The Diary Room

[McG]

The evening of Recollection for the start of WW1 was beautiful, so peaceful. It was very well attended with several hundred people attending which, given it has not finished until after 11pm, I think is very surprising.
I have come home feeling very moved by the thought of all these young men's lives lost.

[raj101]

some nutshell reviews of Sun tickets offers -

Warwick Castle - bustling site in contrast to the sleepy almost empty town of Warwick (Warwick University must have the dullest nights out on the town in the country). The castle is a lot smaller than it makes itself out to be, though the grounds are vast and a great walk if you can spare the time. Avoided Merlin, its pants, and enjoyed the rest of the castle plus the bonus outside of the brief but grand trebuchet launch and a huge hunting bird.
Why do they charge extra for some of the minor activities? You'd think £50 to get in was enough. Rather insulting really, why not just cut out the unnecessary wages of the crap teenage 'actors' who add nothing to the day.



Chessington Worlds of Adventures - went twice, a few terrific rides if a little short. The zoo is small, and rather depressing to be honest. Zoofari was good, it gets you a bit closer to the animals. Considering we simply walked there and back and got in for free, it was a priceless day out. incredibly friendly staff.


LEGOLAND - rather expansive park so figure in a lot of walking to do. Really for the children, though the water raft was good (hold on tight as you can easily bruise since theres no fixtures on seats). Star Wars was ok. no extra charges.
Spent the day listening to CHemical Brothers as I wandered round. The disposition of staff was varied though they were generally nice, and at the very least, reserved towards customers.
Lots of XXL supersized Americans walking round the place, complete with XXL sized little kids. Put down that hotdog!

Thopre Park - still to come.

[ejwrank]

Just a pedantic point, raj101, Warwick University is not in Warwick -- the campus is closer to Coventry than to Warwick.

[canadian_turtle]

I need to get some new passport photos and rather than going to one of the many instant booths I see scattered around the city I want to go to an actual photographer so I know the pictures will pass official rules. Where can I do this in London, preferably the West End? Thanks.

[Diane65]

I need to get some new passport photos and rather than going to one of the many instant booths I see scattered around the city I want to go to an actual photographer so I know the pictures will pass official rules. Where can I do this in London, preferably the West End? Thanks.

Yes my friend has just had some done here and they will retake if you're not happy so cheaper than a retake in a booth
www.snappysnaps.co.uk
Snappy Snaps
23 Garrick St
London WC2E 9BN

[Sunny Saver]

You can also go to some chemist to get it done. They will show you before they print it out etc.

[Celini]

I need to get some new passport photos and rather than going to one of the many instant booths I see scattered around the city I want to go to an actual photographer so I know the pictures will pass official rules. Where can I do this in London, preferably the West End? Thanks.

Make sure your embassy/consulate actually do accept pre-printed pictures.
When I renewed my passport back in 2009, they refused mine and actually took a picture of me on the day in their offices (most horrible picture as I was quite sick and had no idea they would do that! 5 more years for a new passport!)

[canadian_turtle]

Thanks, guys! I should've explained this is actually to exchange my driving license but they still require proper passport photos :)

Yes my friend has just had some done here and they will retake if you're not happy so cheaper than a retake in a booth
http://www.snappysnaps.co.uk
Snappy Snaps
23 Garrick St
London WC2E 9BN

Do you happen to know what it costs? The site doesn't seem to list it. Thanks.

[Diane65]

Thanks, guys! I should've explained this is actually to exchange my driving license but they still require proper passport photos :)

Yes my friend has just had some done here and they will retake if you're not happy so cheaper than a retake in a booth
http://www.snappysnaps.co.uk
Snappy Snaps
23 Garrick St
London WC2E 9BN

Do you happen to know what it costs? The site doesn't seem to list it. Thanks.

I think it was about £6 and he works for the Patent office in The Netherlands so still ok consulat wise.

[asamaic]

Make sure your embassy/consulate actually do accept pre-printed pictures.
When I renewed my passport back in 2009, they refused mine and actually took a picture of me on the day in their offices (most horrible picture as I was quite sick and had no idea they would do that! 5 more years for a new passport!)

Oh, that sounds awful!

I do know a professional photographer, but he probably charges a small fortune. Back in the day when I lived near a Costco, I got the bloke there to do my passport photos for me. Photo booths are grim!