Here are one of the photos from the site. Apologies to the webmaster for duplicating it.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Art Deco Co Op
I've just stumbled across a website which has documented the fabulous Co Op Building in Woolwich. I love this building. It's strong, iconic and should be kept. I'm all for architecture and town planning to move forward, but this gem will probably be replaced with a diluted building of the utmost blandness.
Here are one of the photos from the site. Apologies to the webmaster for duplicating it.
Here are one of the photos from the site. Apologies to the webmaster for duplicating it.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Clocks go back
Leafing through the Tytherington Village e-magazine, I discover that we need to reverse our clocks on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Hmmmm, that would make a good film title.So don't forget it or else you'll miss Countryfile.
....now where was I?
Phew. Life's been really busy. Despite talk of recession and job losses and all that, I've been very busy indeed. And I'm not even a repo man. Touch wood we'll be spared from this current turbulent chapter.
I heard on the wireless that West End theatre has been hit by the recession yet on obverse side of the coin, audiences for live comedy is on the increase. Well, as luck would have it, this coming Sunday is the next Comedy On The Common event. Seven English pounds is all it costs for an evening of gut busting laughter. Man alive, that's cheaper than a ticket to Charlton Athletic.
This Sunday's comedians are Reginald D Hunter, Matt Welcome, Helen Army and Rich Wilson.
In all honesty, I haven't a faintest idea who they are, but I'd not heard of previous comedians either, but they were all brilliant. You can look them up on www.comedycv.co.uk.
I heard on the wireless that West End theatre has been hit by the recession yet on obverse side of the coin, audiences for live comedy is on the increase. Well, as luck would have it, this coming Sunday is the next Comedy On The Common event. Seven English pounds is all it costs for an evening of gut busting laughter. Man alive, that's cheaper than a ticket to Charlton Athletic.
This Sunday's comedians are Reginald D Hunter, Matt Welcome, Helen Army and Rich Wilson.
In all honesty, I haven't a faintest idea who they are, but I'd not heard of previous comedians either, but they were all brilliant. You can look them up on www.comedycv.co.uk.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
creative juices
The Sultan's Elephant
Cirque du Soleil
Newport Jazz
Plumstead Common
What connects the dots? Cultural events of course. Well, this Saturday sees talent from all over the World (or Upper Wickham Lane, whichever is the greater), gathered in Plumstead Common for a veritable feast of creative juiciness. An all day event which could dwarf Live Aid. We're talking jaaaaaazzzzzzzz, we're talking drums, we're talking arty farty stuff like wot dey 'as in da Nashnal Galleree innit?
These events don't come round too often, but with our support we might encourage the show organisers to put on more. Remember. Tall oaks from little acorns grow.
Be seeing you.
Cirque du Soleil
Newport Jazz
Plumstead Common
What connects the dots? Cultural events of course. Well, this Saturday sees talent from all over the World (or Upper Wickham Lane, whichever is the greater), gathered in Plumstead Common for a veritable feast of creative juiciness. An all day event which could dwarf Live Aid. We're talking jaaaaaazzzzzzzz, we're talking drums, we're talking arty farty stuff like wot dey 'as in da Nashnal Galleree innit?These events don't come round too often, but with our support we might encourage the show organisers to put on more. Remember. Tall oaks from little acorns grow.
Be seeing you.
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Who's right?
Being a nice afternoon, I went to Greenwich Park. I took Toddler Pangloss to play in the swing park there.
Whilst TP was walking up a ramp, a group of 3 older (maybe 8 or 9 years old), children came running around on the ramp. TP stopped at the top of the ramp to watch them/keep out of their way. They then thought it was great fun to climb onto the roof of the activity with their skateboards.
Uh oh........
Fortunately, my friend asked them to keep off of the roof and calm down as there were small children around. They didn't take much notice and my friend asked again.
Before you could say "Lorks a lordy I told you so", one of these boys ran into Toddler Pangloss and TP fell backwards and off the activity. A fall of about 2 feet - might not look that high to you & I but it's significant to a toddler.
