England

I always assumed that St George's Gardens was the graveyard of a long-demolished church, but the other day I actually read the info board at the entrance and it is much more interesting.The site one of the first cemeteries to be located not round a church but in remote fields. London churches could no longer afford the luxury of extensive churchyards, and the dangers to health of crowded graves in the crowded city had become apparent.The land was bought in 1713 to serve two churches, St George Queen Square and St George Bloomsbury, the latter yet to be built. It was some time before the idea of being buried away from the protection of the church took off, and matters cannot have been helped by the cemetery being the site of the very first case of bodysnatching for anatomists, in 1777.Eventually, the cemetery filled and in 1855 it was closed. Thirty years later it was turned into the gardens we see today.This terracotta statue is much later and interesting in itself. Dating from 1898, it was part of a set representing the nine muses that used to stand on the Apollo Inn in Tottenham Court Road. The pub was demolished in 1961 for an extension to Heals, the department store. Ambrose Heal presented this one, Euterpe, the Muse of Instrumental Music, to the borough who placed it in the gardens.Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, the architectural historian, got rather peeved about the demolition as he had only just gone to the trouble of researching the Apollo for his famous guide. He more or less forced Heal to sell him the statue of Clio, Muse of History, for the knock-down price of a fiver and put it up in his garden in Hampstead.

Ten highs and lows in the memorable career of David Beckham. Check in to PSG vs Brest Goal from half-way line against Wimbledon Promising Manchester United youngster David Beckham announces himself to the world with a superb lob from the half way line over Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan on the opening day of the 1996/97 season. The 21-year-old went on to establish himself as a regular in the United side that year, helping them to the Premier League title and winning PFA Young Player of the Year. His excellent strike against Wimbledon is still regarded as one of the best ever goals scored in the Premier League and has been voted number 18 in a list of 100 Greatest Sporting Moments. His excellent technique and eye for goal with his right foot would go on to be one of the most defining qualities of his career. He was one of many exciting young players coming through at United at that point, alongside the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers, though it didn't take long for him to stand out as something special and unique altogether. Red card in 1998 World Cup Beckham's fine form for United soon led to him being an England regular, but he made himself unpopular with the England fans after lashing out at Argentina's Diego Simeone and getting himself a red card. Glen Hoddle's side went on to lose on penalties, with Beckham taking a large share of the blame for the defeat due to his moment of madness. There was speculation following this incident that he would leave Manchester United for a move abroad, but he decided to stay, despite often being booed by fans at Premier League opposition grounds around the country. Treble win with Manchester United David Beckham was back to his best the following season, and formed an important part of the United side that won an historic treble in 1999. He scored an important goal in the team's FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal, and also an equaliser against Tottenham that helped United on their way to winning the league, but crucially, it was his two corner kicks that led to two stoppage time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to turn the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on its head and seal the treble. He had still not quite earned forgiveness from a section of England supporters at this stage, but he was soon named captain of the national side and things started to turn in his favour. He would hold this role as national team skipper until 2006. Free kick against Greece As well as his incredible goal against Wimbledon, this last-minute free kick against Greece to send England to the 2002 World Cup is one of the goals of his career. With England trailing 2-1 at home to Greece and needing a point to secure qualification for the World Cup in Korea and Japan, the England captain stepped up under huge pressure and won over the country's fans with a superb curling free kick. Shortly afterwards, he was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2001. He also finished runner-up to Portugal's Luís Figo for the FIFA World Player of the Year award. Penalty against Argentina A fine moment in Beckham's career as he finds redemption for his red card four years earlier, driving home a penalty and winning goal in England's 1-0 win over Argentina in the 2002 World Cup group stages. This goal also meant that their rivals were condemned to a shock early exit from the competition. The England captain generally impresses during the tournament, though his side are eliminated in a close game at the quarter-final stage, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil. Fall-out with Ferguson Beckham's long stay at Old Trafford looked under threat following a high-profile falling out with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The England captain bore the brunt of Fergie's aggression after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup, with the United boss allegedly kicking a boot at Beckham and leaving him with a cut above his left eye. Beckham later

