An Evening Tour of Clarence House
Exclusive guided tours of the ground floor rooms of Clarence House were held 2nd-31st August . We chose to go on Wednesday 23rd , a fine summers evening , and met our guide in the waiting area , prior to a tour of the garden . This is where the Prince of Wales had designed a small memorial garden to his Grandmother , The Queen Mother , who lived in Clarence House from May 1953 until her death in March 2002 . At that time Prince Charles took over the house with sons Princes William and Harry .
Many will remember the gates to the side of Clarence House where Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and members of her family would stand to great well wishers and enjoy family birthday celebrations .
The Doric Portico at the entrance leads into the dark hall , which the Queen describes as ‘ dramatic gloom ’ but houses magnificent chandeliers and paintings . The first room opening from the Hall is the Lancaster Room and is used as a waiting room for visitors . Then the Morning Room , my favourite - light , airy and homely with the ceiling plasterworks showing Queen Elizabeth ’ s Crown . Then the library , dining room and Horse Corridor named for the large collection of sporting pictures which celebrates victories on the turf .
The final Garden Room was created by the Queen Mother
An etching of Clarence House published in 1874 .
from two rooms and houses a tapestry dominating the end wall often seen in photographs of the Royal Family . Here we were served a glass of delicious Justerini & Brooks 250th Anniversary Champagne to end our tour .
Built by the celebrated architect John Nash , Clarence House is a very personal wellloved home filled with portraits and every available surface covered with lovely family photographs and mementoes . It is now the official residence of HRH The Prince of Wales , The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry . It has served as a private London home for members of the Royal Family since 1827 including the then Princess Elizabeth and her new husband Philip , Duke of Edinburgh .
This was very enjoyable tour giving an insight to the Royal Residents however it would have been wonderful to visit the first floor private rooms too .
LYNNE WARNER
The 30th Great River Race
The Great River Race , which this year celebrated its 30th Anniversary on Saturday 9th September , is London ’ s River Marathon . This spectacular boat race , 21.6 miles up the River Thames , from London Docklands to Ham in Surrey , attracted 350 crews this year from all over the globe . The race appeals to every level of competitor - from dedicated athletes who like winning , to those who enjoy laughter , fancy dress and charity stunts - it ’ s a great fun day out for both competitors and spectators .
A big smile as they prepare to start .
This was my third year racing with the ‘ Bench Blisters ’, a team of fellow London magistrates plus a smattering of judges , court staff , legal practitioners , family and friends . We had three boats competing this year and we ’ d been in training all through the summer , in sunshine and in rain , which was just as well considering the changeable weather we encountered that afternoon !
I coxed for the first half of the race - a very scary experience , especially at the beginning with so many boats vying for position . They hurtled through the choppy water , rowing past some of the most iconic buildings in London and under so many famous bridges . The public were out in force on the banks of the river and on every bridge , cheering us all on through the wind and the rain . We managed to knock 25 minutes off last year ’ s time , doing it in 3 hours 3 minutes ,
Thousands of pounds raised for charity .
which was incredible and I ’ m sure , due in no small measure to the horrendous weather !
Thousands of pounds were raised for charity on the day . ‘ Bench Blisters ’ have raised nearly £ 11,000 so far , for a very special riverside organisation , Shadwell Basin , which is a charity based in East London that offers outdoor and adventure activities to the local community .
Many of the young people who attend Shadwell Basin are from poorer economic backgrounds and activities in the holidays , weekends and evenings are highly subsidised . For just £ 5 a day or £ 20 a week during the holidays , a young person can experience safe , challenging and exciting activities like rock climbing , kayaking or canoeing and sailing . The Centre offers young people the opportunity to directly benefit from such positive life experiences and the funds we raised will go directly towards supporting the costs of running these programmes .
For more about The Great River Race or Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre , please go to Useful Contacts . If you are interested in taking part in this unique ‘ River Marathon ’, I promise you ’ ll have the time of your life !
MICHÈLE MARRIOTT
8 THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK