Walking with Family: Retail Therapy and a Concert. Or, "You two go that way and we will go this way."

"Up the Irons!"

Saturday June 28, 2025

Travelling to Canning Town. Or, "It's hot outside. Let's take the underground to London."

With a hotel booked we set off for an adventure. 

While Emma and Erin would go shopping, Keilyn and I would be going to a gig. 

The Metropolitan line train was fairly busy, with people heading to Wembley to see 'Linkin Park', who were performing at Wembley Stadium. The Jubilee line train, that we switched to, at Finchley Road, was even busier. Many of these passengers were headed to Hyde Park to see Zach Bryan, while others alighted at North Greenwich, obviously going to see SM Town, a K-pop band, at the O2 Arena. But the train stayed busy, as Iron Maiden fans of all ages were heading to Stratford, where Iron Maiden were performing later in the day.

"The best café in Canning Town.

Dinner time. Or, "There's no pleasing some people."

Arriving at Canning Town into blistering heat, we made our way towards Barking Road, cutting through the new buildings of Minnie Baldock Street, to avoid the sun. We then used the underpass, at Newham Way, which brought us to Barking Road. KFC was just ahead, but we spotted the sign for Rose's Cafe and decided to head there. Of course, this started arguments about wanting to go to KFC. Emma and I won, though, so it was off to Rose's.

We sat in the covered garden area, at the rear of the building, and perused the menu. After ordering our food we began to cool down, thanks, in part, to the light breeze. The food and service was exceptional, with the portion sizes more than enough to satisfy our hunger.

Once we had settled the bill we headed back onto Barking Road, heading back the way we had come. As we couldn't check into our hotel until 15:00, we sat in the shade, refreshing ourselves with drinks purchased at Morrison's.

"The view from our hotel room. Canning Town is quiet on a Saturday afternoon."

Checking into Premier Inn. Or, "Thank goodness for air-conditioning."

Leaving the shade, within the plaza, we crossed Silvertown Way and entered Premier Inn London Docklands (Canning Town), where we took the lift to level 1 and the reception. Minutes later, with keys in hand, we entered our room. Bags were dropped and on went the air-conditioning. Bliss.

A short rest, a change of clothes and we were ready to head off to Stratford.

"Stratford is London's Blossom Garden?"

Shopping and Iron Maiden. Or, "Enjoy your retail therapy, while we enjoy a concert fifty years in the making."

Our hotel was almost outside Canning Town station, so the heat  didn't affect the short walk we had to make. Once inside we made our way to the Jubilee line platforms, where a train arrived immediately. Most of the carriages were empty, so there was plenty of room to sit. We decided, however, to stand beside the interconnecting carriage doors, welcoming the breeze that flowed through.

After more people boarded at West Ham station we were soon speeding towards our destination: Stratford. On leaving the train we made our way through the walkway to Stratford Place, where we said our "goodbyes." Emma and Erin headed into Westfield Stratford City, where they visited countless shops, with Erin purchasing items at Sephora and Victoria's Secret.

Keilyn and I, meanwhile, made our way towards the Olympic Park, where we waited in the shade of Sadler's Wells East for my friend David and his son Antonio. Once we had met up we followed the mass of Iron Maiden shirts, of every conceivable design, towards the London Stadium.

"I think we're gonna burn!"

It's a beautiful day for it. Or, "We're gonna blister in the sun!"

Once we entered the London Stadium we purchased some merchandise, bought some drinks and went looking for our seats; Block 235 (East Stand) 2nd Row. Sitting just south of the centre line of the stadium we realised that we were going to be in full sunshine for the rest of the day. Basically, we were going to cook! Black t-shirts and denim in 30°C (86°F) is not a good combination. 

Fortunately, David knew at exactly what time each support act was to take to the stage, so we left our seats and took shelter in the shade of the stadium.

"Are those fans of The Raven Age melting?"

Illuminating the London Stadium. Or, "A lesson in futility."

