London and the Barbican

Recently we travelled to London to visit some homes that were opened up for the public. Who could miss a chance to nose in other people's houses. Unfortunately we can't include any photos of those homes. However we also visited the Barbican for a guided tour and we have plenty of photos of that.

The Centre, designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon in the Brutalist style although some argue that the aesthetic considerations applied in it's design mean it is not true brutalism.

In September 2001 the Barbican complex became a Grade II listed building. It has been designated a site of special architectural interest for its scale, its cohesion and the ambition of the project. We love it!

Did you know that the outside of the Barbican is all pick axed by hand! Imagine a developer doing that today.

Surprisingly the Arts Centre dates back to only 1982.

These tall towers include 3 flats per floor and they all have 3 bedrooms.

These ponds were built to muffle the sound of the tube trains running underneath.

The Barbican was designed as a community with lots of different property types so that you could move up from a studio flat to a penthouse as you advanced in your career without ever moving off site.

Not the Barbican but you might recognise this building from a well known tv programme.

Moving Neil and Clair

A few weeks ago we helped Neil and Clair move house. We were a bit nervous as we still have vivid memories of our move but it was good fun. They have a wonderful cottage which we know is going to make a cosy home. Laika has already made herself at home in front of the fire.

We did manage to take a break for a quick dog walk on the beach.

Then back for dinner in front of the fire.

Anne & Bryan's 50th Wedding Anniversary Weekend

The happy day 50 years ago.

For the celebrations the family all met at a cottage in Northumberland.

The new generation.

You will see as you scroll through the pictures that food played an important part in the weekend.  Here we are enjoying beef stroganoff on Friday evening.

Tom spotted a cobweb and couldn't resist a bit of cleaning. He can come visit us anytime!

A rare shot of the photographer.

Jane and Andrew take part in Sophie's quiz. They are smiling because they knew all the answers and went on to win.

Anne and Bryan during the quiz.

Saturday we headed of to Bamburgh. Here's the castle.

John on the beach with his video camera. His videos might be the subject of a later blog., watch this space.

Tom with John in the distance. Both are carrying kites but there was never enough wind surprisingly enough.

Anne and Jane.

Tom taking a portrait of Barney.

Sophie.

Jane has Barney under complete control - I think a dog treat might have played a part too!

Anne and Bryan.

Jane and Andrew.

Jane prepares our picnic on the beach.  Chilli tomato soup and butternut squash pie - yummy.

Bryan.

Anne, Bryan and Sophie enjoy some soup.

The Jacksons and Goldings stride purposefully across the beach.

Later we headed to Lindisfarne for a surprise anniversary cake.

Everyone tucks into the delicious cake - thanks to Sophie and Jane.

The cake before we all got stuck in.

The obligatory group shot.

And this was the amazing view we enjoyed while eating our cake, it doesn't get much better than this.

Dinner on Saturday. Scallops, bacon and pea puree was the starter.  It tasted as good as it looks.

Andrew mashing the potatoes - a bit of a family ritual.

Sophie mixing the cocktails.

Anne & Bryan with their margaritas.

 Sorry I couldn't resist a gratuitous beach shot.

And yet more food (I did warn you).  This time coffee & muffins on the beach.

Sorry last beach photo, I promise.

The family.

The End.