Lower Marsh, London SE1
Historic Lower Marsh is a stone's throw from Waterloo Station. Built on former marshland, there has been a market on this street since the middle of the nineteenth century. Over the years I've watched it go through a number of changes, but many of its small independent shops, cafes and small eateries remain. One of my favourite things about Lower Marsh is the monthly event organised by Waterloo Classics. I love heading along to look at the beautiful vintage cars on display, and chatting to the owners about their prized possessions.
On one particularly memorable Saturday last year I got to chat with the owner of this stunning classic dragster, which he had touchingly named after his beloved grandmother.
Although the April 2020 event won't be taking place due to the current lockdown, there are some great videos and photos to enjoy in the meantime on the Waterloo Classics Car Club website. The club is also on Facebook and Instagram.
Speaking of classic cars, I took a trip through some of my photo albums over the years and uncovered some gems I hadn't looked at for some time....
Vintage car fair at Granary Square
Back in 2015 while taking a stroll along Regent's Canal on a gorgeous sunny day, I had the good fortune to stumble on a vintage car fair at Granary Square. It was a real feast for the eyes.
Monterey, California
In 2007 after arriving in Monterey during a trip through California, we went for a bite to eat in the evening. There just happened to be a classic car parade right outside our restaurant. The coincidental timing couldn't have been better.
En route through Deptford
While travelling on a bus in February this year I spotted this little Morris Minor parked on a main road. I love these cars and this one was in exceptional condition, with the added charm of a luggage rack complete with little suitcase on the back.
Dreaming of the classics
And my final thought around cars is that I like to dream a little from time to time. If I was to pick my top favourite classics for a collection, I would choose these: the Karmann Ghia (for its beautiful curves), the Volkswagen Type 3 (in bright yellow like the one my grandparents owned), a Mini 850 (my first ever car, bought for me by my parents) and, of course, a Volkswagen Split Screen campervan (also in my grandparents' collection and a much-loved travelling companion, as can be seen from the photos below).
Blog copyright Barbara Grehs Published on 1 April 2020
Comments