Colin J. Anderson

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!

Morning Thoughts From A Devon Sitting Room

Living Within My Means

Friday, 11th. September 2026

I feel tired this morning despite my usual 8-9 hours of sleep. Luckily, I have nothing planned for the day ahead and I am expecting no deliveries or visitors, so I can relax and choose what I want to do. At the moment I am feeling that I should break out of my inertia of the last couple of weeks and get on with some writing. However, for the moment I am distracted by my budget and reflecting once again on the sacrifices a retired private tenant must make in order to make ends meet.
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LSE Diary, Music

My Groovy 45’s No.4: Sly & the Family Stone

#4 in my series of Groovy 45’s from what remains of my DJ singles collection from the 1970s and early 1980s. This would get them on the dance floor!
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Home & Garden

Ideal Home?

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!
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London, LSE Diary

1976: Homeless in London – part 4

3 Aug 2026

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.
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Newton Abbot

The bus station and the tax office – the sad tale of a valuable local amenity that was turned into an eyesore

14 Jun 2026

I have many memories of Newton Abbot bus station spread over some decades and, like many townspeople over a certain age I still regret its passing.
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Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot in Old Pictures: Market Square in 1989

5 Jul 2026

A busy Market Square in September 1989. Far more stalls than you will ever see now! Do you recognise anyone in the pictures?
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Music

Of all the hugely underrated British music artists…

8 Jun 2026

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.
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50 YEARS OF PHOTOS

No.15: Moulin Rouge!

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.

50 Years of Photos

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

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

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