tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43358330300704860782024-03-14T07:52:15.957+00:00A Load of NonsenseRichard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-22524045728785521952021-03-02T18:44:00.000+00:002021-03-04T13:11:27.319+00:00The Jigsaw Project.<p align="justify"><p align="justify"><p align="justify">I remember my parents having this jigsaw - Waddingtons Pubs & Shops of London - the late seventies or early eighties - and, looking for something to do during lockdown I located a copy on eBay.</p></p></p><p align="justify"><strong><font size="3"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SMxc-mp5Cow4Zc9cu6Huiq_5mHnsxP2N"><img width="778" height="1051" title="_DSC0571" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="_DSC0571" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MGfZTelAqo3kWDcJ_egu6ttAWZKt86ra" border="0"></a></font></strong></p><p align="justify">As I child I was fascinated about the shop fronts featured so, some forty years on, having completed the jigsaw, I set about finding out more about the outlets featured, curious to find out how many, if any, still existed.</p><p align="justify">I’ve now trawled the ‘net more thoroughly for each one and the location of only one remains open to question. Once allowed I will head up to London and photograph each address and create a new montage, maybe even another jigsaw. Anyway, here we go, starting top left:</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1C-D_zZN2YDrVHasMbZ4FgsBdsA4f-tHG"><img width="319" height="236" title="20210215_153649" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153649" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pcSeRcBNl_7H3Zw0Xi1LBAho9y1sRuqW" border="0"></a>1. <a href="http://www.florislondon.com" target="_blank">Floris</a>. 89 Jermyn Street. Perfumers since 1730 and received their first Royal Warrant in 1820. Along with perfumes other specialities were combs, toothbrushes and mouthwash. The Spanish mahogany cabinets and glasswork were purchased at The Great Exhibition in 1852 are still in the shop today. Notable customers from the past include Florence Nightingale, Sir Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming and Marilyn Monroe.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TILTrCAVSYF-ywxrWziHSM0CR_VTApxf"><img width="292" height="163" title="20210215_153655" style="margin: 4px auto 0px; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153655" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1h30_3ZvdArapPHrjcZKZpnTDTGkfQMC3" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">2. The Markham Arms. 138 Kings Road. Built in the mid 19th century and is a grade II listed building. Was under the Ind Coope banner and like many London pubs had an international staff. One particular chap that worked there recalls serving Rod Stewart, George Best and Elton John amongst others. Popular with the gay community on Saturdays. Closed in the early nineties and is now a bank but, being a listed building, many features remain.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="http://www.closedpubs.co.uk">Closed Pubs</a> | <a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1224737">Historic England</a> | <a href="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101224737-markham-arms-public-house-royal-hospital-ward#.YCOpknmnzIV">British Listed Buildings</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IVgKJeqVn0oGM5U_-5XsTHs46H-yxj1h"><img width="354" height="128" title="20210215_153702" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153702" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lPNTbM2let24FGxPeyQBaPMQa2jLpHhe" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">3. <a href="https://www.james-smith.co.uk/" target="_blank">James Smith & Sons</a>. 53 New Oxford Street. Umbrellas, walking sticks, seat sticks and accessories. Mr Smith started making and selling umbrellas in 1830 and moved to the current premises a few years later. The shop is still there today.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QIFO8mMf2393N0hH2nnJtJpu7RILCrNf"><img width="230" height="236" title="20210215_153708" style="margin: 10px auto 0px; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153708" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HonhKSa33sDrp2_ZQ7nmu2QsIytAfe3I" border="0"><br></a></p><p align="justify">4. Tessiers. 26 New Bond Street. Jewellers and another listed building. Difficult to pin down exactly when the company was established but looks to be around the early to mid 1800’s. Moved to Burlington Arcade at some point but have since disappeared. The premises at New Bond Street, occupied most recently by another jewellers is showing ‘to-let’ on Google Maps. Savills agents reported in December 2019 that luxury retailer Faure le Page would be taking over the property although to date their website does not indicate such.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1224392" target="_blank">Historic England</a> | <a href="http://www.photohistory-sussex.co.uk/TessierFamily.htm" target="_blank">Sussex Photo History</a> | <a href="https://williamwalter.co.uk/maker/tessiers/" target="_blank">William Walter Antiques</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ooD-9CnvmIwAsB87AqIUIQgOqx-sY-j2"><img width="255" height="236" title="20210215_153715" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153715" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XYQiQenYH3viLXPS6BLwrXcfkgs_ORra" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">5. <a href="https://the-old-curiosity-shop.com/">The Old Curiosity Shop</a>. 13-14 Portsmouth Street. A 16th century London Landmark and built from reclaimed ships wood, it survived the Great Fire of 1666 and was patronised by Charles Dickens. Originally a dairy and a later a bookstore in Dickens’ days it is now a high end shoe retailer.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-old-curiosity-shop-london-england">Atlas Obscura</a> | <a href="http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Shopping/The_Old_Curiosity_Shop/6740/">London Town</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1J1oQCtPSjFKWNkoaHIaNi9YM_JVS9HKt"><img width="295" height="236" title="20210215_153728" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153728" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12ZApaz30_Xq24P2hyHU0LlJULEtwmQiS" border="0"><br></a></p><p align="justify">6. Philip Antrobus. 11 New Bond Street. Jewellers established in 1815 who were commissioned by Prince Philip to design the Queens’ engagement ring, along with a bracelet containing diamonds from his mothers’ tiara. The company was acquired by <a href="https://www.pragnell.co.uk/">Pragnell</a> at some point and the unit has been occupied by Blanc Pain since 2014. It is possible that Philip Antrobus descended from the Antrobus family in Congleton.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.pragnell.co.uk/pragnell-house/pragnell-philip-antrobus">Pragnell</a> | <a href="http://www.antrobuspages.com/Antrobus_TopicsJuly2014.html">Antrobus Pages</a> | <a href="https://www.thornber.net/cheshire/htmlfiles/antrobus.html">A Scrapbook of Cheshire</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fcdzlAYDgpPFlxrhLSYd-aYRggrPFT9E"><img width="348" height="236" title="20210215_153733" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153733" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HidtUa6I9s4vY3esd0ZVWvAc1xy4JV3c" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">7. R Allen & Co. 117 Mount Street. High class butchers since 1830 and at the Grade II listed building at Mount Street since around 1880. The business was bought out in 2006 and closed in 2015 after falling into administration, the shops’ many fans taking to social media to blame the landlords for skyrocketing rents. Companies house report that R. Allen & Co Ltd (Butchers) was dissolved in 2017. In it’s place is a luxury deli from the Italian <a href="https://www.pasticceriamarchesi.com/en.html">Marchesi</a> group.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Shopping/Allens/d9d3/">London Town</a> | <a href="https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-3286827/Customers-historic-London-butcher-Allens-Mayfair-Twitter-lambast-landlord-Grosvenor.html">This is Money</a> | <a href="https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02736765">Companies House<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1w2MDZ82AqqeCPBVdz18grjwfxoaEhUH_"><img width="319" height="236" title="20210215_153741" style="margin: 23px auto 0px; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153741" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1quWtb4T1AiHyfoOP_fqed78Bk4GFiwGc" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">8. <a href="https://www.johnwalkerwatchandclockmaker.co.uk/">John Walker</a>, a watch and clock maker with a strong connection to railways all over the world was established in 1830. A similar photo online puts the shop at 63 New Bond Street but that has been occupied by Fenwicks since 1891. The addresses shown on the front of the shop indicate previous locations. Apparently the firm was located at 1 South Molton Street in 1906 and moved to 64 South Molton Street in 1981, where a repair and restoration service continues today.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="http://theoldwatchword.blogspot.com/2015/11/john-walker_25.html">The Old Watchword</a> | <a href="https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/cp137423/john-walker">The Science Museum</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1p0iS96tfTQQrL3s0bL5MXsIrLidPEA4y"><img width="314" height="236" title="20210215_153745" style="margin: 0px auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210215_153745" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OATOZMvBDvNwo0PMtea70tOb1xsR3PkW" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">9. Mr Pickwicks. 70 Leman Street. Originally the Garrick and renamed sometime prior to 1983, there has been a pub here since around 1831. The licence was revoked in 2010 following a drugs bust. It appears to have been taken over and renamed The Oliver Conquest in the same year and continues under that name today.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/whitechapel-boozer-has-licence-revoked-3407386">East London Advertiser</a> | <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Whitechapel/Garrick.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> | <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/ELC/13905/oliver-conquest-london">What Pub</a> | <a href="https://pubsandbeer.co.uk/index.php?ID=P&pub=6320">Pubs & Beer</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yszSq4-pqjCKm0BJNng1Uqfqu6ZFZ0LB"><img width="354" height="217" title="20210221_091559" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091559" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ixmg_pdOt_z4f4yFcYyU2YBUtiCINs5Y" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">10. Carrington. 25 Old Bond Street - another Grade II listed building. Carrington & Co. jewellers and silversmiths were established in 1873, however all references point to them being at 130 Regent Street. I can’t as yet find definitive connection to them at Old Bond Street, however it seems likely it was the same company. Carrington received several Royal warrants and were later bought out by Collingwood. Collingwood appears to have closed in 2004. The premises has been occupied by Tiffany & Co since at least 2001.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.hancocks-london.com/maker/carrington-co/">Hancocks</a> | <a href="https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/L-57341-011">Gazette</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1f-W9rtEIgjgMXCqRS_Db6S63RMAEINiu"><img width="354" height="181" title="20210221_091604" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091604" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_ycwBfJWetD6fvG5u_8VcYFWYejN9Evb" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">11. The Goose & Firkin. 47/48 Borough Street. Once part of the Firkin pub chain - set up in 1979 by David Bruce who bought run down pubs from the major breweries, and reintroduced the almost forgotten practice of brewing beer on the premises. The chain grew rapidly but was sold in 1988, eleven years later ending up in the hands of Bass who stopped brewing on site. The pub continues as the Duke of York now owned by Kent brewer Shepherd Neame.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/SEL/10459/duke-of-york-london">What Pub</a> | <a href="https://www.goodbeergoodpubs.co.uk/articles/what-happened-to-the-firkin-pubs/">Good Beer Good Pubs</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SvQBL2i_W1ykxpaEkrcUmngBPspvfThC"><img width="206" height="285" title="20210221_091608" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091608" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rz8wMX9fxuDVXbgy2z2NVoZDVeCbs87C" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">12. Barbers. 26 Bedfordbury. Originally Peter’s Gents Hairdressers - although apparently no-one called Peter has ever ran it - but since the eighties was run by younger family members and known as George the Barber. A screenshot from Google Maps, taken in July 2019, shows <a href="https://petersbarbers.business.site/">Peter’s Barber Shop</a> on the door.