So I was set the challenge of creating a thread/post relating to My Community for Gumtree.
Challenge: Pick up to 10 of your favorite things about your community and create an ad page on the Community section. Simple enough!
The task is to get as many comments and views as possible to this thread.
“Gumtree are passionate about communities and bringing people together.”
Being that the London Southbank is built up on creativity I decided to be a little bit more innovative with the challenge and rather than pick a selection of my favorite things, I took my new moleskin notepad, a sketchbook and my new digital camera (courtesy of Gumtree People) down to the Southbank and chose a selection of things that inspire me from the Southbank area.
So, my lovely readers, i need you guys to help me out a little:
- Head over to My Southbank
- Leave a nice little comment
- Retweet the My Southbank to your network.
- Let me know when you have done so and i will add you to my personal reward list!
**Alternatively if that is all too long, just leave a comment on this post!!**
Here is the full article for My Southbank:
The Elephant Parade
Elephant Parade London celebrates the beauty of the magnificent Asian elephant. And this year – with 258 painted elephants in locations across central London – it is the biggest and most beautiful outdoor art event the city has ever seen.
The Elephants are everywhere, they look spectacular and really makes you think about the passion, creativity and effort that went into sculpting these and also what a world without Elephants would be like.
Check out some of the photos I took below and the sketch I drew of an Elephant called Maureen by Mackenzie Thorpe.
Note: The angle was different to the picture and i haven’t drawn since i left school seven years ago, so stop laughing. Thanks
81 Gower Street
London
WC1E 6HJ
+44 (0) 20 7580 3184
http://www.elephantparadelondon.org/
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is, well it’s the Tate Modern. When strolling along the Southbank from Waterloo to the epic Millennium Bridge, the Tate is the final stop.
With galleries from the likes of Picasso and Dali and sculptures from Henry Moore it’s just a great place to observe brilliance and be inspired to create.
Even if you are not interested in art, it’s a spectacular building in a creative haven on the heart of the riverbank in South London, hence the reason why 25 million people visit every year!
53 Bankside
London SE1 9TG
+44 (0) 20 7887 8752
www.tate.org.uk
British Film Institute (BFI)
The BFI (British Film Institute) promotes understanding and appreciation of Britain’s rich film and television heritage and culture. Most people don’t pay much attention to British films as the media concentrates on the films that make the most press ie: Hollywood.
But every year The Times BFI Festival in autumn is Europe’s largest public film event and shows the best in contemporary cinema from around the world at venues across London.
Want another reason to be interested in the BFI? Check out The BFI IMAX on London’s South Bank, it has the largest cinema screen in the UK and now has a huge 3D screen also!
Belvedere Road
South Bank
Waterloo
London SE1 8XT
Box Office: +44 (0) 20 7928 3232
http://www.bfi.org.uk/
The Millennium Bridge
Another inspiration of mine is architecture. It’s important to be observant of your surroundings and appreciate the creation process that would have taken place in building such unique landmarks. The Millennium Bridge is a perfect example of great engineering.
Situated on the Southbank, the Bridge links from The Tate Modern to St. Paul’s Cathedral across the River Thames. I remember walking across it when it first opened and it was nicknamed the ‘Wobbly Bridge’ and even though it doesn’t wobble anymore, every time I walk across it I think it’s moving.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Bridge_(London)
The Southbank View
So you’re heading along the Southbank, maybe heading to a meeting, going for a run or just a casual stroll; and there is one thing that everyone who takes this route is thinking about… and that is the view.
It can’t be knocked that the view from any part of London’s prestigious Southbank is pretty darn epic. Whether you are staring at Parliament from the Waterloo end or the East London skyline from Blackfriars, the Southbank is without doubt my favorite part of London.
Tip: Take a walk along here on a clear night and witness London in a way that makes it without doubt the city to live in.
http://www.southbanklondon.com/
Remember, i need your help to win this, so if you are also a fan of Southbank, please head over to this thread i set up, leave a brief comment and retweet the linky!
Thanks for reading chaps!
Luca Massaro is a London based digital marketing professional who specialises in personal and brand development using social media.
39 Comments
I've had one too many drunken nights on the southbank over the years. Attended a few events at the down there, even took part in a film competion for the BFI which is stituated on the southbank. P.S i've never seen those elephants before well done with the sketch haha[youtube 4VhdsuGmdcUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VhdsuGmdcU youtube]
Haha. I really didn't need to guess that your comment would relate to being drunk.