I shouted at the top of my voice at the child whilst checking that TP hadn't fallen awkwardly and broken anything. I was pretty annoyed. I knew I'd broken the Summer atmosphere of the play park, but I just didn't care; it was instinctive. The boys had already been warned that they were being dangerous.
I spoke to the boy's father about this and he seemed unrepentant about what had happened, stating that it was an accident and that this is what happens in play parks. I accepted this, but then mentioned that we warned they were being dangerous and they chose to carry on being so. The father then put the blame in my court saying that if I want to avoid accidents then don't bring TP to play parks. I thought this was a little below the belt and said that I know children will get over-excited, but the parents need to monitor their little darlings, which he had not.
He clearly thought I was wrong and I clearly thought he was wrong.
What an unfortunate way to end Sunday.
Whilst TP was walking up a ramp, a group of 3 older (maybe 8 or 9 years old), children came running around on the ramp. TP stopped at the top of the ramp to watch them/keep out of their way. They then thought it was great fun to climb onto the roof of the activity with their skateboards.
Uh oh........
Fortunately, my friend asked them to keep off of the roof and calm down as there were small children around. They didn't take much notice and my friend asked again.
Before you could say "Lorks a lordy I told you so", one of these boys ran into Toddler Pangloss and TP fell backwards and off the activity. A fall of about 2 feet - might not look that high to you & I but it's significant to a toddler.
I shouted at the top of my voice at the child whilst checking that TP hadn't fallen awkwardly and broken anything. I was pretty annoyed. I knew I'd broken the Summer atmosphere of the play park, but I just didn't care; it was instinctive. The boys had already been warned that they were being dangerous.
I spoke to the boy's father about this and he seemed unrepentant about what had happened, stating that it was an accident and that this is what happens in play parks. I accepted this, but then mentioned that we warned they were being dangerous and they chose to carry on being so. The father then put the blame in my court saying that if I want to avoid accidents then don't bring TP to play parks. I thought this was a little below the belt and said that I know children will get over-excited, but the parents need to monitor their little darlings, which he had not.
He clearly thought I was wrong and I clearly thought he was wrong.
What an unfortunate way to end Sunday.
Water Works
Just a couple of months ago, signs were put up along Plumstead Common Road to give advance warning of road works during July & August.Oh well, at least it'll happen during the school summer holiday when the road will be quieter.
As we head towards the end of August, we've only had a stretch of road from Macoma Terrace to the Co Op dug up and filled in. Hmmmm, so I guess Thames Water will be putting in temporary traffic lights and diggers when the school run is back and can annoy lots of people. Either that or they've decided that our pipes are in tip top condition and have cancelled these works.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
More rubbish
Quick rant.
Over the past couple of weeks, I've seen piles of rubbish left on Plumstead Common. I'd imagine the selfish fools who left this mess think it'll magically disappear. I'd imagine the good folk of the Plumstead Common Environment Group have had to clean up after them.
I've a good mind to phone Greenwich Council about this. Fortunately, it's the same bunch of people and fortunately, I know where they live. I don't hold out much hope that anything can/will be done about it though.
Over the past couple of weeks, I've seen piles of rubbish left on Plumstead Common. I'd imagine the selfish fools who left this mess think it'll magically disappear. I'd imagine the good folk of the Plumstead Common Environment Group have had to clean up after them.
I've a good mind to phone Greenwich Council about this. Fortunately, it's the same bunch of people and fortunately, I know where they live. I don't hold out much hope that anything can/will be done about it though.
coffee time
I popped into Woolwich yesterday. Not my choice shopping experience, but I'm really interested in the development of the town centre. The Royal Arsenal is nice, but bores me; it's all very predictable and unashamedly cuts itself off from the rest of the neighbourhood.
What did catch me by surprise was the sight of Starbucks. The appearance of high street coffee shops mark an upturn in an area's fortunes. The appearance of a real big hitter like Starbucks is a big boost to the Woolwich retail map.
The redevelopment of General Gordon Square will be interesting to follow and the DLR will be a great asset to the local infra-structure. Oh, of course there's a huge glass building going up opposite the town hall.
