My weighing machine made me smile this morning, with fireworks on the screen at my feet and a ‘Happy Birthday!’ message. A small but nice start to my 70th. birthday and amongst my first thoughts: back in my university days did I think I would reach this age? And, since I have always wanted to live in the future I would try to imagine what 2026 might be like. I have a vivid imagination, as well as being something of a dreamer. Sadly I did not write these thoughts into my diary at the time, but I followed the NASA space program closely and I thought there might be a chance I would visit Mars on my 70th birthday – or thereabouts.
(more…)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!
-
I need to consider buying an espresso machine: would I buy Sage again?
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.
-
Caracas: 38 years ago
A few photos from a visit to Caracas in June 1988 – a city and a people that my partner and I loved from almost the moment we arrived, despite troubles at the border. I hope as many people as possible find their loved-ones in the devastation of the June 2026 earthquakes.
-
The bus station and the tax office – the sad tale of a valuable local amenity that was turned into an eyesore
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.
-
My 45’s: Kansas City by Wilbert Harrison
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…
-
My groovy 45’s: ‘What’ by Judy Street
Very few singles from my days as ‘Funky Genghis’ survive, but some did – and still sound great today! This is ‘What’ by Judy Street, which will be known to most for the 1982 synth version by Soft Cell.
-
Newton Abbot in Old Pictures: The Co-operative Bank in 2014
My bank as it was. I was very sorry to see it go, but so many banks have closed in recent years as people stop using them.
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.
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…
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!
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.
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
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!
Recent home & garden posts
A small selection of themed photography pages
Food!
Garden flowers
Shadow & Light
USA 2016 travelogue
Scotland 2022 travelogue
Colin Anderson 