Old age does not come alone

So, for me the day started off with great excitement as Woody the woodpecker arrived not quite on schedule, but as promised and Mrs b quick as a flash managed to capture him for posterity.

The day was the annual celebrations to mark the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 at Runnymeade which is very near to Egham, so we decided to take time to see what was happening in the town.

The day's events were officially opened by the mayor, Cllr. David Parr, who was led into the town centre by the local Egham Silver band ( I will add more pictures of the band later).

Moves are afoot to try and get the route for next year's Olympic torch relay amended to pass through the site of Runnymeade to to its great historical significance.

Next stop was the local station to get the Southwest train up to London, today it cost £25 in total for four return tickets plus the Underground, whereas yesterday it cost me £21 odds for myself for the same trip.

Into the Underground and then we popped out at Piccadilly Circus, took a walk through Golden Square and into the street at Broad Street where William Blake , poet, engraver and painter was born on 28th November 1757. Only a stones throw from Carnaby Street which no longer has the same mystique as in the 60's / 70's and on into Oxford Street which was mobbed with tourists and shoppers.

While the ladies shopped Willie and self rested in a local hostelry and watched the world passing by.

Next stop, our destination was the what was arguably London's "grand dame" hotel, Claridges, for afternoon tea. The Hotel started life in 1812 as Mivart's when it was owned by James Mivart, then in 1854 it was bought by William Claridge who ran it till 1893 when it was acquired by the Savoy Group.

The hotel is lovely inside with many fine examples from the art decor period of restoration, and still provides a rare combination of traditional elegance and modern comforts.

For me, as a birthday treat, it was different - a selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries washed down with bubbly and fresh teas - accompanied by fine musicians - very nice and a great opportunity to "chill out". More pictures to follow when I get home and after I have got over my run to Risley on Monday.