All posts by Keith

I’m a controversialist and catalyst, quietly enabling others to develop by providing different ideas and views of the world. Born in London in the early 1950s and initially trained as a research chemist I retired as a senior project manager after 35 years in the IT industry. Retirement is about community give-back and finding some equilibrium. Founder and Honorary Secretary of the Anthony Powell Society. Chairman of my GP's patient group.
ramblings

Advent 13

An Advent Calendar
Old London in Paintings and Photographs
On the night of 14 October 1940, a bomb penetrated the road and exploded in Balham Underground station, killing 68 people; a No. 88 bus travelling in black-out conditions then fell into the crater

Image © Daily Mail

amusements

Ten Things for December

I thought we would start rounding up the year, so I give you …
Ten Odd Things I’ve Seen Auctioned this Year

  1. a pair of musket shot recovered from the ‘Invincible’ (1744-1758), with certificate of authenticity
  2. a decorative Christmas tree made from pipe cleaners
  3. an Elf transformer
  4. a Victorian stag hoof converted as an inkwell
  5. a Mills bomb grenade number 36M
  6. a Brookes Champion Standard B17 reproduction penny farthing
  7. a quantity of glamour magazines including Mayfair and Escort
  8. a vintage Agricastriol hand delivery pump for oil in original green cabinet
  9. a cocktail shaker in the form of a penguin
  10. an Edward VIII commemorative toilet roll holder, circa 1936, with an unopened pack of Tri-Sol medicated toilet paper (price 6d)
ramblings

Advent 10

An Advent Calendar
Old London in Paintings and Photographs
Holler; Old St Pauls from the Thames

Note: this image is not mine and may be copyright the original photographer/artist;
please click on the image for further information

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Advent 9

An Advent Calendar
Old London in Paintings and Photographs
Building of the Brunel’s SS Great Eastern at Millwall; 1857

Image © Victoria & Albert Museum

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Advent 8

An Advent Calendar
Old London in Paintings and Photographs
Holborn; 1915

Note: this image is not mine and may be copyright the original photographer/artist;
please click on the image for further information

ramblings

Advent 7

An Advent Calendar
Old London in Paintings and Photographs
Frozen Thames; 1814

Note: this image is not mine and may be copyright the original photographer/artist;
please click on the image for further information

ramblings

Advent 6

An Advent Calendar
Old London in Paintings and Photographs
Claude de Jongh; Old London Bridge; c.1630

Note: this image is not mine and may be copyright the original photographer/artist;
please click on the image for further information