Weir

Despite its relatively small size, Ham has several iconoclastic views, such as across Ham Common towards the pond and the approach to Ham House from the river. Another famous view is this one of the Thames as it curls past the weir at Teddington towards Kingston.

Battered boat

The number of boats moored upstream of Teddington Lock seems to be growing steadily, though many seem to be avoiding the new official moorings just by the locks. This one is at the southern end of Ham and looks to have come here to die peacefully.

Sprawling tree

The sunlight, when it can be bothered to come out to play, is often dramatic at this time of the year as it hangs low but bright in the sky like a shy girl at a party who cannot hide her beauty. The light has pulled and stretched this tree in all directions until it fills the sky.

Lock Jumps Club

I've been a fan of the increasingly brutal BMX course by Teddington Lock for years (you can look up the earlier posts yourself) and have watched its growth with interest. The latest development is this bold sign proudly claiming the course for the Lock Jumps Club.

Under the bridge

The recentish additions to Teddington Footbridge try to blend in with the nearby trees in Ham Lands but the rustic look is somewhat spoilt by the crude nature of the construction which is exposed as you walk underneath it. The bridge is functional but with little beauty, like most film music.

Sunny tree

The winter sun is weak and hangs low in the sky as it prepares to bed down for the night but this tree works hard to claim as much of the remaining light as it can.

A closer look at Ormeley Lodge

In some ways Ormeley Lodge is no more grand or impressive than many of the other lodges in the area but what edges it towards the top of the league, if not to the top spot, is the contrasting red brick that warms the front of the house.

Reflections

Another hidden corner of Ham is that section of Ham Common Woods that lies north of Ham Gate Avenue and is bounded by Richmond Park and Richmond Golf Club. Here a pool of still water mirrors the trees and bushes that surround it.

Cowper Road

Cowper Road is the first cousin to its next door neighbour Beard Road and the family resemblance is obvious; both have short rows of attractive houses with plenty of open space between them. It is that that qualifies them both to make the proud claim of being in Ham.