David writes…
Now About our Day Trips…
Now About our Day Trips…
"That great English sense of mellow inclusion..."
We travel by comfortable, high-speed train
doesn't even begin to do the matter justice. Doesn't do it justice because
what's really called for here is that wonderful German word: gemütlich.
The splendid George Courtauld, opens his
very fine new book, England's Best Loved Poems (it's sub-titled The Enchantment
of England), in the following fashion: "The English gift for fellowship is
based on the love of people in all their quirkiness, diversity and
eccentricity. I believe it is this affection, this English faith in our
fellows, that has fostered the creation of so many clubs, societies, companies
and movements - 'fellow-ships', which over the generations have been such a
terrific force for progress and continuity, justice and self-expression.
"All the poems in this chapter reflect
that great English sense of mellow inclusion, whether it be sitting together on
a train or belting out 'The Old Hundredth'".
To which he adds: "Since 1990 I have
commuted up to London by train. The patience, tolerance, kindness and
camaraderie of my fellow travellers over the years seems to exemplify what one
philosopher described as the unconscious English 'fellowship of
strangers'".
And that's the hitherto unspoken reason why
"we travel by comfortable, high-speed train..."
Full details of London Walks Day Trips at www.walks.com
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.










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