MISS ELAINEOUS VISITS SOUTHEND CLIFF GARDENS...

It would be perhaps wrong to describe this as a "visit," when really it was only a "walk through..."

I've been to Southend-on-Sea many times, as it's easily accessible from London as a day trip.  We often walk down a mile or so to the seafront at Westcliff-on-Sea, which has a plethora of fish and chip restaurants, which I affectionately refer to as "grease dens."  Rather than take the rather prosaic road beside these, it's much more interesting to walk between the Victorian villas at the top of the cliffs, and through the pretty gardens.

I've also created a YouTube vlog, link here:-

https://youtu.be/MKwrpPb3E20

Here you can see the l-o-n-g arm that is Southend Pier.  I do like the little Ferris wheel flowerpot feature at this entrance to the gardens.💜

The theme park is called Adventure Island, and was very much closed on the day we went.

Southend Cliff Railway, or Southend Cliff Lift, was constructed and opened in 1912...

It can hold 12 passengers, although climbing these stairs is great if you want to keep fit...

Possibly my favourite photograph of the day, featuring the calm sea, the pier and the angle downwards.

Piece of useless information- there was once a very impressive Only Fools and Horses exhibition held at the end of the pier in their Royal Pavilion (a rather nasty looking modern building, developed in 2000, which also houses their café- they used to have a rustic-looking bar at the end, and I much preferred that!)

They moved the exhibition to the pier head, and this photo of Dean by Del Boy's van was taken three years ago...

You don't see many old red telephone boxes in the UK, so when you do, they just have to be photographed!😊

Queen Victoria to the left...

This was presented to the town by Mayor Bernard Wiltshire Tolhurst, to mark the 1897 Diamond Jubilee.

The clock at the entrance to Prittlewell Square was donated by local philanthropist and jeweller Robert Arthur Jones, and was repaired and restored to its original glory in 2019.

The beautiful pond and gentle fountain.  This park is deemed the oldest in Southend, but I'm damned if I can find any information regarding its opening date!  I do, however, know that Southend sprung out of what was the south end of Prittlewell in the 1790s.

 

Could I live in the big houses to the left?  I had to give it some thought, as they seem to get a lot of shade but yes, I probably could...

Cloud formations over a peaceful sea...

Looking back towards the pier...

A bucolic exit...

The Southend War Memorial was designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens...

This cenotaph was unveiled in 1921...

The bright sunlight is making this section look almost tropical!

These curved hedges give a kind of amphitheatre feel to the gardens as they descend onto the road...

The gardens have their own pavilion/ seating area...

It looked quite elegant, and the obligatory winos who frequent such places appeared to be absent on this day...

Picturesque descent...

On the pavement, and looking upwards to the Westcliff Hotel, the white building juxtaposing the sky...

Cliffs Pavilion theatre is the Art Deco building up high, and the aforementioned Westcliff "grease dens" are to the left of the photo, barely discernible at ground level.

A few years back we actually alighted from the train at Westcliff and ate first before venturing down to Southend.  This included a little wander into the charity shops, and here's a beautiful pair of mules I found for something like £4.50...

We found the restaurants surprisingly crowded for a Wednesday so, disappointed, turned and walked back to Southend.  After calamari 'n' chips, we took ourselves off down the pier.

Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, at 1.33 miles (2.14km) long, and its first stone was laid in 1829, on 25th July (my birthday. )  An iron pier, replacing the original timber pier was opened to the public in 1889.  In that time it has suffered its fair share of tragedy, including several fires and a boat crashing into it.  Really?  It's hardly as if the pier is easy to miss!

Southend's status as a seaside resort grew after Princess Caroline of Brunswick (the estranged wife of the Prince Regent- later George IV) visited in the 19th century, followed by the coming of the railways.  The town declined as a holiday destination during the 1960s.

 This panorama was taken by the SuperDean- do you prefer his photo or mine?

We walked all the way down the pair, and sat and relaxed down the end.  It wasn't overcrowded with people and was quite a pleasant respite.  Here's a boat navigating its lonely way along the Thames Estuary.

We often take the pier train back, but chose to walk instead.  After a few months in lockdown, spent glued to my computer completing my MA, I needed the exercise!

I will return to Southend as it's so easy for me to reach by train.  Until then...

