A crepuscular walk from Victoria to Betterton Street

Yesterday was one of the coldest days so far this winter, and I was off to London to the Poetry Society AGM and Trustee meeting. In my new comfortable boots and a warm coat, I had plenty of time to walk from Victoria station to the Poetry Society head office in Covent Garden. It was twilight, and even having to elbow my way through crowds of commuters and tourists didn’t spoil my upbeat mood. When London looks as beautiful as this, I’m feel lucky to say it’s the city of my birth.

After the business part of the meeting, we were treated to some short readings by AV Bridgewood, Leena Tageldin and Sarah Howe. The first two were new names to me but clearly going places, and Sarah (who read from her new TS Eliot-shortlisted book Foretokens) is always a joy to listen to.

Even the journey home was strangely easy – a short walk back through the pedestrian-friendly backend of Covent Garden, a hop straight onto a number 38 bus and smoothly onto a 21.24 train out of Victoria, which left and arrived on time and was three-quarters empty. why isn’t every trip to London this chilled?!