Today, Old Twelfth Night 19 January 2013, there will be wassailing the apple trees in the Old Orchard behind the Ferry Boat Inn in Ferry Lane N17 9N just east of Tottenham Lock.
Weather permitting morris dancing is planned from 6pm. The organisers say: “Children very welcome! Wear warm clothing, and bring hooters, pots & pans, drums etc.”
This could be a new Lea Valley custom. It might be short notice but it’s good to see the orchard being recognised.
The Fish & Eels at Dobb’s Weir, downstream of Rye House, has been closed today.
The waterside inn is having a refurbishment and will reopen at noon on Thursday 22 November.
King Harold’s Day at Waltham Abbey is on Saturday 13 October.
This is the eve of Harold’s death at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066.
The last Saxon king is buried at Waltham Abbey where he had prayed between the Battles of Stamford Bridge and Hastings. It has been suggested that the coffin was brought here as late as the following January.
Anniversary activities will include medieval re-enactments, falconry, archery and a craft fair. The procession down Sun Street to the Abbey is at 12 noon.
King Harold Day is in Waltham Abbey Gardens from 10am to 4pm; admission £3 (conc £2; child free).
A bridge will span the dock entrance
- The gate was unlocked for the day
My Open House visit choice on Saturday was Cody Dock on the River Lea, downstream of Three Mills.
This was my first visit although I had often looked through the locked gate at the dock entrance. It’s at the end of an open riverside path running south from Twelvetrees Bridge.
The dock, built for a now closed gasworks, is in the hands of a charity which plans to open it as a working dock with community living and working. There will also be a visitor centre highlighting the riverside heritage.
For me the the best news is the intention to place a lifting bridge across the entrance to allow the Lea Valley Walk to continue down to its confluence with the Thames.
This is vital because a £32m extension planned by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation has been delayed.
The Dutch bridge could be in place for around £80,000 within a year.
Project promotor Simon Myers was an inspiration as he led parties around the site and along the existing path just waiting for the link.
£79,705 is needed and so far £4,251 has been raised. Simon is happy for people to give small amounts to signify support.
I have pledged just £5 to be part of the effort and urge all who wish to see the Lea Valley Walk completed to also ‘give a fiver’. The more who do so the better and the money will attract match funding.
Supporters include the actor David Suchet and singer Billy Bragg.
The Cody Dock website has full details.