Table of contents:-
-> Wed 230725 1PM Had a random phone call...; stating they are doing computing courses over in White Hart Lane
-> Contacted WMCollege to request admin send me an email proving that my
college courses had all finished. (Email arrived in just 5 minutes.)
-> Appointment booked for next day: Thu 2PM...come to The Selby Centre/White Hart Lane. 3 Tests to complete: ICT/Maths/English...before being allowed onto a Level III course
-> Decided to go find out exactly where the place is/and, also, how best to travel there...one day, before the actual appointment date...
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-> Thu 240725 2 PM The struggle to arrive on time...; left home at approximately 12 midday...; but, eventually, everything turned out ok...as I arrived before 2 PM.
-> Didn't manage to get on the course I wanted...by passing the tests at
Level II/instead, I passed both English/Maths at only Level I. (It was politely suggested I try doing a Level II course, instead, to 'start'...)
-> Walked from White Hart Lane tube station over to Northhumberland Park overground station
-> Vauxhall: MacDonald's restaurant, eat an ice drink/with chocolate/cream on top costing £3.xx.
-> Hampton Court...did a 3 & 1/2 mile walk...to, eventually, reach
Kingston Bridge; then, continued walking through Teddington...up to
Hampton Wick.
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CONCLUSION: I'm so glad that the 'spirit of adventure'...; still
burns 'hot' deep down inside of my breast...; even, at age 62+.
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Wed 230725 1PM Had a random phone call...; stating they are doing computing courses over in White Hart Lane
On Wed 23rd July 2025, I received a phone call at approximately 1 PM.
The company was called: fivee
https://www.fivee.co.uk/
The lady on the phone mentioned that I had filled in a web form...stating I was interested in taking a computing course with them.
Then, she went on to explain criteria needed to join...I need to be:
- unemployed
- not currently in college/or, on another course
- live in the UK/and, be resident for over 3 years long
- have a National Insurance number
- have a birth certificate/or, passport
- have a computer/with internet connection
- etc.
...and, she would do a check online to prove I was suitable to go take the course...by checking what other courses I had taken in the past.
The check results came back stating that everything was ok...; but, it showed that I was still studying inside of college.
I told the lady; that my college courses were, now, all finished; and, I was thinking of re-joining college in September 2025.
She said, I should request of the college I was studying with...'proof' that my courses were, now, all done.
Contacted WMCollege to request admin send me an email proving that my college courses had all finished. (Email arrived in just 5 minutes.)
So, I phoned up WMCollege:
- https://www.wmcollege.ac.uk
...and, asked the admin if it's possible for them to send me an email confirmation that my courses there are all finished; to which they agreed.
-> Appointment booked for next day: Thu 2PM...come to The Selby Centre/White Hart Lane. 3 Tests to complete: ICT/Maths/English...before being allowed onto a Level III course
-----
-> Decided to go find out exactly where the place is/and, also, how best to travel there...one day, before the actual appointment date...
After receiving the go ahead to come and take test(s). I decided to go and travel to see the place, immediately; so, that on the day of the appointment I would not get lost...???
I took a bus over to Brixton...; then, took a Victoria line underground tube train to Seven Sisters tube station; next, I took an overground train to White Hart Lane.
I came out of White Hart Lane station -(I asked someone for directions/and, he told me where to go...as he himself had studied there before)- and, did basically an L turn...down the road/and, then, left along the main high road. Eventually, after reaching the 2nd junction, I saw the road was called: Selby Road. After crossing over the street; I walked to reach the end of Selby Road...which is where I saw the The Selby Centre.
-(NOTE: I also saw a sign there which mentioned 'boxing'. So, when I went to check it out...the guy told me it costs £40.00 per month -the first lesson is FREE-; and, I forgot what he said the yearly joining membership fee was...something like £60.00. Then, I left to go inquire at The Reception about their other courses.)-
The reception guy told me that tomorrow you need to go up to the 2nd floor...; which is where the tests will be held.
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-> Thu 240725 2 PM The struggle to arrive on time...; left home at approximately 12 midday...; but, eventually, everything turned out ok...as I arrived before 2 PM.
Again, I decided to go back to White Hart Lane...to take 3 tests.
Only this time I took a 68 bus...going to Euston.
Except the bus didn't actually go all the way to Euston.
Instead, it stopped at a bus garage near Elephant and Castle.
So, I had to jump off that bus...; and, try and get another bus, instead.
Anyway, eventually, I got a bus...which took me to London Bridge station...; then, proceeded from there to make my way to over to Euston.
At Euston, I changed lines to go to Seven Sisters tube station/and, from Seven Sisters I took the overground train to White Hart Lane.
Only this time I walked out of the 'wrong' exit...and, felt lost...???
So, I had to go back into the tube station...to find what is the correct exit to come out of.
