From a vague recollection, after 12 of us young students had attended an archaeological dig at what is now the city of Milton Keynes but was then farmland in a place known as "Willen", some of us decided to have a small reunion before starting degree courses.
Naomi and Kitty lived in North London (Islington?) but I had an old car at the time so we agreed to meet at Kenwood.
Driving through London in C21 is expensive these days with the congestion charge now being £15, so mrs maytrees and I decided to try public transport for our visit on Sunday.
Quite a complicated journey, covering train from Wimbledon to Waterloo Station, then Northern Line Tube to Golders Green thence by bus to Kenwood. Interestingly the journey length and complications, probably explain why neither of two local Wimbledon friends I spoke to after the trip, had been there since they were married.
However the weather was glorious and Kenwood, which comprises an huge estate, was a delight to wander through.
Interestingly, from looking at a 'save Kenwood' 1930s advertisement outside the dining rooms, it seems that the trustees were at that time seeking to raise £300,000 to save the estate. Thankfully, the fund raising must have been successful then. Probably £ms would be required for such an exercise today.
Having looked at the menu on offer outside the dining room, we decided that the traditional Sunday lunch available (roast beef, Yorkhire pudding and heaps of vegetables) would be a tasty and good value meal and so it proved. Our meal was especially enjoyable outside in the sunshine.
Additionally, Kenwood had a good second hand book shop, plant sales, ice cream stalls and was excellent for walks.
Clearly, the estate is popular with people from North London but the size of the estate made wandering through most enjoyable without any feeling of being overwhemed by crowds of people.
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