Giles' Story

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Coin Street has been a focus for me ever since I became Vicar of St John’s in 2009. It was for many years the place where the South Bank Forum was held - the meetings were often contentious. There was no shortage of people who were willing to have their say!  

My favourite memory of Coin Street is Bernie Spain Gardens, during lockdown. In the unusual quiet of London’s streets, I spent many hours there, watching nature breathe in the silence. I sat quite still for up to half an hour at a time, and the number of birds and insects I saw was wonderful.  

Now that London is busy again, the animals seem to have retreated - but even now, sitting still in Bernie Spain can produce great encounters. 

My favourite memory of Coin Street is Bernie Spain Gardens, during lockdown. In the unusual quiet of London’s streets, I spent many hours there, watching nature breathe in the silence.