Throughout the long, unpleasantly hot summer of 2019, two elderly relatives of mine had long stints of recovery in Lewisham Hospital after life-saving operations. Family and friends would be cooped up in hallways, awaiting their turn for a chat (‘Only 2 visitors per bed!’ was the nurse’s mantra). Slowly, wilting under the double-whammy of hot air being pumped out of the air conditioning units and the blazing sun, it would be a blessed relief to escape the ward and get outside.
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| Image from The Illustrated London News |
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| Entry for Ladywell from A Dictionary Of London Place Names in Oxford Reference Online |
I always found it an excuse to take one of the relatives out in a wheelchair and we’d do a lap or two of the field, both of us glad to break the monotony of the ward. We’d then park-up under the shade of a tree and attempt the Metro crossword, always easy enough to complete before the heat became too much bear and we’d head back in to the hospital.
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| Tim's photo of Ladywell Fields |
On other occasions, I’d be able to slip away in the evening for an hour, giving other relatives and friends an opportunity to take their place at the side of the bed and share the latest family updates (gossip, mainly)
‘War and Peace’? Too heavy going.
I’d head down the stairs away from the smokers and over the small bridge into the field, and find a quiet spot.
So, what sort of books would I read in these sort of situations? Adam Kay’s hospital expose ‘This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor’? Hardly appropriate.
‘War and Peace’? Too heavy going.
I’d pick some lighter reading, something along the lines of Adam Buxton’s ‘Ramble Book: Musings on Childhood, Friendship, Family and 80’s Pop Culture’. Adam had success with the cult Channel 4 TV comedy ‘The Adam and Joe Show’ back in the 90’s.
So, why this particular choice? Well, it’s very funny for a start. I’ve been a long-time fan/follower throughout the years and had planned to add the book to my Christmas list. However, having checked the Lewisham Libraries website I gave into temptation and reserved a copy online shortly after release.
The Ramble Book is probably most affectionately known for it’s homage to Star Wars, re-enacted with the 1970’s action figures. The show was silly and irreverent and appealed to my post-uni, Mc-Job working, bedsit living 20-something self.
Adam went on to success in stand-up, radio (with stints at XFM and BBC 6 Music) and most recently with ‘The Adam Buxton Podcast’ (which I’ll come back to later on). And, ‘Why is it called ‘Ramble Book’’? I hear you ask. Well, because it’s a series of very short essays where Adam allows his mind to wander, and have a ramble.
Ramble /’ramb(e)l/
1. Walk for pleasure in the countryside
2. Talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way.
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| Library Copy of the Ramble Book |
‘It’s also a book about the joys of going off topic and letting your mind wander’ (thanks, sleeve liner notes!) It’s a book that lends itself well to those days when you don’t have a massive amount of free time (such as the aforementioned hospital visit) and you want something without a massive, arching narrative (I’m thinking of you, War and Peace!).
I also love the weekly podcast, in which celebrity interviews are bookended with walks (rambles) in the Norfolk countryside.
As well as musicians, comedians and actors, Adam has interviewed notable authors including Benjamin Zephaniah, Candice Carty-Williams, Zadie Smith, Phillip Pullman, and Caitlin Moran. If like me, you’re walking every day to escape the tedium of working from home, the podcasts are the perfect accompaniment. You can check out the episodes here.
Ladywell Fields forms part of the Waterlink Way, a walking/cycle path that connects Sydenham, Bellingham, Catford, Lewisham and Deptford (and from there you could join the Thames Path, if you’re feeling really fit).
I remember the first time I entered the path at Catford Bridge – leaving behind the roar of traffic and fumes, and within seconds finding the confluence where the Pool and Ravensbourne rivers join.
It really is a great, and somewhat underappreciated spot; a peaceful haven for wildlife and people hidden away from the hurly-burly of Lewisham and Catford and well worth a visit.
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