please empty your brain below
I'm missing no. 7 - or a variation thereon.

Sarah | Homepage | 01.05.20 - 7:44 a.m. | #

The only one of these I've done - and regularly - over the years is no.8 and DG's formerly-local Whippendell Woods (Croxley) are within walking distance. They were particularly lovely in last weekend's sunshine and we'll be returning tomorrow for a second go. That Hastings festival sounds like a diary date for next year though.

Graham | 01.05.20 - 8:06 a.m. | #

Judging by the number of households present and multitude of pictures being taken I don't think I'm giving away a local secret, but Wanstead Park bluebells are spectacular for London. I was about to suggest a wander dg before calculating a nine mile round trip may be pushing it for daily exercise to a minor spectacle.

Michael T | 01.05.20 - 8:07 a.m. | #

When I woke up this morning and read your excellent blog I was pleasantly surprised to see a picture of the Fowler's troop in Deptford as it brought back poignant memories of my mate Geoff who sadly passed away last September.

He's the one in the green top playing the accordian.

Graeme | 01.05.20 - 8:15 a.m. | #

I discovered the amazing display of bluebells in Wanstead Park last year for the first time. I was planning a return trip ..... but that’s not going to happen now. Maybe in 2021 ....

Neesi | 01.05.20 - 8:32 a.m. | #

Happy May Day to you, DG and all your readers! 😉 . . . - - - . . .

Jo W | 01.05.20 - 8:32 a.m. | #

Just back from our daily early morning walk which included bluebell wood. They are though starting to finish their display now.

Richard | 01.05.20 - 8:44 a.m. | #

Happy May Day too, DG and everyone. You could try Bluebelling around Bow instead as there seem to be a quite a number of small churchyards, parks and other spaces around. St Leonard's Priory might be a good place to start, but Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is probably the best location in the immediate area.

Isin | 01.05.20 - 8:58 a.m. | #

And not forgetting that May 1st is International Workers' Day, with parades to commemorate and demonstrate normally taking place on this day around the world. UK governments have never been keen on a May bank holiday, only introducing it in 1978, and then not on the actual day, and the recent coalition government proposed scrapping it for a new bank holiday in October.

ActonMan | 01.05.20 - 9:31 a.m. | #

Hi-viz jackets but no hard hats?

Has Croxley Green got its approach to Elf 'n Safety somewhat jumbled?

Or is it part of the general madness of the moment?

dg sighs: They're Brownies.

Temp | 01.05.20 - 10:08 a.m. | #

Dang! No photo of DG maypole-dancing. That Croxley Green photo must be 1990 at the earliest judging by the Brownie uniforms.

Bluebells out in South Bucks were at their best several weeks ago, which seems very early.

Andrew S | 01.05.20 - 10:41 a.m. | #

They were filming an episode of The Apprentice at last year's Canalway Cavalcade which rather took over some of the atmosphere. They were flogging (disgusting) ice lollies.

Anon | 01.05.20 - 10:50 a.m. | #

An annual tradition of mine is to watch the video for Men Without Hats "Safety Dance", for all your Maypole dancing requirements met:
https://youtu.be/T7hHx7gdN68

Geofftech | 01.05.20 - 11:29 a.m. | #

hahaha ... because alcohol makes any tradition better

Caz | 01.05.20 - 11:47 a.m. | #

Your photo of the bluebells DG brings back wonderful memories of one of my favourite walks that I did about this time last year. Berkhamsted to Tring via the Ashridge Estate, Ivinghoe Beacon and back along The Ridgeway to Tring Station.

Happy days, maybe next year.

Richard | 01.05.20 - 12:13 p.m. | #

Still waiting for the bluebells here in upper Swaledale. Unusually they are not a woodland plant up here, growing en-masse on sunny upper slopes.

Putters | 01.05.20 - 12:18 p.m. | #

A quick search finds loads of 'how to celebrate Beltane...like this.

Some of us have been out to open the gate for the faeries...

B | 01.05.20 - 1:28 p.m. | #

Bluebells were still in full bloom in Symondshyde Great Wood last weekend (and before) but probably just past their best. Fortunately within a reasonable walk from home. Many butterflies too: orange tip, peacock, tortoisehell, speckled wood, etc.

Andrew | 01.05.20 - 1:35 p.m. | #

Beltane Blessings one and all!
My day of (solitary) celebrating is just coming to an end now.

I think I'm going to miss the Morris Dancers at our local May Day Fair the most this year.

Cornish Cockney | 01.05.20 - 5:09 p.m. | #

There's also the modern tradition of putting a brick through Maccy D's window and reupholstering Winston Churchill's head with turf before getting kettled in Oxford Circus.

Matt | 01.05.20 - 6:57 p.m. | #











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