Jokes video Merv for the BFI, but what is up with that wig?? You love a good head of hair!! lol
The embed code didn't work for some reason but here is the link for those who wanna see what you are talking about!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VhdsuGmdcU
My recent post Competition Challenge: My Southbank
HAHAHA yea i've had some good and bad hair days over the years. Just realised I've never been on that Wobbly Bridge think i need to walk that way one day. Once again great Sketch hahahah
You've never been on the Millennium Bridge? That is shocking Merv!!!
Thanks, i thought it was a good effort seeing as my art days died years ago. It was awesome to just sit in the sun and just draw though, even though passers by think you are a tourist. lol
My recent post Competition Challenge: My Southbank
Great piece Luca! My favourite is the pregnant lady elephant one.Also, you're writing is great, your drawing is not. x
Thanks for the reply Kieran. Couldn't see this before but it was there all along, stuck under Mervin.
Is that how you roll?
My writing and my drawing are a lot! Okay!
x
Its funny, even tho i dont live in London, it seems like im there all the time, and when your there all the time you dont really stop to take in what it has to offer! Really great piece, And yeah the view from southbank is pretty amazing as long as its not raining or foggy! haha
That's how London is in one nutshell. You rarely stop to notice anything cos it's so fast paced.
That's why i had to take more time and effort to put this together!
Thanks for the comment Mr Grind!
My recent post Competition Challenge: My Southbank
I haven't been along the southbank in about a year now.
Great to see you got the BFI in there! representttt.
Good post man.
Always representing British Cinema!
Thanks for the comment Chaz!
My recent post Competition Challenge: My Southbank
Awesome! Although I've never been to Southbank (if my memory serves me correctly), your ad has intrigued me enough to take a trip down there, if and when we do have an actual 'real' summer!
Glad that my post has made you want to head down to Southbank!
In the summer it really is an awesome place to be. Cheers Rich
My recent post Competition Challenge: My Southbank
Being from a creative background, I find that Southbank is one of those places where you can go and find inspiration. With The Tate Modern being only a stones throw away you cant help but be inspired. Depending on the day, you can see many photographers (professional & amateur) taking shots of the scenery, as well as artists painting. Ive even seen a few actors performing there too.
Southbank is one London's best hubs for the creative mind.
When time edges towards the evening, there arent many areas (in London) that are more stunning than Southbank. Ive have 1 or 2 romantic walks there, and trust me the view (with all the buildings lite up, parliament, Big Ben included) really sets the mood.
To be honest I havent been down there for while, but Ive always had good things to say about Southbank, and its close surrounding areas.
Another good read… Cheers
Twitter.com/iam_Ayo
Seems like we have exactly the same thinking Ayo.
The inspiration oozing from all the creativity on the Southbank is like an aroma of ideas just travelling in the Southbank air. I also see photographers all over the places and get slightly frustrated when i see them with their Digital SLR's and im using my free gift Hitachi. lol
Good shout on the romantic walks too! I'll have to take a leaf out of your book next time i have a date.
Great Article Luca!!! Never seen the elephants but now I feel like going there and check them out!! I hope u will win…if there is something to win…:)
Thanks Marina!
The elephants aren't just on the Southbank, there are 258 across London and on the Southbank there are a selective few. But it makes the Southbank just stand out even more with these sitting there!
I hope to spend more time in London. I think the elephants are amazing. Art is a talking point, a visual aid for a community that adds vibrance and warmth. Southbank looks like a great place to visit with many attractions for the community. Next time I pass through the city you can be my tour guide Luca
Art is definitely a talking point. I found when i was down there the other day that my former artistic self had emerged and luckily i had taken a sketchbook and a pencil with me, hence the drawing of the elephant. lol
My tour guide services are open, as long as it is a sunny day!
No Shordeitch night life?!
Ahhh it's still an accurate peace.
People think because I wear black clothes, hoodies, carry guns and what knot that I can't appreciate the surreal feeling an off set purple sky from Southbank can create for me.
Kudos
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Well Ralph how about you do a post called 'MyShorditch'?
That would be epic!
Glad you brought your guns, hoodie and balaclava into my comment section. Now try not to scare off my creative hombres monsieur.
What a quote nonetheless "appreciate the surreal feeling an off set purple sky from Southbank."
Love that!
"it seems like im there all the time, and when your there all the time you dont really stop to take in what it has to offer! Really great piece" – DJ Grind.
Pretty much summed it up for me. Everyone always looks on the bad side of LDN, it's good to someone finally show us the bright sides. Great piece, Luca.
Thanks for the reply Lee!
Yeah Grind really did sum it up and glad you also agree.
That final snap of Southbank at night really simplifies it for me!
Hope to catch up with ya soon mate!