TTFN

The Miss Elaineous

XXXXXXXXXX
XXX
X

THE THUNDER GIRLS by MELANIE BLAKE

 THE THUNDER GIRLS

BY MELANIE BLAKE

THE BLURB:-

The

Chrissie, Roxanne, Carly and Anita: an Eighties pop sensation outselling and outclassing their competition. Until it all comes to an abrupt end and three of their careers are over, along with their friendship.

Thunder

Thirty years later, their old record label wants the band back together for a huge money making concert. But the wounds are deep and some need this gig more than others.

Girls

In those decades apart, life was far from the dream that they had been living as members of the Thunder Girls. Breakdowns, bankruptcy, addiction and divorce played a constant part in their lives. They've been to hell and back, and some of them are still there.

Can the past be laid to rest for a price? Or is there more to this reunion than any of them could possibly know? While they all hunger for a taste of success a second time around, someone is plotting their downfall in the deadliest way possible...

THE REALITY:-

Light, bright and trite in the nicest possible way, my SuperDean gave this to me to read as he thought I'd like it, as it's a book about four rock chicks who are roughly my age, and therefore my contemporaries. He wasn't wrong!

The author has been described as the “new Jackie Collins-” well, it's a long time since I've read Jackie Collins so I'm not quite sure about that, but I will say that it didn't come off as quite as glamorous as Ms Collins' offerings. But I think that's maybe because of the setting- to me, the UK is never going to be as enthralling as foreign soil, and the Collins world of Los Angeles society.

This certainly had a lot going on, in many layers, with a real mixture of characters. I have to say, I remain untouched by any of them, although they entertained me. I didn't quite get the defeatism of the three rejected Thunder Girls. Had I been writing the book, I would have had them forming their own triplet, maybe calling themselves the Thunder Queens, writing their own music and wiping the floor with the so-called charismatic “leader” of the gang. But then that would be a different story.

The author worked in the music business for real, so it's interesting that this is no doubt based upon autobiographical fiction and real people, as that's something I do too. There is a Thunder Girls play, which I will make a point of seeing (should things ever get back to normal). Another review I've seen mentioned the over-use of references to putting on lip gloss, and I have to say, enough of the lip gloss, already! I wish I had counted them, as there were way too many and seriously annoyed me.

But do make time for this good, easy read.

THE LAKE OF DREAMS by KIM EDWARDS

 

THE LAKE OF DREAMS

BY KIM EDWARDS

THE BLURB:-

The darkest secrets are the ones we hide from ourselves...

Ten years ago, traumatised by her father's death, Lucy left her home and her country. Now she returns to her family's rambling lakeside home to lay old ghosts to rest.

Sleepless one night, Lucy makes a momentous discovery. Locked in a moonlit window seat is a collection of family heirlooms- objects whose secrets no one was ever supposed to find. Piecing together her family's true history, she realises that the story she has always been told was a fiction.

Mesmerising and haunting, The Lake of Dreams is a startling story of family secrets and lies, lost love and redemption, and of the many puzzles and pieces that make up a life.

THE REALITY:-

Again, this book took me some time to devour as I read it towards the end of my MA course, and theoretical coursework reading had to take priority.

Sensual. Yes, I would describe this book as sensual, with every nuance of Lucy's connection with her environment in Japan and New York State brought to life with detailed descriptions covering all of the senses. Through characterisation, we got a real feel for Lucy's connection with the facets that make up a planet. I say through characterisation, as Lucy's a hydrologist, so I suppose she would be interested in natural geography. Art was also covered, through the beautifully designed historical stained glass windows we get to see, described in fine detail, and astrology too, as Haley's Comet makes an appearance, in 1910. Incidentally, I think I may have seen it when it returned, in 1986. I can't be sure- it was well covered in the news at the time, I was 14 and did look up to the sky that evening to see if I could spot it, having always been interested in astronomy after seeing a total eclipse of the moon circa 1981. Did I see Haley's Comet? I'm not sure. Maybe. But the sparkling thing in the sky could just have well have been an aeroplane!

Back to the novel, and it certainly grabbed me whenever I was able to catch up with it, although the distance in times between picking it up meant I had to backtrack more than once. Told, in parts, in the epistolary style, with letters mainly from Rose, the “hidden” ancestor (hidden as she had an illegitimate child), it wove beautiful tale towards a satisfying conclusion. There were many great characters in this book- I liked artistic Keegan, Lucy's first love, Reverend Suzi and Lucy's mother. I also adored the idea of a moon garden, planted with ethereal fauna and flora, and part-inspired by a Virginia Woolf quote. I also enjoyed reading about not-so-pleasant people, such as Lucy's cousin Joey, and her uncle with his dark secret (nope, I'm not going to do a spoiler alert!) I also enjoyed the theme of the family's locksmith company, and the fact that most of them could have alternative careers as safe breakers if they so desired!

