A note about fortnightly trips to Arundel, a note about Ridley Rd Market and a note about trees

Trees in Dunlace Rd

Trees: London is officially a regarded as a forest by the Forestry Commission. The city, which is often considered to be one of the most polluted in Europe, is actually surprisingly calm and rural in many areas and is now the largest 'Urban Forest' in the world. I remember first seeing a summer in London, when trees suddenly filled the skyline and obscured buildings. A view from a 22 floor building proved how green London can be from tree lined streets, to Royal Parks to the Marshes and Epping Forest. 

Trees in St James' Park

Hackney admittedly has fewer trees in contrat to Camden for example or its other neighbours. In winter trees are pruned into stumps; the rumour is that this a safety measure which stops trees creating large roots that can cause accidents and lead to insurance claims that the council just can not afford. But I am no expert in the matter.

Fortnightly Trips to Arundel: On average, I find myself travelling once a fortnight to Arundel to visit my father in his studio. I stay for two days and he trains me in his craft of the restoration of fine art. This can sometimes be a trip that fulfils a need of a country break, but it can sometimes feel that the trip up roots me from the momentum of London life and throws me into a different role; a family role, and the memories of the need for independence.

View of the view, leaving London, south by train

My trip usually involves a cycle across the centre of London, from Hackney to Shoreditch to Farringdon, to Holborn, to Trafalgar Sq, to the Mall and finally to Victoria. Here I may choose to have my hair cut, or to find something to eat for lunch (depending on my length of hair or state of finances). I often visit a lady who cuts hair for £10, in the middle of an arcade that is falling apart and packed with disregarded signs. I once spotted a man watching pornography at an internet cafe in the arcade, hiding in the corner - it is that sort of arcade (not the Burlington sort).

Arundel Bridge over the River Arun with view to the Castle

Then once I am on the pre-booked train, I can spend the whole time looking out the window as back gardens  turn to grass, and as the creamy yellow of London bricks turn to the reds and browns of the rest of England. The train travels through Purley, Redhill, Gatwick (where I dream of travel) and to Horsham, where the train continues towards the South Downs that engulf the train until Arundel is reached. I then cycle in to the town or walk. The pace of life is instantly different, and the tea rooms are filled with the elderly who either natter or sit in silence. 

I stay in Chichesterduring the evening, where I once used to make the mistake of arriving on a Saturday night. On Saturday evenings, the Georgian streets are filled with fights, drunks and people who yell "Bike!" as if they had only just learnt the word. By the next day, I am relieved to see the Gherkin once more from the left, and then the right hand window of the train.

Ridley Rd Market 1

Ridley Road Market: Ridley Road Market is well known in the Hackney area. It is one of the few markets which is ungentrified and shows few signs of being so. Shops are open, spilling on to the streets, selling pig trotters and other worldly goods, aimed at Caribbean, African and Commonwealth cuisine. Food is cheap, the streets are packed and its on on most days.

Ridley Rd Market 2

I also noticed there is a stall of Nollywood films today - I have recently been told of this million dollar industry based in Nigeria, where films are made in a week, with low budgets but sold to the rest of the world. I recently watched a clip from 'Blackberry Babes'. I recommend it.

Ridley Rd Market 3

Ridley Rd Market 4