Recording my life in diaries and photographs, from heady days as a student in London in the 1970’s via a career in housing, energy & climate change to a pensioner on a low income today. I am lucky to have a gained a great deal of knowledge, experience and insight – and I like to share!
It would appear that the Energy Vampire of yesterday’s diary has vanished, or perhaps is lying dormant in the wires, as my energy display this morning returned to its 8 o’clock norm of £1. The main ‘vampires’ in my house, sucking up electricity whilst I sleep, are the fridge freezer, the wi-fi and too many gadgets taunting me with little glowing lights, daring me to unplug them and ‘see what happens if you do’! Vicious bastards.
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After nine years my home – a private-rented property – is finally meeting my needs. Which is very important when you spend so much time in it!
Five days without a change of clothes, roaming the street for much of the day, visiting umpteen people and organisations that seemed powerless to help – and a car chase around Stoke Newington. Being homeless is painful, tiring, squalid and I felt very much alone.
I am not enjoying my morning cappuccino as much as I used to, which is a shame as it is one of the few luxuries I continue to enjoy in retirement. The problem is not my tastebuds but my espresso machine, which should have lasted longer than it has. A great deal longer.
A busy Market Square in September 1989. Far more stalls than you will ever see now! Do you recognise anyone in the pictures?
I have enjoyed a great day of listening to music on my HiFi, mostly records but also a bit of streaming too. Whilst on a nostalgia streak I was reminded of the excellent and underrated Graham Parker.
My second featured 45 from my collection is the first chart-topping version of a 1952 song written by Leiber & Stoller. Back in the days when R&B was raw and ballsy…
October 1990: A quiet afternoon on the Moulin Rouge set @ Hollywood. Rena feet-up on a bench outside! Picture taken with Canon 450D & scanned in RAW/HDR.
A Devonian with stories to tell and a love of history, science, philosophy, environment, & entertainment.
An increasing number of people I know are either down the rabbit hole or caught in its event horizon, which I find distressing. I prefer the real world and, like a frantic sponge, I cannot help but soak up knowledge, insight & quality.
Which I like to share…
My LSE Diary posts – reflecting life as a student in the 1970’s. I was at the Joint School of Geography – King’s College & the London School of Economics.
Not only that but also 30 years living in London – life on a south London council estate… and more!
My home town in Devon since 1956! Many of these blog posts will be featuring Newton Abbot through the years but some will also be from around Devon.
I love music – especially live – and tend to home in on bass, although I also like ambient music which is generally bass-light. Blues, reggae, jazz, funk, soul have been a constant thread throughout my life but you will also find me writing about prog rock, punk and other styles too.
Pictured left: a snap I took at an Ashburton Blues event 2025 – The Robert West Band
Everything from saving energy to gardening, interior design to lighting. I love my home. Sometimes I will feature previous homes, including my 10th. floor flat in a south London council block. You will find useful tips and advice. I love my home!
Colin Anderson 