The Carp - # 33/10

A clear sign of a healthy River Thames at Kingston.  The proud fisherman displays his catch for a photograph before returning it to the river.  The fish fought hard, and an excited crowd gathered to watch the show.

Cogitating - # 260

Oh, hallo. Yes, sit down: chat. Nothing's happening here, just now.

You know, yesterday, Isabella and that Blogwatcher bloke made some interesting points.

The Dysart was built in 1902 as a "real English pub", and now it's moved into being a stylish destination for good "Real Ale" fine wine, food and excellent music. But what it's really done is follow the demographic and economic transformation of the area.

100 years ago Ham and Petersham was an out the way bend in the river: home to market gardeners, cottage dwellers and a remarkable collection of mansions built for first rate early 18th C gentry. By the 1930-40's it was home to a cutting edge aircraft factory building advanced military aircraft, and a secret anti-aircraft radar research establishment hiding in a mock church tower. Now, the village is home to music and media millionaires, leading academics and captains of industry, all living cheek by jowel with a good selection of "ordinary folk".

In it's own funny way the transformation of the Dysart Arms from "English pub" to "music venue" charts the rise of economic and social fortune.

Hunters gathering - # 255

I enjoyed watching these two for several minutes. They were engrossed, having a great time, and totally focused on something they were convinced was there and catchable.

This is just a snap of two lads enjoying the river and the sunshine, a whole cosmos away from the "surreal and fantastic illusions" phase of the recent set of photos.