Newsies Jnr and the Richmond Ramble

It was the morning of the show and a hectic one at that. T had to get to Torandot, A had to get to Roehampton and F had to revise.

I was allocated with the task of getting A to her rehearsal on time. I was not looking forward to driving through the typically chocca block Wandsworth Town on a Saturday morning. After heavy traffic on route and what seemed like a ridiculously large number of road works and temporary lights, we somehow made the drop at 09:30 on the dot. 

The location was a school in the edge of one of the biggest post war council estates in London - the Alton estate (built in the 50s). After some initial struggle finding the entrance, the Stagecoach signs came into to view and off A went with a skip and a jump holding hands with one of her friends as she went in. With a sign of relief at not having stuffed up the drop, I had some time on my hands before the show. 

As we had been here many times before, I knew what I wanted to do - a ramble into Richmond via the beautiful Richmond Park which was literally round the corner from the school.

Off I set in the Spring sunshine through the park, setting my watch to record my stats, and ensuring I stuck to my new healthy lifestyle to improve my VO2Max.

After 30min (2.94km), the brisk walk across the park (approx 10mins per km), taking in the ever present deer and throngs of cyclists, was complete. 

As I walked towards the main high street, I was amazed by the views from Richmond Terrace on to the Thames.

Turner even sketched this amazing scene in 1838

As I approached the high street, the same set of uniform shops you expect to find in any high street. AG, who is a big fan of the Apple Series Ted Lasso, likes to come here to revisit scenes from the show (I can think of better things to do with my time;)

Time was getting short before the show, I had time for one more stop - Petersham Nurseries. This is a regular place for the family when we want a short easy countryside like excursion - set just off Richmond Park and the Thames, this popular lunch and tea spot feels very remote.

After a quick pit stop here, the time was approaching for the big show….NewsiesJnr, I was sure A would do us proud. Off I strode back across Richmond Park at breakneck speed….I had only 30mins!

With 5mins to spare, the views of the Roehampton tower blocks came into view. I had just about made it. My wife came into view as I arrived. She was still in a snaking queue of excited parents all expectant that their child to be the star of the show. 

What a show it was, and of course A was the star! Amazing singing, dancing and of course acting, the story in a nutshell being about a media mogul trying to get a strangle hold on all newspaper printing in New York, with the Newspaper sellers protesting and eventually getting the better of him. Definitely a Disney play with an unrealistic happy end, and the powerless winning their battle against the powerful (cynical). 

It was a great way to end the Richmond Ramble on this most beautiful of afternoons.

The taxi service was not over, T still needed picking up from Turandot and F’s papers still needed marking. It never ends!