cultural fix pre our latest Wanderings last Thursday.
(Those attending incidentally, in addition to our Cultural Sec., and yours truly were Frank A, Richard C, Pat C, Graham H, and Barrrington P.)
Now I have to ashamedly admit that in all my 76 years I have not once, previously darkened its portals - it's much too posh to boast mere doors! - and oh what a remiss that has been. Unfortunately I was a tad delayed - due simply to the fact that my person these days seems to require slightly longer these mornings to get itself together than I have previously been allowing. What with that, and also my knees deciding to give me a bit more gip than usual, I missed, not only the train I had intended catching, but also the one following!!
Anyway enough of my pathetic ramblings, I know you are all far more interested and desperately wanting to hear all about Vicky and Al's glorious emporium, that they left to the nation in perpetuity. And what a legacy we were bequeathed! The place is a veritable Aladdin's grotto of artistic magnificence from all parts of the globe - so wonderfully displayed in surroundings that take the observer into an entirely 'other' world.
Some of the 'stuff' is simply breath taking - from sculptures to paintings, to carvings and embroidery, riches and treasures from periods going back millennia - all beautifully restored and maintained, which left a cultural philistine such as myself, in total awe. While I may not have enjoyed such wonders in the past, I can only be thankful to the good Lord, that He gave us a CS who arranged for such a visit. I for one will willingly return (any) time, and time again. I suspect there is so much to see, that one could never see it all in any event - its worth a visit just to go in the shop (superb, with not an ounce of tat to be seen - albeit you may need to take along your credit card and/or have very deep pockets !) and the café which has a façade and setting that makes you feel you've entered fantasia! Absolutely stunning!
Not only is the place just magnificent, it is (ostensibly) free - although I defy anyone not to drop something into the voluntary donation boxes that are strategically and liberally, placed around the exits - but there are also plenty of staff to talk to and with - and indeed take one on organised guided tours with, should one to have the time, which regrettably we didn't - who were all a joy to meet, and were once again, effectively free of charge. It really is such a wonderful place, and so good to see so many people soaking up its splendour - made one (well me any way) proud to be British. Who gives a jot what the cricketers do (or rather don't do!) when there are places like the V & A to enthral us.
Anyway after gorging ourselves to sated intoxication on the cultural artefacts (apparently they can also be spelt with an 'i' - did you know!) we adjourned, as is our regular want - and through the good offices of GH - in fact that may have been RC - who with the aid of some electronic intelligent device (I believe it is called a tablet - Moses had something called much the same once) identified a most agreeable hostelry located in Bute St., which served a number of very palatable ales, in quite spacious and comfortable surrounds.
An added attraction to the tavern, whose name escapes me, was that the thoroughfare on which the establishment was located, also enjoyed a positive plethora of Asian catering premises, so retiring there met with unanimous approval.
Indeed after, as is our usual want of putting the world to rights on the key issues of the day - ignoring discussing cricket, needless to say, given the abject failure of England's current exponents (loosely used term, you understand) - we eventually retired to the Shikara, which specialised in Indian Cuisine, in keeping with the predilections of the entire group. And a most enjoyable repast, it should be recorded, was had by all, to conclude what had once again been a most agreeable Wanderers day.
A grand time was had by all - many thanks Mike for organising.
And on that note I will conclude - other than to say, your next Wander is scheduled for March 27th.
The keen eyed amongst you will observe that I used 'your' - as opposed to 'our' - when recording the next Wanderers get together, as I will, I am afraid not be with you - enjoying as I will a wee trip the Hong Kong and Thailand. So have fun and see you all hopefully at the following soiree.
Cheers for now
Westie :-)