For N.’s patience, thanks. And thanks to all for reading and supporting my efforts through last year. Here are some 0f my favourite pictures to wish you the best 2024 possible.
January 2023
RobinFather Thames
February
Black-headed gullThrough leafless branches to misty Vauxhall Bridge
March
A cohort of cormorants Bateaux London’s SYMPHONY now awaiting her fate
April
Painting for pleasure in Victoria Tower GardensA flowering ornamental cherry in Victoria Tower Gardens
May
Dunkirk “Little Ship” MARGO II passing the National Covid Memorial Wall Lambeth ReachLE BELLOT passing through Tower Birdge
June
CPBS workboat WATCHDOGThe Red Arrows flying past the Victoria Tower in honour of HM King Charles III’s official birthday
July
Thames Marine Services’ bunker barge GOSSOThames Police launch TIM RUPRECHT
August
Tower RNLI’s Lifeboat HEARN MEDICINE CHESTLFB Fire Rescue boat TANNER on a test run
September
Meditation on the foreshorePort of London vessel LAMBETH
October
Cory tug REDOUBT towing barges Severn and MerseyCharles Barry’s lamps on Westminster Bridge
November
Low sunlight in Victoria Tower Gardens The Tide Gauge by Westminster Bridge
December
Heading home with LFB Fire Rescue vessel ERRINGTONSouthwark Bridge and The Shard
2023 had laughter and sadness but the absolute highlight has been our memorable trip along the central London Thames with Matt and the crew of Fire Boat ERRINGTON. So thank you again to them for their hospitality, thoughtfulness, and sense of fun.
To be sung, allowing for some eccentric scansion, to the traditional tune of the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’.
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me an angel gull in a plane tree.
Two cormorants
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Three ducks: two Mallard and *friend*
On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Four juvenile crows
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Five greylag geese
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me five greylag geese, four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
The six St. James’s Park pelicans
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me six preening pelicans, five greylag geese, four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Seven Canada Geese
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me seven geese a-cruising, six preening pelicans, five greylag geese, four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Eight black-headed gulls
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me eight gulls a-gliding, seven geese a-cruising, six preening pelicans, five greylag geese, four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Nine pebble-coloured pigeons
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me nine pigeons pecking, eight gulls a-gliding, seven geese a-cruising, six preening pelicans, five greylag geese, four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Ten coots
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me ten coots a-crying, nine pigeons pecking, eight gulls a-gliding, seven geese a-cruising, six preening pelicans, five greylag geese, four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Eleven flying swans
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me eleven swans a-flying, ten coots a-crying, nine pigeons pecking, eight gulls a-floating, seven geese a-cruising, six preening pelicans, five greylag geese, four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
Flock of pigeons
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me a flock of fluttering feathers, eleven swans a-flying, ten coots a-crying, nine pigeons pecking, eight gulls a-floating, seven geese a-cruising, six preening pelicans, five greylag geese, four crafty crows, three Mallard ducks, two cor-mor-ants and an angel gull in a plane tree.
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Thank you for your company. Wishing you all a happy Christmas and the best year 2024 possible.
