On The Way To The Forum...

It was Thursday, but Bob was not doing visits at the Hospice- he was attending a special event at the new building, for staff, sponsors and volunteers. Amd there was little car parking space. So I dropped him off and went into the city. I had a couple of things to buy, so I parked in The Forum car park and dashed to the shops, both of which were closing at 5. I decided to have a walk and explore the "City of Stories" [ N is the first UNESCO designated city of literature]

I walked up past the Guildhall  [Grade 1 listed, 1407], along the side of City Hall [Grade 2 listed , 1938], and along the ancient street of St Giles. I bought a coffee and strolled along sipping from my Stojo cup. There is a junction towards the top, by St Giles Church. This summer some 'bookbenches' have been installed. They're superb - I sat down and ended up chatting to a lovely Hungarian woman, who teaches English - her husband works at UEA and they have just moved here.

Stacks of books, all by Norwich authors, arranged at just the right height for sitting and chatting. I walked to the end where the last building 

has a plaque saying it was formerly part of Norwich High School, and here Sir John Mills was educated.

Then back to the books, and across into Bethel Street [home of England's first purpose built lunatic asylum, 1713]

This street has some fantastic architecture - Tudor, Georgian, Art Deco, Mock Tudor... 

That amazing Mock Tudor building houses the Greenhouse Trust  an environmental charity. The wonderful brickwork and chimneys are at the end of Watts Court. I loved the little corner where a humble washing line and cheap BBQ nestle among the expensive, listed properties.

Walking up the street towards the Forum [built 2001] I passed the Bethel  and the South East Asia Collection . Then the old Fire Station [1932] - now housing the Isaac Newton 6th Form College - and next to it, the Police Station - which is part of City Hall.

Over one entrance are a pair of sculptures, a police helmet and a fire helmet. Further down the side of the building is the City Treasurer's Department [where my best friend Chris worked until her retirement] 

Over the door is the Norwich City Crest, flanked by two very Art Deco angels.

My walk was just about finished, I was back at the Forum. It was just after 6pm. The library was open till 7, so I went in and sat at one of the work tables, preparing a sermon for next week's Harvest Festival.

I am glad I spent time looking at the surrounding streets though. I feel I learned a lot more about my city - and I continue to be amazed by the history, and the people who lived here in days gone by. The Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trist has designated a dozen buildings The Norwich Twelve. I have visited eight of them in my lifetime - but some not for nearly half a century. I must check them all out again properly now I am retired and have so much spare time [!]

In case you wondered about the title, it is from a comedy musical written by Stephen Sondheim, sixty years ago. A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Mostly forgotten now, apart from the opening number. It was on Broadway then made into a film, with an excellent cast. Here's the song in question...