However... (there has to be a “however,” doesn't there?) there were discrepancies. If Avery is running a vegetarian restaurant, then why was it serving up turkey sandwiches? The last time I checked, turkeys were not considered to be vegetarian. Also, was it really necessary to have four generations of men called Joseph Arthur? Talk about confusing the issue. There was also a family tree at the back of the novel (a strange place to put it), but I think there was a reason why it was stuffed at the back. Joseph Arthur Jarrett I died in 1970. Joseph Arthur Jarrett II (his son) in 1972. Why then, on page 323, was the will of Arthur Jarrett I mentioned to be written in 1972? It's a bit hard for dead people to write wills, so maybe the author/ publisher realised there was a cock-up and shoved the family tree at the back at the eleventh hour. Also, Rose's relationship with Frank was hinted at; she had tuberculosis in 1938, so it was assumed (by me) that that was what killed her, in 1942. Frank also died that year. Was his demise down to the same condition? That was something that was never explained, and it needed to be.

A good read, but discrepancies such as these need to be addressed.

A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE by BARBARA TAYLOR BRADFORD

 

A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE

BY BARBARA TAYLOR BRADFORD

THE BLURB:-

SHE HAD POWER. SHE NEEDED LOVE. SHE WANTED REVENGE.

In 1905 a young kitchen maid leaves Fairley Hall. Emma Harte is sixteen, single and pregnant.

By 1968 she is one of the richest women in the world, ruler of a business empire stretching from Yorkshire to the glittering cities of America and the rugged vastness of Australia.

Emma Harte is A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE. But what is the price she has paid?

THE REALITY:-

I may be being a little bit naughty in putting a review of this book on here, as it's not the first time I've read- or owned- it.

I saw the mini-series on television (it remains Channel 4's most watched programme EVER) over the Christmas 1984 break, and I can honestly say that it's one of the films that's changed my life. It moved me to tears (something that's not easy to do!) and to this day I own the DVD.

When I left school (the first time- I am now on my third period of schooling!) I bought the book once I'd started working (I had friends who didn't read saying, 'What are you buying that for?' I pity them their ignorance...) and devoured it, immediately warming to the heartfelt emotions on the page. Boy, does Mrs BTB know how to write. It didn't survive a house move and I bought it again in 2002, this time a version with the “war chapter” (BTB had to get the size of her book down from 1500 pages- the copy I have is 868- and it didn't initially make the cut). I have to say, the war chapter didn't do much for me, and didn't enhance the book- but then again, war chapters never do much for me anyway. That version also didn't survive a house move, so I re-bought this book a few months back, as I wanted to refer to it whilst working on my MA Creative Writing course. This version has no war chapter, although it does have a couple of typos...

I haven't been able to blog much, recently. All of my reading has tended to pertain to my course (I have less than a month to go), and that's included a lot of theory. I also haven't been able to visit many tourist attractions, as most were shut due to coronavirus. They are gradually opening up, but I'm not keen on visiting in this boiling weather, especially as travel currently involves mask-wearing, which I disagree with, and therefore try and avoid. We have immune systems for a reason, I am responsible for only my own health, not that of other people, but don't get me started- I've made my feelings clear on this elsewhere, so won't be pontificating more.

This writer describes herself as “adjectival” as she likes to use flowery prose. Well, I like that too and have an aversion to writing that's been too pared back to the bone, although I get that this style of writing may well be considered old-fashioned nowadays. I certainly learn new words every time I pick this up (although BTB's style had changed considerably over the years, becoming less ostentatious). I love a good family saga tome, and this rags-to-riches delight doesn't disappoint. It has the accolade of being my most favourite book EVER, being rich and detailed, and getting into the hearts of characters within descriptive settings.

