London Walks 9

Contact: Email the group leader(s) at londonwalks9@tonbridgeu3a.uk  

Group Leaders:  Penny Davies and Sue Treharne

London Walks Group 9 - 26 March 2025 

Ten of us enjoyed a beautiful sunny day exploring the area around Trinity Buoy Wharf. We took the DLR to East India, walked through what is now a dedicated wildlife wetlands area which was formerly the dock, until we reached the River Thames. Here we straddled the Meridian Line, studied the Virginia Settlers Monument before heading to TWB, walking through an area once known as London’s lost village. London’s only lighthouse is situated at the wharf – built to train lighthouse keepers and test lighting equipment. Michael Faraday spent many years here and there is a shed dedicated to him and his research. The Wharf houses Container City, many units converted into colourful offices and artists’ studios and embellished with pieces of kinetic artwork, unfortunately not working on the day we were there. Also here is a tidal lunar clock and a couple of historic trade boats. 

We then walked along the River Lea to London City Island where we had lunch in the cafe at the English National Ballet school. Because the weather was so favourable we had a consensus to change the route for the afternoon, took the DLR from nearby Canning Town to North Greenwich and headed for the pier to wait for the Uber Thames Clipper for the 50-minute boat trip to Embankment. 

From the feedback at the end, everyone went home very happy with the day’s outing. Straddling the Meridian Line & A splendid view of Tower Bridge & The Shard from the boat.

An Eventful Day at the Poppy Factory, Richmond, 28 May 2025

Let it never be said that Walking Group 9 does things the easy way. Our visit to the Poppy Factory began with an unplanned mini-tour of

Fulham, thanks to a travel hiccup that rerouted us well off course. But undeterred—and with true u3a determination—we hopped on

the trusty H37 bus and made our way to Richmond. There, a fascinating and surprisingly emotional experience awaited us.

I didn’t expect to get emotional over a poppy—let alone several hundreds of them—but our visit left us moved, inspired, and (in one

case) slightly addicted to the gift shop. The Poppy Factory isn’t just a place where little red flowers are punched out by machines. It’s a living, breathing tribute to remembrance, full of heart and history. The moment we walked through the door, we were met by staff who welcomed us and guided us through nearly 100 years of extraordinary work supporting wounded and disabled veterans and their families.

Our guide had the perfect mix of humour and humanity (he may well have missed his calling in comedy!), leading us through the story of

the factory’s founding in 1922 and the evolution of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

Of course, we had a go at making our own poppy—one hand behind our back, to show how difficult it can be for some injured veterans. Some of us showed genuine skill. O t h e r s  no names) mentioned!) were less “poppy maker” and more “finger fumbler in Flanders Field.” Still, we were allowed to keep our handmade poppy and left with a sense of pride—and perhaps mild embarrassment.

The museum section was truly moving. We explored exhibitions showcasing the factory’s history and the stories of veterans past and present. Among the letters, one handwritten note from a soldier stopped some of us in our tracks. It’s rare to be so connected to the

past in such a small, quiet space. Then, of course, there was the shop. Let’s just say several of us emerged looking like we’d raided a poppy-themed emporium — mugs, poppies in abundance, cards, tea towels, and more.

Regrets? None!

Our day definitely didn't end at the Poppy Factory! From there, we strolled along the river for a well-deserved lunch at The White Cross in Richmond. We all chose our meals and decided to eat indoors, thinking we were very clever, avoiding the sun on a surprisingly warm, dry day. Little did we know, the real "elements" were still to come!

As we finished up and prepared to leave, our waitress casually slipped on a pair of bright pink Wellington boots. "How odd," I thought, until we stepped outside and realized we weren't going anywhere fast – the river had literally joined us for lunch! The Thames had completely engulfed the path, and we were, for all intents and purposes, flooded in. Who knew a riverside pub came with its own high-tide warning?

So, naturally, another round of drinks was called for as we settled in to wait out the 30-minute tide. We even got some free entertainment, watching cyclists gamely (or perhaps foolishly) attempt to pedal through the rather deep water. Once the path re-emerged, we enjoyed a blessedly uneventful journey back home.

In short, our visit to the Poppy Factory was everything we hoped for and more. It was humbling, uplifting, and even funny in parts —

thanks in no small part to our guide and our own antics. And that lunch? Well, it certainly added an unforgettable, watery splash to an

already memorable day! Despite the delays and detours, this was a visit we’ll remember for all the right reasons. Five poppies out of five.

Penny Davies