Waterloo – Culture, Community and Change
On Saturday 10 October, Local London Guiding Day (LLGD) returned, bringing together London’s six guiding associations: Lambeth, Camden, Islington, Westminster, the City of London and the newest member, Hackney. The annual event offers free guided walks celebrating the capital’s rich history and vibrant communities, and this year’s theme, “Back to the Future: How Yesterday’s London Changed into the Capital of Tomorrow”, invited guides and visitors alike to explore the city’s remarkable transformation through time.
This year, the Lambeth Tour Guide Class of 2026 took responsibility for delivering the programme. Special thanks go to Pete Avery and Adrian Jackson for their leadership, organisation and forward planning, and to Sian Mander for coordinating the day’s rota. The tour selected for the event was an adapted version of the class’s final external examination walk, Waterloo: Culture, Community and Change.
To fit within the one-hour format, the original 18-stop examination route was condensed to around eight key locations while still allowing guides the flexibility to personalise their commentary.
Beginning on York Road, the walk explored some of Waterloo’s most significant landmarks and stories, including the cultural institutions of the South Bank, the Coin Street Community Builders, the IMAX, the Roupell Street Conservation Area and, for many groups, a finale at either The Old Vic or the site of Astley’s Circus.
The event also showcased the strong camaraderie that has developed within the Class of 2026. Throughout the course, members have consistently supported one another, and that spirit was evident throughout the day. Alongside Pete, Adrian and Sian, guides included Jack Sommers, Mark Simmons, Andrea Vasel, Paul McGee and Mo Corcoran, while Jo Biggs played an invaluable role welcoming visitors, organising groups and keeping the operation running smoothly. Other members of the Association were also on hand to offer encouragement and support.
Between 10.00am and 4.00pm, the team delivered an impressive 14 guided walks. Smartly dressed in LTGA-branded attire, the guides looked every bit the professionals and were certainly appreciative of the extra layer on what proved to be a particularly chilly October day. In total, just under 200 visitors joined the tours, accompanied by at least two enthusiastic canine participants.
For many members of the class, the event marked their first opportunity to put newly acquired guiding skills into practice with members of the public. Unsurprisingly, there were plenty of nerves before the first groups set off. There was also an unexpected challenge: a large but peaceful march in support of Gaza passed nearby, creating added noise around Waterloo. Fortunately, the quieter backstreets featured on the route provided some respite, and the guides adapted professionally to the circumstances.
Once the tours were underway, confidence quickly replaced anxiety. Training took over, and guides discovered the genuine satisfaction that comes from sharing local stories and bringing history to life. Along the way, they gained valuable experience managing groups of varying sizes, responding to questions and ensuring their commentary could be heard above chanting crowds and passing sirens.
Visitors frequently remarked on how surprising it was to discover such peaceful and historic corners of London only moments from the bustling South Bank.The atmosphere was enhanced further by the London Film Festival at the nearby BFI, where red carpets, film premieres and waiting limousines added a touch of glamour to the day’s proceedings.
Several tours were led jointly by pairs of guides, creating a dynamic that proved popular with both visitors and guides alike. The opportunity to share stories, compare perspectives and work as a double act added variety to the experience and provided a valuable learning opportunity. Many participants expressed enthusiasm for repeating the format in future.
Reflecting on her experience, Sian Mander explained that she encouraged members of her first group to ask questions freely and even interrupt whenever something sparked their curiosity. The approach helped create a relaxed, conversational atmosphere and encouraged interaction between participants, fostering a friendly and sociable energy that carried through the remainder of the walk.
Local London Guiding Day proved to be a memorable and rewarding experience for the Lambeth Class of 2026. Beyond showcasing one of London’s most fascinating neighbourhoods, it gave a new generation of guides the opportunity to develop their skills, support one another and experience firsthand the pleasure of sharing London’s stories with the public. Judging by the enthusiasm of both guides and visitors, Waterloo’s culture, community and continuing transformation provided the perfect setting for a successful day of guiding.
