We had a lovely evening with Dawn and Dale on Dona Ferens yesterday, spending the best part of three hours chatting boating and all sorts of other things. Today we had another family visit, but beforehand I went to have a look at the new approach to Paddington Station, where there’s now a big glass building really opening up the space. There’s a rooftop terrace restaurant and bar there too.
Adrian had been keeping an eye on the trains, and went to meet his Aunt and Uncle at Paddington Underground, as it’s quite confusing working out which way to exit the station. They’d brought with them a load of post, as they’re our correspondence address. We had lunch on board, then I took Macc out for a walk, and found that Wimbledon was being shown on the big screen at Merchant Square.
Also the fountain in front of the Sir Simon Milton statue was working. Macc wasn’t at all sure about the fountain, and gave it a good barking at.
During the afternoon, a very smart boat silently slid into the space next to us to pick up passengers. Verity of Portobello Dock offers three hour cruises with refreshments — prices starting at £1,750! The boat is built from mahogany and teak, dates from 1906, and was owned by Dame Nellie Melba and Sir Neville Chamberlain (although not at the same time). It was found derelict and sunk in 1970 and was restored very beautifully.
When she slipped away, I saw it go and went to take those photos, but no-one else even heard it! Soon it was time for Jennifer and Alistair to head home, so Adrian walked them back to the tube.
This evening we have another of my former colleagues coming to see us.