March 30 2003, Sunday, 1pm for 1.15pm start
JOIN ESTIMATED 50-100 OTHERS FOR EDUCATIONAL & INTERESTING WALK ALONG RICHMOND RIVERSIDE PLUS SHORT BOAT TRIP... THEN TOWARDS "HOME", FOR COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS
Once again we are grateful for another event from Gordon Beal, sent recently through the Kensington International Society (KIS) e-mail group. Here is what says, 'Meet Gordon between 1 and 1.15pm at Richmond Station (Zone 4:District Line, National Rail and Silverlink Metro), opposite the ticket office and just outside W H Smith's and the Cappuccino Bar, to go for a 3 mile (5 km) walk. The walk will pass Richmond Green, Richmond Riverside, under Richmond Bridge (the oldest bridge in Greater London, built 1777), the Terrace Gardens, Richmond Hill, Captain Vancouver's grave at St Peter's Church (he discovered Vancouver Island, which is why Richmond in British Columbia is so named), Ham House, visit Orleans House Gallery and pass Marble Hill House. Anyone arriving too late at Richmond Station, please note that we will pause for a few minutes at Richmond Riverside, just after Henry's Bar and before passing under Richmond Bridge. Cost: 60p for ferry across the River Thames (please try to bring correct change to save time). Those who like are then invited back to Gordon's flat near Richmond Bridge for light refreshments (tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc.). No need to book - just turn up, but if you have any questions, contact Gordon on... or....' Gordon goes on to discuss a number of transport issues relevant to getting there on time on the day... 'Transportation: Unfortunately there will be engineering works on Sunday 30th March on the District Line, with replacement buses running from Turnham Green to Richmond, taking about 30 minutes for this stretch of the journey. Also, Silverlink Metro (which shares the tube track) has replacement buses running from Acton Central to Richmond.
Depending where you're travelling from, you may find it easier and quicker to take National Rail from Waterloo, or from Vauxhall (where you can change from the Victoria Line). Another alternative, should the Piccadilly Line be convenient for you, is to take bus 65 from South Ealing to Richmond Station (allow about 30 minutes for this, as buses run every 10 minutes and take 20 minutes). However you choose to travel, please allow ample time for your journey as I am afraid we cannot wait long for latecomers. If we're a large group (last April we were 65), it might take about an hour for us all to cross the river, and Orleans House Gallery (where we go after crossing the river) closes at 4.30pm. Car Parking: If you come by car, please note that there is no free parking in Richmond even on a Sunday. Richmond Station Car Park charges 3 pounds all day, but the National Car Park (NCP) only 2 pounds. Coming from Richmond Circus, the station car park is the one just before the station, and the NCP car park is the one on the left just after the station, so I suggest you park there. Alternatively, there is free parking, if you can find a space, just over Richmond Bridge in East Twickenham, where parking meters and resident/business permit spaces do not apply at weekends. This is where the walk will end, so, if you intend to come back to my place for drinks after the walk, you may prefer this option, but be sure to allow an extra 10 minutes to walk from your car to the meeting point at Richmond Station.' If, on the day, you experience any delays - that mean you miss the start of the walk - all is not lost! You can contact one walker - Tony, who will have his mobile with him on the day. His mobile number is....