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://shopfrontelegy.wordpress.com/2015/08/25/26-bedfordbury-peters-gents-hairdressers/">Shopfront Elegy</a> | <a href="https://www.george-the-barber.co.uk/">George The Barber</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15bA9SVAYlYVnWLDVTc5-SiITRx3xPWir"><img width="299" height="236" title="20210221_091615" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091615" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1woN7wj55TC17skZOTVSvNs0809kZ0vyK" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify">13. <a href="https://ourlocal.pub/pubs/cock-lion-london-marylebone-w1/">Cock & Lion</a>. 62 Wigmore Street. Allegedly the only Cock & Lion in the whole of the UK. First licenced in the late 1700’s as the Lyon & Cock at 25 Wigmore Street and rebuilt in 1880. Still going today and just around the corner from Oxford Street.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Marylebone/CockLion.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> | <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16243/cock-lion-london">What Pub</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10zuXRZ3CyfN7eDn7_1wFQ4jRPPWswNde"><img width="238" height="236" title="20210221_091618" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091618" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WSsH__ZSAIm8VMneCISKjcPt7F9Wctaw" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">14. <a href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/coach-horses-mayfair/">Coach & Horses</a>. 5 Bruton Street. Thought to be one of the first properties to be built in Bruton Street and first licensed in 1738. Rebuilt in 1933 in mock Tudor style and features caricatures of 19th century politicians and cleric on it’s walls. A Youngers pub at the time of the photo and until at least 2007, it is now under the Green King banner .</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/StGeorgeHanoverSquare/CoachHorsesBruton.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> | <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/15939/coach-horses-london">What Pub</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13MO91mHVX8fT3gtPapmwiDXwk9cCpStS"><img width="282" height="236" title="20210221_091631" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091631" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pEzeSQdV6XKx7dV0M3NouECKsnPA7b0H" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">15. <a href="https://www.georgeinthestrand.com/">The George</a>. 213 The Strand. Sitting opposite the Royal Courts of Justice the Tudor style frontage dates from a 1898 rebuild though it is said there has been a pub on the site since 1723. Other sources state that it started life as a coffee house. Greene King ales on offer.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16277/george-london">What Pub</a> | <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/ClementsDanes/GeorgeHotel.shtml">Pub Wiki</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MBltzC0x8HSMc11DR5T5LoSSxdVwG9bP"><img width="320" height="236" title="20210221_091635" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091635" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rjICWlPSGSHHFwM_jnG7bT2ll6kh3a4P" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">16. <a href="https://www.trumpers.com/">G.F. Trumper</a>. 9 Curzon Street. Gentlemen's’ barbers and perfumers since 1875. The original mahogany cubicles remain and alongside haircutting and shaving they offer a number of high end mens’ beauty treatments and associated products.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geo._F._Trumper">Wikipedia</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pu2V_52KEbBa9LEa64rv5BLy1C5waa8z"><img width="354" height="212" title="20210221_091639" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091639" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FNsuRTpLzW6gFY37fbYnVuRdvWWnPZQG" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">17. The Wig & Pen. 230 The Strand. The first of many thanks must go to the members of the Facebook Group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/swinginglondon">London in the 60’s & 70’s</a> for this one. I had mistakenly assumed that the building to the right was an entirely separate image when in fact it is one and the same. The two people walking to the right should have been a clue as well. An exclusive private members’ club and, as the name might suggest, was popular with lawyers and journalists. Once the home of the gatekeeper of Temple Bar who used to sell wares to the many who came to view the severed heads of traitors on the spikes of Temple Gate! It is said to be one of the few buildings in the area to survive the Great Fire of London in 1666, however it wasn’t so lucky in 2018 when it was hit by a London bus. The club closed in 2003 and is now the home of a Thai restaurant.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-45446468">BBC News</a> | <a href="http://thelondoni.com/wig-and-pen/">The London I</a> | <a href="https://triptide.london/journals/wig-pen">TripTide</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/29/pressandpublishing.uknews">The Guardian</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TPnNoVL9RrK3QsiZLQnt6btpI-Fh1j_B"><img width="215" height="236" title="20210221_091643" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091643" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Boimla8Ph5DCo8ui37zji2SGABVs59yD" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">18. G. Smith & Son’s. 74 Charing Cross. Road. Tobacconist established in 1869, offered a walk in humidor for cigar fans and and numerous blends of loose tobacco and snuff too. It seems to have finally closed in 2011. Now occupied by waistcoat, tie and jewellery specialists <a href="http://www.andytuly.co.uk/">Andy & Tuly</a>.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://shopfrontelegy.wordpress.com/2016/08/17/g-smith-sons/">Shopfront Elegy</a> | <a href="http://www.janeslondon.com/2015/08/gone-but-not-forgotten-g-smith-sons.html">Jane’s London</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xxVD_h74ppSzxFaXTzOcGJDMRZ4Jcq-b"><img width="207" height="236" title="20210221_091647" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091647" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PzX2tiglvrEoBcGcbMPh1wrJUf_yiS-e" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">19. Gordon Gridley Antiques. 41 Camden Passage. Established in the early seventies by Mr Gridley - an English teacher who turned his passion for antiques into a second income, eventually opening the shop. Said to be the oldest antiques shop in the Passage - Mr Gridley himself was 81 in 2013 when interviewed for an article - Posh Totty Designs have occupied the unit since 2017.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://issuu.com/32magazine_/docs/final_indesign/24">32 Magazine</a> | <a href="https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/lifestyle/property/shop-of-the-month-posh-totty-designs-3570104">Ham & High</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12JeGoDzVM6ygZzZDLU62CobJa7mdeyMu"><img width="316" height="236" title="20210221_091658" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091658" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YfYX4TD6yLRqGiZhJZWA1Sp0IZ8iYjBS" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">20. The Opera Tavern. 23 Catherine Street. A Blue Plaque, visible in more recent photo’s gives the date as since 1879 but records indicate there has been a pub here since the 1791, initially the Yorkshire Grey, then the Sheridan Knowles, back when it was still Brydges Street. The name change to The Opera Tavern appears to have occurred in 1861. The name remains to this day but became a tapas bar and restaurant in around 2011.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/CoventGarden/OperaTavern.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> | <a href="https://www.andyhayler.com/restaurant/opera-tavern">Andy Hayler</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UjLkjLI3n6Cmcw-60dhHR0eRPmhbyo_H"><img width="146" height="236" title="20210221_091701" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091701" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LEp8pe1fVdn4ur5V1h-_d-sRjWz8b6x6" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">21. <a href="http://www.camden-head.co.uk/index.html">The Camden Head</a>. 2 Camden Passage, although the address is listed as 2 Camden Walk. Thanks must go once again to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/swinginglondon">London in the 60’s & 70’s</a> Facebook group for helping me identify this. Not to be confused with The Camden Head in Camden High Street, the pub dates from 1849, has it’s own ghost (obviously) called George and has hosted comedy nights for many years. Another pub currently under the stewardship of Greene King.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.camdenpassageislington.co.uk/eating-drinking/292-the-camden-head.html">Camden Passage</a> | <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Islington/CamdenHead.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DdAjXMT5jm5_6jSEsoMq-YU9U7sn5OuI"><img width="354" height="231" title="20210221_091704" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091704" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fbmWHvJKidBwIovT9CXgI4cpKm6a2ckq" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">22. M.B. Newman. 70 Charing Cross Road. Another identified with help this time from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=old%20london%20photographs">Old London Photographs</a> Facebook group. Charing Cross Road was always a likely bet given the plethora of bookshops there, however other information is proving difficult to come by. A photo online shows the bookshop in 1967 and the unit is now occupied by Cards Galore.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/prospective-customers-browsing-outside-the-mb-newman-and-news-photo/616227217">Getty Images</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xzZYELuKwJxT-Mu1RMP-66wwJUKOGLMD"><img width="322" height="236" title="20210221_091707" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091707" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Bmp1wL8EpW29D5zXxLqoMOG-oDt6leSY" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">23. Nell of Old Drury. 29 Catherine Street. First licensed in 1835, rebuilt in 1883 and renamed in 1965 after Nell Gwynne, mistress of King Charles II, although it’s also reported that there has been a pub on the site since at least 1660. A tunnel running between the pub and the Theatre Royal opposite was reportedly used by the King to visit Nell. Comedy nights seem to have been a feature more recently but current status is uncertain - they were still trading in 2020 but their website is currently unavailable.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/15964/nell-of-old-drury-london">What Pub</a> | <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/CoventGarden/SirJohnFalstaff.shtml">Pub Wiki</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nCAvwAcQzDoUcJDYyK0ZefmZL_vwXRCU"><img width="273" height="236" title="20210221_091710" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210221_091710" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=123Bberuxo9x_KRHHYdIK7bsnYJkfnErR" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">24. Roundhouse. 83-85 Wardour Street. The current building dates from 1892 and it was the Round House from 1862, renamed from the Blue Cross which appears to have been established around 1756. Popular at one time as a blues and skiffle club, it had certainly lost the Round House name by 2013. It currently houses Soho Residence, a ‘premier bar, club and lounge space’.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Westminster/RoundHouse.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> | <a href="http://www.cyrildavies.com/Roundhouse.html">Cyril Davies</a> | <a href="https://www.groundedlondon.com/news/2019/5/8/sohos-iconic-roundhouse-has-undergone-a-full-and-fantastic-1m-restoration-and-will-reopen-as-soho-residence-the-premier-bar-club-and-lounge-space-in-londons-west-end">Grounded London</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wz0cDzF6TXsya3YLiixD5UxAwXVh2TLT"><img width="304" height="236" title="20210301_154105" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154105" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lix8gtBfIraLfSGaZdkNqUy8AQTwimH6" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">25. <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16068/paxtons-head-london">Paxtons Head</a>. 153 Knightsbridge. Rebuilt in 1852 and renamed in honour of Joseph Paxton, the designer of the Crystal Palace, at around the time. The site of a public house since at least 1632, previous names being Kings Arms and Marquis of Granby or similar. Grade II listed and another that’s now under the stewardship of Greene King.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/WestminsterStMargaret/PaxtonsHead.