CHOIR EXCURSION - LONDON
By K. H.
On Monday, September 21st, the members the Parish Church choir, accompanied by a number of friends, left Badsey soon after five in the morning for the Franco-British Exhibition, and reached Paddington a little before nine. On arrival there the party divided, the men visiting Covent Garden, St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, and other places of interest, and making their way to the White City in the afternoon. The boys, with the Vicar, Mr. Binyon, and Mr. Moisey, proceeded at once to Shepherd's Bush by train, with a view to devoting the whole day to the Exhibition.
To all who saw the White City for the first time it must have been a revelation, for nothing of the kind more beautiful or imposing could well be imagined. The stately buildings with their fretted work and pinnacles, the water winding gracefully in and out between them, the motor-boats gliding noiselessly by, the exquisite gardens laid out by such firms as Sutton and Carter, all combined to produce a wonderful effect. And yet, beautiful as was the scene by day, it was, if possible, still more wonderful by night when the whole 'city' was brilliantly illuminated, and the glass steps of the cascade in the Court of Honour were lit up from behind by coloured lights which imparted their ever, changing hues to the failing water. In the different 'palaces' the chief products of Great Britain, France, and the Colonies were shown to advantage, and the attendants were all most courteous in supplying information and answering questions. Those who have visited the White City know how utterly impossible it is to see everything in one day, but the Badsey boys saw about as much of the general exhibits as was possible with a thirteen-hour time limit, in addition to treating themselves to many of the side shows, such as the scenic railway, the various 'villages' and the firework display in the Stadium.
The 'flip-flap' was admired, but not patronised although strongly recommended by the authorities as a 'pick-me-up,' which it certainly is in one sense and may be, of course, in another. Lyons' Popular Cafe, where the catering is both, cheap and good, provided liberally for the wants of the inner man. A move was made for home about 10.45 p.m., Mr. Binyon organising a march from Shepherd's Bush to Paddington, 'just to keep the boys awake.' All arrived in good time for the train, and, leaving Paddington soon after mid-night, the party reached Badsey at 3.10, little the worse for having, once in a way, turned night into day. Through the courtesy of the Great Western Railway Company carriages were reserved and the excursion was stopped at Badsey both on the outward and return journey, while the boys were gratuitously driven to and from the station by Mr. Wilkins and Mr. G. Marshall. It should be added that Mr. Binyon, whose help on such occasions is simply indispensable, accompanied the Vicar at very great personal inconvenience.