Keep the fizz in a Gin & Tonic.
Green spaces are one of the great things about London. There must be hundreds of parks, open spaces, and green squares. I’m fortunate to live near the 205 acres Battersea Park opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria. Before becoming a park it was famous for asparagus, carrots and lavender. It was also a favourite place for duels. The most famous, in 1829, was between the Duke of Wellington and the Earl of Winchilsea. Both men aimed wide and lived.
During WW2 vegetables were grown in the park, but afterwards it was restored to its former glory. The park is separated from Chelsea by the river Thames and has a children’s zoo, boating lake and sub tropical gardens where, in the autumn one can see tiny bunches of bananas growing. Also there’s a peace pagoda built by Japanese Buddhist monks in 1985, a bandstand and lovely walks among the trees and flowers. Not to forget a herb garden, gym, bowling green and of course, a restaurant.
I love walking in the park and imagining that I’m not in a city; there are amazing birds to see and hear and wild terrapins if they are not hiding. Mostly I love the magical effect the park has on people. Everyone is friendly, smiles and will find time to chat with strangers. That’s the reason for the title of this piece. I was sitting on a bench drinking from my plastic bottle when a lady, out walking her dog, asked, ”Is that water?” “I’m afraid so.” “Should be a gin and tonic” she observed. “Ah, but how do you keep the fizz in the bottle?” We had an engaging conversation, agreeing that we did not care much for pre mixed cans and that carrying bottles around was, well cumbersome. Oh well, perhaps I’ll never find out but it’s fun to discuss. Later I met a German couple and inflicted my German on them – they were very polite.
Probably the most amazing Battersea effect is on dogs. The park is full of them – all shapes, sizes and breeds and they all get on. I’ve never heard a snap or growl – just the whoosh of wagging tails. Now, if I could bottle that, it really would give folk a fizz.
During WW2 vegetables were grown in the park, but afterwards it was restored to its former glory. The park is separated from Chelsea by the river Thames and has a children’s zoo, boating lake and sub tropical gardens where, in the autumn one can see tiny bunches of bananas growing. Also there’s a peace pagoda built by Japanese Buddhist monks in 1985, a bandstand and lovely walks among the trees and flowers. Not to forget a herb garden, gym, bowling green and of course, a restaurant.
I love walking in the park and imagining that I’m not in a city; there are amazing birds to see and hear and wild terrapins if they are not hiding. Mostly I love the magical effect the park has on people. Everyone is friendly, smiles and will find time to chat with strangers. That’s the reason for the title of this piece. I was sitting on a bench drinking from my plastic bottle when a lady, out walking her dog, asked, ”Is that water?” “I’m afraid so.” “Should be a gin and tonic” she observed. “Ah, but how do you keep the fizz in the bottle?” We had an engaging conversation, agreeing that we did not care much for pre mixed cans and that carrying bottles around was, well cumbersome. Oh well, perhaps I’ll never find out but it’s fun to discuss. Later I met a German couple and inflicted my German on them – they were very polite.
Probably the most amazing Battersea effect is on dogs. The park is full of them – all shapes, sizes and breeds and they all get on. I’ve never heard a snap or growl – just the whoosh of wagging tails. Now, if I could bottle that, it really would give folk a fizz.
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