Park days and waterways - April 10

Italian Fountains and Serpentine

Peter Pan statue

Inquisitive squirrel

Yesterday I revisited the setting of To Watch the Storms' Serpentine Song.

I've always thrilled to the sight and sound of Hyde Park's fountains in the beautiful Italian Gardens overlooking the famous Serpentine. The lake eternally serene as the fountains are majestic, both are created from one of London's secret underground rivers, the Westbourne.

Indeed it was yet another 'pencil grey day' but Hyde Park is so magnificent that I love it in all weathers. In every season the place is a complete world in itself. A winding path lures you away from the Serpentine to the enchanting Peter Pan statue where woodland creatures and fairies rise around the base to meet the lost boy as he blows on his strange pan-like flute whilst surveying an imaginary Neverland. He seems to cast a wistful eye on all our yesterdays and lost childhoods.

I've known this park since I was a boy. Visiting there always brings back my distant past. I'll never forget the fantastic free 1960s rock concerts where under blazing skies beside the Serpentine I saw the Stones, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Traffic, Blind Faith and the Nice to mention but a few stunning acts, many of whom were later to become pals. You felt part of presenter John Peel's family by just being there. The 'Underground', largely courtesy of Blackhill Enterprises, had never been so powerful, yet accessible and small time in an ideal English garden for all to enjoy.

Today the park is still an oasis of calm away from the tumultuous racecourse of Park Lane. A respite, a moment to reflect and eat a sticky bun while watching the struggling coots competing for crumbs beside the elegant swans.

Italian Fountains and Serpentine