Thames Bridges Walk
On Sunday the 15th of October, one half of Fieldfishers Industrial Disease team set off once again to tour eight of the most majestic bridges the capital has to offer in support of our friends at HASAG.
The weather did not disappoint and despite the chill we enjoyed a day of glorious sunshine. HASAG had set all participants a quiz based on the prescribed route which kept us all very busy indeed as we hunted down various plaques and statues.
We began our trek bright and early in Westminster opposite the magnificent Westminster Abbey and under the watchful eye of Big Ben.
Here we set off across Westminster Bridge - our first bridge of the day! We passed the old GLC building, now a glamorous hotel and wondered into the Courtyard but there was no time to spare for a cup of tea just yet!
We then set off towards the Golden Jubilee Bridges and took in the views of the London Eye.
As we headed towards Victoria Embankment Gardens, a quick coffee and pastry stop was a must.
We then passed Shell Mex House, former headquarters of Shell and home to the UK's biggest outdoor clock! and then approached our third bridge, Waterloo bridge. Andrew (City tour guide in the making) educated us all on the history of the famous bridge, rebuilt almost entirely by women in 1939 as the men were drafted off to war.
Then onto bridge number four – Blackfriars bridge. Feeling rather thirsty, we popped into the grade II listed pub the Black Friar and marvelled at the beautiful medieval interior/price of a pint of beer in a London Pub!
Thirsts quenched and batteries slightly recharged it was time to continue our trek across the Thames. We arrived at Ludgate Circus and passed below the extraordinary St Pauls Cathedral, where some of the team stopped off for a bite to eat.
Halfway done, it was time to power on across Millennium Bridge and resist all temptations to wonder around the Tate! We then crossed Southwark Bridge, our sixth Bridge, and gazed up at the Monument, built to commemorate the great fire of London. We then descended down the Thames path to enjoy the river views.
We then proceeded back down to Monument and onto London Bridge. For some, the temptations of delicious treats of Borough Market were just too hard to resist and so a well-deserved fish and chips was in order.
Appetites satisfied; it was time to head towards the grand finale - Tower Bridge – passing the equally impressive HMS Belfast on our way.
Phew, eight bridges and 29 questions answered, our Thames Bridges Trek was complete! We headed onto Leo's bar in the Leonardo Hotel for more well-earned drinks and the answers to our quiz. All in all, a fantastic day.
Team HASAG exceeded their target of £1,000, raising an impressive £1,230! A very well done to all who took part. Funds raised will go towards helping those diagnosed with an asbestos related disease and their families.