CoExistence - Elephants in the Parks, June/July 2021

We will be sad to see the public artwork of herds of lifesize elephants leave St James's Park and The Green Park on 23rd July.  Made from lantana camara, an invasive weed whose removal from protected areas benefits wildlife in India.

Brought to us by Elephant Family, 'they arrived at a unique moment in time when a global reduction in human activity has had a positive effect on wildlife. Elephants may be giants but they tread softly.  This 100-strong herd reminds us that when we lighten our footprint, wildlife bounces back.⁠⁠'

Find out how, where and why they were created and how to support the project:  Co-Existence

Sketch below, inspired by The Green Park elephants, by Yoke Shun Broom (known as ‘Sam’ to fellow singers in The South Westminster Community Choir who will be singing at our Christmas party on 6th December !) 

A Military Musical Spectacular - July 2021

The Gardens of Westminster Abbey - A talk by Jan Pancheri, June 2021

Jan is head gardener at the Abbey and has worked there for 20 years.  She gave a marvellous talk with photos, slides and her own beautiful illustrations.  She covered the history of the monastic garden and her work returning it to something closer to what it had been with herbs, vegetables, vines and fruit trees.  She also described the work to preserve the special trees and the use of particular plants in the right setting. The recording of the talk will be available on our YouTube channel 3 months after the live event.

Westminster's Royal Aquarium - A talk by Victor Keegan, May 2021

Historian, Committee Member and Author of "Vic Keegan's Lost London", Victor gave a fascinating and suprising talk about the rise and fall of an extraordinary entertainment colossus, wrongly named The Royal Aquarium, that stretched from Westminster Abbey down Tothill Street almost to St James's Park Station.  The recording will be on our YouTube channel 3 months after the event.

In the Shadow of St John's Smith Square - A Talk by Rosalind Vincent, May 2021

A big thank you to Rosalind for her super talk and virtual walk around Smith Square and neighbouring streets, pointing out even the tiniest architectural details we might otherwise have missed.  A well researched description of history, buildings, personalities and activities of this unique area with a video slideshow of images and streetscapes.  Bringing the talk right up to date, Rosalind managed to include photographs taken recently by Thorney members of the filming for a new period TV drama called 'Estuary' set in 1890's, produced by See Saw Films.  Rosalind is a Member and Westminster Guide.  A recording will not be publicly available for this talk, but Rosalind's future virtual walks can be booked here:  https://www.wideeyedlondon.com

Rediscovering the Medieval Palace of Westminster, Talk by Dr Elizabeth Biggs - April 2021

Historian and author, Elizabeth explored the story of Westminster before 1512, using the three remaining buildings which have survived fire, bombs and floods.  She described how, all at the same time, it was the King's most important palace, the home of royal administration and justice, and the meeting-place of Parliament.

During her talk, Elizabeth mentioned the visualisation project of St Stephen's Chapel that she worked on with the University of York.  Please find these extraordinary and beautiful images here:  https://virtualststephens.org.uk

Her book St Stephen's College, Westminster 1348-1548: A Royal Chapel and English Kingship (Woodbridge: Boydell, 2020) is now available in hardback and ebook format   CLICK HERE   Members should contact us for a 40% discount code.

A recording of the talk will be available 3 months after the live event on our YouTube channel.

Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter

 QUIZ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: CLICK HERE 

St Stephen's Church, Rochester Row, A Talk by John Turpin - April 2021

Member John Turpin, who attends St Stephen's, described how it was built in the mid-19th century to reclaim and improve the Devil's Acre, the Baroness Burdett-Coutts connection and later developments to the church.  A fascinating talk adapted from a postponed in-person visit.  A recording will be available on our You Tube channel 3 months after the event. 

The History & Restoration of The Queen Anne State Bed - A talk by Ian Block, March 2021

Master Upholsterer and Member, Ian Block, shared with us via Zoom, the history of this fine and rare Angel Bed.  Its travels to America to be exhibited in Ford Motor Company Museum, then its journey back to England and its restoration by Ian and his team at A.T. Cronin.  A recording will be available here 3 months after the live talk.  Many thanks to Ian for this wonderful story.