Chichester travelogue: The Ship Hotel

In spite of extensive recent interior refurbishments, this attractive Grade II Georgian listed building is in keeping with its surroundings and retains a smart presence. With rooms on three floors, take the stairs and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the elegant sweeping 18th century Adam staircase; on the walls - of the first floor - you'll discover memorabilia dating back to the time of the original owner, Admiral George Murray, who served with Nelson.

Bedrooms are sympathetically restored, with an unobtrusive modern touch, in warm neutral tones. There's a flat-screen TV on the wall, comfy chairs to relax in, a good supply of quality wooden hangers (although only wall hooks, rather than a closed wardrobe) to hang your clothes on and a sleek, efficient kettle together with tea and coffee supplies to prepare hot drinks with.

The bathroom is simple and white, comfortable enough (and very clean) with courtesy (ginseng-enriched) products. Rooms still use a traditional key system and have a name as well as a number. I was concerned that sounds from the (quite noisy) old-fashioned, gate-style, lift might be intrusive but happily that wasn't the case. Views from my window (at the back of the hotel) were of buildings and the car park with verdant hills in the distance.

Reception staff were efficient, smiling, helpful, welcoming and obliging. Well-deserved of its three star rating; decent value (even better if you get a special offer deal) and a very pleasant, convenient place to stay in the centre of Chichester and for access to other parts of West Sussex.

A change is as good as a rest...

It's been quite a while since I had a break, so I decided it was time for a short trip. I found a brilliant offer at the 3 star, Grade II-listed Ship Hotel in Chichester, so my destination was decided. At just a short train journey out (from the edge) of London, it was practical enough to do in a day-and-a-half. I packed a lot in... and returned refreshed and de-stressed.

If you're tempted to visit the old walled West Sussex city, I especially recommend Chichester Cathedral, the award-winning Pallant House Gallery and the independent shops in and around North and South streets.

"Greatness is never a given"...

Is there a good person who can fail to have been moved, impressed to the core and deeply inspired by today's momentous events? Phew! Obama may have inherited the most hellish of in-trays but his stunningly inspirational and captivating Inaugural Speech was delivered so fluently and lyrically (what greater contrast with his predecessor) that only the hard-hearted won't have been touched by it. I confess that I sat riveted with tears (of happiness tinged with poignancy) trailing down my cheeks...

From the moment the new President started speaking - along with the record-breaking masses standing in the Mall - I was transfixed and captivated. He spoke not only to Americans but to all citizens of the world.

From "our patchwork heritage is our strength, not a weakness" to "common humanity shall reveal itself" to the emphasis on "what you can build not what you can destroy" and "...also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate" by way of the "errors of greed and irresponsibility", he truly is a man after my own heart.

"Mutual respect" should be bywords for all decent individuals. I hope that his intention to "extend a hand if you are willing to unclench the fist" will not fall on closed ears where much of its intended audience is concerned.

Extraordinary, as he stated, that "a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served in a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath". I hope that his mother, along with the admirable and unforgettable Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, were smiling down on him and that he will succeed in fulfilling his good intentions...

Out with the old - in with the new....

The aforementioned 57-year-old youngster, behind the blue plaque, on the Thames towpath...

The Half Mile Tree

Another riverside wander and a new discovery... I was intrigued, while walking along the towpath, recently. Heading towards Teddington from Kingston, approximately mid-way between the two, I noticed a blue sign and a fenced-off tree.

Not the most beautiful tree in the world, perhaps, but thought-provoking to read the history behind it. As the plaque states, it was the site of an ancient elm (500 years old) that sadly had to be removed in 1951. The following year it was replaced by another (today, a mere youngster - in relative terms - at just 57 years old). An interesting landmark, worth looking-out for, en route to Teddington Weir...