Colin J. Anderson

Thoughts from a Devon Sitting Room

Recording my life in diaries and photographs, from heady days as a student in London in the 1970’s to being a pensioner on a low income today. My writing is a mixture of insight – from knowledge & experience – and history. I explore my professional and personal interests – energy & climate change, history, politics, music, film, food & drink… the list goes on!

50 Years of Photos – a new photo every week

No.7: Smart Ice

2018: There was no way I was getting into my Smart car – totally frozen over!

THIS WEEK

Morning Thoughts From A Devon Sitting Room

  • Energy & Living Alone

    No.89, Thursday, 5th.March 2026

    I feel calm today, perhaps in part reflecting the hazy calm on the other side of the window. And I am glad of it. A day off between two busy days is most welcome. I have no plans and can please myself what I do, and when I do it. Living alone is not all bad!

    Living alone could, of course, be considered something of a luxury; it is certainly more expensive than sharing a home with a partner. On balance I would prefer to have a partner but I cannot see how that could happen.

    (more…)

50 Years Ago…

  • Gordon Giltrap free gig; GeogAss festivities… & lectures!

    Friday, 20th. February 1976

    One of the best guitarists around – then and now – is Gordon Giltrap. Seeing him for free – to promote the new album ‘Visionary’ – was a a real treat. The new album was something of a departure from the complex folk tunes he was known for up to that point. He was drifting into rock, and even prog-rock.

    Earlier in his career he was managed by Miles Copeland, who also managed Wishbone Ash, one of my favourite bands in the early 1970’s. Later in 1976 I was to see him again – supporting Wishbone Ash on their tour.

    (more…)

RECENT stories

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!

LSE Diary
London

A sample of recent posts

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.

Newton Abbot page
Devon page

A sample of recent posts

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

Music page

Recent music posts

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!

Home & Garden

Recent home & garden posts

A small selection of themed photography pages

Food!

Garden flowers

Shadow & Light

Photography

So who is Colin Anderson?

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…

About me

USA 2016 travelogue

more

Scotland 2022 travelogue

more

HOW I GOT HERE
and what I did along the way