The big-name deals that the Emirates Stadium side have apparently already been agreed. Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal Stevan Jovetic Among a host of deals that have apparently already been agreed it is perhaps a move to bring Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic to the Emirates Stadium that has garnered the most attention. A number of sources have quoted this as a 'Done Deal' with the Metro among a host of sources claiming that the 23 year old has all but completed his long awaited move to join the North London club. A move for the Serie A striker will apparently cost Arsenal around £20m, though Fiorentina are said to be keen to haggle towards £25m. Jovetic has scored 12 Serie A goals thus far this season but has managed just one in his last ten top tier appearances, which could suggest that his mind has been on other matters. Vincenzo Montella already has a replacement for the youngster with Giuseppe Rossi ready to fill the potential void. Gonzalo Higuain The Real Madrid man is said to have agreed terms on a move to Arsenal with Arsene Wenger ready to meet the Bernabeu side's valuation, so say Spanish source Sport.es, a deal then confirmed by the Daily Express. The North London club will stump up €22m (£18.6m) for the 25 year old and the Bernabeu striker has agreed terms on a five year contract with the Emirates Stadium side and therefore one would imagine this deal is all but done, at least according to this source. Thus far this season the former River Plate man has been handed just 17 La Liga starts but has still managed to net 14 goals in Spain's top tier. The French born striker moved to Real Madrid in December 2006 and has racked up 119 goals in 262 appearances for the Spanish giants. Moves to bring in the pair would appear to leave the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Park Chu-Young, Marouane Chamakh and potentially even Gervinho and Lukas Podolski wondering about their respective Arsenal careers. Julio Cesar The Brazilian is apparently set to sign for Arsenal with the Daily Mirror claiming that a move to the Emirates Stadium was the 'most likely' for the 33 year old with a deal 'expected' to be completed in the coming days. Loftus Road owner Tony Fernandes is so keen to have Cesar's £70k a week salary wiped off the balance sheet that he's willing to let the former Inter Milan man leave on a free transfer. Arsene Wenger may well feel the need to bring in a new custodian as Wojciech Szczesny has been less than assured between the sticks this term and Lukasz Fabianski is still to convince the Gunners boss of his worth as a first choice starter. Despite QPR's relegation Cesar has been a relatively successful signing for the West London side, notably keeping two clean sheets in fixtures against Chelsea. Prior to his move to the Premier League Cesar spent seven seasons at the San Siro, during which time he made 300 appearances and won five Serie A titles and a Champions League winners medal. Yaya Sanogo French source RMC stated that Arsenal have agreed terms on a pre-contract deal to sign Auxerre youngster Yaya Sanogo, this was then reported by the Metro. The 20 year old has told his Ligue 2 side he wants to leave and is out of contract in matter of weeks and Arsenal will apparently fork out around £300k in the form of 'training' compensation to sign the in-form striker. The 20-year-old has attracted a lot of attention from several of Europe's big clubs following his prolific form for Ligue 2 side Auxerre, and at youth level for France, and it seems the Gunners have won the race for his signature. Sanogo's current contract with the French club expires in June, and he will be free to pen a four-year contract with Arsenal, making him the club's first signing of the summer. The youngster may not be the big name that many Arsenal fans are crying out for, and his recent record with injuries may also prove something of a concern, but manager Arsene Wenger has a good track record of unearthin

Incoming Chelsea boss wants Manchester City target. Check in to Chelsea vs Everton Incoming Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly lining up a summer swoop for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, according to The Express. 'The Special One' is largely tipped to take over at the West London club for a second spell this summer and rumour is he wants to pip Manchester City to the 29-year-old's signature. Interim boss Rafa Benitez yesterday suggested that the new gaffer would be given a £100 million transfer war chest this summer and De Rossi will be a high priority on a large list of potential new stars. According to Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport, Mourinho wants to secure the signature of experienced Italian international Daniele De Rossi for a fee of around £10m. Roma are thought to be willing to sanction the deal after a disappointing campaign for the 29-year-old despite spending the past 13 years of his career with the club. Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini had failed in a bid to bring De Rossi to England after he pledged his future to Roma, but Mourinho, who is reported to be a big fan of the all action midfielder, is convinced that he can twist his arm into making the switch to London. A bid of almost €12m (£10.13m) could be enough to secure De Rossi, who is likely to command a wage of nearly £100,000 a week.

Italian maestro not moving to the Premier League. Check in to Sampdoria vs Juventus Juventus star Andrea Pirlo has ruled out a switch to the Premier League but has hinted that he may be tempted to follow the path taken by his friend Alessandro Del Piero, according to talkSPORT. The 33-year-old became the player at the forefront of everyone's minds last summer after his impressive displays for Italy during Euro 2012, and he has moved to put an end to the speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League. The Juve man is considering his next move as he enters the twilight of his career and whilst he has admitted that England isn't an option he could be open to following in the footsteps of his former international teammate Alessandro Del Piero by moving overseas to draw an end to his playing days. "Never say never. When I get older I might make a choice like Del Piero did," he told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport. "In the past I have been on the verge of transfers abroad and I always thought it would be a positive experience." Del Piero also had offers from England but decided to move down under and see out his playing days with A League side Sydney FC.

