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Group: London Walks 9
Meets: Fourth Wednesday of the month
Venue: No Fixed Venue
Details:
We are a very friendly group, walking monthly on the fourth Wednesday. We would welcome the addition of new members. Please contact Penny Davies or Sue Treharne if you would like to know more about the group and how it operates.
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
When It Reigned, It Poured: Group 9’s Christmas Lights Adventure
Every Group 9 walk comes with its own subplot, and this year’s London Christmas Lights Walk was practically a full‐length feature film — complete with weather drama, heroic improvisation, and a surprisingly upbeat soundtrack. One leader sadly couldn’t attend, another
made their debut, and the Met Office issued a yellow warning that turned out to be, well, right.
Still, spirits were high as we set off from Tonbridge. The rain began politely as we arrived at Charing Cross and then, finding we weren’t deterred, decided to stay for the rest of the day. Thankfully, it was mild, so we embraced it — a gentle all‐day soaking that fostered true
camaraderie (and mild frizz). Our intended coffee stop at Somerset House was swiftly abandoned when we discovered every seat taken — by people who were either skating or steaming gently in waterproofs. Undaunted, we headed for The Strand and found a welcoming café where the coffee was hot, the cakes enormous, and the atmosphere cheerfully damp.
Covent Garden shimmered through the rain, all glittering baubles and persistent puddles. Some explored its arcades while others sought elegant refuge in the Royal Opera House for a glass of wine and a spot of people‐watching.
The Christmas Lights Treasure Hunt continued in earnest — enthusiastic, if occasionally imaginative, photography ensued.
And then, we later discovered that KingCharles III had visited CoventGarden that very afternoon — while Group 9 were comfortably seated at Côte, deep in conversation and crème caramel. The coincidence caused great amusement when we found out: it seems we’d been royally near without knowing it. Someone pointed out that our timing was, as ever, impeccable — we might have missed the
King, but we certainly didn’t miss dessert. We now proudly claim to have lunched within royal range.
After lunch, we meandered through Soho, Carnaby Street, and Bond Street, the city glowing brighter as the puddles deepened. The rain, still determined to be the day’s main attraction, turned umbrellas into both fashion statements and bonding exercises (“yours or mine?” being the phrase of the day).
By the time we reached All Souls Church, we were soaked but serenely unbothered. The carol service was magnificent — the choir radiant, the organ thunderous, and O Come, All Ye Faithful loud enough to out‐sing the storm. Mince pies and hot punch afterwards sealed the deal: this was British endurance at its festive best.
Our return journey on the top deck of a London bus was pure magic — radiant angels gliding above Regent Street, reflections shimmering
through raindrops, and the gentle hiss of damp coats drying. Tired, happy, and slightly steamed, we concluded that few groups could match our mix of timing, tenacity, and tea‐based humour.
Not a single person lost, a few umbrellas retired honourably, and an unshakable belief that we’re now practically connected to the Royal Family by proximity (and pudding). Group 9 braved it all — and reigned supreme.
Penny Davies
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