The Raven Age's singer, Matt James, states the obvious, "It's a bit f**kin' hot in here!", and then decides that it's time for everyone to "get your phone lights up", to "illuminate the stadium". The fact that sun has been cooking the fans, especially those on the almost white floor before the stage, since the doors had opened at 17:00, didn't deter him nor the crowds, who do as instructed, adding a few minuscule specks of light into an already emblazed stadium.

As soon as The Raven Age finished their set, which was incredible, and left the stage, we left our seats and headed outside of the stadium, replenishing our drinks and keeping cool in the slight breeze that blew around the stadium.

"Halestorm! But, not the hailstorm that the fans need."

Halestorm. Or, "I wish that this Halestorm could relieve this heat!"

As Halestorm took to the stage I had the distinct impression that someone had left the Olympic Cauldron, from the opening of the Games of the XXX Olympiad, (London 2012), ablaze. 

As soon as Halestorm finished their set, which was incredible, we dived back into the bowels of the stadium, replenishing our drinks and doing our best to keep cool.

By now I was convinced that, when the concert was over, you would be able to spot who had sat where by the tan that they had, with us, in the East Stand, being much more bronzed.

Iron Maiden: 'Run For Your Lives' World Tour, 2025, London Stadium

Saturday June 28, 2025.

I have been following 'Iron Maiden' since I was 10 years old, with their single, 'Run to the Hills', being the first 7" that I purchased.

After seeing them live on countless occasions, meeting some of the band members and visiting the 'Cart & Horses', where they first played live, I was excited to see them at the London Stadium, during their 50th year.

My friend of almost 35 years, David, had secured the tickets.

Keilyn and I travelled to Canning Town, where we checked into our hotel, with Emma and Erin, who, while we were at the concert, would visit the shopping centre in Stratford. We then travelled to Stratford together, before Keilyn and I headed off towards the Olympic Park, where we waited in the shade of the Sadler's Wells Theatre for David and his son Antonio.

Soon enough we spotted them and, after the usual greetings, joined the massed groups of fans headed towards the London Stadium. We crossed Bridge 5 and passed through security, bought a souvenir Matchday Programme and waited in the shade for the gates to open.

At exactly 17:00 the gates opened and we moved inside the stadium, making our way to the Merchandise stall. A T-shirt for Antonio, a Baseball cap for David, a studded leather wristband for Keilyn and a scarf for myself. We then purchased some drinks and went looking for our seats, which were on tier 2 in the 'Billy Bonds Stand' (East Stand).

The weather was clear skies, with the the occasional cloud, and not a breath of wind, with the temperature at 29°C. As we were in the East Stand, the sun was beating down on us, so we headed back downstairs and waited in the shade.

We took our seats, just before 17:45, so that we could watch 'The Raven Age' open the concert. They began with 'Forgive & Forget', before rattling through seven tracks, finishing with 'Fleur De Lis'.

As soon as their set, which was an incredible 45 minutes of pure rock, finished, we headed back down into the cool shade of the stadium. Snacks, food and more drinks were purchased.

We made our way back up to our seats in time to watch Halestorm take to the stage, at 19:00. 'Fallen Star' began a 10-track set, where Lzzy Hale's impressive vocal range was on full display, while Arejay Hale's drum solo was out of this world! Throughout the 50-minute set the sun had continued to beat down, but, thankfully, was gradually getting lower in the sky.

Back outside into the shade for more fluids, while the stage was prepared for the main event: The Homecoming of Steve Harris... and 'Iron Maiden'.

Walking with family: Canning Town to Canary Wharf... and beyond

Bow Creek.

Sunday April 27, 2025. Another Sunday and another trip to London. 

Keilyn, my mum and I took a leisurely stroll to Watford Metropolitan station, where we caught a Baker Street-bound train to Finchley Road, from where we caught a Stratford-bound train to Canning Town. With a football match, at Wembley Stadium, and the London Marathon, across London, the trains were a little busier than normal, but they soon cleared after we passed Canada Water.

