August 2023 - Brockley SE4

Featured local business - Clubtek

Forest

SE23

Hill

I was already a regular visitor to Clubtek’s DJ shop when it was in Penge, but now they're even handier in Stanstead Road, just a few doors down from Shannon’s Garden Centre - another old favourite. It’s by no means just for DJs and bands...

Kick Out Cars in Croydon (1973) and the Croydon Libertarians

Aug

2023

'Croydon Libertarians' were an anarchistic radical left group in the early 1970s. In 1973 they planned a 'Kick Out Cars in Croydon' action involving closing Church Street to Traffic (this was more than 20 years before Reclaim the Streets tried similar tactics in Camden, Islington, Brixton and elsewhere).The action was advertised in the anarchist paper ...

Dr.Crippen murder trial witness buried in Ladywell cemetery

Aug

2023

Located close to one of the inner pathways in Ladywell cemetery lies the final resting place of William James Spratling, sometimes referred to as W.J.Spratling. The cruciform headstone is often enveloped in shrubbery, so it needs a beady eye to spot it! Some while ago I discovered a fascinating link that W.J.Spratling had to Dr ...

The Village charity shop, Nunhead Green

Aug

2023

Sure, you know about the The Village, Nunhead's friendly Salvation Army charity shop and community café. But did you know it now has a whole room upstairs, full of books, DVDs, CDs and vinyl?

Tragedy on the evening train from Epsom Races

Aug

2023

Imposing photograph of Boxer Joe Bowker full name Joseph Lord BowkerSalford born Joe Bowker (1881-1955) was a British boxer who was world bantamweight champion from 1904 to 1905. In 51 professional fights, he compiled a career record of 40 wins, 8 losses and one draw with two no-decisions. Fourteen wins came by knockout.British boxing historian ...

Kender Street killing

Aug

2023

Shrine on corner of Kender St SE14 and Queens Road where 20 year old Julian Ebanks-Ford was stabbed and killed at weekend (Friday 4th August 2023), so sad.

Magdala and the downfall of the barefoot Emperor

Aug

2023

In March 1866 a British envoy had been dispatched to secure the release of a group of missionaries who had first been seized and held hostage when a letter Tewodros II had sent to Queen Victoria requesting munitions and military experts from the British, delivered by an envoy, Captain Cameron, had gone unanswered. They were ...

Shirkers Rest SE14

Aug

2023

Don't think I've given enough love out to the Shirkers Rest, beer shop/bar at 9 Lewisham Way opposite Goldsmiths in New Cross.They have beers (and cider)They have events including open mics and comedy nightsAnd of course they have a slacker aestheticYes there's a 'Never Work' poster and the legendary 1980s 'I didn't go to work ...