Healing Waters

Last Tuesday, the Windsors and the Spencers gathered together to unveil the controversial Diana Memorial Fountain at a ceremony in Hyde Park. The family feuds of the last seven years were forgotten as the People’s Princess received her final tribute.

The Queen made a moving speech during the opening in which she described her former daughter-in-law as a "remarkable human being." Diana's brother Earl Spencer, her ex-husband Prince Charles, and sons William and Harry also attended. This public show of unity was in marked contrast to the bitterness stirred up by Earl Spencer’s speech at her funeral in 1997.

Both families appear keen to pour healing waters over wounds which have fascinated the press and kept Diana’s name constantly in the tabloids. BBC royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell, commented: “It is for William and Harry, princes who are part Windsor, part Spencer, that the two families have finally resolved to draw a line under the past.”

The Hyde Park fountain, designed by US architect Kathryn Gustafson, cost £3.6m and weighs a whopping 700 tonnes! The focus of the design is a
a large Cornish granite ring with water pouring on to it, flowing in two directions at different speeds which is supposed to sit "like a necklace" around the contours of the site.

The fountain is designed as metaphor of Diana’s life. The shimmering water stands out against the granite that circles it, symbolizing the free spirit of Diana trapped by the inflexible world of the British monarchy. Opposition to the fountain focuses on its unorthodox design with some critics labelling it everything from a life size scaletrix to a giant water slide.

Gustafsson has worked hard to preserve the essence of Diana’s character in this memorial, the ebb and flow of the water reflecting the highs and lows of her colourful existence. She said: “The concept is based upon the qualities of the Princess that were the most loved and cherished; inclusiveness and accessibility.”

If the weather ever improves in London this summer it will be a joy to behold Londoners of all ages, shapes and sizes dipping a toe into the bubbling waters and enjoying a moment of playful peace in honour of the Princess.

Poo Power

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London's Science Museum is experimenting with dung power to cut electricity bills. Early estimates predict that recycling toilet waste could generate 1,530 kilowatt hours from its three million annual visitors. That is enough electricity to power 15,000 light bulbs. If the plans get the go ahead waste will be diverted from the toilets to the tanks and burnt as fuel or have power derived from it using a microbial fuel cell. Museum boss Jon Tucker said: "With free admission it would be a great way for visitors to give something back. Poo power is certainly something I would consider if it were practical.”

Chicago Knights

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Aging American heartthrob David Hasselhoff is to make his British stage debut in the West End musical Chicago. The 51-year-old, who made his name starring in Knight Rider and later Baywatch, will play scheming lawyer Billy Flynn. He will take over the role at London's Adelphi Theatre for 60 performances from July 16. The star said: "This is not about making money - this is about following my heart, and having fun.”

Public Tramsport

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London’s rapid population growth has triggered a need to overhaul the capital's transport system. Last Monday the London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, unveiled radical plans for the next ten years. Among the new proposals are long delayed projects such as Crossrail, Thameslink and the East London Line extension, which have long awaited government funding. Also included are eco-friendly projects such as the west London tram scheme. The GLA maintains that the projects are necessary due to the projected population increase from 7.2million to 8.1million in the next 12 years.

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