Ah cracking stuff, defo think you've captured the right things for this as opposed to what everyone knows so well (Tate excluding). It's a good summary to what's about and what's to do to someone with a bit of time on their hands in the area.
That night shot is class too, really nice!
Nice one Dan!
Thanks for your feedback. It appears im not the only one who thinks that the Southbank has a lot to offer!
Yeah, i had to wait till dark to get a cool shot, but it was worth it!
Good Elephant Drawing
Emotional
Ben, keep the word count down next time please!
went for a walk here the other day, Motivation 101 to get it in. The elephants are crazy! art at its finest! LONDON TOWN STAND UP!
Chocka block!
I expected a man of your creative expertise to visit this!
Gotta love the elephants… no-one really considers that they are looking to be extinct within the next 10 years!
Thanks for commenting!
love the elephant thing.. they had it in Norwich a couple years ago and it really brightened the place up (tho that's not really difficult). remember the ldn cow parade about 10 years ago? that was dope, saw a few that were done by some graff artists..
cosign what ppl are saying about living here but never actually seeing London.. staycation FTW!
I remember the cow parade Elliot. That was really good!
It is very true mate and sad at the same time, that most people go from day to day living in a bubble oblivious as to what London really has to offer.
Staycation FTW!
I love these pics – the elephants are so very cool indeed. ____Good job, Luca! Keep on snapping away. Spread the coolness of Southbank!____Liz x
Thanks for the comment Liz! Much appreciated.
Glad you love the pics, i am definitely going to be taking more and spreading the coolness of Southbank! x
Im hardly the person to comment considering last time I was in London was a good few years ago – however I didn't realise it was possible for me to be motivated even further to get my ass into check and make my way out there asap.
I love how you continue to give your followers a deeper insight into your incredibly diverse personality and am glad that you're doing so as people need to know what a talent you really are.
I enjoyed the post thoroughly, specially as someone that's visited several of these sites, you've made me nostalgic and excited to experience these once more – which is more than I can say for many monotonous London tourist guides, or whatever. I also like the stats you've included as they add to the enormity of each monumental landmark you've discussed – brilliant choices if I may add.
You've pretty much articulated – in your witty, blunt and always intriguing manner – what everyone shoves daily to the back of their minds; the desire to take a step back and take in the brilliance of a city as sought after as London.
You're an inspiration yourself Luca x
Hey Foxy woman.
Quite possibly the most amazing comment in the history of comments and blogging.
Im so glad you are able to understand the emotion and energy that goes into each one of my articles. It's comments like this that urge me to push on, find new innovative ideas and bring to life my stories with words.
I was actually trying to make you nostalgic with my writing ability. You know how it works dearest.
These are my top 5 parts of the Southbank and i just wanted to share them. Not just as part of the competition for Gumtree, but also to archive my findings.
Hence why i didn't just use Google images. I enjoyed the photography and going back to my art days.
When its 25 degrees outside, it would be rude to not take advantage though!
You too are an inspiration to me, and i value every word. Thanks a lot as always hun x x x
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Solid article however Southbank to me means one thing = Parkour… See jump London and you will know what I am on about! You always see people jumping about in london!
Didnt know there was so much to offer from The Southbank, The Tate, The Millennium Bridge , The IMAX and even the way it allows artistes to express their different cultures and beliefs with The Elephant Parade. Thanks for the informative article !
Great post, like a few others have said its been a few years since I last went to The Southbank. Very informative and after reading its defiantly made me think about making another trip up there.
I cannot lie, the southbank is a great place to chill, i have had a few rendezvous' along the river bank, make the ladies go crazy. Also its good to do filming along there coz, got so many different back drops. i finally found out what the elephants statues were all about. I would buy one but wouldnt know where to put it. But i went there on a crazy hot bank holiday weekend. why is icecream man chargining £2 for a twister WTF
I love your sketch and thanx for the great photos, it's a long time since I went to London.
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@uk_gumtree that MySouthbank advert was awesome who ever did that one! U can check it on his blog here too! http://bit.ly/9yGGDX =D
Who knows about the London Southbank? 16 comments and counting! Get involved
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@Catherinelm Hi Catherine. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@nicktheguitar Hi Nick. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@Stacearoo Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@liamak Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@W1mum Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@geekerina Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@SiobhanElise Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@glassjubo Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@Jediyauk Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@fenaseniero Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@ElizabethLauLdn Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@frumpytofunky That elephant pic is awesome! Check out the pics i took of the #elephantparade also http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@jedijon Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@pixie_lvp Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@LizUK Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX
@Melissa_Wells Hi. I see you mentioned the #elephantparade i took some pics & drew a sketch of them on my blog http://bit.ly/9yGGDX