Homeless in London part 2: Thursday, 15th. April 1976
One of my flatmates woke me at 7 o’clock this morning with good news about our accommodation. She had sought legal advice and reassured me that we would be safe in the flat until at least 25th. June. It would seem that nothing could happen to us and furthermore we should not pay any rent to our landlord Teresa. That seemed like good news.
I was at work for my last day at City & Guilds and at lunchtime dashed down to Alfred Marks at Centre Point where I learned there was no cheque for me to cash. Luckily I had brought my cheque book with me; without it I would have had a miserable cashless Easter weekend. I did not at the time just how fortuitous that was.
Back at work my now good friend John Johnson from Orkney took me to the pub and bought me a couple of pints – it was to thank me and say goodbye as this was my last day. I had enjoyed my time here and made some good friends who, at the time, I was not to know I would see again – and in the not too distant future.
I left work on the 253 bus to Bethnal Green to visit the Legal Aid office – I wanted to be sure of our legal situation – but it was closed. I was about to enjoy an Easter weekend that, it turned out, would be the warmest for 24 years. It was also the weekend before I became homeless, and spending more time than I would like roaming the streets of London.
The story continues…
Homeless in London 1976 – other posts in this series
-
Trouble @ Home… the start of events that would have a dramatic impact on my life
Homeless in London part 1: 10th. March 1976. My diary records events that would be the beginning of one of the most difficult periods in my life. This was perhaps the lull before the storm.
-
Last day at work, no pay cheque, Easter weekend – & homelessness – approaching
Homeless in London part 2: 15th. April 1976. My last day at City & Guilds; drinks with work colleagues; home to a growing sense of fear… how long would I have a place to live?
-
After a great Easter – and a landmark Johnnie Walker radio show – I was locked out of my home
Homeless in London part 3: 16th. to 19th. April 1976. After a great Easter weekend I arrived home to find all my possessions on the wrong side of a locked door. The realisation that I was homeless dawned on my only slowly, and all I had were the clothes I stood up in.
-
Five days of hell: no home, no possessions, courts, police, heavies at the door – and a car chase
Homeless in London part 4: 24th. April 1976. 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.
-
Told my story in court; sympathetic Judge wanted action; brief optimism
Homeless in London part 5: 26th. April 1976. Today I felt temporary relief as I was finally able to tell my story to a judge, who made a clear decision to find our landlord and bring her before the court. However, things did not go entirely according to plan.
Any thoughts? Leave a comment!