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LONDON LIFE NEWS ATTRACTIONS HIGHLIGHTS ICON... Dock at Hay’s Galleria Big Ben One of London’s greatest landmarks, Big Ben, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Its chimes were fi rst broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1923, a tradition that continues today. Big Ben’s timekeeping is strictly
regulated by a stack of coins placed
on the huge pendulum and the clock
has rarely stopped. Even when a bomb
destroyed the Commons chamber in
World War II, the clock At night, a special light
above the illuminated
clock faces is Discover Hay’s Galleria, near London Bridge and the Design Museum, and appreciate the conversion of one of London’s most famous wharfs back in the 1980s. Originally built in the 1850s, Hay’s
Wharf took deliveries from ships from
all over the world; those who visit A focal point in the heart of the Galleria is David Kemp’s magnifi cent 60ft kinetic sculpture, The Navigators, which provides a hypnotic combination of moving parts, water jets and fountains. The Galleria offers an eclectic mix of things to do, from exploring its range of craft stalls and boutiques to sampling restaurants, or simply learning about the UK’s vivid and exciting past. A petanque (French boules) pitch
in front of The Navigators looks out
towards the River Thames, while a
covered atrium ensures you can visit
no matter what the weather. DID YOU KNOW? London’s sewage used to end up in the Thames causing it to be nicknamed ‘The Great Stink’. In 1858, plans were drawn up to provide proper sewers and it’s now even fit for swimming in... PETER PAN FLIES AGAIN A new stage production of J. M. Barrie’s much-loved Peter Pan is set to be staged in Kensington Gardens this summer, running until 30 August. Returning to the setting of the original story, it will be performed in a specially commissioned, state-of-the-art Theatre Pavilion with 1,000 seats, and directed by Ben Harrison. While there, you can fi nd out lots of fascinating facts about the loveable character, his creator and his place in London’s history. If possible, time your visit to take in the Peter Pan Education History & Heritage Guided Walk on 23 July, to fi nd out more about how Barrie lived. www.royalparks. org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens 10 W2L SUMMER 2009 WORDS: MARIA PIERI. IMAGES: BRITAINONVIEW; HAY’S GALLERIA |