In these disconcerting days of transitional Government, the streets of Westminster have been full of interest. Media everywhere, onlookers, security, police, helicopters, bookies, hustlers and even the odd politician. I’ve been too busy to dawdle much, but got a few snaps for the record.

George Osborne strides away from a TV interview on the day the election was announced

For streets around the satellite vans hunch together and spew coffee-wielding technicians

The BBC built an enormous temporary studio on The Green, where once a crew of two would do

View from the inside as Huw Edwards holds forth

So who did you vote for: Carr, Mitchell or Brooker?

Photographers await the exit from court of accused politicians

Mild mayhem at Westminster Magistrates Court, as 3 MPs and a Lord sit inside denying charges of theft by false accounting. Outside, photographers, protestors and police jostle for their rightful position in the unfolding drama.

Meanwhile, a passerby takes a shot for the record, and his day is made by the friendly chap in the foreground looking right down the lens. Thanks!

Avian elevenses

A chilly day. The pigeon-chasing sparrowhawk of Trafalgar Square takes a break with a meaty snack. He had his eye on the perch of my North Road bars, but the falconer was having none of it.

South African president Jacob Zuma visits London this week, so the Mall and Horse Guards are awash with the national flag. I couldn’t help notice this ceremonial stage looks like a hastily-built petrol station, hardly regal dimensions are they?

A 99 once you’ve filled up please

]]> http://www.guvnorownersclub.com/founders-notes/noted/royal-petroleum/feed/ 2 http://www.guvnorownersclub.com/founders-notes/noted/the-phantom-of-north-london/ http://www.guvnorownersclub.com/founders-notes/noted/the-phantom-of-north-london/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:01:53 +0000 James http://www.guvnorownersclub.com/?p=836

Last year I bumped into this gentleman riding a very rare Pashley Phantom Roadster. The chrome gleamed in the July sunshine and I pinched a quick snap on the move. This year our paths crossed again, and he took very kindly to being stopped and photographed in the street by a stranger on a Guvnor.

As you can see, the chrome gleams even on the dullest of February mornings. And to set it off, an outfit both elegant and practical. Thanks again Luke, see you around!

Riding through Trafalgar Square you see endless tatty promotions sullying the monumental environment. Product launches, art events, filming operations, giveaways; they all come with white van baggage, canvas hoardings, luminous tabards, glittery leaflets, and most annoyingly they often prevent visitors joyful clambering upon Landseer’s lions.

In December 2009, the London Ice Bear stood out. It just existed, and melted away, without clutter or imposition.

Final carving on the launch morning

Ursine glow in the evening

Four days later

Serious ice cream headache

Each morning I would roll the Guvnor up for a glance at progress, until we got a cold snap and the planet bear was temporarily saved…

The Ice Bear Project

Happy New Year!

A terrible snap, but I was on the move, using a phone camera in the rain…

Fox calmly waits and guards, Tufnell Park

Tufnell Park has a bit of a reputation for foxy bravura, stories of them biting children in their sleep and taunting cats, or simply playing in the garden. In season they make a LOT of noise at night.

Merry Christmas Mr Fox!

Every car in these pictures is black or silver, and is made by BMW or Mercedes. Every car has a 3 letter numberplate, and a country’s flag attached. Every car is driven by a uniformed chauffeur. Every car is here to remove a dignitary from the State Opening of Parliament, and I could only get this close to them on a bicycle.

Parked an inch apart, no way to even step between each

Chauffeurs gossip by a row of 6-doors

Of the most forgiveable kind.

Originally a great French butcher in London, now in their own words a hip eatery, the saving grace is of course the preservation of the original fixtures and fittings.

Chefs plan the day’s operations

And the use of a Pashley Delibike for local deliveries:

We certainly accept food delivered this way

Daily cycling near Buckingham Palace and Downing Street leads to regular encounters with motorcades. I always admire the no-nonsense approach of the motorcycle outrider, and they seem to enjoy whistling forcefully at me to stop. The whole experience is always over in 10 — 20 seconds, but this time I managed to get the phone out and take a snap.

Prince Charles on his way to Burberry headquarters

Just before the shutter closed, the future King glanced straight at the Guvnor, I swear!

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, stood waiting at the traffic lights in Trafalgar Square. He passed otherwise  unnoticed through the streets, I imagine by virtue of a) being alone, b) wearing a helmet and c) stopping at the lights.

He gave a friendly wave which is about to be performed here.

The politician’s commute, mildly hindered by the electorate

See Transport for London’s cycling site for some of his initiatives.

Update — See also BBC article about cycling after some ‘oiks’ to rescue a damsel in Camden.

Snaps of Helix by Alyson Shotz,  taken outside Sir John Soane’s  Holy Trinity Church opposite Great Portland Street. Installation was part of the Frieze-neighboured Age of the Marvellous exhibition.

By day, spot the Guvnor

By night

We can only presume this note is evidence of a tiny story with a happy ending. Good work Velorution if so…

Note outside Velorution, Great Titchfield St, London

The quite beautiful mews house and bicycles of gallerist Rebecca Hossack.

Successful Fitzrovian prevention of the nearby Euston Road

Riding past the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square every day has been fascinating. Participants in Antony Gormley’s One & Other project tend to dress practically, gloriously carefree of how a warm fleece compares to the neighbours’ sculpted military uniforms.  Cardboard banners are touted then forgotten, as friends text and tourists tease. Many Plinthians seem to confuse the meaning of ‘plinth’ with the meaning of ‘dais’. Either way, plenty of gems like Scott Cupit’s swing dance.

Here though we find a subdued and rainy morning:

Fourth Plinth, Trafalgar Square

Wave at the Plinthian

Watch it back on TV

One of only eighty Phantom Roadsters that exist in the world, built to celebrate Pashley’s 80th birthday in 2007. At the lights the rider said it was heavy but worth it.

Gleaming past MTV in Camden

bit.ly/phantomroadster

Consider the Guvnor Owners’ Club formally inaugurated.