UPDATE:

The current forecast is a sunny 29C, woo hoo !

From The National Archives:

“Explore the ever-changing world of espionage and security threats through original case files, photographs and papers, alongside the real equipment used by spies and spy-catchers over MI5’s 115-year history.”

The indoor exhibition might give some respite from the burning sun, but there will also be plenty of outdoor activity there and back and in and around the riverside aspect of the site. Sun cream, drinks and hats all worth taking.

With the staggered start, it could get confusing.

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN AND BIKE

The train+bike party is setting off from East Croydon around 10:30, space on the trains permitting. The route is mainly traffic free along the Thames Path.

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN AND FOOT

The train+foot party is due on the 11:06 train, so we might miss each other at the start. There is a change to the schedule with an exciting rail replacement bus on the final leg so it now looks like this:

11:06 from East Croydon to Clapham Junction, arriving 11:15

11:24 to Richmond from platform 5, arriving 11:39

Then rail replacement bus final destination Willesden Junction

11:44 to Kew Gardens, then walk to the site: Bessant Drive, Richmond TW9 4DU

Walking route here https://maps.app.goo.gl/CTWpzSbpiwpeJ9HP9

Please could someone on the non bike route keep in contact with me so we can synchronise our mission, spy film style? Seems there are multiple entrances to the site, so we might need to coordinate by phone to meet up. The NA report that it can be busy at the weekend.

“Planning your visit to MI5: Official Secrets? Weekends can be busy, so we recommend arriving early.”

But then, 12 noon might be early enough to beat the afternoon rush.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday !

Richard

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

“For the first time, MI5’s history will go on display to the public in a major new exhibition, made possible through an unprecedented partnership between the Security Service and The National Archives.”

Entry is free, there is no booking needed, might be busy.

By Train

Assemble at 10:50 for the 11:03 from East Croydon, to Clapham Junction, change for the train to Richmond, District Line one stop to Kew Gardens and finally a nice 10 minute stroll to the National Archives.

By Bike

While we could ride there all the way (15 miles), and you still can, the group plan is to meet at East Croydon at 1030, take the next the train, or trains, to Clapham Junction, then ride the remaining 6 miles mainly along the Thames Path.

Weather and legs allowing we can work out the best return route.

Catering services are provided by the “Maids of Honour Tea Room”, so taking a packed lunch is optional, with on site catering.

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/our-cafe-and-coffee-bar/

There is an extra bonus, with a special treat available at the Archives, the “Maids of Honour Tart”. “belief is that King Henry VIII rediscovered the recipe and either presented it to or named it for Ann Boleyn, lady-in-waiting to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The recipe appeared in the The Accomplisht Cook (1665)”

While these tarts have a long history, they are freshly made every day.

Hoping to see you on the day, bike or foot. Hoping as always for good weather too.

Richard

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/opening-times/