Dortmund striker focussing on a strong finish. Check in to Borussia Dortmund vs 1899 Hoffenheim Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski has insisted that he will not be rushed into making a decision over his future, according to Sky Sports. The 24-year-old has become one of the most sought after stars in Europe this season following three successful campaigns with the Bundesliga side and has been a long standing target for Manchester United as well as being linked with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. However, he has remained quiet on the speculation and has insisted that at the moment he is only focussed on finishing the season well with Dortmund before taking on rivals Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on May 25th. "At this time I do not think about the transfer market or my future," he told Polish TV station TVN24. "There are still two games left this season with Borussia Dortmund and I want to win both. I will think about my future after those games and then make a decision." The Polish international has set the Bundesliga alight since joining Dortmund from Lech Poznan in 2010 by bagging 74 goals in 135 games but now seems set to be one of the number of high profile names to leave the side this summer.

London’s in a bout of craze for all things 20s: first the Great Gatsby ballet at Sadler’s Wells and now this. Hutch boasts sequinned dresses, feather boas, smoking, drinking and, of course, lots of singing. The musical follows the life and fame of Leslie Hutchinson, one of the biggest cabaret stars (and womanisers it transpires) of the 1920s and 30s. A favourite singer of the then Prince of Wales, he was regularly heard on the radio with such hits as These Foolish Things and Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love), and was a general darling of society. The play delivers these hits relentlessly, and concerns itself mainly with Hutch’s affair with a certain Edwina Mountbatten, as well as touching lightly on issues like struggles with his colour in a time of racial prejudice. However, the subject of the play demands a certain level of talent in singing and piano playing, and here the play is somewhat lacking. It is a bit underwhelming to be made to believe that performers of only moderate singing ability are the crème-de-la-crème of their time, and the piece also doesn’t run very naturally from dialogue to song (a number is often started with just: ‘Hey! Does anyone remember that song?’). The play smarts from trying to fit a dazzling, decade-long showbiz career along with several huge personalities onto a tiny stage; all the props and visuals are there, but the integral ingredient is missing. So yes, the piece is current in that it’s embracing the Gatsby uproar, but as a play to stand on its own two feet it doesn’t completely deliver. Go and see it though, if crooning love songs and histrionic lines are your thing; the audience was filled with those nodding along to their favourite golden oldies. Hutch is running now at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith until 8 June. Tickets are £17.50 (£15 concessions). For more information visit the Riverside Studios website. Londonist saw this show on a complimentary press ticket.

I’m no expert on bikes, but have to say that the eye-catching Brake Bikes make a nice addition to Blackheath’s high street. The business model is interesting – a kind of “pop-up shop” appearing outside various shops on the street – I’ve seen them at the hairdressers next to Strada, and Raffles the clothes shop. Wondering if a bike shop could be the next addition to the high street? Never ridden a “fixie” myself, unless you count a BMX (many years ago).

A round-up of Saturday's biggest transfer stories. Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal Jose Mourinho will make a controversial move to bring Manchester United target Cristiano Ronaldo with him if he rejoins Chelsea from Real Madrid this summer. Full story: Daily Mail. Arsenal are favourites to sign Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar when he leaves relegated Queens Park Rangers this summer. Full story: Daily Mirror. Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is a priority signing for Barcelona this summer as a replacement for the departing Victor Valdes. Full story: Daily Mirror. Fiorentina are preparing for life without Arsenal-bound Stevan Jovetic and are lining up moves for either Fernando Torres or Edin Dzeko. Full story: talkSPORT. Manchester City target Jesus Navas says he is open to a move away from Sevilla this summer. Full story: Daily Mirror. Rio Ferdinand is expected to put pen to paper on an extension to his contract with Manchester United. Full story: Sky Sports. Andreas Weimann is likely to stay in the Premier League next season after leaving Aston Villa, with Liverpool looking like his most likely destination. Full story: The Metro. The agent of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has dismissed speculation that his client could leave the club, despite links to Arsenal and Napoli. Full story: Sky Sports. Aston Villa will aim to fight off interest from West Ham in Brad Guzan by offering the goalkeeper a new contract and pay rise. Full story: Daily Star. Reading manager Nigel Adkins says the club are determined to hold on to highly-rated goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, despite his England call-up. Full story: Daily Star. Incoming Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned that he will bring strict discipline to the team if he joins from Malaga. Full story: The Sun. Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas wants the club to appoint a technical director to help them in the transfer market. Full story: The Guardian. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes his job at the club is now safe after helping the team avoid relegation this season. Full story: Daily Mirror. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says this is the worst season of his life after his side lost to rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey final. Full story: Sky Sports. Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs says he still has no plans of retiring, even as he approaches his 40th year. Full story: The Telegraph. Retiring Jamie Carragher says there's no chance of him taking a penalty this weekend in his final game for Liverpool! Full story: The Telegraph.

86 to Romford 2009-07-03 16:21:48 Flickr | Facebook page | Twitter | POSTCARD BOOK originally published on my old site 2011-06-17 09:23:55