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The Millennium Dome in London has become a political hot potato with the two main political parties blaming each other for it. It is never mentioned in the media without a sneer. Whilst all of the London critics seemed to love the pickled sharks, piles of bricks and even the dirty bedroom (!!) of one "artist" in the new Tate Modern Art Gallery, the Dome is bitterly attacked for being intended for ordinary people to enjoy. I thought the entry cost to the Dome (£20), plus of the cost of getting there and back, a bit high but an offer of £17.15 (for seniors) by Chiltern Rail to cover entry fee plus return rail and London Underground fares, was much more reasonable. As I was particularly interested in the Dome building, I went one morning to Bicester North Station, booked a ticket and went. What did I find? The building itself is tremendous, a vast tent supported on poles and all the surroundings and buildings on the bank of the Thames are very well planned and organised. Getting there, getting in and getting away could not be easier. The Dome is packed with activities and displays with, on the day I went, plenty of room to move around, friendly and helpful staff and everything clean and easy to use. There are snack bars and restaurants offering meals from all round the world, from Japan to Mexico, all as far as I could see at reasonable prices. Not being an adventurous eater, I settled for fish, chips and mushy peas from Harry Ramsden's for about £6. Delicious! About half those present seemed to be kids in family or school groups, all rushing around having a great time. There was so much to be seen that I can't imagine anyone not finding enough of fun and interest to fill the day. The show in the central arena, put on three times a day, was gaudy, flash, baffling - and great fun. I was particularly impressed that none of the large, highly drilled company flying hundreds of feet through the air looked older than 25. But then, these days even policemen look too young! Whether or not you think the Dome should have been built, it is now there to be enjoyed and I think it would be a great pity, especially for kids, to miss it. One final snapshot and typical of what the London cynics dislike - between shows in the central arena, there was a dance band playing and a display of ballroom dancing with the audience invited to join in. Very English, very common - and great fun. Just like the Dome experience. S.
Morris | TOP | |
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