D15, #100WorkingDays Independence

 A benefit of a London childhood was the access to a whole variety of museums. An early treat was the transport museum at Clapham. It was the home of Mallard, parts of the Royal Train as well as early buses. It was free and based in what was an old tram and bus depot. The visit was usually twinned with a visit to a nearby opticians as from an early age I’ve needed glasses. We would take the tube to Clapham Common and walk round the corner. As hinted earlier railways were an interest so you can imagine the great pleasure I got.

Eventually the collection was dispersed between York, the London Transport, and Science museums. The easy access to trains and underground’s meant I could get to South Kensington and the glories there. One time I told mum I’d  be back for lunch, age about 9 or 10, and didn’t return until late afternoon. Poor mum describes hanging out of the window as she anxiously awaited my return. There was the Horniman museum too, as well as galleries. That I could roam at a young age was a privilege that seems unavailable now. It helped fuel my enjoyment of travel, and the independent air I have when walking through ‘Town’ - London that is.