Victory in Europe Day 80 years on

2025 is turning out to be a significant year!  To my astonishment in February of this year, I clocked up 80 years of survival on this planet. The occasion was marked with a party or two. One of which was held at the Ponsonby Cruising Club in Auckland. I joined this club soon after emigrating to New Zealand from the 'Old Country' as it fitted with the type of boating that I was familiar with, and it still does!

At the Pons party, I was presented with this framed and signed 3D image of Princess by her current owner Jon Nash. I had sailed Princess for many years under the Ponsonby flag.

Once the hoopla was dipensed with, Annie and I rented out our house and packed our bags for another Northern Summer. Annie managed to persuade Emirates airlines that we were worthy of Business Class seats for the long haul flight to Dubai.  From there, we flew into London for a catch up with old friends in the 'Old Country'

 

English Bluebells in Wanstead park, close to where I grew up.

The 8th of May is 'Victory in Europe' day and this year marked 80 years on from the day hostilities ceased. Inevitably, we found ourselves caught up in the street party celebrations. It occured to me that I would have been a mere 3 months old on the day when my mother's friends were probably jumping into the Trafalgar Square fountains.

A hand knitted guardsman perches on a bollard, untouched by vandals.

Friends, old enough to remember VE day

 "Traitors' Gate" adorned with ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, just a few of the thousands placed around the tower, representing those who did not return.

The portcullis entrance to the Tower of London, from the Thames river, has seen many pass for the last time on their way to the axe.   

This ship's figurehead washed ashore among wreckage in Sole Bay, Suffolk after the sea battle in 1672 between Dutch and English fleets. It has since adorned this pub in Martlesham. 

On a trip to the coast, we called in at some old familiar pubs, and I enjoyed the occasional warm flat beer. While in London, Annie and I took time out in sunny springtime weather to explore. 

Stunning views from the 'Rooftop Gardens' in the heart of the 'City of London'

From the rooftop, the landmark 'Gherkin' in the background once dominated the London skyline.

Looking down on a city building site. 

This medieval tower is being carefully preserved in its original location. 

Looking down on Tower Bridge, 130 years old and still opens for any vessel on request. 

I was delighted to watch as Tower Bridge halted the traffic and effortlessly lifted to allow a traditional sailing barge to pass. A simple footbridge in Auckland failed after 10 years and took over a year to fix.

Just around the corner we found  'Leadenhall Market', a market place since the 12th century, and a welcome quiet spot to enjoy another draft beer.

We spent a full day at Kew Gardens, uniquely English and worth every hour spent there.

   

The exotic lily pond house at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens and the Victorian Palm House, like a tropical 'Tardis' inside.

I remembered the iconic Kew 'Pagoda' from a long ago visit with my mum. 

The time came to head back to Antiope, a 40 min flight to Amsterdam from the London City airport which is in the old docklands and close to where we first stepped aboard Antiope sixteen years ago.

We find Antiope tucked neatly away after her winter sleep

Next step, a bit of maintenance, painting and relaunching.