Speakers Corner

A quiet spot Monday to Saturday, however if you want to be entertained or challenged then come here on a Sunday to hear a multitude of opinions offered from various soapboxes.

New Zealand Memorial

Several war memorials stand in Hyde Park corner marking the relationship between Britain and those countries that supported her during the first and second world wars.

Today is New Zealand's national day. Waitangi Day, so named as on February 6th 1840 representatives of Queen Victoria and several Maori Chiefs signed a treaty that is the founding document of modern New Zealand, at Waitangi.

The memorial sculpture, a collaborative work by New Zealander Paul Dibble has iconic New Zealand folklore on each of the standards. Six of the standards sit slightly apart from the group and are arranged to represent the southern cross (star constellation). All of the standards have a cross on the top that glows at night to represent the New Zealand sky.

Sugar

The sweet stall at Winter Wonderland. As you pass by the food stalls the familiar smells of a fair fill the air, spun sugar, frying chips and onions.

Winter Wonderland

This is not just a whizz of blue colour it is the snow jet ride at Winter Wonderland. I can't believe I actually went on it. I usually stick to something nice and gentle like the ferris wheel!
Each year it seems better than before. This year the ice-skating rink is bigger and fabulous right in the centre. Rides, food, Xmas stalls, music, all in all just a heap of fun.

Libya Protest

For the past month a group of protesters has held a vigil outside the Libyan Embassy.

Skywatch Friday - Sun over Serpentine

Sunset over the Serpentine in Hyde Park

See other skies around the world today.

Taking it Easy

You're probably a little tired of park pictures by now, but I'm laid low with a cold. I'll be back out with my fresh eyes in a couple more days.

More Spring

First signs of spring continue.

Single File

Look left, look right now cross quickly.

Good-bye 2010

Have fun as you welcome in 2011.

Carousel

Waiting for the children to arrive.

Frozen Serpentine

The seagulls have their own ice skating rink at present. The serpentine in Hyde Park is frozen. Hundreds of crabby looking geese have left the lake and are sitting in small bad tempered gangs on the fields. I suspect that part of their disposition has to do with the seagulls failing about with laughter at their now exceptionally ungainly attempts at landing on the slippery surface.

Fun and Snow at Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park this year is bigger and better than ever.

On Route

Homeward Leg

Penny Farthing

Early Sunday morning the London to Brighton Veteran Car Rally set off. My hat off to this entry if he made it all the way.

Just hold it there

The Serpentine in Hyde Park without too many tourists. Is she really taking a cell phone picture of the runner?

Freelining

Somewhere between a skateboard and skates. They are not connected to the skaters feet but are similar to skateboards except there is one for each foot.
Easy? Yeah right.

Feeding the Swans

Watch out some of them bite.

A Hot Summer

Hyde Park looking almost desert like.

Afternoon Trot

Quick trot through Hyde Park. Who needs the country.