'After the Dance' by Colin Spofforth

At Canning Town we took the lift to Footbridge Level and made our way across to City Island and Hopewell Square, and its sculpture entitled 'After the Dance', before we explored the wonderfully landscaped green spaces along Bow Creek and the River Lea. Because we were further east, than the eastern point of the London Marathon on the north bank, City Island was deserted.

We then had a short wander around East India Basin, before heading to Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Hot chocolate time.

Our first stop was at the Orchard Café, where drinks and food were ordered, which we finished while sitting at one of the tables. The beverages and pastries were wonderful, while the service was impeccable.

Keilyn, the photographer.

On leaving the café, we kept to the wharf wall, so that we could take in the historic vessels and the various sculptures dotted around. Then we entered the Faraday Effect shed and explored a little more.

After checking out the Faraday Effect, Keilyn led us into the Bow Creek Lighthouse, clambering up the stone stairs to the first floor, excited to see, and hear, 'Longplayer' again. Mum and I soon caught up to her, before she was leading us up the final set of stairs to the Lantern Room, where you can hear 'Longplayer' a lot clearer, whilst also taking in the views along the River Thames. Another visitor, to the lighthouse, was already in the Lantern Room, listening quietly to the music, and kindly offered to take a photo of the three of us.

Just the three of us.

After the photo and we had sat for a few minutes, we made our way downstairs and out of the lighthouse to look at more of the buildings and sculptures. We then made our way into the Trinity Art Studios, where we looked at paintings, sculptures and other pieces of art.

Now, we had a decision to make. Use the Lea Crossing, and head to the Royal Docks, or head towards Canary Wharf.

Sailing boats and the O2 Arena.

We headed west, walking through East India Basin and saw some small sail boats heading up the river. From here we headed to Virginia Quay and Prime Meridian Walk, before turning onto Newport Avenue, where we stopped at a convenience store to purchase some lunch and more drinks. We ate our baguettes in the shade, below the DLR, before heading up to platform level, where we caught a DLR train to Poplar.

Reuters Plaza.

Arriving at Poplar we used the lift to reach street level, following Aspen Way until we reached Upper Bank Street. Ahead of us we could see the bustle of spectators cheering on the marathon runners, which we soon got caught up in. After watching some of the competitors, from a vantage point at the corner of Canada Square and North Colonnade, we headed along South Colonnade until we reached Reuters Plaza. I have never seen this plaza filled with so many people, as shoppers mingled with fans and residents, all heading in opposing directions.

'Lea Bridge Bubble Curtain' by ISS-Flowthrough

ISS-Flowthrough Lea Bridge Bubble Curtain.

On the River Lea Navigation, close to the Middlesex Filter Beds Weir, there is a stream of bubbles that rise in a line across the width of the river. This is the ISS-Flowthrough Bubble Curtain.

I found it to be quite calming and therapeutic as I gazed at it from the Capital Ring, that runs along this part of the River Lea. 

Middlesex Filter Beds Weir.

However, it is not unique, as there is also one at Shadwell Basin and at Paddington Canal, plus many more around the country and internationally, but each one is bespoke to the area in which it is used.

The Canal and River Trust, who manage the watercourse, committed vast personnel and resources, that they could barely afford, being a Charitable Trust, in the collection of debris and litter, which would have ended up in the River Thames and, eventually, the sea. They approached ISS-Flowthrough in the hopes of finding a solution.

The solution was a bubble barrier. This barrier would arrest issues that were impacting this navigable channel. These issues included, excessive growth of aquatic plants which interfered with river traffic, saline intrusion from the tidal River Thames, of which the River Lea is a major contributory, water quality from storm overflow discharges and, because of its urban setting, a large amount of floating debris.

Bubble Curtain.

