Tuesday 28 October 2014

All Aboard The Ghost Bus


As Halloween is almost upon us, here's something which may appeal to the gory-loving, ghost hunters out there. There are a whole load of London bus tours offering various trips around the City by day. But if you fancy exploring London by night, then look no further as there's a big black, slightly sinister old 1960's route-master bus raring to take you through the ghost-ridden streets of London. It's time to hop aboard The London Necrobus aka The Ghost Bus.



You board the Ghost Bus at a stop just off Trafalgar Square and instead of a regular, bright red bus, this eerie big black route-master creeps though the dark, and is suddenly there behind you, virtually tapping you on your unexpecting shoulder, saying 'Boo! Climb aboard. If you dare..' Okay, I'm getting a bit carried away now, but you get the picture.


I was kindly invited to give this haunted joy ride a whirl, so I took my brother along and have to say it was a highly entertaining and spooktacular experience! I wasn't sure what to expect and to be honest, was worried it might be a bit cheesy and cringeworthy. But it wasn't at all. The 75 minute Ghost Bus trip was a theatrical, informative, scary and comedic ride to remember. London is steeped in dark history involving toe-curling executions and eye-watering murders which understandably means there must be an abundance of tortured ghostly souls lurking out there. Some fictional. Most of them, very real...


We and our fellow passengers took our seats aboard this rather fabulous bus where the interior retains its old charm, classic blood-red leather seats and additional velvet curtains and dimly-lit table lamps. The atmosphere was perfect as the Necrobus Conductor gave us a brilliant running commentary infused with grisly, yet fascinating tales of historical gruesome deaths. There are a couple of screens on the bus so you can keep an eye on the CCTV footage which is very reassuring. Or is it? Your eyes may deceive you. Not to mention the rats. Oh, and we had another passenger on board our bus. A strange character by the name of Mr Hinge, who appeared quite unhinged in my opinion. Especially when he discovered traces of blood on the bus...


There were plenty of ghoulish innuendos from the Conductor which added to the nervous laughter - my favourite being about people 'tossing themselves off the top of The Monument' (snigger). In fact, I was fascinated to learn that only 6 people died in the Great Fire of London, yet there have ironically been 12 deaths associated with The Monument which was built to commemorate the Great Fire. Some died building it, whilst others decided it was an ideal suicide venue.


The Ghost Bus took us on our merry (I mean scary) way, twisting and turning past so many well known streets and landmarks including Whitehall, Downing Street, Fleet Street (with that demon barber), St Paul's Cathedral, Smithfield (renown for boiling people to death in oil), the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and London Bridge. Finally winding up safely back where we started. Phew! As we disembarked, there was a collective sigh of relief as spooked passengers hurriedly tipped the Conductor, then scurried away into the night, and the warm safe haven of a nearby eaterie, of which there are many, should you fancy a pre or post tour bowl of spookhetti.


Oh, and before I go, why are ghosts so bad at lying?

Because you can see right through them! 

(Okay, okay, I'm gone...)


The Ghost Bus Tour
Starts & ends from Northumberland Ave (off Trafalgar Square)
7.30pm & 9.00pm daily

Tour lasts 75 mins

Book tickets online or by phone 0844 5678 666
Twitter: @GhostBusTours
Adults: £21 
Children/Students: £15 
(Tips welcome!)

Ghost Bus Tour also operate in Edinburgh and York

Saturday 4 October 2014

House of Dreams



Behind an unassuming door on a pretty residential street in the heart of upmarket East Dulwich, lies another world. Step inside the House of Dreams...



You find yourself in a house of blazing colour and a riot of plastic. Although it's quite eerie and almost disturbing, there is a vibrant energy and once your eyes have adjusted to the chaos, there is oh, so much to see. Every room is crammed from floor to ceiling with clever sculptures and displays made from everyday objects which have been discarded and re-invented. Limbs from plastic dolls; bottle tops; Christmas cracker contents; freaky eyeballs; joke teeth; pen lids; felt-tip pens; plastic beads. You name it. You'll find it. There is a strong Mexican 'Day of the Dead' vibe as well as a child-like appeal. And an oasis of relative calm in the busy, yet pretty garden.


This residential museum is the 'lovechild' of local artist, Stephen Wright, who takes mosaic-work to a whole new sphere. He started this project in 1998 and it still isn't finished. It will never be finished as every time Stephen stumbles upon another quirky object and finds a space, it becomes an ever-evolving masterpiece. He has lived in the house for over 32 years and had no intention of starting a museum. The House of Dreams just happened organically with his then partner, Donald, who sadly died, so Stephen decided to continue with the project so he could leave a fantastic and unusual legacy. In fact, the House of Dreams has been bequeathed to the National Trust.



Stephen is a gentle and inspirational character and each piece has a meaning and relevance which only he really understands. There is method in his magical madness! Some walls tell his stories written in his unique, erratic handwriting style - he admits to being dyslexic and finds it easier to express himself through colour and creation. He knows where everything is and would definitely notice if anything was missing. Apparently some cheeky individual half-inched a wind-up nose once. Stephen noticed its absence immediately!


Stephen's current partner, Michael is hugely supportive of his work and they make a great duo, hosting the open days together. They kindly invited me for a cuppa and a slice of cake upstairs in the 'other' home which was such a contrast with its minimal beach-house style decor, peaceful white walls, driftwood furnishings and gorgeous crockery. The perfect ying and yang. Some of Stephen's work is for sale at the House of Dreams, but if you have something special in mind, he also takes commissions. You can also admire his mosaic creations at the Blue Mountain Cafe on North Cross Rd, SE22. The next open day at the House of Dreams will be Saturday 25th October. 


House of Dreams
45 Melbourne Grove
London SE22 8RG

Email: steveparis50@yahoo.co.uk

Open days are one Saturday a month (check website or email Stephen for dates) 11am - 4pm
Private appointments can also be made. Adults £10 Students £5 Children free
Nearest station: East Dulwich (2 minute walk)

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