Little Airships past 6 days

**Hamish** · 28th December 08, 09:22 AM

Oh dear! Derek, I already feel guilty enough without you keep rubbing it in!! I believe I might be the reason (or one of them) why your visit to London did not quite work out as you had hoped and, if this is so, I apologise - yet again.

I would have LOVED to have been with you all to accompany the "little airship" on this adventure but, alas, it was not possible as I had to remain in West Sussex.

You done the wee laddie proud though - so many Capital sights in so few hours.

For the benefit of those not "in the know", Derek's photos of 'Floris', at 89 Jermyn Street in London's West End, show the HQ premises belonging to the United Kingdom's oldest Perfumery business - founded in 1730 and still in the private hands of the same family, eight generations later. It was here, in 1966 that I joined the Company as Retail Manager, a year later was promoted to General Manager and from where I retired 36 years later having been Export Director for eleven years. This is not the place to dwell on the illustrious and fascinating clientelle I got to know or simply met whilst there - Royalty, Stars of stage and screen, Politicians, you name it, and some are still friends of mine. Another time, folks. Another time!

Thanks Derek for the truly amazing adventures you are giving our little friend from California - whoever follows you as host will surely not be able to compete in any way!

Take care,
Ham.

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 09:24 AM

Paulhenry ... I so soz ... I am sure you will see the airship soon though .. it bin all one mad mad rush ..

Then the airship wanted to phone Panache ... but he was engaged

Then it was Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament

Close up of Big Ben

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 09:31 AM

Then we took to the tube again

On coming back up the escolater to the street again these two were taking a pic of 'up me cilt'

In return I asked them to say hello to the airship

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 09:39 AM

Then it was Covent Gardens

The Tobacco and Pipe Shop in Covent Gardens

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 09:52 AM

Then we took a break in a holstery that Ham and us have visited together several times ... a name with a touch of home

The Little Airship chose the Winter Warmer

This is an old pic on the wall of Old Covent Gardens Market

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 09:56 AM

Then we headed for Leicester Sq

Leicester Sq at Christmas

Even the trees are lit up

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 10:01 AM

Then Regent St and Oxford St

It was getting late so we headed back close to the station and had something to eat

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 10:07 AM

Then we headed for the station

The airship leading the way

Since it was the day before Christmas Eve there were a lot of people all heading to be back home

The airship soon worked out our route and times at the station

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 10:15 AM

We arrived at our train

The train was full ... by the time we got to Reading it was standing throughout

Then we were back home

And in a cab on our home and too bed

**Derek** · 28th December 08, 10:22 AM

Next day was Christmas Eve
This was not long after it got light on my way back from the shop .. the Church is at the back of our cottage

Every Christmas eve we have an open house for our friends who can come with mulled wine and mince pies before the annual childrens carol concert by candle light at 5pm .. the airship wasnt going to miss out