Luckily, I found it...; having already been there before the previous day/evening; then, it was a fairly easy matter to go find my way from there.
----
-> Didn't manage to get on the course I wanted...by passing the tests at Level II/instead, I passed both English/Maths at only Level I. (It was politely suggested I try doing a Level II course, instead, to start...)
When I got to The Selby Centre; I asked at reception...and, was told to go upstairs onto the 2nd floor...; then, walk to the end of the corridor...as that's where the tests were being administered.I walked into the office...where they took photocopies of my documents.
- birth certificate
- benefit letter with my National Insurance number on it
- utility bills with proof of address
- ID photo card: 60+ Freedom travel pass
- etc.
To go cut a long story short. I took 3 tests:
- ICT (passed the questions/some related to general computing/others related to networking...which I wasn't so sure about...?!)
- English (Level 1)
- Maths (Level 1)
...honestly, I was surprised that I only passed Level I in both English/Maths; because I had wanted to apply to do a Level III course.
The lady who I spoke to -very disappointing to me- explained that she thought I might do a Level II course in PC Maintenance, first; before doing a Level III course...as she thought I might be able to pass that much easier.
Anyway, as I didn't see too much point in arguing...I just accepted her judgement/and, then, left.
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Walked from White Hart Lane tube station over to Northhumberland Park overground station
When leaving the Selby Centre this time..; I decided as there is no longer a 'fixed' schedule/or, appointment time to meet...; therefore, I can walk around exploring seeing this area in a much more leisurely fashion.
I took the first left turning off Selby Road...not a road...but, a pathway.
Deep inside of my own mind...I remained constantly 'aware' that the path I was taking...did run parallel to the main road(in this way, I felt I shouldn't get too much lost...?).
I stopped inside of a shop where I brought myself a 'peanut/chocolate' sweet to eat costing £1.00.
Then, continued walking...; eventually, just like I had myself calculated...I came out directly at the street which is just opposite White Hart Lane tube station.
I think, I decided rather than go into the White Hart Lane tube station...; to return home -(no, that would be far too dreadfully 'dull and boring')-; why not go and explore the area more by some more walking around.
Eventually, I ended up...at Northhumberland Park; where I took a train to go to Clapham Junction.
-(I recall walking up the Northhumberland Park station ramp...; it was a pretty amazing experience...; I mean, I had to go up about 6 sets of ramps(not sets of stairs/but, flat concrete). I cannot imagine how an 'old' person would be able to do that...; who knows, possibly, there is a lift...; and, I just may have missed seeing that altogether.)-
Clapham Junction: MacDonald's restaurant, eat a hamburger sandwich costing £1.25p.
I recall coming out of the train at Clapham Junction...
which is also an area I'm none too very highly familiar with...?
So, I decided to do some walking around there, too.
Located right near the station exit...
there is a training gym: Shapesmiths...with open arches
where you actually see them doing their 'mixed sex' training;
some of the exercises were simple/others, hard;
I saw squats/weights/pull ups/-etc.
I watched fascinated...; then, eventually, left.
I decided to go walk around the corner...;
pass the place where buses park;
and, this led me to go cross over the road
at the corner traffic lights...;
now, I found myself looking at
a street full of shopping market shops.
I popped into a MacDonald's restaurant...;
where I ordered a hamburger costing £1.25p.
I eat it inside of the restaurant downstairs.
(I actually ordered to take away...; but, nobody stopped me
from eating on the premises.)
I continued walking...; as I wasn't quite feeling too badly worn out/
and, the light of evening was still remaining strong.
I decided to jump onto a bus...; and, that bus took me over to Vauxhall.
Vauxhall: MacDonald's restaurant, eat an ice drink/with chocolate/cream on top costing £3.xx.
When the bus passed by another MacDonald's restaurant...(near Union Road).
I decided I'm feeling rather 'dehydrated'...; and, because inside of the last
MacDonald's restaurant I'd entered I saw somebody order
an ice drink/with cream/chocolate on top...
I decided I must try having one of those.
The cost was £3.xx; but, quite honestly, very well worth it
when one is feeling rather down...;
and, needs something to uplift one's spirits/strength.
From Vauxhall MacDonald's restaurant bus stop...;
I hopped onto another bus...;
getting off at Vauxhall tube station.
Again, I decided I did NOT wish to go home, yet;
and, took, a train over to visit Hampton Court.
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Hampton Court...did a 3 & 1/2 mile walk...to, eventually, reach Kingston Bridge; then, continued walking through Teddington...up to Hampton Wick.
When the train arrived at Hampton Court...;
it was around 8 PM evening...;
and, I knew the sunlight was about to die, soon.
Still it was really interesting...to step outside of the station;
and see a huge expanse of River Thames water...;
as well as King Henry VIII's palace being
located on the other side of the bridge.
