Picture the scene – a sunny Sunday morning and an offer of coffee from Maureen Who Likes Frasier.  Where to go?  M suggests Ally Pally, the sumptuous surroundings of the Palm Court. 

Alexandra Palace was originally opened in North London, between Muswell Hill and Wood Green, in 1873 but after a fire it reopened in 1875.  It was described as The People’s Palace and intended as a public centre of recreation and entertainment.  In 1936 it became the home of the world’s first regular public “high-definition” television service, operated by the BBC. The original Victorian theatre survives. Alexandra Palace became a listed building in 1996, at the instigation of the Hornsey Historical Society.

Sunday was May Day

and there was an antiques fair on so the place was busy, but the high airy palm filled space was still awe-inspiring.

M had arrived by the W3 bus and had saved a table.  We glanced at the leaflets for forthcoming events (we have already been to a Drive-In in one of the car parks – the Martian – good movie)

and then with a last look at the wonderful architecture it was time to go.

We walked round to the front of the building and went down the steps

crossing the road we heard a honking car – it was favourite niece B, looking lovely, leaning on the window frame!  We had a quick shouted conversation till the lights changed and then we walked down through the park.  How lucky we are to have this wonderful place so close by.

At the foot of the hill was the Farmer’s Market where we bought stinging nettles (C has a yen to make ravioli with a nettle filling), spring greens,  golden beetroot and an enormous chicken. 

     And who should be serving behind a coffee stall but L – one of my first ever clerks in Wellington Street chambers!  We chatted and compared our grey hair (she has recently stopped dying hers). 

And then home for lunch in the garden.  A couple of dunnocks pottered around while we ate in the sunshine.

Oh and by the way, I’ve finished Beyond the Beehive!  More on that later.