This morning is again grey with a threat of rain and, as we have things to do, we once more stayed close to home.

Cat in Claremont Close
Photo by Tigger

On the way, we passed the end of Claremont Close and there spotted a cat, today’s first. He stopped and gave us a thoughtful stare before disappearing into bushes. Cat score = 1 🙂

Myddelton Square

We took a turn around Myddelton Square, as usual. As you can see, conditions were bright despite the clouds.

The Harlequin

To walked down Arlington Way and noticed something slightly odd as we passed the pub called The Harlequin: an upper window is being held open by an inverted waste bin!

The Shakespeare’s Head vine

We entered Myddelton Passage and looked to see how the pub vine was faring. It’s faring very well indeed, with a luxuriant growth of foliage and bunches of grapes.

The grapes are turning black

The grapes are already turning black and some of them are fairly large. I wonder whether they will ever be edible.

We sat outside the deli

There was a table free at the deli so we consumed our coffee there, watching the toing and froing in the street.

We then set out on a local walk, as we did on Saturday, though by a slightly different route.

A cat atop a wall
Photo by Tigger

As we approached Granville Square, we spied a second cat, a young one resting on top of a wall. Cat score = 2 🙂

Granville Square

We went into Granville Square, a pleasant square of Georgian-style houses with a central garden open to the public.

Riceyman Steps

Here too we find the famous Riceyman Steps, though today we did not descend them as we often do.

Granville Square Gardens

We entered the square’s central gardens, the first time we have done so, I think. There is a large grassy area, borders with shrubs and flowers, and, surprisingly perhaps, a basketball court.

A spider lurks

Among the foliage we spotted this spider lurking and awaiting its prey.

The playground

The gardens also have a quite large children’s playground with climbing frames and a toy train. I have never seen any children here, unlike Myddelton Square whose playground usually echoes to the sounds of children at play.

Percy Circus

Continuing in, we passed another of our favourite places, Percy Circus, with its pleasant round garden. We did not stop here today but I hope we will do so again on other occasions.

We next walked up the path to Bevin Court and here we witnessed a sad sight.

Fallen tree

I mentioned the leaning tree only last Saturday (see A local stroll) and wondered then whether it would one day fall down. I did not expect the answer so soon. It has indeed fallen, though whether this was provoked in some way, I do not know.

Bevin Court

Our way led past the “cliff of apartments” that is Bevin Court. Today, instead of skirting round it, we passed through the grounds. This brought us to the entrance, just as a resident was coming out. We boldly took advantage of the situation and went in. (The door is of course kept locked and non-residents can enter only if a resident deliberately or accidentally admits them.)

Central staircase

We remained in the entrance hall and stayed only long enough to take a few photos. Named after politician Ernest Bevin, it is now a Grade II* listed building.

Curved window

Bust of Ernest Bevin
Photo by Tigger

Lift and address board

As I was taking the last photo, someone emerged from the lift and we took this as our cue to leave. Having slipped in, we now slipped out again, glad to have gained a glimpse inside this icon of 1950s modernist architecture.