Over to the wonderfully named area of London called Elephant and Castle. It is named after a pub/coaching inn which was first mentioned in the mid 1700s. It was the birthplace of the scientists Michael Faraday (electromagnetism, electrolysis, the practical use of electricity, and the discoverer of benzene) and John Newlands (inventor of the periodic table). It was also where Michael Caine and Charlie Chaplin grew up. 🐘

It was a group outing to tackle the new geoart series around Biggin Hill Airport in south east London today. Biggin Hill is best known for its role during the Battle of Britain in the Second World War, when it served as one of the principal fighter bases protecting London and South East England from attack by German Luftwaffe bombers. Both Spitfires and Hurricanes from a variety of squadrons being based there. It currently has no scheduled airline service as flights using the airport are not permitted to carry fare-paying passengers but it was very busy with business shuttle flights and private jets. Mallorca seemed a popular destination. Must be a lot of business there……. 🏝️

Off to an event near the Tower of London to celebrate Burns Night. This is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns (1759 -1796) and is a big deal in Scotland. A tradition of it is Piping in the Haggis where everyone stands as the haggis is brought in and then someone recites the poem Address To The Haggis. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Always good when there is an event close to home, even if we needed an umbrella to get there, and it was not very close to Ravenscourt Park Station. The freezing but clear weather in London has given way to warmer but wetter days. ☔️

And another celebration event. This time for Debs who turned 70. Excellent turn out! 🎁