Norwich Daily Photo

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007

Furry Friends

The carnival was in town a few weeks ago for the Mayor’s Procession. At least twice a year they visit the city and people enjoy the festivities. Above is one place lots of children queued up with their parents, begging them to fetch them a yellow duckie, so they can take home one furry friend. Are you any good at hooking a duck?

Monday, July 30th, 2007

Chapelfield Gazebo

The area was first known as the field of the Chapel of St. Mary. The city acquired the property at the Dissolution in the 16th century. It was first planted with trees and laid out with walks in 1746 by Sir Thomas Churchman. It was opened as Public Gardens in 1880.

When the city walls were built in the 14th century they enclosed the field of St Mary’s Chapel, part of the monastery which stood where the Theatre Royal now is, hence the name Chapel Field. In this century the gardens that arose are commonly called Chapelfield Gardens.

The gazebo in the photograph is sometimes called a bandstand. But I think a gazebo is more romantic. This was taken at dusk on my way home.

Sunday, July 29th, 2007

Going Somewhere?

Norwich Railway Station serves the city of Norwich. It is the terminal station of ‘one’ railway from London Liverpool St. Trains from Ely, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Sheringham also terminate here.

There used to be 3 railway stations with the name Norwich: Norwich Thorpe, the current station simply named Norwich; Norwich Victoria which was once the terminal station for services from London, and later a goods station before demolition; Norwich City which was the terminal station for the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway line from Melton Constable.

East Anglia’s worst rail crash occurred between Norwich and Brundall in 1874, killing 24 people. Unfortunately, tragedies don’t end with train crashes. The train line between Norwich and London witnesses so many fatalities, too. A few months ago I learned the difference between an accident and a fatality – the latter meaning someone jumped in front of the train on purpose!

Some people find train stations depressing. I can understand why. Saying goodbye is difficult. But at the same time, if you’re welcoming someone you love at the station I am sure your elation cannot be contained.

Saturday, July 28th, 2007

The Red Cab

The Black Cab is more fondly known as the London Black Cab. This mode of transport and their drivers have earned the reputation of providing the best taxi service in the world.

Each driver is required to know the city where they operate inside and out. They need to pass a rigorous exam of knowing the city layout before given a license to drive one of these beautiful and distinctive vehicles. In some cases, it can take up to four years to acquire in depth knowledge of London before the badge is awarded to them. You’d probably see a lot of them in London on motorbikes with a map route in hand, learning the best routes. No excuse for getting lost. They also undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check and their character tested.

Black cabs are the only taxis allowed to be hailed for hire in London and other cities. They used to come only in black. Now they are painted in an assortment of colours, thus the red beauty in the photo.

Each can carry 5 passengers. They are also slightly more expensive than mini-cabs which you need to book in advance. The first time I ever rode one on 8 May 2003 definitely brought home the truth – I was in England!

Friday, July 27th, 2007

The Red Lion

A pub in every corner! I have a friend who does not know the names of the streets in Norwich, but navigates perfectly if you tell him which pub is closest to your meeting point. The Red Lion sits right beside the river, which makes its location quite cosy. What’s more interest is that in Norwich there is a pub for every day of the year. The city was once home to over 700 pubs. May be an idea to take a tour around some of them and find out all the juicy tidbits about their past.