The bubble barrier was designed with a rubber membrane disc diffuser and had to meet specific criteria for the area. This included, ensuring that the River Lea Navigation was still accessible to river traffic, be highly robust and be low maintenance and prevent the downstream movement of litter and facilitate its collection.

The bespoke bubble barrier, installed in May 2020, was set at an angle across the river, thus ensuring that any litter or debris, coming upstream, would be redirected to a collection point. This collection point was created by using the existing bridge buttresses and the channel wall.

So, if you are ever passing this way, stop and take in this calming bubble curtain that helps to keep this waterway clear of litter and excessive plant growth, while still keeping the channel open to boats and other river traffic.

'Nature's Throne' by Paula Haughney

As Keilyn and I approached this grassy area, from a tree-lined path, we thought that we had discovered an ancient stone circle. And, in a way, we had. It just wasn't as old as we thought. 

There were ten etched granite stones, some of which had rusted metal fittings sticking out of them, while others had holes cut through them. Each was of varying height and shape, making each of them unique.

At the centre a massive 'throne' commanded attention, even though it was not as tall as the surrounding monoliths, it was considerably larger than the other stones.

After a good exploration, and having taken a seat on the throne, we left the area to continue our walk.

One of the ten stones that surround Nature's Throne.

This piece of public art is entitled 'Nature's Throne' and was designed by Paula Haughney.

A well-worn plaque, affixed to one of the granite blocks, states:

"Nature's Throne

by Paula Haughney

Opened by J.W.E. Jackson, J.P.

Chairman of the Authority

1st October 1990

Commissioned by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

through the Public Art Development Trust

Supported by the Countryside Commission

and Greater London Arts"

Walking with Keilyn: Walthamstow to Hackney Marshes... and beyond

Looking north along the River Lea.

Sunday September 1, 2024.

Today was the last chance for Keilyn and I to make a walk around London, before she heads back to school on Wednesday.

So, after having to plan a new route, due to certain lines being closed, we set off on the London Overground (Lioness line) to Euston, where we changed to the Victoria line to Blackhorse Road.

From here it was just a short walk south on Blackhorse Road to St James Road, then Station Road, before turning right on Markhouse Avenue.

Presently we came to our first visit of the day... Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum. We were greeted by one of the volunteers who explained that the museum is free to enter, run by volunteers and makes its money through donations and the hiring of some of its exhibits. 

Keilyn in the cab of one of the 1967 Stock Victoria line trains.

Our first stop was to the two 1967 Stock Victoria line carriages, with Keilyn heading straight to the driver's cab. Buttons were pushed and levers were twisted and I didn't think I was going to get her out of there.

Overseas Fire Memorabilia.

Eventually, I convinced her to leave the train and to explore more of the site. So, we headed to the Fire Museum. For its small size this museum packs quite a lot of memorabilia, appliances, badges, uniforms and much more into the space. 

As seen in 'London's Burning'.

The fire engine was the one used in the early seasons of the TV series 'London's Burning', which was quite cool to see.

The Marshall steam engine.

From here we headed to 'The Engine Shed', where various engines and pumps were displayed, some of which were working, before we entered the Grade II listed Victorian pumping station, which houses two Marshall steam engines and a collection of of smaller engines and pumps. It was fascinating to read the history of the items and to see these marvels up close. At noon one of the Marshall steam engines was set running, which was a joy to behold.

Liverpool Street to Chingford line.

In the Boiler House, accessed from the main pumphouse, a model railway had been built, with its various engines running along the tracks. It is based on the Liverpool Street to Chingford line and was very impressive to behold. 

Olympic Park Boat Tour, 2015

Approaching the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

I never got to visit the 2012 Olympics, due to work commitments, but I have visited the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park many times since. 

On one such occasion we took a boat tour along the River Lea, which allows you to see many of the Olympic venues, not to mention the varied wildlife, from a truly unique perspective.

Our vessel for this trip was one of the Water Chariots that had transported passengers to the Olympic Games.