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> | <a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1381202">Historic England</a> | <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16068/paxtons-head-london">What Pub</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=142Z7rqVgfzbUpwgyL5IISN1X_oMK5mPO"><img width="314" height="236" title="20210301_154109" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154109" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15xHtLhAcB_Nu2lEWCFO4nyhj4I0RQm0H" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">26. Ellen Keeley. 33 Neal Street. Ellen Kelly barrow makers were established in Ireland in 1830, the family coming over to England at the time of the potato famine. Likely at Neal Street from 1900-1982, the company, whose customers were mainly market traders', branched out in the 60’s hiring out to the film industry. <a href="http://www.keeleyhire.co.uk/about_us.php">Keely Hire</a> exists today in Hertfordshire as a supplier of props to the film, television and events sector. The premises at Neal Street is currently a jean store.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://sevendials.com/peoples-plaques/ellen-keeley">The Seven Dials Trust</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1l_Pwxqn7B7O20DvsNzY9qmUNitFb20sa"><img width="154" height="236" title="20210301_154113" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154113" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nHpFxHAfTKV1alfKKPCC0IjGKWmuqJ8G" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">27. J. R. Wall & Co. 399 St John Street. Thanks once again to members of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/swinginglondon">London in the 60’s & 70’s</a> Facebook group for their help in locating this butchers. Sadly I have been unable to glean much more information about J. R. Wall & Co. but the name of the original owners - Bland - can be seen on the tiling below the windows and they were there from the later part of the 19th century. Since the early 2010’s the premises has been occupied by <a href="https://www.turnerandgeorge.co.uk/about-us/">Turner & George</a> - also butchers - or meat merchants as they have branded themselves. The building is listed and the white tiling remains to this day.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://shopfrontelegy.wordpress.com/2017/10/04/late-bland-mr-meats/">Shop Front Elegy</a> | <a href="https://www.londonpicturearchive.org.uk/view-item?i=65766&fbclid=IwAR3Ot7HbZ_ugjUdHLnksLH_Otmg4XRq7KC164LeN_sGc5gdjtQ4gTcWqxq4&WINID=1614265356742">London Picture Archive</a> | <a href="https://alondoninheritance.com/london-streets/rosebery-avenue-st-john-street-amwell-street/">A London Inheritance</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SOct7jpcjNJgqyqTN7aQPyxrgdKbc03U"><img width="354" height="221" title="20210301_154116" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154116" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1B4uLSbXCwWs-mkqQ7gijirDWIhLnU400" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">28. E. Joseph. 48a Charing Cross Road. Another bookseller, established by Emmanuel Joseph and at Charing Cross Road from around 1900. It became Quinto bookshop in 1983 until 2010 when they moved further up and since 2020 now operate solely online. Patisserie Valerie currently occupy the unit.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.abebooks.co.uk/quinto-bookshop-london/72753589/sf">Abe Books</a> | <a href="https://www.davidbrassrarebooks.com/who-we-are.php">David Brass Rare Books</a> | <a href="https://spitalfieldslife.com/2015/07/13/the-antiquarian-bookshops-of-old-london/">Spitalfields Life</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=123jX2Y8Nq7PsfFIOwWRLa9FZ8ekhH2iu"><img width="319" height="236" title="20210301_154119" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154119" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kRfv4C7gGsySn1auUfpsLOl7fYjulUGf" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">29. <a href="https://www.bbr.com/">Berry Brothers & Rudd</a>. 3 St James Street. originally a coffee supplier and established in 1698 by a widow and mother by the name of Bourne. George Berry joined the company in 1803 and by 1810 it was his name above the door. It was the turn of the century before the company began to focus exclusively on wine. Hugh Rudd joined the company in 1920 and in 1940 a limited company was formed with the name that remains to this day. For a more in depth look at the history, do have a look at the <a href="https://www.bbr.com/about/history">About</a> section on their website.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zeRybCGtURrzk1dTbzki_Eku1N2EhtTl"><img width="478" height="161" title="20210301_154125" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154125" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1w8xsr5bShdA4TEwLU_VoUKmcbqTjDWpz" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">30. Worcester Arms. 89 George Street. Appears to have been established in 1839 and in 1869 the address was 42 George Street before renumbering took place. The pub finally closed in around 2002 and a major redevelopment of the unit and surrounding buildings took place lasting several years. It is currently occupied by Santo Mare - and Italian seafood restaurant.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16837/worcester-arms-london">What Pub</a> | <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Marylebone/WorcesterArms.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> | <a href="https://www.pubology.co.uk/pubs/3553.html">Pubology</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SDoEzj-jqaKLk4E4TtrzwwGRZar8YUk-"><img width="194" height="236" title="20210301_154128" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154128" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Zayq26N0ZWaz-4Zc_6nRA6wiXCnw3Oon" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">31. F. W. Collins & Sons. 14 Earlham Street. Ironmongers established in 1835 and owned by the Collins family for seven generations. The shop closed in 2008 and has been occupied since 2009 by The Vintage Showroom - specialists in vintage clothing and accessories. They’ve even named their in house clothing line F. W. Collins in honour of the previous occupants. Grade II listed.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FWCollins-Son-Ironmongers-2049907418590235/">Facebook Page</a> | <a href="https://www.thevintageshowroom.com/bio/">The Vintage Showroom Bio</a> | <a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1342090">Historic England</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LGcz0x1wiMPPd61Ij4uXCged2B4lJRWY"><img width="354" height="162" title="20210301_154131" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154131" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KpuWvTJj-TV3kIJt2uSz9DS0enknWuoh" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">32. <a href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/sherlock-holmes/">The Sherlock Holmes</a>. 10 Northumberland Street. A pub since 1846 and rebuilt in 1883. The Northumberland Arms until 1957 when, then owners Whitbread recreated Holmes’ sitting room at 221b Baker Street with items rescued from the Holmes exhibition, part of the 1951 Festival of Britain. The sitting room can still be viewed through glass from the upstairs dining room and the pub is another currently under stewardship of Greene King. </p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-sherlock-holmes-pub-london-england">Atlas Obscura</a> | <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16010/sherlock-holmes-london">What Pub</a> | <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/StMartins/NorthumberlandHotel.shtml">Pub Wiki</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EHdJB5vS6IyzpGVfiJBxYLyxsTQ_Ah9n"><img width="102" height="285" title="20210301_163857" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_163857" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1x3HRpbgqxH2Ndqz_Qhh4rYl2sP5eYQMU" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">33. <a href="https://www.cornelissen.com/">L Cornelissen</a>. 22 Great Queen Street. ‘Artists colourmen’ said to have been founded by a Belgian lithographer, initially at Drury Lane and reportedly moving to Great Queen Street in 1855, it’s home until 1977 when it closed following the death of the last of the Cornelissen’s. The name re-emerged at 105 Great Russell Street in 1979, now run by Nicholas Walt where it continues to this day. The most recent occupants of 22 Great Queen Street were Estate Agents.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19x3yqhbKqJ_SpnZ4h5hLU8ksN5MoMZYV"><img width="335" height="236" title="20210301_154135" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154135" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bRZZVkiWXXUriBOWP3rUJSAszzO9SM61" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">34. Old King Lud. 12 Ludgate Circus. Built in 1870 and originally ‘The King Lud’, the name was changed to distinguish it from another pub - New King Lud - which had opened nearby, at some point before 1981. Closed in the very early nineties but emerged as ‘The Hogshead in Ludgate’ in 1993 as part of the Whitbread group, later changed to simply ‘Hogshead’ . It closed in 2005 and is currently home to a branch of the Leon fast food chain.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/london/ec4_fleetstreet_oldkinglud.html">Closed Pubs</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xeSFmBxieZiNOcoab3xNiixrTGSo4cIX"><img width="354" height="228" title="20210301_154139" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154139" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18TUGGb_zD4OuJBVIKzpWDBfmDcYJm-UU" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">35. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. 145 Fleet Street, although the entrance is in Wine Office Court. Grade II listed and rebuilt shortly after the Great Fire of London, there has been a pub on the site since 1538. Such literary figures as Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and P.G. Wodehouse amongst others are thought to have visited. The pub was home to an African Grey parrot - Polly - for over forty years. It’s death in 1926 was the subject of obituaries in newspapers worldwide. Now part of the Samuel Smiths group of pubs.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ye_Olde_Cheshire_Cheese">Wikipedia</a> | <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/HolyTrinityLess/OldCheshireCheese.shtml">Pub Wiki</a> | <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/ELC/14927/olde-cheshire-cheese-london">What Pub</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sGMn1OdPgYryVibe_whi46CAiw_2bFTw"><img width="354" height="226" title="20210303_160929" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210303_160929" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DS6OnAEtc1I5cVuNkZBXauNjESE1aK4C" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">36. <a href="https://www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk/">Paxton & Whitfield</a>. 93 Jermyn Street. Cheesemongers since 1742, Stephen Cullum opened a market stall and his son Sam was joined by Harry Paxton and Charles Whitfield in 1790. The shop moved to 93 Jermyn Street in 1896 where it remains to this day. owned by several people since, the business has several Royal Warrants including Queen Victoria and currently Her Majesty the Queen and HRH the Prince of Wales. More history on the <a href="https://www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk/our-heritage">‘Our Heritage’</a> section on their website.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wnDkLY4zcG05aG14-spEgJFcfwAGXMnO"><img width="147" height="236" title="20210301_154142" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154142" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-PKpB_D15rqowpmQVIgDt9Z9sBluzuwp" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">37. Bond Street Kiosk. 34/35 New Bond Street. Tobacconist in front Sotheby’s auction house. Sparse information on this one however a Private Limited Company was incorporated in 1971 and a stock photo shows it still there in 1991. The company was dissolved in 1996. It has some claim to fame, being shown in the 1983 James Bond Film Octopussy - Roger Moore can be seen standing outside with a magazine.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.alamy.com/sothebys-with-the-bond-street-kiosk-london-england-image1543691.html">Alamy</a> | <a href="https://www.companieslist.co.uk/01203511-the-bond-street-kiosk-limited">UK Companies List</a> | <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/396246467211602759/">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://jamesbondlocations.blogspot.com/2012/09/property-of-lady-sothebys-auctions.html">James Bond Locations</a> </p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NGKlnIYRjjFO1rwNjlwls40qopN8XUPq"><img width="200" height="236" title="20210301_154146" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154146" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tXg6znOClzhY-hEdRLUWWD2-LESpNu-E" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">38. Shapland. 207 High Holborn. A Grade II Listed building, at one time a tobacconist but by 1849 a pawnbroker, the name Shapland first appearing around 1891. The name Shapland name remained until the early eighties when it became a branch of Goldsmiths. It is now occupied by Cards Galore.