Bird cafe

Spent the day helping out at RSPB Rainham Marshes, first time I've actually been there since it opened. New visitor centre very swish though it's a shame the architect didn't actually think about what it was and where when he specified the flooring. Pale quarry tiling throughout probably looked wonderful for the opening VIPs but given the mixture of clay and marsh being reguarly tramped through on people's boots it's hard to imagine anything more impractical. Anyway spent the morning in the cafe learning how to make proper capuchino etc and admiring what must be one of the best views within the M25. The visitor centre is built on stilts and has glass round 2 sides, so you can eat and drink while looking out over the Thames on one side and the newly restored marshland and pools on the other. The gallery is just at kestrel hovering height (one has made the cafe area his regular beat) and when the mist and rain descends as it did yesterday they play dvds of birds on the overhead screen. I really enjoyed it and can now make all kinds of coffee and froth as well as brushing up my grebes and warblers from the dvd. Will really have to go back though and actually do some bird watching!

Rainham Marshes

New Year goes off with a bang

Ventured into town for the fireworks last night, first time since millenium eve. Fantastic display and the wheel makes such a perfect backdrop. Some were fired off from the rim towards the centre of the eye and I loved the huge cloud effects of sparkling rain, and fiery circles and halos.
Mayor Ken isn't my favourite but fireworks - and buses - he can do!