As with a lot of novels of this time, coincidence does feature a wee bit- namely Gerald Fairley being the kind of fool who orchestrates his own demise, and Emma doing financially well from Joe's death- enough to help assist her most destructive business venture. But this doesn't detract from the fact that our heroine is an exceptional human being and a hard worker we could all learn from. The chapters after Emma gets together with Paul permanently seem a tad rushed, but I don't think there's a need for more detail anyway. My only gripe is that Emma never got to meet up with Edwin again. Now that reunion I would have liked.

Well, my course is almost over, tourist attractions are open again, so therefore I hope normal service resumes ASAP. Unless, of course, I decide to apply to do a PhD....

MISS ELAINEOUS VISITS FAIRLOP WATERS...

I hopped on the bus and headed to Fairlop Waters, Essex, as I fancied a semi-rural walk.  

Here is the entrance, not far from Fairlop Underground Station...

'Watch out for balls' warning!  You don't want one of them clocking you in the face...

Deserted golf course...

This snowy plant is cow parsley.  There was an abundance of it and it was as light as gossamer...

Blossom...

There was talk of developing this area back in 2011, to include housing.  Obviously the idea was rejected- I have to say, I'm quite glad, although these derelict buildings need to be torn down...

I did have a nosey inside, and no dossers appeared to be living there...

Fairlop Waters is three miles north of Ilford town centre and consists of open land providing space for sport and outdoor activities, on an area originally known as Fairlop Plain...

The Lakeside Suite can be hired for functions and is licensed for weddings...

The lake is not accessible to the general public.  You have to be a member of a club to take part in water sports including swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding and rowing.
Many clubs offer a pay-per-go service...

Swans and buoys...

Launching/ landing deck.  It was actually quite peopley around the lake, and I had to work hard to include as few as possible in my photos!

Boat dock...

The walk was certainly picturesque...

I made some friends on the way...😁

The centre holds approval from various watersport bodies, including British Canoeing and the Royal Yachting Association.

The district took its name from an old oak tree, the Fairlop Oak,  which stood in Hainault Forest when the area was much more bosky than it is today.  The oak is said to have had a trunk which measured 66 feet in circumference!  17 branches sprang forth from the tree, with most of them measuring more than 12 feet in girth.

In the 18th century, a pump and block maker from Wapping named Daniel Day would take his employees on an annual fair in the forest on the first Friday in July.

They dined on bacon and beans, and it's thought that this could be the origin of the English phrases bean-feast and beano (meaning a get together/ day out/ shindig...)

By the mid 18th century the annual excursion to Fairlop had become one of London's most popular entertainments.  As a result the area became known as "Fair" (after the fair) and "lop" (after the tree flourished after part of it was used to make Daniel Day's coffin).  He is believed to have died in 1767.

A society of archers- the Hainault Foresters- met under the Fairlop Oak.

Quackers...  

For lockdown this place was quite busy, with walkers and cyclists abounding...

Close-up...

Webbed friend showing me his bum!

Webbed friend and a view across the lake...

Gaggle of geese...

...And a family of geese...

Family photo...

The Lakeside Suite from over the water.  The lake is not that big and I was quick in circling it...

You can take part in night fishing on the lake.

Roach, carp, bream and pike live here, with some specimens weighing up to 30 lbs.

Legend has it that Queen Anne visited the Fairlop fair.  One of the songs sung at the fair was called "Come, come, my boys."
One verse states:

The Hainault Forest Queen Anne Did Ride,
And saw the old oak standing by her side,
And as she looked at it from bottom to top,
She said to her court, it should be Fairlop.

In June 1805 the tree caught fire and was blown down in 1820.  The site is marked (roughly) by the boat house by the lake.

In nearby Fulwell Cross is a pub called the Fairlop Oak.

It's a Wetherspoon's pub and it's quite nice.  I've had many a good meal in there, and also four Christmas Day dinners!😀

More gaggles of geese...

Closer...

I like this little island, and what looks like an upturned boat...

The Boulder Park is a climbing area, and was cordoned off during my visit.

The centre is licensed by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority...

There was no danger of me even wanting to climb onto boulders...

In these shoes?

I don't think so....😁

These are designed for solo climbing...

And are a great place to practice bouldering and traversing skills...

They are constructed of sprayed and carved concrete and vary in heights and standards, to suit all levels of climber...

The interesting island from another angle, and I didn't realise it but I'd almost completed a full circuit of the lake...

Wooden climbing area...

It was a muggy May day, but nice to get out and have a good walk.

Fairlop Waters, I shall return.

TTFN

The Miss Elaineous

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXX

X