Royal Leamington Spa II

Here I am in another part of Jepshon Gardens. Behind me is the Davis Clock Tower. It was built in 1925 and named after William Davis who was mayor of Leamington three times. The park was originally called Newbold Gardens in 1834, it became Jepshon Gardens twelve years later. They seem to like changing names in this town. I'm not sure what the metal pillars are for, maybe somebody put them here ready for small visiting dragons as a handy place to pose for a photo. In the gardens there are a number of memorials, one of these is for Dr Henry Jepshon. He was a local doctor who promoted the spa waters. Apparently an album by Ocean Colour Scene features the Jepshon Memorial on the front. Not sure what the connection is.

Royal Leamington Spa

My first visit to Leamington, it likes changing it's name. It's been Lamintone, Leamington Priors then Royal Leamington Spa but known as Leamington Spa or just Leamington. Could get confusing, but nobody has written a song on the subject yet.

This photo is in Jephson Gardens, a park on the banks of the River Leam. Apparently it has lots of colourful floral displays, think I picked the wrong day. The gardens were created in 1831 and have won a number of prizes in recent years. There's a glasshouse here with tropical plants and a goldfish pond. Sounds warmer than where I'm standing. A boating lake is here, not a good day for that either.

Also in Jephson Gardens is a Czech memorial fountain to honour members of the Czech Free Army which was based in Leamington. The fountain is in the shape of a parachute and engraved around the bowl are seven names. These are the men who were parachuted in to Czechoslovakia from Leamington to assassinate the Nazi Governor of Bohemia, Heydrich, in operation Anthropoid. They succeeded but were killed after.

Giant Doughnut in Brighton

Walking along Brighton seafront I spotted this giant doughnut and feeling peckish I flew over. I was very disappointed to discover it wasn't real. It turns out it's a piece of art called 'Afloat', not sure it would float as its made of bronze. Afloat is a globe with the poles pushed together, which is the hole. Not sure I understand it, much prefer a nice chocolate doughnut.