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://londonhistoricshops.blogspot.com/2014/01/207-high-holborn-wc1.html?showComment=1613044025101#c8970108518471220458">London Historic Shops</a> | <a href="https://www.londonpicturearchive.org.uk/view-item?key=SXsiUCI6eyJ2YWx1ZSI6InNoYXBsYW5kIiwib3BlcmF0b3IiOjEsImZ1enp5UHJlZml4TGVuZ3RoIjozLCJmdXp6eU1pblNpbWlsYXJpdHkiOjAuNzUsIm1heFN1Z2dlc3Rpb25zIjozLCJhbHdheXNTdWdnZXN0IjpudWxsfSwiRiI6ImV5SjBJanBiTVYxOSJ9&WINID=1614786296060#gqeKW0EMVXAAAAF3-MNyZg/74948">London Picture Archive</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rid9uDFsyVIdPnyogCidwGFgtb-N2lqG"><img width="354" height="129" title="20210301_154222" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154222" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13A2mFliuwMv13QdFx9yXB1OPG_AjjJRw" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">39. Somers & Kirby. 48 Connaught Street. Information very thin of the ground for this one. A report puts Somers & Kirby at 20 Leinster Terrace in 1975 and a it is likely they were still at Connaught Street in 2006 with a comment that rising rents were forcing some businesses out. The company was dissolved in 2007, the premises currently being occupied by a dentist.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/connaught-street-london-w1-somers-and-kirby-butchers-save-our-small-shops-campaign-rising-rents-have-forced-a-lot-of-businesses-in-connaught-street-to-move-the-rent-increases-has-been-imposed-by-the-church-commissioners-who-manage-assets-for-the-1094011a">Shutterstock</a> | <a href="http://www.glias.org.uk/news/037news.html">GLIAS</a> | <a href="https://www.companieslist.co.uk/05454733-somers-and-kirby-limited">UK Companies List</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hEOj8dPmFM6oO-_edKq2NFD06aZCKUdN"><img width="354" height="116" title="20210301_154227" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154227" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1atqwVOI2Xbmkdkw6p3ZfqYuufQNlh_Y4" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">40. <a href="http://www.thekingsarmschelsea.co.uk/">Finch’s/The Kings Arms</a>. 190 Fulham Road. Originally The Kings Arms and now bearing that name again, re-built in 1861 and became Finch’s in 1994. A Youngs’ pub.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16322/kings-arms-chelsea">What Pub</a> | <a href="https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Kensington/KingsArmsFulham.shtml">Pub Wiki</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yIvrA9GqS3WO5EtVmapiJuEYiwdjWtaP"><img width="354" height="151" title="20210301_154231" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154231" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tLtoANpzW-HGgO7TNo9amXlyeGoQiGUi" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">41. Brodie & Middleton. 68 Drury Lane. Theatrical scenic supplies since 1840, based initially at 79 Long Acre and moving to Drury Lane in 1981. From 1999 they shared the premises with canvas supplier Russell & Chapple and moved to Store Street in 2015 where business continues today under the Russell & Chapple name. As of 2019 the Drury Lane premises appears to be empty, with what looks like flats above and across neighbouring units.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://www.russellandchapple.co.uk/">Russell & Chapple</a> | <a href="https://www.brodies.net/brodie_ecatalogue/files/assets/basic-html/page3.html">Brodies</a> | <a href="https://shopfrontelegy.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/brodie-middleton-ltd-russell-chapple-ltd/">Shop Front Elegy</a></p><p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dNprGmiIvCdeJqUkvbKF1nq5EuBhhdhj"><img width="354" height="111" title="20210301_154235" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20210301_154235" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1psW2-P_WaTMhmWzsWxtCbAYGsE7B6hVW" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">42. <a href="https://www.angleseaarms.com/">The Anglesea Arms</a>. 15 Selwood Terrace. Previously a market garden and nursery, it’s a Grade II listed building dating from 1827, Charles Dickens was said to be a neighbour at one point. Still going today under the Metropolitan/Greene King umbrella.</p><p align="justify">Resources: <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/15936/anglesea-arms-south-kensington">What Pub</a></p><p align="justify">And there we have it! To summarise: The original location of 8. John Walker is still uncertain, but they are still trading. Of the remaining 41, 20 are still trading offering substantially the same service, although some have moved and names have changed. 15 are still in the same location trading under the same same some 40 or so years on.</p><p align="justify">As I said at the top, the next task is to plot them all on a map then, when circumstances allow, go and photograph them all - with possibly a drink in the pubs - purely for research purposes of course - the create a new montage and maybe have it made into a jigsaw.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-43341368194888334942020-12-30T12:05:00.001+00:002020-12-30T12:05:35.408+00:00Curried Parsnip Soup | 30/12/2020<ul><li>500g parsnips</li><li>1/2 medium onion</li><li>1tsp garlic paste</li><li>1tbsp honey</li><li>1tsp curry powder</li><li>Chicken stock cube</li><li>750ml boiling water approx</li></ul><ol><li>Peel, chop and shallow fry parsnips until starting to brown</li><li>Peel, chop and fry onion until soft. Add garlic paste, mix and fry for no more than a minute being careful not to burn paste.</li><li>dissolve stock cube in 500ml boiling water and add to soup maker along with the honey and curry powder.</li><li>Top up to ‘Minimum’ line with water. Run ‘Smooth’ programme.</li></ol><p>Made 3 x 390g approx portions.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-50109937116238168132020-11-30T19:11:00.001+00:002020-11-30T19:11:57.190+00:00Chicken Casserole | 28/11/20600g diced chicken breast, coated with flour and salt and pepper.<div>400g carrots, peeled and chopped.</div><div>250g chestnut mushrooms, quartered and fried.</div><div>3 sticks celery, chopped and fried.</div><div>Cup of frozen chopped onions, fried.</div><div>1 veg stock cube and approx pint/quarter of boiling water.</div><div><br></div><div>Cooked on Low for 4 hours.</div><div><br></div><div>Cup of frozen peas, dumplings and approx 250g of cooked gammon added.</div><div><br></div><div>Cooked on High with lid off for 1 hour.</div><div>Under high grill for approx 10 mins.</div><div><br></div><div>Made 4 very healthy portions. First taste - superb, maybe a little more juice next time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><br></div>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-77413370960027078082020-11-17T14:04:00.001+00:002020-11-18T10:53:39.305+00:0017/11/20 | Sausage Casserole<ul><li>6 ‘Country’ sausages - David Shoebridge - browned in f/pan</li><li>400g tin baked beans</li><li>400g tin chopped tomatoes</li><li>350g potatoes, halved and sliced</li><li>1 tbsp worcester sauce</li><li>2 tsp Herbes de Provence</li><li>1 l/s veg stock cube</li><li>100ml boiling water for above</li><li>Low & slow for 8 hrs.</li></ul><p><strong><u>Results/Comments</u></strong></p><p><strong><u><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1srOtzmCbnlZgr1XrAQHDVJ02Jx076Yul"><img width="254" height="145" title="20201117_184757" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20201117_184757" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DLjB47Kfoe-M76_bKYtKdYktCxDCQejl" border="0"></a></u></strong></p><p>3 x 475g portions approx.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-4470441252368461792020-11-10T19:22:00.001+00:002020-11-10T19:22:28.768+00:00Carrot & coriander soup | 10/11/20<ul><li>600g carrots</li><li>2 red onions</li><li>1 med potato</li><li>1 tsp coriander</li><li>pint oxo l/s veg stock</li></ul><p>Made three portions @ 500g approx.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-65237270497193331232020-11-10T19:20:00.001+00:002020-11-22T17:16:58.501+00:00Tomato & Basil soup | 10/11/20<ul><li>500g passata</li><li>red onion</li><li>2 sticks celery</li><li>1 tsp brown sugar</li><li>2 med potatoes</li><li>400g tin chopped tomatoes - sieved</li><li>2 tbps basil</li><li>pint garlic/herb stock</li></ul><p>Made 5+ portions. Reduce toms next time and maybe a spud.</p><p>Tasted superb. Aim for four bigger portions next time.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-44447528944690983282020-11-10T14:01:00.001+00:002020-11-10T14:02:23.790+00:00Sweet Potato & Lentil soup | 10/11/20<ul><li>600g peeled sweet pots</li><li>large onion</li><li>100g red lentils, rinsed</li><li>1tsp garlic paste</li><li>1/2 tsp hot chilli powder</li><li>1 tsp ginger</li><li>1 tbsp tomato puree</li><li>2 pints stock with 2 l/s veg oxo cubes</li></ul><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ctfVCJwmkXU8Wnz4WWTNMWtagprVkMm4"><img width="254" height="145" title="20201110_122704" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20201110_122704" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1N7rxrxB1LvPcoT3AKVsmAerfoWApq90S" border="0"></a></p><p>Made 4 x 500g portions. Reduce water content next time.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-77566685699664338002020-11-10T13:58:00.001+00:002020-11-10T14:02:45.563+00:00Sweet Potato Soup 10/11/20<ul><li>470g sweet potato peeled</li><li>280g carrots</li><li>large onion</li><li>2 tsp garlic paste</li><li>1.5 pint of oxo l/s veg stock</li></ul><p>Made 4 x 400g portions.</p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NjiWkSZVpLS804Y-FWPa9KmviJRA3wFN"><img width="254" height="145" title="20201110_115355" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20201110_115355" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=149enfMHkTRs2WpmIBfzDQxrYfQafmfuA" border="0"></a></p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-56001264050429409772020-11-10T13:53:00.001+00:002020-11-10T14:03:42.147+00:00Leek & Potato Soup | 09/11/20<ul><li>400g Leeks</li><li>265g spuds</li><li>Low salt veg Oxo cube</li><li>1.5 pint boiling water</li></ul><p>Made 3 x 500g portions. Aim for 4 x 400g next time.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-43325680405201153492020-11-08T18:55:00.001+00:002020-11-10T19:16:38.629+00:00Beef Stew & Dumplings 07/11/20<p><strong><u>Stew</u></strong></p><ul><li>1 .75 lb stewing beef partially fat trimmed (Shoebridge butchers) </li><li>300g closed cup chestnut mushrooms, chopped and fried</li><li>1 large onion, chopped and fried</li><li>2 sticks of celery</li><li>3 medium carrots</li><li>1 tsp garlic paste</li><li>5 tsp Worcester sauce</li><li>2 x low salt beef Oxo/pint boiling water</li></ul><p>6 hours on low + 45 mins on high with dumplings, last 20 mins open then 6 mins under grill.</p><p><strong><u>Dumplings</u></strong></p><ul><li>240g pack of Atora veg suet</li><li>515g SR flour</li><li>6 tsp parsley</li><li>15 tbps cold water</li></ul><p>Freeze, separated on GP paper for at least 2 hours, can then be boxed up and frozen/used as required.</p><p><strong><u>Results/Comments</u></strong></p><p>4 dumplings added - divided into 4 portions - around 500g per portion.</p><p>Dumplings very good. Just should have put more than one in each portion! Meat - ok, just one chewy bit but no better or worse than anything else tbh. Mushrooms - rather firm and chewy. Either didn't fry them for long enough or just a different brand - Sainsburys.</p><p>Reduce Worcester sauce a tad and perhaps reduce to 200g/250g mushrooms.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-35409753788643444272020-08-27T09:52:00.001+01:002020-08-27T09:52:22.907+01:00A Wake Up Call<p align="justify">As many of you will already know I’ve missed work a lot. Since the school closed early in March I’ve been longing for the day when I could get back driving, see my colleagues and the kids and return to the structure that working life brings. You’ll know that I found lockdown tough at times - as did many many others - and at times didn’t handle it well at all. Whilst the chance to finally get away in the caravan again was welcome it was the start of the new school term in September that I was focussing on - back to a routine and a sense of self worth in the knowledge that I would be earning money again rather than sitting on my backside and getting paid for it - although I should say now that I was extremely grateful for the furlough scheme - it did at least remove financial worries.</p><p align="justify">The first step in prior to the new term was a medical - not specifically because of the pandemic - as drivers we have one every two years anyway. That came on Tuesday 25th August - just a over a week before the start of term. </p><p align="justify">And I failed.</p><p align="justify">My blood pressure - specifically the lower diastolic reading was consistently too high. I managed one reading within the lower limits specified by the DVLA for bus drivers but needed at least two to pass. Declared unfit to drive, I was gutted, having pinned my hopes on returning to work in September. I came away understandably distraught and upset.</p><p align="justify">My first call was too my GP to arrange an appointment, I hoped quickly, however nothing was available until the 8th meaning that there was no way I’d be returning to work at the start of term.