Plenty of subjects have been seen off and wrapped up by the Diary in its 200 issue history, but, from a quick glance back through the list, it seems that one keeps coming back - and that’s birds.

Whether it’s the pigeons of Trafalgar Square, the ravens in the Tower or the wild parakeet colonies of south London, I can’t seem to stop myself returning to the lives, times and droppings of our feathered friends.

Sometimes, rare, though increasing, sightings of eagles or vultures have caught my attention; at others the sad decline in the sparrow population has done the trick. When all’s said and done, I’ve obviously got a bird-brain.

Pigeons are my own favourite because they walk funny and because they seem such a clumsy, dirty, stubborn, urban beast, but I’d like to claim the various birds of London have a deeper resonance, that they somehow remind us of our history and promise us a future freedom.

All that gumph brings me to the nightingale, a bird I have shamefully neglected, but which captures, in song and verse, what I‘m on about. There’s the wartime song, like an echo far away, A Nightingale Sang on Berkley Square, and then there’s Keats, from Ode to a Nightingale:

Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!
No hungry generations tread thee down;
The voice I hear this passing night was heard
In ancient days by emperor and clown

David Clee

After nearly two years of experimenting with all that is "London", I am leaving LondonNet to pursue opportunities in the fantastic world of imagery. I will miss being entrenched in Pete Doherty's daily escapades, the joys of good cinema, the ramifications of bad clay for Wembley Stadium, and, of course, the star of my fortnight: Ahoy.

Thanks to the LondonNet ensemble (Peter, Em, Mark, David & Lynn), the fabulous interns who suffered my wrath and red pen (Steve, Jackie, Lauren, Pat and Brandon), and - of course - you, the evergreen LondonNet Ahoy reader. Without you, my jokes wouldn't be funny. And we all know what a party foul that would be...

Megan M. Retka

Lincoln House ** (Marble Arch)
Built at the end of the 18th Century, in the time of King George III, the Lincoln House Hotel offers Georgian charm with modern comforts.

Chelsea Lodge Hotel**(Fulham Road)
A great little hotel over one of west London's restaurants, the Chelsea Lodge scores highly for value for money, location and efficiency of service. Rooms from UKP49 (including continental breakfast).

The Gallery***(South Kensington)
The Gallery Hotel offers a haven of quiet elegance in luxurious Victorian surroundings, within reach of all the best that modern London has to offer. Friendly staff and a lobby adorned with mahogany panelling offer a warm and welcoming greeting to guests on arrival.

Flatshares:
Free updates of available rooms/tenants in your area.

The Hempel *****(Craven Hill Gardens)
The Hempel, West London's stunning Boutique hotel, created by acclaimed British designer Anouska Hempel, is an architectural statement in original design. Simple and minimalist, The Hempel is a new experience in hotel living.

The Chesterfield****(Mayfair)
Any hotel that offers internet access from all its rooms knows how to move with the times, although the Chesterfield's Georgian décor also respects the past. For fitness fanatics, gym passes are also avilable for the local fitness club.

The Gainsborough ***(South Kensington)
Imagine an English country home magically whisked away to the most exclusive London borough, and you have The Gainsborough Hotel. Named after the celebrated artist, whose portrait of the Duchess of Richmond graces the light, spacious lounge and reception, The Gainsborough combines the attractive style of bygone days with an easy informality.

The Gore***(South Kensington)
One of London's most popular privately run hotels, The Gore first opened its doors in 1892 as an annexe to the neighbouring Queen's Gate Mansions Hotel. The Gore offers old fashioned comfort with up-to-date facilities and is justly famous for its mellow surroundings and intelligent, friendly staff.

London Hotel Chart
(23/3/06 - 4/3/06)
1) Lord Jim Hotel
2) Holly House
3) The Willett
4) Boulevard Hotel
5) The Commodore

Caleta Hotel****
PO Box 73, Catalan Bay, Gibraltar
The 4 star Caleta Hotel is majestically situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. With stunning views to both Southern Spain and North Africa and providing the very best of Italian and international cuisine and summer al fresco dining.

Click here for more worldwide hotels...

E’s Are Bad for 40,000 Pill-Popping Record Holder - Severe memory loss for man deemed 'an exceptional case' by Tooting hospital (more...)

What could be more London than the London Eye? Using the heights of today's technology, the London Eye overlooks centuries of London history - a comfortable ride in a futuristic pod gives you views of Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Tate Modern, the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge. And if you want a closer look, hop on the London Eye River Cruise, for a riverside view of London's most famous places. Together, they offer the best of London - by air and by sea - and LondonNet is offering you the chance to see it, for free!

To win two tickets for a London Eye Flight & River Cruise all you have to do is answer this question: The London Eye & River Cruise give you a fantastic view of which of the following attractions (hint: see above)?
a. The Louvre
b. The MOMA
c. Tate Modern

How to Enter: Send an email with the correct answer to editorial@londonnet.co.uk, with the Subject "London Eye & River Cruise Compie." You must include your name, email address, telephone number and postal address, to be considered for the prize.

More Necessary Info:
- NB MUST include name, email, telephone number and postal address (which will only be used for this compie only - guaranteed). If you don't include your details we can't send you info about the prize!
- First correct answer out of the Editor's hat wins the prize
- Details will be sent to the winners
- LondonNet is not responsible for prize distribution
- The Editor's decision is final

Closing Date: Noon, Friday 21st April, 2006.

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