At first, I tried to go down the right side of the bridge;
as that was the side I was already on...;
but, a bus driver guy who I spoke to there...;
told me that the park only leads to a 'dead end';
and, if I wish to continue walking...;
I must go to the other side of the bridge;
which is exactly what I did do...
When I got to the other side of the bridge...;
the notice said 3 & 1/2 miles walk to Kingston
following along a narrow pathway;
and, frankly, I really wasn't too sure that
I had 3 & 1/2 miles being still left in me...;
-(along with Achilles Tendonitis affecting both foot heels)-;
but, I decided why not give it a try, anyway;
because if I find the pain of walking hurts too much;
then, all I have to do is back track my way...;
and, take the train over to Vauxhall/then, home.
Well, I walked for around 1 & 1/2 miles...;
then, I saw an old angler guy to whom I said, 'hello';
I asked him does this path lead to Kingston;
he replied, affirmative...;
and, that I had already covered walking half way there.
So, I continued walking...;
it was by and large a really peaceful evening walk;
and, I liked seeing both the River Thames/and, the boats/greenery;
but, I have to be honest...when it's a long walk...;
then, you really can't wait for the walk to be over and done with,
no matter how pleasant are the sights you can see.
I continued 'walking and walking'...;
all the time, wondering to myself...
why neither my legs/nor fighting spirit had totally given up, yet...?
I think, it's because when younger,
I used to 'ride my bike/run/walk' beside the
River Thames paths, regularly;
and, so, it was like 're-living the past'.
Plus, being autistic...
I actually like it being left 'alone'...;
with nobody else for company;
and, I like being in Nature,
by going for long countryside walks.
I did NOT walk slow, though...;
instead, I walked as 'fast' as possible...;
as, ultimately, I wanted the journey to end.
I even remember thinking to myself...
by walking along so 'fast'...;
I'm managing to recover back the leg strength of my 'youth'.
(Another part of me could feel some Achilles Tendonitis pain...;
but, not too severe...; so, I was also hoping that both my legs would hold up.)
Finally, I did see the Kingston bridge...;
and, felt extremely happy that
I had successfully managed to reach the other side of the path.
-(NOTE: All of the former evening light...I could see when I had 'started my journey going along the Thames path...had completely disappeared by now...;
and, therefore, all around me I only saw what is pitch black darkness...!)-
When I did reach Kingston bridge exit...;
I continued walking in a straight line...;
and, went up to Teddington...;
and, then, from there I recall asking a young couple passing by,
'Is there a station near here?'
The reply which came back was, 'Yes, just keep on walking straight...'
Eventually, I found myself having to go cross the road;
after having reached Hampton Wick.
From Hampton Wick...I returned back to Vauxhall.
From Vauxhall, I returned back home to West Norwood;
taking a number 2 bus to reach West Norwood bus garage.
-----
I recall at Vauxhall station...walking across the road,
directly opposite the number 2 bus stop is a shop called, Little Waitrose;
but, when I looked at the prices to buy even a 'small' tin of drink...;
it said £3.00...?! (Normally, a full sized bottle drink cost just £1.00.)
I thought to myself...no way...I'll just simply 'wait'
until whenever I return back home...;
-(probably, another 1/2 hour or so)-;
then, I can drink as much water as I please...;
and, all entirely for FREE.
-----
CONCLUSION: I'm so glad that the 'spirit of adventure'...; still burns 'hot' deep down inside of my breast...; even, at age 62+.
I'm highly delighted that the 'spirit of adventure' still remains burning fiercely 'hot' deep inside of my breast.
I want to meet 'new' people/and, see 'new' places/discover 'new' things...; and, I don't just wish to, simply, stay home going absolutely nowhere.
On the other hand, I also have to acknowledge...that I'm now in my early 60's; and, my body is no longer 'fighting fit', anymore. Meaning, if I do ever get into a physical fight...; then, almost certainly I would lose.
Also, my two feet are seriously affected by Achilles Tendonitis...; foot heel pain. So, I don't go out 'walking/running' for miles and endless miles, anymore...as I did when feeling much younger/fitter/stronger.
The good news is, otherwise, I seem to be holding up fairly ok. Generally speaking, I can handle short trips...; and, with really very little problems.
Both the walking stick/and, the Zimmerframe...do happen to be a long way away...; not to mention being confined to living inside of 'old people' homes...where you need somebody to help you stand up/and, then, hold your hand...and, walk you off to go visit the toilet/and, then, come back. These things are, right now, a 'total nightmare' to me...; and, indeed, I hope they will always remain living inside of a fantasy background; rather than ever become 'real'.
Having reached 3 score year...; -(where a score means 20)-; and, in all
one has around 5 score years to live...before reaching 100 years old;
then, that means I have around 40 more years still left to live;
possibly, with each full score year after 60+ getting more and more
difficult.
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