</p><p align="justify">Whilst I was obviously upset the unpalatable truth was, it was my fault. I have not looked after myself during lockdown, initially at least treating everyday as a weekend. Too many suppers of cheese, biscuits and salty meats, chocolate with the inevitable liquid accompaniment many nights of the week and a lack of motivation to get any sort of regular exercise, combined with regular mugs of tea and strong coffee have taken it’s toll. Sure I knew I’d gained a little weight but had no idea what was going on inside. Whilst I’d survived lockdown mentally, physically I had clearly suffered. Doing a jigsaw maybe good for the brain but not for the waistline, particularly when accompanied by excessive amounts or sugar, salt, fat, caffeine and alcohol.</p><p align="justify">I went to bed that night with a headache which was to persist for most of the next day. The Occupational Health practitioner had said that If I could produce three official readings within the prescribed limits then she would reconsider. I tried all the local pharmacies that normally offer blood pressure testing but none were doing so because of Covid. My manager was also exploring all avenues to see if there was any way of moving things forward more quickly in the hope of minimising the delay before my return to work.</p><p align="justify">Then a friend sent me a link to a pharmacy that offered private consultations with a GP over a video link in a cubicle equipped with various medical devices, including a blood pressure monitor. I booked and paid for an appointment and presented myself there the following afternoon. I explained the circumstances and did the blood pressure checks, the GP monitoring the results over the video link. I was just in the prescribed limits - although still higher than ideal - and came away a little happier knowing that, for now, I’d done what I could at least, forwarding the report to the OH practitioner as soon as it arrived by email.</p><p align="justify">With the headache still persisting I settled down on the sofa in the hope of a nap and was just drifting off when the phone rang - it was the OH practitioner. She had reviewed my case, along with the new set of results, with a colleague and was calling to advise that they would pass me fit to drive, subject to a review in three months. I can’t begin to describe to you the relief that I would finally be returning to work as planned. After a horrible 30 hours or so where I had mentally beaten myself up for being so foolish, I was back on track.</p><p align="justify">I’d ‘got away with it’ - just - but now it is down to me to get myself fitter. The routine of being back at work will help - the early morning walks will resume, my alcohol consumption will drop dramatically as I rarely drink during the week for obvious reasons - and partially as a result - the sugary, salty and fatty snacks will lessen considerably too. I’ll make changes to my diet - less caffeine, plenty of water, more fruit and vegetables. My appointment with the GP remains and if the changes I make are not enough and I have to go on medication so be it, but that will be a last resort. I’ve been extremely foolish but shouldn’t dwell on that - the best thing I can do is try to put it right. A wake up call indeed.</p><p align="justify">Cheers</p><p align="justify">Rich.</p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-81127092116489902812020-03-27T19:37:00.001+00:002020-03-27T19:37:54.991+00:00When will I see you again | The diary of a school minibus driver<p align="justify">With plenty of time on my hands for the foreseeable future - as have many - I thought I’d fire up the laptop and recall some of the events of the last few days from my perspective. This may be the first of many, or just the one, we will see how it goes.</p><p align="justify"><u><strong>Day 0 - Monday 16th March 2020</strong></u></p><p align="justify">It had been a long weekend, with a rapidly scheduled INSET day on the previous Friday, to implement remote learning systems and the like and many of us wondered whether they’d call a halt to the school term a week early. There were no updates over the weekend so it was all systems go this morning, bringing the kids in as per usual, nipping home for breakfast then gathering with fellow drivers outside the Prep school, for the short drive down to the sports ground for the younger kids’ games session at 10am.</p><p align="justify">Our manager appeared, called us all together and informed us that the school would likely be closing today - nothing had been confirmed officially yet - and that it may well be that two ‘Home’ runs were required, taking the Prep kids separately from the those in the Senior school. This of course aroused talk that there was an suspected virus outbreak there.</p><p align="justify">Rather than head home for lunch I hung around, like many, in case we were needed early. There were no further updates and the older Prep kids were despatched to the sports ground as per normal, although their session was much shorter than is usual.</p><p align="justify">About 4pm the message came that the school was closing and that the Home run would proceed as normal. Shortly before the 5pm departure time the kids boarded as per usual, noticeably excited. I missed the start of the 5pm briefing but caught most of it as we made our way along the coast to Eastbourne, dropping the kids off on the way. There was no need to take the minibus back to school that night, so I was home a little earlier than is usual for an end of term, catching up with the news and starting to absorb the full implications of the contents of the briefing.</p><p align="justify">Am email from the college confirmed what we’d suspected - one kid had fallen ill and four further boys in the same house were showing symptoms, along with one of the tutors. This virus, so far confined, in our minds anyway to other places, had moved much, much closer to home. It was getting real.</p><p align="justify"><strong><u>Day 1 - Tuesday 17th March</u></strong></p><p align="justify">There was no rush to take the minibus back - after all it wouldn’t be needed - but thanks to my body clock, not to mention the silly o’clock alarm I’d failed to switch off, I was still awake early, thoughts tumbling around in my head.</p><p align="justify">Shortly after 9am I departed, the minibus for once being parked close to the flat, for the short trip not to the college but to the sports ground in East Brighton park, near the Caravan & Motorhome club site. Roughly half the fleet was already there, some drivers choosing to bring back their chariots last night or first thing. I reversed in, killed the engine and had a check in the back for rubbish, Thankfully ‘my’ kids - for that’s how I think of them - are pretty tidy. I retracted the mirrors, recorded the closing mileage in the log, locked her up and made my way to the exit, looking wistfully back over the gates. The government announcement about national closure of schools had not yet come but I wondered when I’d be called upon to spin up the engine of the mostly faithful No.2 minibus again.</p><p align="justify">I could have got a bus along Eastern road to the college to hand in the ‘tin’ - the box containing the keys, fuel card, vehicle log and breakdown and insurance certificates - but there wasn’t one due so instead walked, waving to another driver on the way who was just returning his vehicle.</p><p align="justify">Tin deposited at the Lodge, I said goodbye to the staff there and made the short walk to the seafront. The No. 27 bus appeared after a short while and I hopped on, doubling the number of passengers to two.</p><p align="justify">There was a shift change a few stops along and I heard the departing driver comment that it had been a waste of time. Shortly after my fellow passenger departed leaving the bus to myself. It was weird - Brighton & Hoves’ buses are well used - the second most in the country after London - and I’d never known it this quiet. The mind was wandering again and I decided to do a social media update, posting the picture I took of the minibuses all lined up behind locked gates. It was then, I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a few quiet tears. Suddenly a major part of my life ceased to exist - I’ve said before how important work was me in the weeks and months following Trev’s death. It gave me focus, some grounding and a reminder that life goes on. In Transport we’re a pretty close knit bunch, always looking out for one another and pitching in to help each other out when need be. I had no idea when I would get to see them again. The kids too - and their parents. Having done the same run for so long I know a lot of them pretty well and enjoy the responsibility of them being in my care for up to two hours a day, bringing them in and getting them home safely. It was probably the wider implications personally too - my upcoming trip away in Patsy was now very much in the balance - and all this weighed very heavily indeed. It was the loneliest I’ve felt for a long long while.</p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="justify"></p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-53881676175133260132020-02-01T08:00:00.001+00:002020-02-01T08:00:53.941+00:0018 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>It seems incredible that 18 months have passed since Trev left us and, whilst I still miss him greatly, the fact that he was so cruelly robbed of his retirement hurts the most. <div><br></div><div>Looking back at the last year and half though, alongside the inevitably emotional troughs and dark days, I've been getting on with it, enjoying some great trips away in Patsy, seeing new places, making new friends and enjoying the company of existing ones. Work is going well and I've enjoyed doing new things too, things that perhaps we wouldn't necessarily have done together.</div><div><br></div><div>My thoughts on the afterlife mirror Trev's - but, if he was up there looking down, or down there looking up (!) I'd like to think he'd be pleased with how I'm doing. He would have plenty to say on the recent political shenanigans too. He would roll his eyes at some of my outfits and probably tell me to keep an eye on the booze. But overall I reckon he'd say "you're doing alright Rich'. That means a lot. </div>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-47818713553289909902019-07-01T07:00:00.001+01:002020-09-29T14:40:39.717+01:0011 Months<p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AzGkKZcK-ZW3NbB73BVhEeMhzZdXAQUB"><img width="254" height="166" title="6 Lodeside (9)" align="left" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="6 Lodeside (9)" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mMt0dOq9hb0qcPmXVTi6xWktEvMNcvXX" border="0"></a>Jeez, it’s getting close.</p><p align="justify">A challenging month emotionally in a number of ways. I found myself getting quite apprehensive about a birthday party I had been invited to - something I normally relish. The thought of turning up, on my own, in amongst all the couples was starting to seriously bother me. Fortunately the opportunity arose to share a cab with some friends and I felt much more relaxed having got that sorted. </p><p align="justify">The party itself - the 60th of a very dear friend - was good fun, really good fun. However there was those moments that came right out of the blue hat had me creeping away for a moment or two as the eyes starting leaking. There should have been two of us here - Trev was no dancer but he’d have loved the social side and the chance to catch up with everyone.</p><p align="justify">June also saw the end of term at the school where I work - early I know but Independent schools keep their own timetable. Again, a day of real mixed emotions - four kids who had been on my bus for six years - now young adults - left having completed their A-Levels. No kids of my own of course, so this is the nearest I was likely to get and I felt quite proud of them. Proud of myself too as their parents had effectively entrusted them into my care for upwards of two hours a day for the last six years.</p><p align="justify">The end of term also saw the departure of friend and colleague Tony who was retiring. Tony took over the route from Trev when he first ‘left’ and is the second longest serving driver after me. We had the inevitable after school get together in the pub and that night at home after brought with it quite a few tears, the eventual release of the days emotions no doubt.</p><p align="justify">in addition, this would have been my last day at the school – at least for a while. As some will know we had loose plans for a long trip, skirting where possible the coastline of Britain to celebrate Trev’s retirement. It would have been fun but challenging and not one I could currently contemplate doing solo.</p><p align="justify">These hurdles keep coming and there’s another as get ready I depart for my summer trip, culminating in the return to Colchester in a months time. I say get ready - I’ve done a little in preparation but am approaching it with some trepidation, remembering that we left the flat this time last year, and Trev was never to return. I have a number of sites booked prior to the return to Colchester but to be honest I can’t strike up any enthusiasm whatsoever. I’m pondering delaying my departure but we’ll see.