171 Dukes Avenue

I have two reasons for featuring 171 Dukes Avenue and was almost tempted to spread them over two posts.

The first is the house number on the front porch which looks old enough to be original, though I have not noticed any others (yet). It is just a shame that the white clip obscures part of it.

Close to the porch is a stylish heritage style street light, the sort that has been the subject of discussion recently in relation to conservation areas. The owner here has the right idea, if you like the lamps then get one for yourself and do not rely on the Council to get one for you.

Lost post

Possibly the most rural walk through Ham Lands is between Ham House and Petersham and Ham Sea Scouts, between the river and Ham Polo, and the rustic stiles like this one enhance that rural feeling. 

But I went there to take a photo of the post leaning against it.

 

A closer look shows that this is a way post for three routes that run nowhere near here. The most obvious clue is the top one which is for Hogsmill Valley Walk and I hope that everyone knows that the Hogsmill flows through the centre of Kingston upon Thames.

I am indebted to Clare Wadd, Ramblers Inner London Chair, for spotting this one.

Clean trees

These trees, in the grounds of St Richard's CE Primary School, have been neatly pruned ready for this year's growing season. This is basic good housekeeping to reduce the risk of branches falling off or the trees being blown over.

A lot of white

The end house of this distinctive terrace in Lock Road is having a bit of work done and that includes a lot of white. The visually striking, perhaps too much so, white walls have the biggest impact closely followed by the front door now shorn of its porch. 

March flowers

Troughs like this have been added across the area in recent years to boost Ham in various In Bloom competitions and they have played their part in Ham's success. It is early in the year, and some way from competition time, and some of the troughs are looking a little tired, however the one by Hazel Lane is exceptionally pretty. It was worth crossing the road to walk past it.

Work starts at 189 Petersham Road

Somehow 189 Petersham Road acquired two garages protruding from the front of the house but now this is being rectified by a scheme which, so it appears from the plans, makes the house significantly bigger without changing its roadside appearance greatly. We will see.

Freddie Mercury is safe

Seals make an appearance from time to time and they always create much interest in the local community. The staff at Teddington Lock (closed because of covid-19) are helpfully keeping visitors informed.

Taking a different path

I have been checking on some of the small paths that run behind and between the houses in the areas of social housing and these two connect Sheridan Road to Murray Road and Mowbray Road to Lovell Road.

They are both in good condition and easy to pass along, i.e. no obstructions.

 

They both also turn at right angles once they have got between the houses so that you have to take a leap of faith that they then continue to the next road.

This is not a formality as two of the paths leading from Mowbray Road lead to dead-ends.

51 Lauderdale Road

I love clear house number signs and the sign at 51 Lauderdale Road is certainly that. The arrow is nice additional touch and make s simple sign something worth noticing.