Whilst we're in Woolwich, I must mention one gem of a shop. Harry Perry Cycles. It's a proper bicycle shop and they know what they're talking about. Once I've saved up my pocket money, I'd like to go and buy a custom made bike from them.
What did catch me by surprise was the sight of Starbucks. The appearance of high street coffee shops mark an upturn in an area's fortunes. The appearance of a real big hitter like Starbucks is a big boost to the Woolwich retail map.The redevelopment of General Gordon Square will be interesting to follow and the DLR will be a great asset to the local infra-structure. Oh, of course there's a huge glass building going up opposite the town hall.
Whilst we're in Woolwich, I must mention one gem of a shop. Harry Perry Cycles. It's a proper bicycle shop and they know what they're talking about. Once I've saved up my pocket money, I'd like to go and buy a custom made bike from them.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Plumstead café
My spies tell me that Plumstead Common is getting a new café, but don't rush out with your order of Orange Mocha Frappuccino just yet.Abalone hasn't turned into zabaglione; it's turning into an internet café. The internal fit-out looks very standard low-cost, pack 'em in, sell 'em cheap internet café, but at least someone is utilising the shop space.
Monday, 28 July 2008
what a sucker
Last night, I saw the Romanian bunch having a picnic out on the Common. Sitting, chatting, children playing, it was a nice scene ever so slightly reminiscent of La Grande Jatte. Then I saw one of their chums bringing an old vacuum cleaner across the grass. I know they raid the recycling bins [I'm resigned to the fact they do this as at least they are recycling, even though they have in the past left the cast-offs strewn all around on the ground], opposite the Co Op, so I guess this is their latest acquisition.
Today, I see that the vacuum cleaner has been left in bits on the Common, just where they were sitting. That's really thoughtless and selfish of them. I'll leave it at that.
Today, I see that the vacuum cleaner has been left in bits on the Common, just where they were sitting. That's really thoughtless and selfish of them. I'll leave it at that.
Saturday, 26 July 2008
comedy on the common
Gadzooks, it's comedy time again. Tomorrow night at the rugby club tea house. That's Sunday 27th July at 7pm.
The comedians are :-
Ian Cognito
Lloyd Langford
Danny Davies
Caroline Maberly
The comedians are :-
Ian Cognito
Lloyd Langford
Danny Davies
Caroline Maberly
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
gadgets
Messing about on the computer, I've added a swish little add-on to my Firefox browser. It's called PicLens and it's a 3D interface for image searching. So far, I really like it. Given that it's free, I don't know if there's actually something sinister behind it, marketing companies tracking every image search I perform for example.
Cynical? Moi?
Anyways, it looks non too shabby.
Much that I love Apple Macs, I'm still not going to commit to the 3G iPhone. I want my address book, my email, my digital life with me, but the big selling point is the breakthrough internet communicator. Well, if it doesn't read flash files then that's a pitfall for me. Having a glossy piece of tech in your pocket is one thing, but I don't want to treat my phone like a piece of Lalique, I want to chuck it in my pocket, chuck it in my bag and not worry about it looking like it's had a scuffle with a Brillo Pad.
One piece of tech that really annoys me are those mobile phone bluetooth headsets. Are people's lives SO busy now that holding a phone to your head is a hardship? To wear a lump of plastic around your ear in the hope that your partner phones you to ask whether you want baked beans or mushy peas for tea is simply bizarre.
Cynical? Moi?
Anyways, it looks non too shabby.
Much that I love Apple Macs, I'm still not going to commit to the 3G iPhone. I want my address book, my email, my digital life with me, but the big selling point is the breakthrough internet communicator. Well, if it doesn't read flash files then that's a pitfall for me. Having a glossy piece of tech in your pocket is one thing, but I don't want to treat my phone like a piece of Lalique, I want to chuck it in my pocket, chuck it in my bag and not worry about it looking like it's had a scuffle with a Brillo Pad.One piece of tech that really annoys me are those mobile phone bluetooth headsets. Are people's lives SO busy now that holding a phone to your head is a hardship? To wear a lump of plastic around your ear in the hope that your partner phones you to ask whether you want baked beans or mushy peas for tea is simply bizarre.