</p><p align="justify">This months photo is from roughly 20 years ago, in my mobile home in Waterbeach, a little village to the north of Cambridge, with, of course Dipsy, a present from his fellow cabbies at CamTax. </p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-34730505275108257402019-06-01T07:00:00.000+01:002019-06-01T07:00:00.527+01:0010 Months<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PgTXrhLBTYFuPFQBQooyXVNyE_HF3C_6A5qixgEQZxeaxfgZ1nLpNl1kaywBI65YRhlPyk14mZN3Usixd8Zj0uZ60rjFAWdmlYrNU60wwGoU4LcxZYAxAIbrhoq5jtRA8715N3eAZcj2/s1600/2a9747b90496638e40857394da8e1900cefd5fc367ff7c0e7f6c3cfe5918c845.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img width="213" height="320" align="left" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PgTXrhLBTYFuPFQBQooyXVNyE_HF3C_6A5qixgEQZxeaxfgZ1nLpNl1kaywBI65YRhlPyk14mZN3Usixd8Zj0uZ60rjFAWdmlYrNU60wwGoU4LcxZYAxAIbrhoq5jtRA8715N3eAZcj2/s320/2a9747b90496638e40857394da8e1900cefd5fc367ff7c0e7f6c3cfe5918c845.jpg" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600"></a></p><p align="justify">The months are certainly rolling by and the 1st anniversary of Trev’s passing draws ever closer.</p><p align="justify">This month saw the gathering of around fifty friends for “Twittercamp for Trev” at a campsite in the Cotswolds organised by friends. It was a fantastic long weekend and over £500 was raised for the Royal Papworth Charity that helps support the work of the Royal Papworth Hospital - where Trev had lifesaving surgery in 2003.</p><p align="justify">This picture comes from our first ever Twittercamp - near Banbury in the summer of 2013 when just six of us met up on a campsite. At this point we were ‘homeless’ - well bricks and mortar’less - having sold our bungalow and waiting for the flat to go through. We had Patsy 1 then - our first caravan - and she proved every bit as homely. </p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-46764411523317767952019-05-01T06:00:00.000+01:002019-05-01T06:00:13.142+01:009 Months<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBNLmuoY_26ZUeEWfPg8vuL9H-sg4qhPhP9LjDY8djpD_fB00-WqLERO_NFgR48ndsIvWJg9HmNOivanPiqGpzTlGZ7Ed6WXBjQZEKLJIsYqS5DQjPGshJ1aMmzqIefbBvM0LVBNsO82U/s1600/WP_20140114_015.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img width="272" height="203" align="left" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBNLmuoY_26ZUeEWfPg8vuL9H-sg4qhPhP9LjDY8djpD_fB00-WqLERO_NFgR48ndsIvWJg9HmNOivanPiqGpzTlGZ7Ed6WXBjQZEKLJIsYqS5DQjPGshJ1aMmzqIefbBvM0LVBNsO82U/s320/WP_20140114_015.jpg" border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600"></a></p><p align="justify">So, we’re now three-quarters of the way to the first anniversary of Trev’s passing, the coming of which is now appearing more and more on my radar and at times it’s making me a little anxious. I feel I should mark it in some way - and am perhaps doing that already by going back to the site where he died - but what else, I’m not yet sure. What I’m starting to realise more and more, is that it’s going to be very tough indeed. I’m also sensing though that it’s quite an important hurdle and is a significant marker, though of course my grieving wont suddenly be over, the day after. I won’t suddenly emerged from a cloud with a hop, skimp and a jump on the 2nd August - it just doesn’t work like that. But maybe there’s some things that I've subconsciously put off that I’ll get around too</p><p align="justify">The month gone saw what would have been or wedding/civil partnership anniversary on the 6th, an occasion which didn’t effect me as much as I thought. I’ve also been away as many of you will know - flying up to Scotland to stay with friends and had a fantastic time. I’m enjoying getting out and about other than in the caravan - and this is the sort of trip Trev & I would probably never have done. Mixed feelings of course though - I’d much rather have had him by my side.</p><p align="justify">This month’s photo show’s him with dear old Patsy 1 - our first caravan. Not, as you may think when we picked her up but this was in January 2014 when we traded her in and said goodbye to her for the last time.Or so we thought. Having both driven away pretending we didn’t have something in our eye, we returned a few moments later to retrieve the cutlery we’d left in the draw!</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-3450901062812837852019-04-06T07:00:00.000+01:002019-04-06T07:00:02.385+01:00Happy Anniversary<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUCAQmMKzRzEOX3S5L87PXIjed-SRNe1c6LHhIaSvL-2vM3UIqn8EUS9cqIjC0yBJjnx72ESP5TEa8uPMBJbXOiAtaVb8jcIigPRYPb-pZFk0Ct2XhPKDe2Gw-Hb-waseuKhOwjfKh1NG/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img width="180" height="240" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; float: right; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUCAQmMKzRzEOX3S5L87PXIjed-SRNe1c6LHhIaSvL-2vM3UIqn8EUS9cqIjC0yBJjnx72ESP5TEa8uPMBJbXOiAtaVb8jcIigPRYPb-pZFk0Ct2XhPKDe2Gw-Hb-waseuKhOwjfKh1NG/s400/15.jpg" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200"></a></p><p align="justify">Today, 13 years ago we ‘tied the knot’ in front a small gathering of friends and Trev’s Mum at Brighton & Hove registry office, before a meal at a restaurant on the Marina. We jetted off to Barcelona for a few days - the only time we’d ever paid for Club Class, before heading down to Sitges for the second half.</p><p align="justify"><img width="240" height="160" align="left" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSLoPzy60oAkRuxIpnmphX51cxs-WQF2O_LCTEFCD_Dy2c-EhlUkYCXXOLAVgrONf_lmocWEIwor2N165bVWj6TMcQ-q9vZOZ5IqZvIUItf4dxazQ-ozev9JyF0yyqDK49SWD78jQ_ka4/s400/WP_20151202_12_23_05_Pro.jpg" border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600">On the 2nd December 2015 we ‘upgraded’ to marriage following a change in the law. This was even more low key - just us two and the Registrar. I interrupted the domestic chores at home whilst Trev took a break from caretaking duties at the Pre-Prep. It didn’t dawn on us until later, that had we waited until the following April we would have had a great excuse for a party - our 10th anniversary, but it didn’t matter. We did go out for a meal later that evening though.</p><p align="justify">13 years eh. Unlucky for some - but not for me. I still count myself very lucky indeed - I got to share my life with him for nearly thirty years after all.</p><p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSLoPzy60oAkRuxIpnmphX51cxs-WQF2O_LCTEFCD_Dy2c-EhlUkYCXXOLAVgrONf_lmocWEIwor2N165bVWj6TMcQ-q9vZOZ5IqZvIUItf4dxazQ-ozev9JyF0yyqDK49SWD78jQ_ka4/s1600/WP_20151202_12_23_05_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br></a></p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-42401422708110457732019-04-01T07:00:00.000+01:002019-04-01T17:33:32.853+01:008 months<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tUMWwPuTjLnHLcxR7n0vfqAiOZbFt3OuNO0shr6-cvyV8Gx4-JQj6KuHfPH5gVna2bp2zPoXpmRvJO5i5h9e8eYGnJaUYw4C0BY2X2r6L9gVrX4G_LNbu6jzpm7o5hoQvW73VEBZrdPA/s1600/26451bdc0aedbf597f26ec9bc78fd8428fb45275611f28862982ba4fe83b5df5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img width="400" height="225" align="left" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tUMWwPuTjLnHLcxR7n0vfqAiOZbFt3OuNO0shr6-cvyV8Gx4-JQj6KuHfPH5gVna2bp2zPoXpmRvJO5i5h9e8eYGnJaUYw4C0BY2X2r6L9gVrX4G_LNbu6jzpm7o5hoQvW73VEBZrdPA/s400/26451bdc0aedbf597f26ec9bc78fd8428fb45275611f28862982ba4fe83b5df5.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="675"></a></p><p align="justify">Two-thirds of a year. Sometimes it seems impossible that I’ve been without him that long - and that first anniversary moves inexorably closer of course. It’s been a real mixture of a month - I’m currently way in our - my - beloved Patsy and have, so far, had a really good trip. The second week of the month though saw the passing of his birthday - what would have been his 65th and something he was so looking forward to. </p><p align="justify">It was a tough day. With no extra work I spent most of the day at home pottering and the mind inevitably wandered. In the evening, after the school run I met with some friends for grog and grub and we had a nice evening raising our glasses to Trev. I’d barely opened the door of the flat though after and the tidal wave hit again, with a ferocity that took me quite by surprise. It passed of course, as always but blimey. You’re bumbling along, getting on with life, making the most of it and suddenly, without warning it hits you and you wonder how you’re going to get through the next five minutes. </p><p align="justify">**Updated** This months pic sees Trev at the bar - quelle surprise - and I think he might have even paid too! It was at a delightful little boozer in Appley called The Globe Inn. It was 2017 - a difficult summer with his Mum in hospital and eventually having to go into a home. With her finally settled we headed off for a couple of weeks and stopped off at Gamlins Farm camp site on the way down to Devon where we met up with my cousin and his family.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-85035036226076149322019-03-12T00:01:00.001+00:002019-03-12T00:01:04.430+00:0065 today<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqshz8DARKn1wby1KtUi3GyOvysh6e-BC6apZoVlyCqcnhiBO0o-1jcU7LMcAGUOmsLsOpnHDFvMzYajzXo9Vys47zSKLRREUuMrkXgdyjSr50t-CAbNR2RgnN6rhxOdNt7QyUsg-uI-ok/s1600/PA203475+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img width="185" height="248" align="left" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqshz8DARKn1wby1KtUi3GyOvysh6e-BC6apZoVlyCqcnhiBO0o-1jcU7LMcAGUOmsLsOpnHDFvMzYajzXo9Vys47zSKLRREUuMrkXgdyjSr50t-CAbNR2RgnN6rhxOdNt7QyUsg-uI-ok/s400/PA203475+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" data-original-width="1037" data-original-height="1386"></a></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">65 today. I wish.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Not me of course but someone would have been - <em>should</em> have been - celebrating his 65th birthday today. The day when finally he was rewarded for lifetime of graft with a state pension - although he would have actually have had to wait a little longer for that. I remember him saying many times – “65 years, 6 months and 21 days”.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">The day he could sit back and think “I've done my bit” and start enjoying his retirement. I doubt he'd have given up work entirely but was certainly looking forward to easing up. Gawd knows he’d earned the right yet he's been denied all that. It's so unfair.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">Unfair to those of us that loved him dearly, unfair to those lucky enough to have him as a friend, unfair to those to whom he was an Uncle or Brother.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">But most of all it's unfair to him.</font></p><p align="justify"><font size="3">65 today. I so, so wish.</font></p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-54252990145309379632019-03-08T20:13:00.000+00:002019-03-08T20:42:05.722+00:00Guest Blog Post | Life & Mindfulness<p align="justify">After writing the piece on Contentment, I started to think more about how one might achieve and equally importantly, maintain the contented state of mind. Of course, as we discussed before, it is different things to different people and is mainly a constantly moving feast. I reflected upon how I manage this and one of the main ways, although not exclusively so, is Mindfulness. <p align="justify">I first came across mindfulness about 6 years ago; have to say at first I was somewhat sceptical, fearing it was yet another ‘fix/cure’ imported from elsewhere. Life was, at that time extremely challenging, both from historical issues and more current ones. So, with little or no expectations, I enrolled on a 12 week course, feeling I had nothing to lose.<p align="justify">Perhaps, I fell lucky on this occasion, the tutor was exceptionally good and made the journey far more easier than it might have been. That is not to say that it was an easy time but tried to keep the focus on the saying, “if it’s worth doing, you have to give it your best”.<p align="justify">I do not propose to describe the details of what mindfulness is or isn’t, I will attach a link at the end for people to look at if they wish to.<p align="justify">There are, however, a couple of important issues which need to be explained. Mindfulness is not just for people with mental health issues. Although it can seem like it is, given the close links there are in papers, websites etc. I strongly recommend that if you read something online, in a book, try and ignore the words mental health, you can then see the wider relevance to today’s busy lives. It can be for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity etc. Some tutors link their mindfulness teaching and practice to different religious viewpoints but many do not do this. Indeed, that had been one of my initial reservations. I quickly learnt that the process can and is run on completely secular lines, as was the course and follow up sessions I attend. <p align="justify">Mindfulness is also of equal importance to people who do not consider themselves unwell, for whatever reason. It has something to offer most people. <p align="justify"><a name="_GoBack"></a>So, what does Mindfulness give me? It makes me feel better, I can control things like anxiety or panic quite successfully most of the time. It calms me and gives me a framework within which I have learnt to appreciate things around me and to be able to recognise something approaching contentment at any given time for example. There are many other benefits but I wanted to focus on following up on the piece on Contentment. That is my personal journey and everyone is different.