The rest of it was the Coram Festival of Lights, put on by the Bloomsbury-based children's charity that in effect is the modern incarnation of the 1739 Foundling Hospital established in Coram's Fields. The Festival of Lights is one of those run-up-to-Christmas treats that London is so good at. (And, yeah, I know - there's all those Christmas Light extravaganzas on our commercial Broadways - Oxford Street, Regent Street, etc.
But I'll take the Coram one every time. Take it because of everything mentioned in the third paragraph in this piece. And because of its of hail fellow well met-ness. And its quick look inside the wonderful Foundling Museum. And its stroll through the neighbourhood. It was guided by Carol Harris, the charity's Social History Editor (And into the bargain - compliments of her diamond-shaped wire rims, black hat and black coat - the Platonic Ideal of a Bloomsbury Bluestocking!)
There weren't a thousand points of light in Coram's Fields on December 17, 2014. But there were a good few dozen. And they were real. The real ones as well as the figurative ones. Feel good that's real - and real good.
Well done, Coram. Here's to the next 275. But come to think of it, let's hope - and do what we can to make it - 27.5. The span of a generation. Be great if it - this, our next generation - could generate an end, once and for all, to child poverty.
A London Walk costs £9 - £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com
