Stratford Past & Present - Stratford Skyline

Well, here's something new - a decent skyline. In the past, there were some tower blocks - 60's built council accommodation that were desperate to improve their image. They've done it now.

If you were expecting Jubilee photos, I apologise - I managed to book a holiday away before realising quite when. In the meantime, photos continue in my absence if Blogger behaves.

Stratford Past & Present - Landscaping

This area here was a flat, barren, desolate space. Using some of the soil from teh Olympics build, the area has been transformed. With a scattering of wild flower seeds, it is even quite pretty.

If you were expecting Jubilee photos, I apologise - I managed to book a holiday away before realising quite when. In the meantime, photos continue in my absence if Blogger behaves.

Stratford Past & Present - Unseen Transport

The canals weren't used as much as I thought they might be, but they still took a welcome amount of traffic off the roads during construction. They had to upgrade the lock facilities, though.

If you were expecting Jubilee photos, I apologise - I managed to book a holiday away before realising quite when. In the meantime, photos continue in my absence if Blogger behaves.

Stratford Past & Present - Gentrification

Another of the benefits of the Olympics can be seen with what has been done with the dock here. It was always pleasant, but much more of a backwater.

If you were expecting Jubilee photos, I apologise - I managed to book a holiday away before realising quite when. In the meantime, photos continue in my absence if Blogger behaves.

Stratford Past & Present - The Wastebasket

I believe this wooden sculpture is sponsored by Ikea, if you have an idle moment you might enjoy the Punks Not Dad video (keep an eye out for the product names).

Part of the changes wrought by the Olympics can be seen here - the path on the left was completely overgrown and unpassable for a long while.

If you were expecting Jubilee photos, I apologise - I managed to book a holiday away before realising quite when. In the meantime, photos continue in my absence if Blogger behaves.

Stratford Past & Present - Seat of Learning

I thought I'd have a wander through Stratford and the surrounding area and see some of the old, the new and how it has changed. This building is now part of the University of East London, started life in 1892 as "West Ham Technical Institute".

The institute was to be a “people’s university” in the words of John Passmore Edwards, speaking at the building’s opening ceremony. The college provided courses in science, engineering and art and also established its own internal degree courses in science and engineering, which were ratified by the University of London. In addition, it had a Women's Department.

If you were expecting Jubilee photos, I apologise - I managed to book a holiday away before realising quite when. In the meantime, photos continue in my absence if Blogger behaves.

The Changing Face of Stratford

Five years ago, I cycled up to the top of Stratford Centre car park and took a photo and thought "wouldn't it be good to come back here regularly?" and of course I haven't been back since. If you would like to see the change over a series of 45 photos, Diamond Geezer did it here.

If you were expecting Jubilee photos, I apologise - I managed to book a holiday away before realising quite when. In the meantime, photos continue in my absence if Blogger behaves.

Oysters, anyone?

Again around Columbia Road, you can even find one of London's only oyster stalls. I love an oyster but they used to be "poor man's food" in days gone by. As you can see from the limited availability, we in London aren't as enthusiastic over these bivalve molluscs as they are in France, for example.

June Thene Day - Tranquil-a-tree

Another month another worldwide city photo theme day, and this theme is Tranquillity, and I offer for your edification one of the most tranquil and grand of trees, the London Plane, the tree that more than any other shapes London streets and parks.

To find out how others have interpreted the theme, click here to view thumbnails for all participants

The Gate of Heaven

On the opposite corner from yesterdays shot (and yes, it is round from Mile end, Burdett Road junct. Stepney Green) was this visually amusing line up. I couldn't resist a smile, I wonder how the inhabitants feel?

Play

I rather like this scaled down Hollywood sign on a crossroads in the East End. From this side it just reads like a random instruction, but actually there is a playground hidden behind.

Dead Victorians

With Columbia Road becoming more trendy, it is attracting a better class of street entertainer, here the Dead Victorians were entertaining the crowd with more than average skill and entertainment quotient. With the magic of the Internet, you can judge for yourself.

Columbia Road Market

If you are interested in flowers and plants or even just enjoy looking at them, Columbia Road Market on a Sunday morning has to be on your list of places to visit. The only trouble is that you can't park nearby, so large and heavy purchases can be a bit of a problem.

Just Lion About

This is a detail from a doorway in London Wall, I'm always impressed by the quality of the carving and the detail work in pieces like this, just one of a myriad of anonymous buildings.

Salsa is Back

...and it's free! Public salsa classes are in Spitalfields again, read more here. Riding past on my way home, it always sounds so exotic.

Busy Going Nowhere

I never cease to wonder why it is that so many choose to drive into London. Sure, some people have to, but others choose to sit in traffic like this (which is a bit of a jam about a mile long). If you don't like public transport, get on yer bike! I do seriously appreciate how some people don't feel confident enough to ride, but there is a marvellous scheme where you can get free cycle roadcraft training, to help you learn how to ride safely and with confidence. Read about it here.

Aye, it's a Grand Union

Today I chose to use the Grand Union Canal for the first part of my trip home, it is a wonderful car free route right into the heart of London (on google maps route is here). I don't normally use it, as I thought it slower but I discover it actually cuts mileage off my trip so takes about the same (1 hour 20). It's a superb way to travel.

Down on the Beach!

Yay! Summer has arrived! for the first day we have had sun (no rain) and warm, and everyone was making the most of it.

I Fancied a Smoke

I've known for years about Smoke magazine, how it was the most excellent London fanzine that felt like home, it was Diamond Geezer who pointed me that way first. Only, I'd never bought a copy, not a single one. For some reason the thought and the place never came together. Then in June 2010 they went into hiatus. That is, until I noticed the link reappear in DG's sidebar and discovered they are back up and running again. I thought, the time has come! and bought all the back issues. I truly recommend them to you for an engrossing read.

The India Connection

This fountain in Regents Park, serves to remind us of England's colonial past. The inscription reads:

"This fountain, erected by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association was the gift of Sir Cowasjee Jehangir (Companion of the Star of India) A wealthy Parsee gentleman of Bombay as a token of gratitude to the people of England for the protection enjoyed by him and his Parsee fellow countrymen under British rule in India.

With the magic of the Internet, we can find out what he looks like, and also his father the wonderfully named Sir Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney.