Here’s my 2nd week’s collection of sporting themed memories. These are all moments I captured during my London travels between April 2018 and March 2020.
No. #01/07 Lunchtime Leggings – Aldgate, September 2019
Synonymous with the maritime trade, Wapping is famed for its wharves, docks and marine trades The area was badly affected in the blitz, and it further declined into dereliction as a consequence of the post-war closure of the docks.
The area’s fortunes changed during the 1980s when redevelopment and regeneration saw many of the empty wharf buildings converted into fashionable riverside apartments. A trend that has since been adopted right along the Thames shoreline.
Spirit Quay is ideal for lunchtime runners, joggers and walkers. But don’t get in their way…
No. #02/07 Rugby or Golf? – Upminster, December 2019
These sporting venues are along Hall Lane, north of Upminster, where they share a welcoming drive with clear signage to make sure you get to the right destination.
En route to the rugby ground, you pass Upminster Tithe Barn. dating from1450 and was part of an estate that supported the Abbey of Waltham. The Abbott’s hunting lodge next door was later converted into a private house and is now home to Upminster Golf Club.
No. #03/07 COYS – Chingford, March 2019
After a day exploring Chingford and Chingford Mount, I ended my day outside the new Tottenham Hotspur Football Ground. Although still technically a building site, it was hosting its first match the following day.
I speak at length with one of the security guards who is happy to share stories of his time working here and he highlights some of the high tech features of the ground such as the retractable pitch which reveals an artificial pitch for NFL games and concerts.
Oh yeah, if you haven’t got it yet…COYS – Come On You Spurs…
No. #04/07 ‘Cycling in the Park – Richmond, February 2019
Richmond Park is London’s largest site of special scientific interest and is part of the Royal Parks, and a focal point for walkers, ramblers and cyclists.
Because of the park’s size, it can give an impression of being empty. But not so, just that everyone is spread apart. Not so the cyclists who seemed to make the park roads their own.
No. #05/07 West Ham United – Stratford, December 2018
The Olympic Park is well worth visiting as somewhere to enjoy the relative peace of a country park with focal points in all corners.
The main stadium is rented to West Ham United Football Club, and it’s in easy reach from the park’s amenities. There’s the Velodrome, the Aquatics Centre, and River Lea that runs through the park. Here’s one of the river’s residents overseeing proceedings on a cold winter’s day.
No. #06/07 Richmond Rugby – Richmond, June 2018
Richmond Athletic Ground, home of Richmond Rugby Football Club and London Scottish Rugby. A stone’s throw from the station. I try and walk around the ground, but I’m politely asked to leave as the grounds are not open to the public.
No. #07/07 Reflectice Arches – Stanmore, February 2019
After a day in Stanmore and Canons Park, I end up along Olympic Way in Wembley Park admiring the new Wembley Stadium from afar.
The area has changed significantly since I last visited some 30 years earlier, and the pedestrian route from the station to the stadium is a far more pleasant experience.
This is a view of the stadium’s arch caught in reflection on the mirrored surface of a nearby Premier Inn.
The End Of The Line 