<p align="justify">All to often, sadly, mainstream media and organisations are ready to denounce different ways of doing things. Perhaps we owe it to each other to explore ways that have stood the test of time and in doing so we may find some contentment we all too often struggle to achieve and keep.<p align="justify">Mindfulness in UK, (I have no affiliation to this site, nor is this a recommendation)<p align="justify"><u><a href="https://bemindful.co.uk/">https://bemindful.co.uk</a></u></p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-62218467292779443722019-03-01T06:30:00.001+00:002019-03-01T06:30:04.387+00:007 Months<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP53mkpCnAoo-spHnK5rdLr4iohmmC07qbSNlSHs3_4go8OFsRm9BAUnoojF8odeq29hh1lHRsyns_gT5m1aDkbMHx2Csxs2helCzHv1Qnoh2HE1KgqKXVScwCSRf1GEGVdKn-Pr3vmiy/s1600/62977fe85b0300dae4db7405e9ce91d0678b6dfad61291aa7c2dc4827fb50c8b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img width="350" height="197" align="left" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP53mkpCnAoo-spHnK5rdLr4iohmmC07qbSNlSHs3_4go8OFsRm9BAUnoojF8odeq29hh1lHRsyns_gT5m1aDkbMHx2Csxs2helCzHv1Qnoh2HE1KgqKXVScwCSRf1GEGVdKn-Pr3vmiy/s1600/62977fe85b0300dae4db7405e9ce91d0678b6dfad61291aa7c2dc4827fb50c8b.jpg" border="0" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="674"></a></p><p align="justify">So, the balance of time has tipped I feel and the countdown to the 1st year anniversary has begun. Hmm.</p><p align="justify">It’s been a funny old month - away in Patsy for half-term and although overall it was good I had a bad morning on the last full day. Clearing up ready for an early departure I was overcome with such an intense feeling of loneliness - something I’d never experienced in Patsy since I’ve been touring on my own. It passed of course and I had a very enjoyable afternoon meeting up with friends from Brighton for football in the evening but it returned again in the pub before the match and during the match itself. I contemplated leaving early but again, as always, it passed.</p><p align="justify">The weekend saw me head up to Cambridge for a birthday party which was really good fun, although there was the inevitable twinge of sadness as Trev would have enjoyed it so much. The floodgates opened again the evening I got home, like having to endure some hideous emotional version of a bush tucker trial, almost as if I was being punished for having a good time, </p><p align="justify">I was back in Cambridge on Tuesday for the funeral of Trev’s sister Maggie, who had passed away after a long illness, but still far too young at 62. I debated going - it was at the Crem and I feared a reaction, but I wanted to go and it was important to do so, not least because it’s what Trev would have wanted. I did find my mind wandering though to the last time I was there - where I sat, the photos, the words, the music and the people. I’m aware that there now often seems to be a delayed emotional reaction to things like this but so far, none has come.</p><p align="justify">Right, to this months photo - Trev of course, being watched over by Teddy. Teddy was a Christmas present from Trev’s elder sister Rosemary when we moved into our first home together - so at 17 he’s getting on a bit too! Trev had two Labradors - one after the other, both called Teddy - and we talked lots about getting a dog ourselves.</p><p align="justify">The photo was taken at Christmas and was at the Cherry Hinton club site in Cambridge but I can’t place the year - 2014 to 2017 is the nearest I can get.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-74658937150851038772019-02-22T20:36:00.001+00:002019-02-22T20:36:11.080+00:00Guest Blog Post - Defining Contentment<p align="justify">Following on from my recent blog post about me <a href="http://thebloggerinblack.blogspot.com/2019/02/finding-contentment.html" target="_blank">Finding Contentment</a>, a caravanning friend decided to expand on the theme and take a look at how we define contentment with this great piece. It’s a great read I think and I’m delighted that they have agreed to let me share it with you. It pretty much mirrors what I think and is certainly food for thought as you will see. Anyway, here it is:<blockquote><p align="justify">Contentment is a word which is often banded about but I wonder how many people actually stop to think what the word means and perhaps more importantly what it means to them?<p align="justify">Let’s start this exploration with a back to basics look at what meaning the dictionary uses...<p align="justify">‘Contentment’, <i>“A state of happiness and satisfaction“ </i>noun ....<p align="justify">The dictionary calls it a noun but I would go further and suggest it is a subjective noun, as to ask the question of a range of people will elicit a range of responses, all as valid as each other.<p align="justify"><a name="_GoBack"></a>In today’s era of consumerism and ever growing acquisition of ‘stuff’, it is all too often seen as the way by which an individual acquires contentment. The drive to be evermore successful is yet another means by which contentment is judged and there are many others. But are they or should they be the major focuses? Is that the way for achieving happiness and satisfaction and therefore, as the dictionary puts forward, contentment? <p align="justify">What, or how then, might an individual obtain contentment in a more broader sense? How might we know we have achieved contentment? Is that the end or is it a continually moving stage in our lives? What might be viewed as contentment by a small child will, of course, differ widely from a teenager, adult or older person.<p align="justify">Yes, we can all acknowledge the basics, food, water, shelter and safety but what of the things that we cannot so easily see, touch, taste, hear for example. What of friendships, relationships, love that has been foregone or lost through competing commitments or bereavement? All to often, contentment is realised afterwards, perhaps when it is sadly too late to acknowledge.<p align="justify">Perhaps then, the skill(s) we need to acquire or, possibly nurture is the ability to recognise contentment in ourselves and the part of the world in which we are at any given time. For to do that can bring a quality to our and others lives and an acceptance of ‘what is’ and may be, just may be, a kind of peacefulness which can all to often be missing in today’s lifestyle.<p align="justify">In today’s hectic and often seemingly chaotic world, taking the time out to reflect and acknowledge things in our own little piece of the world can seem like a big ask. Maybe the question we might need to ask is can we afford not to?<p align="justify"><br><p align="justify"></p></blockquote>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-65203902068200999052019-02-20T19:18:00.000+00:002019-02-20T19:56:08.457+00:00Finding Contentment<p align="justify">Whoa! That sounds a bit deep doesn’t it? But it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while – prompted no doubt by the seismic shift in my life last year. It was rather long journey on a bus back to a camp site last week that had me pondering the possibility of a blog post on the subject. It’s been swirling round in the large open spaces up top ever since and has ended up as another itch that needed to be scratched. So here I am – scratching!<p align="justify">Right, first and most importantly, this is in no way intended to be a ‘how to’. It’s about me and my thoughts, how I’ve tried to shape things and how things are panning out. If it ends up helping someone who reads this then great, all the better but that’s not the point of this blog post.<p align="justify">So, what is contentment? Well I’ve deliberately not looked it up in the dictionary but these are two definitions that come to mind:<ul><li><p align="justify">happy with your lot</p><li><p align="justify">satisfied with current circumstances</p></li></ul><p align="justify">The first one is perhaps not quite right – happy and content are different things of course but it does suggest an overall, well, contentment! The second is perhaps nearer the mark for me.<p align="justify">At the start I said I’d being thinking about this for a while – and that’s true but it was the six month anniversary of Trev’s death that prompted me to take a look back at how I’ve managed, how I’ve coped with life after Trev. How I’ve adapted to a single life in what I consider my third chapter – the first being childhood and adolescence, the second being adulthood and our time together, which up until the 1<sup>st</sup> August 2018, encompassed my whole adult life.<p align="justify">And my conclusion? I am content. Very. I miss him loads and there are dark moments, dark hours and sometimes dark days and they will continue to come. I know that and can deal with it. It was a sign of what we had and I try and focus on that.<p align="justify">Grief aside though, the three definitions above pretty much sum it up for me, but what have I done to achieve that, to find that contentment? Well, the answer is – not a lot. You see, partially by accident Trev and I seemed to have nailed this contentment malarkey. The combination of work and play seemed to slot together so well and our love of caravanning – which we only came to relatively recently – played a big part in that, but so did our work at the college. What started as a stop gap came to give us the perfect – for us – work/life balance. Sure, we both compromised – that’s what couples generally do – but in truth there wasn’t that much I wanted to change.<p align="justify">I’m going to divide things up into three – you’ll see why – and look at each element more closely and this might help explain why I am where I am. <p align="justify">Firstly, work:<p align="justify">I think myself very fortunate because I love my job. For those that don’t know, I drive a minibus for an independent school here on the south coast. The job itself is notionally part time – five hours a day divided into the morning and evening school runs – but thanks to the schools location and facilities it has become pretty much full time with all the overtime that’s on offer. I enjoy the environment and I like my colleagues – particularly my fellow drivers in Transport. We have a great close knit team and get on well. But the happiest I am is driving the minibus – getting the kids too and from school safely, as quickly and smoothly as possible. I enjoy the added challenges of driving a bigger vehicle and like that – in my opinion anyway – I do it pretty well. I like the kids and they seem to like me.<p align="justify">The early starts and late finishes are more than offset by the long holidays and to be honest I wouldn’t want to go back to a ‘normal’ job. The long holidays and relatively unskilled nature of the job are reflected in the pay packet but I’ll talk about that more later on.<p align="justify">Secondly, home life:<p align="justify">During term time we didn’t do much evenings or weekend, saving our loot for trips away in the caravan. We were happy with a meal and a couple of pints at some point and evenings in. That’s changed little. Conscious of the early starts I’ll do little more than have dinner then look for something to watch for an hour on the telly. The tablet will be to hand and I’ll join in the chat, usually on Twitter, and play online word games with friends and colleagues. I’ll often have an early night and read for an hour, the radio on quietly, the under-blanket ensuring the bed is toasty warm and welcoming if a little empty. I love reading – always have done – and have done so much more of it since. Simple pleasures.<p align="justify">I miss, and always will, our Friday meal washed down with a couple of pints where we dissected the week. But I do enjoy my Friday evenings now – I rarely go out and certainly not on my own – more chat on Twitter, word games and maybe some comedy quiz show on the telly, all accompanied by a beer or two, or sometimes wine, or both, and some cheese and biscuits. With slightly raised cholesterol I have to go easy on things like cheese but I figure once a week wont hurt. OK, maybe twice because I’ll often do the same Saturdays nights! The music might go on later and almost inevitably I’ll end up on ‘those’ songs, the ones guaranteed to bring a tear or two. I don’t mind that, in my mind it’s just like releasing the pressure, the safety valve opening.<p align="justify">Most Saturdays I work in the morning but am home by lunchtime and the radio goes straight on for an afternoon of sport, with final score on the telly a bit later. I’m happy enough listening to that with a book and the tablet close by. Again, simple pleasures but it works for me. Easily pleased I guess and maybe I’m fortunate in that. <p align="justify">Occasionally I’ll go and see the real thing – take the Saturday off and take the train up to London with friends for a match. We used to go to football a lot and I still enjoy it but to be honest it’s more about the company of friends. Mate-ship I think our Australian cousins call it. There’s a beer or two involved as well of course.