Monday, 14 July 2008
Cafe in the community
This isn't a typing error. Given that the letters F and R sit next to each other on the keyboard, this could've been about a care in the community.
Hundreds of thousands of you Plumsteadshireans have expressed interest in a need for a good café or gastro pub in Plumstead Common. Here are a couple from the postbag:-
'Whilst out walking my dog, I like nothing more than a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake. Plumstead Common would benefit greatly from a Betty's Tea Shop'
Sylvia Plaff, Tuam Road
'It's been a hard day's night and I've been working like a dog, but it would be great to have a few choice beers with my friends in a really nice bar overlooking the common.'
J Lemmon, Macoma Terr.
'At the end of the day, when all's said and done, Plumstead Common would be great with a nice café which would form the heart of this great community.'
Richard Head
And it goes on.
At all times, the Common seems well used. There are certainly many, many parents and child minders at home during the daytime. They visit toddler groups in the mornings then have to endure the abysmal excuse for a play park at The Slade.
Plumstead Common needs a central meeting place. The Ship could easily have been that centre, but I feel it has missed an enormous opportunity.
Hundreds of thousands of you Plumsteadshireans have expressed interest in a need for a good café or gastro pub in Plumstead Common. Here are a couple from the postbag:-
'Whilst out walking my dog, I like nothing more than a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake. Plumstead Common would benefit greatly from a Betty's Tea Shop'
Sylvia Plaff, Tuam Road
'It's been a hard day's night and I've been working like a dog, but it would be great to have a few choice beers with my friends in a really nice bar overlooking the common.'
J Lemmon, Macoma Terr.
'At the end of the day, when all's said and done, Plumstead Common would be great with a nice café which would form the heart of this great community.'
Richard Head
And it goes on.
At all times, the Common seems well used. There are certainly many, many parents and child minders at home during the daytime. They visit toddler groups in the mornings then have to endure the abysmal excuse for a play park at The Slade.
Plumstead Common needs a central meeting place. The Ship could easily have been that centre, but I feel it has missed an enormous opportunity.
Thursday, 12 June 2008
latest post in Plumsteadshire
At long last, the broken posts on the common have been replaced. I actually quite like the red primer colour.
Saturday, 7 June 2008
festival season kicks off
The festival season has started. There are the usual suspects - Glastonbury, Notting Hill, Womad & Womad, The Palio and of course to kick it all off, The Plumstead Make Merry.
I know what you're thinking. Why the hell is The Palio nestling in amongst such giants of musical celebration and cultural awareness? Point taken. I'll have to don my Alan Sugar cap and approach my researcher; pointing my finger I'll speak the words, "YOU'RE FIRED."
The Make Merry seemed rather good. I'd imagine that the organisers have to keep it relatively small scale so as not to steal the thunder from Notting Hill later in the year. It's a noble gesture and works well. The new logo has grown on me. I always quite liked it, but now I really like it. The quirkyness of the imagery is quite fun and sinister at the same time, although sinister in an Aubrey Beardsley kind of way, rather than an Austrian cellar kind of way.
Aligned with this quirky Victorian tone of voice is my favourite attraction from today's event, that of a Victorian-styled sideshow. I don't know who they were, but they wore scary prosthetic noses and juggled etcetera.
I was annoyed that I missed Westcott & Rodway. I saw them at last night's jazz night and thought they were utterly brilliant. The Pavilion (or Plumstead Common rugby hut), seems to be carving a very interesting and much needed cultural niche for itself. I'm very excited at how this is all going to develop in the next year.
The Comedy On The Common has brought really good comedians to The Shire and we must spread the word. Sunday 29th June. 7pm (Treadstone are working on a poster). Last night's jazz event was a real triumph. The music was superb and ambience was loose and informal. The ale went down quite well too. This could've been a one-off gig, but I sincerely hope not.
I know what you're thinking. Why the hell is The Palio nestling in amongst such giants of musical celebration and cultural awareness? Point taken. I'll have to don my Alan Sugar cap and approach my researcher; pointing my finger I'll speak the words, "YOU'RE FIRED."
