18th December 2012

I saw in the local paper that a pigeon loft, erected about 15 years ago to help control the wild pigeon population in the area was going to be demolished. It was not all that effective and actually made the problem worse because local residents, feeding the pigeons with scraps encouraged rodents and other vermin into the area. The council decided it had to go. Best get down there then for a photo opportunity.

There it was - gone

It had already been removed so had to make do with a picture of where it used to be. Just to the right of the blue recycling bin! For those that don't know, this is the car park in Court Street Leamington behind Frettons Motorcycle dealers. You cant miss it, there are hundreds of bemused and homeless pigeons wandering about.

Napoleon House

Hands up all those that knew Napoleon Bonaparte stayed in Leamington in 1838. That was after he lost the war so he must have been harmless. Not quite sure what he was doing here but this house in Clarendon Square is the place. I wonder if he had Josephine with him.

The plaque

Couldn't get my bike in this shot without hanging it from the balcony. Best not really.

Clarendon Square Leamington

Quite a famous location this. It has been used in a lot of films and TV productions most recently Downton Abbey. If that is not right, shout up. I think the local residents are used to film vans turning up, stopping all the parking and removing all the street furniture not relevant to the Victorian period. I wonder if they will let me leave my bike there?

Not a bad day all told. Weather a bit dull, not too cold. Disappointing that the pigeon loft had gone but got out and about, 11miles in fresh air.