<p align="justify">Saturday evening’s I’ll look for a film or maybe a drama series and if it’s twenty years old it doesn’t matter. As long as it entertains me.<p align="justify">You’ve not yet seen housework mentioned – the boring domestic chores with which most of us are burdened. Well, the nature of my job means that although I start work and finish late there are various gaps during the day when I can pop home and get stuff done. I make a point of doing this to keep weekends clear – and if I want to spend all weekend on the sofa doing nowt I can without feeling guilty about it. Housework is out at weekends – that’s my time. <p align="justify">Thirdly, going away:<p align="justify">Trev and I loved caravanning, you all know that and I have found that I can love it on my own too. I am still at my happiest – well, most content anyway – in my little home from home. Yes, it’s harder work but I still love it. I enjoy getting out and about on my own but am equally as happy in the ‘van, feet up, radio on with a book in hand and a glass of something nearby.<p align="justify">When I’m out and about I try and focus on the now – taking in what’s around me rather than constantly looking at the phone. Enjoying and absorbing the surroundings – that’s the point of sightseeing after all. Sure I’ll pause for the occasional catch up and I could never ditch social media as it’s been such a source of support. It’s the same when meeting friends face to face. Talking, and more importantly listening. I try and keep the phone in the pocket. Updates will keep.<p align="justify">Whilst in the last few years we focused almost entirely on caravanning for our holidays, I have already been doing others things. I think Trev grew tired of flying and all the hassle that goes with it – and that was fine, we enjoyed what we did – but I’ve really enjoyed getting on a plane again and catching up with friends. I’ll be doing it later in the year too although I’m yet to book a holiday abroad – I think I might encounter some emotional turbulence – pardon the pun – going it alone, and it’s not something I’m in a rush to do anyway.<p align="justify">Across all these spans friendship. Whether, meeting people here when I’m at home or away in the ‘van or even chatting on Twitter, the importance and having friends has become so much more important and I am truly blessed in that regard. It makes so much difference knowing that there are people out there who take me for who I am, will listen and will understand. Priceless.<p align="justify">So, that’s an outline of what I do and how I live. Yes, it’s a simple, some might say unexciting life, but it suits me. It works and I want to explain a bit further why and for that we have to talk about money.<p align="justify">I mentioned early about the job. The pay is not great for a number of reasons but that – to me – is not that important, although I’ve had to make a few changes since the household income was effectively halved, to do what I want to do.<p align="justify">I’ve obviously screwed down costs where possible for utilities, insurance and so on, but that was something I did anyway quite frequently as many do. I’ve made subtle changes to how I do things at home to save on water an energy. LED lighting was perhaps a long term investment but it’s yielding immediate results. I rarely use the dishwasher – there’s only me to wash up for and besides I’m paying to heat water again when there’s already hot water in the tank. I hang washing up in the morning in the bathroom and finish it off in the dryer in the evening, drastically cutting down electricity consumption but still ensuring the towels are fluffy! Savings doing stuff like that are already adding up. There’s more but I won’t bore you.<p align="justify">I don’t pay for extra TV. For the amount I watch there’s more than enough on the basic channels and catch up services to keep me entertained. The exception to that is an occasional day or week pass for football.<p align="justify">Food costs have gone down, not only because there is just one of us but because of the way I’m batch cooking. That’s not to say I always buy cheap because I don’t. I’m mostly happy with own label stuff but will buy the leaner cuts and look for low fat options. I’ve had it up the here with heart disease.<p align="justify">The next thing is ‘stuff’ - material possessions – and again I count myself quite fortunate here. I’ve never been one for stuff, be it a new car, caravan, the latest phone, humongous flat screen TV and so on. None of it interests me. Sure when I have to replace things I do but while they’re working OK, they stay. A twenty year old TV drama, which I enjoy watching, looks the same on my old telly as it does on the latest 4K job.<p align="justify">We’re bombarded with adverts from all directions encouraging us to buy stuff, implying that not only will our lives be better with it, but unbearably worse without it. We can’t be happy without the latest stuff apparently. I ignore all that and have unsubscribed from so many email lists for news letters and the like that are little more than advertising flyers. <p align="justify">For anything that appears in my radar I ask myself, do I NEED this, will it significantly make life easier or more enjoyable, will it make me happier or more content? The answer is almost invariably no, but when it is yes, I’ll purchase happy in the knowledge that I can afford it because I’ve been careful elsewhere.<p align="justify">I use the library rather than line the shelves with glossy and expensive hardbacks. For me it’s what’s in the book, not the book itself. On my recent trip to London I went out most days with a rucksack containing not only my camera but a flask of coffee and some lunch. I could happily sit and enjoy that somewhere of my choosing rather than a packed and noisy coffee shop. It also meant that I didn’t feel guilty about paying over the odds for a pint with a view somewhere If I wanted.<p align="justify">A good example of want, not need is a turntable. My ancient one recently went tits up – it’s not been used since I archived all my vinyl to the computer before we moved house. I ditched most of it but some remains and for a while I’ve had a yearning to listen to some vinyl again. I got as far as ordering a new deck before cancelling it – the cost of a new one would pay for several nights away in the caravan. And whilst I love listening to music, that was more important. One of the harder choices to make but I made the right decision.<p align="justify">These are just some examples and whilst all this might sound a bit miserly, what I’m saying is, I’ll save money on things that are NOT important to me so I can spend money on things that ARE. Things that make me content – that is the goal after all.<p align="justify">Whilst I feel I am getting ‘there’ there are a couple of areas which still need some work and the first is health. I refer of course to my knee. Trev was never one for walking but I have always enjoyed it and love the idea of packing up my rucksack and going out wandering for the day camera at the ready – you get to see so much for a start. I currently can’t do that but I’ve just started physiotherapy again so here’s hoping that yields results. Sleep is getter better thankfully, although slowly.<p align="justify">The other is a desire to ‘do good’ or ‘give something back’ - whatever you want to call it. Helping others I guess. I enjoy my job as I’ve said and have no intention of giving it up, but driving privileged kids around is hardly worthy and I would like to do something that would make a difference. As yet, I’ve no idea what form that will take but volunteering of some sort is perhaps something I could fit into my working week. I wonder too whether my recent experience could be put to good use – some sort of counselling role perhaps. It’s still far too early of course but something to consider. I’ll be honest – doing ‘good’, helping someone, would make me feel good too I reckon.<p align="justify">So, there it is, my six month report if you like. I understand of course that contentment can be fluid and what suits me now my change as time marches on and I get older. Different things may come to interest me.<p align="justify">There may well come a time too when living a single life may not be as fulfilling as it is now and I’ll want to begin to share my life with someone else again. I don’t see that happening any time soon but it’s a possibility at some point and I’ll have to adjust accordingly. I’ll never forget Trev of course, he was the best thing that ever happened to me and he’d want me to be happy. But right now, I’ll take what I’ve got.<p align="justify">And to think this all came about from a late night ride home on a bus!<p align="justify">Cheers<p align="justify">Rich</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-21090269894214048002019-02-01T06:46:00.000+00:002019-02-01T06:46:29.981+00:006 Months<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_G80lQ3B0rGDu332Bs0iKfoiBCfUA2odBoqacn2LAYu3IlyVZLlb94CoYbkaWpskXleQWemsgZHy4iigu-RV0XFACL89IiYJLD3jVL4snVCQsEQDJthv21edOtsq3u9IKYUr2A3pIDGo/s1600/Dubrovnik+26-10-11+%2528123%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img width="174" height="232" align="left" style="margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_G80lQ3B0rGDu332Bs0iKfoiBCfUA2odBoqacn2LAYu3IlyVZLlb94CoYbkaWpskXleQWemsgZHy4iigu-RV0XFACL89IiYJLD3jVL4snVCQsEQDJthv21edOtsq3u9IKYUr2A3pIDGo/s1600/Dubrovnik+26-10-11+%2528123%2529.JPG" border="0" data-original-width="1197" data-original-height="1600"></a></p><p align="justify">Six months? Half a year he’s been gone and in some ways it feels longer than that. When I’m feeling ok, getting on with stuff - work, domestic chores and so on, it seems longer. It seems normal - which of course now it is - the new normal. It’s not like he was never there but it can feel like a lifetime ago we were sharing a great life, enjoying each others company and making memories. Then I’m getting on with life.</p><p align="justify">And then, there’s the other times, when I’m feeling low, August 1st 2018 seems only yesterday. The sense of loss, the emptiness, his physical absence hits really hard. The unfairness, the cruelty of someone who was basically a good bloke being denied the chance to enjoy his hard earned retirement. Then I wallow in the sadness and the tears and my loss. Last week brought with it the longest ‘low’ period since the early days at the end of the Summer, but thankfully it passed.</p><p align="justify"> I’ve said many times, that’s just ‘how it is’. Time is a great healer it is said and I’ve no doubt that’s true but grief does tend to catch you out.</p><p align="justify">There’s been a few things happening at work this term which would have made Trev chuckle or more likely roll his eyes and give an opinion on – as he did with most things. So many times, when hearing of the latest gossip recently, the thought has popped into my head – “ I must tell Trev that” and even before I’ve finished thinking it, realise that I can’t. It happened for a long while after Mum died and I don’t doubt it will be the same with Trev. Still one of the times I miss the most is the Friday evening ‘debrief’ over a meal and a couple of pints when we dissected the working week. Believe me, we’d have so much to talk about at the moment. If only.</p><p align="justify">So, on to this months photo. Taken in 2011 on what was our last cruise. That wasn’t the cruise ship though - we'd docked at Dubrovnik in Croatia and having been up the cable car and a look at the old town we took to the water on a beautiful 19th century vessel for a ride around the the coast. One of the best cruises we ever did I reckon but the last before Patsy came along. Something I’d like to do again one day.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4335833030070486078.post-8311569334182966452019-01-02T14:28:00.001+00:002020-09-29T14:42:58.981+01:005 Months<p align="justify"> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dZGGdSXYOXeNJ6OSTqh1r0EOv0NPWlVJ"><img width="195" height="285" title="M & J Wedding 017" align="left" style="margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="M & J Wedding 017" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-mRSQyjakMQmV-1OmsFaR2FduiWjFVTZ" border="0"></a>Five months and one day to be precise as, once again I’m a bit behind schedule. Trev was the timekeeper!</p><p align="justify">So, another month passed during which the emotionally tricky waters of Christmas and New Year were navigated. As you can imagine at times it wasn’t easy with the two main days - Christmas Day and New Years Eve - being the most tricky. A dent in the dinette table in the caravan is testament to the anger I was feeling in the early hours of new years day fuelled at least partially by grog of course. It passed fairly quickly but the dent remains and I’m cross with myself for doing it. It’s not the end of the world though.</p><p align="justify">This months pic also features my Dad and was at the marriage of Trev’s Sister Maggie to John in the early nineties. It was getting late and as you can probably see they’d both had a few and the task of lighting a cigarette was proving somewhat challenging! One of my favourites.</p>Richard Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00862034472804171430noreply@blogger.com2