The Make Merry seemed rather good. I'd imagine that the organisers have to keep it relatively small scale so as not to steal the thunder from Notting Hill later in the year. It's a noble gesture and works well. The new logo has grown on me. I always quite liked it, but now I really like it. The quirkyness of the imagery is quite fun and sinister at the same time, although sinister in an Aubrey Beardsley kind of way, rather than an Austrian cellar kind of way.
Aligned with this quirky Victorian tone of voice is my favourite attraction from today's event, that of a Victorian-styled sideshow. I don't know who they were, but they wore scary prosthetic noses and juggled etcetera.
I was annoyed that I missed Westcott & Rodway. I saw them at last night's jazz night and thought they were utterly brilliant. The Pavilion (or Plumstead Common rugby hut), seems to be carving a very interesting and much needed cultural niche for itself. I'm very excited at how this is all going to develop in the next year.
The Comedy On The Common has brought really good comedians to The Shire and we must spread the word. Sunday 29th June. 7pm (Treadstone are working on a poster). Last night's jazz event was a real triumph. The music was superb and ambience was loose and informal. The ale went down quite well too. This could've been a one-off gig, but I sincerely hope not.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Car crash television
I'm suffering from an addiction to The Apprentice.
Of all the hateful, back-stabbing idiots, Michael Sophocles really really annoys me.... to the point of being ill.
Friday, 23 May 2008
this weekend
One lovely listener, GMVP of the Shire has put out a request for helping hands. Come on!! You appreciate the loveliness of this green and pleasant land and now you can give something back. Come on!!!! Splosh some paint around, make new friends. Goddamn it, if you're single, you never know what might happen.
We urgently need volunteers for another (hopefully final) push to get the Slade Ponds fence painting project finished. We are holding an additional fence painting session tomorrow - Saturday, 24 May - at 11am. Please bring family, friends, and even strangers who fancy helping! You need only come for as long as you can stay...1/2 hour...1 hour...2 hours.. A little over half the fence panels have been completed, with the hard work of several volunteers, including 3 or 4 committed volunteers who have come every Sunday for the past several weeks. If you've walked by the area you'll see how smart the painted sections look (and how shabby the unfinished sections are!). If you can't make it tomorrow (Saturday) we will also arrange for paint and supplies to be available on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Come along, spread the word, and help make our shire more beautiful.
We urgently need volunteers for another (hopefully final) push to get the Slade Ponds fence painting project finished. We are holding an additional fence painting session tomorrow - Saturday, 24 May - at 11am. Please bring family, friends, and even strangers who fancy helping! You need only come for as long as you can stay...1/2 hour...1 hour...2 hours.. A little over half the fence panels have been completed, with the hard work of several volunteers, including 3 or 4 committed volunteers who have come every Sunday for the past several weeks. If you've walked by the area you'll see how smart the painted sections look (and how shabby the unfinished sections are!). If you can't make it tomorrow (Saturday) we will also arrange for paint and supplies to be available on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Come along, spread the word, and help make our shire more beautiful.
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Jaaaazzzzzz..............nice
My sources at GCHQ have intercepted a communiqué detailing a live music event STOP Venue is the rugby club pavilion on Plumstead Common STOP Date of event is to be Friday 6th June 2008 STOP From 1930hrs to 2300hrs STOP Doors open at 1900hrs STOP Entrance fee is seven pounds UK sterling STOP Genre is flamenco, jazz and pop/rock/soul STOP
I am REALLY looking forward to this. I'd prefer some Sonny Rollins and Bobby Hutcherson but hey, I'm sure Val Kelly & Enrico Pinna Duo and Westcott & Rodway know their stuff. I'd never heard of Ronnie Golden, but had an excellent evening of comedy last weekend.
I'll get my Treadstone operatives onto the job.
I am REALLY looking forward to this. I'd prefer some Sonny Rollins and Bobby Hutcherson but hey, I'm sure Val Kelly & Enrico Pinna Duo and Westcott & Rodway know their stuff. I'd never heard of Ronnie Golden, but had an excellent evening of comedy last weekend.
I'll get my Treadstone operatives onto the job.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)