08.30.

I’m on another Grand Central service from  Halifax to London, only this time my visit is less than fleeting. The weather over the next few days promises to be ideal for photography – if not for strenuous exercise as the capital will be treated to temperatures in the very high 20s. Even so,   I’m looking forward to it as I have clothes suitable. Thankfully, the thermometer wasn’t so high here in West Yorkshire as I walked to the station as I’m dressed for a more formal occasion first.

But right now it’s time to relax and enjoy the journey South.

10:00.

Having bimbled through West Yorkshire’s byways of industrial heritage and rural retreats we’ve left Doncaster to speed down the East Coast Main Line to London. My car is around 80-85 full – not bad loadings for a Tuesday. There’s a real mixture of people, from businessmen, families and pensioners (oh, shit – that’s nearly me!). What’s good to see is the number of people of all ages who’re reading books rather than staring at screens. Me? I’ve briefly logged on to update the blog. Most of my trip as been spent offline indulging i n something I don’t do enough off – listen to music. Right now I’m being transported to different countries and eras in my life by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

16:30.

Well, that was a long lunch! This year, the annual Siemens press event was held at Langans Brasserie in Mayfair. It started at 13:00 and I’ve just left – although others still remain. It’s a first-class event as it gives trade journalists access to Siemens UK senior management team, along with company staff across the echelons. It’s an informal do where staff rotate between (delicious) courses to allow as much access as possible. It’s always well-attended, and this year was no different. Meaning it’s also a good time to catch up with colleagues. I’ll add a couple of pictures later. Right now, I’m taking five in Green Park in order to soak up some sunshine, update this blog and check a few emails.

00:30.

Mind the gap! Technically it’s now another day, but as it’s been a busy one I wanted to bring this blog to a close with a few more pictures. After leaving Green Park I walked through central London, exploring old haunts in the city which I loved living in for so many years. The fact the weather was hot and sticky just added to my memories. I’ll explain more tomorrow as I have a full day to do so. Having hit Charing Cross I did a minor detour by rail to St John’s to update pictures. Now they illustrate just how much central Lewisham has become another suburban skyscraper satellite of central London.

Here’s another couple of shots from the day.

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