Nodules Part III - Market House to Disraeli Monument
Strictly speaking I should start from the site of the Dial House as I did back in December, but we’re basing ourselves at the Little Market House today, experimenting with sending video reports via mobile phone to Cathy with a laptop. She hopes to establish a free wireless internet connection, plugging the Robert Adam designed listed ancient monument into the wireless commons. I’m instantly seduced into a detour off Corporation Street by the parking bays behind some offices and restaurants. There is a large derelict premises, which the To Let sign tells me is for Leisure purposes, no doubt the kind of leisure that takes place away from prying eyes. Two abandoned shopping trolleys. Drawn off the beaten track again on Amersham Hill down a driveway next to the hostel. I find the HQ of the UK Alcohol Forum and the way is finally gated off. I imagine opening up the town by unblocking these negated throughways; a circular saw would do the job. I’m wearing a pedometer, testing my theory of ‘The Disembodiment of the Walker in 10,000 Steps’. Leading on from current campaigns highlighting the health benefits of walking 10,000 steps everyday this study would chart the emotional and experiential transitions that the walker experiences over the same duration. I quickly pass the museum, I’m looking for the house in The Greenway where poet and composer Ivor Gurney spent many a happy weekend either side of the First World War. The street is quite non-descript, the Chapman house being a smart Edwardian Villa but the opposite side of the street is of safe, unenlightened 1970’s semis. A large round plaque marks the house, and I can see through into the lounge and try to imagine Gurney playing early versions of ‘Down by the Salley Gardens’ and ‘Desire in Spring’ on the Chapman’s small upright piano. I listen to his piano 70