That Bleedin Dog
Sid and Jack early 60s.
Bobby loved his old Dad Sid, and was heartbroken when he died on Christmas Day 1969. As we described in ‘Alf Garnett‘, he was an unforgettable character whose expressions live on in Bobby’s memory to this very day. And, we are told, he has recreated some of those memories in me. A teddy bear with a Sarf London accent. (more…)
Cats
“I’ve bought you a book, Bobby” said Diddley one day in 2013.
“A Street Cat Named Bob”. I only bought it because I like the name!”
Hidden London: The Kingsway Tram Tunnel
Kingsway Tram Tunnel
The Kingsway Tram Tunnel today.
“I have done something nobody else here today has!” (more…)
Morning Glory
“There’s thirty one this morning, Bobby. That’s a record.”
So said Diddley, who absolutely adored the flowers of Morning Glory. Not just for their transient beauty, but also their unusual lifestyle. Flowering profusely, if time and conditions were right, but dying by mid-afternoon. The new buds for the next day readying themselves for their glorious moment in the sun just a few hours later. (more…)
The Church in the Farmyard
Wisley Church
You know how we love Wisley Gardens. Like the other week, when we just came to the gardens for an al fresco Al-Anon meeting. Read a book. Americano. With milk and shortbread. And, last week, a flower show as well! Luvverly. (more…)
Tickets
Bobby does not collect tickets. He doesn’t collect anything with alacrity.
Bobby: “Blimey! Where did that come from?”
Bertie: “Oxford Concise.” (more…)
Fantasy and Illusion
Three friends. Two civil engineers. One teddy bear lover. Peter, Bob, Phil.
As we left the busy A3 at the RHS Wisley junction, we immediately became aware of the volume of traffic heading into the gardens. The long patient queue of people at the entrance, including lots of young children, only added to the illusion that this was a good idea. A horticultural version of Brighton Beach on a Bank Holiday. (more…)
Lighting a Candle for Diddley (and for Peter)
Lighting a Candle
Diane Ball (nee Solomon). (Diddley)
19 August 1950 – 23 August 2015.
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Bobby and Bertie didn’t take Alice.
Whose Alice?
Dunno
Just Four Days
Bobby: “Bertie! Our revered Technical Director, Tim, has made an observation. As he cruises serenely along the waterways of England in his canal boat, ‘Sola Gratia‘ with Tracey and the doggies, he notices things.” (more…)