Many years of working in an office, followed by commuting between two continents, and then the death of my mother on 5 May 2012 left me disconnected, detached, somehow apart from myself. I felt in a different place, on the edge of a shadow world. But life was going on round me, tempting me to participate. My initial ambitious plans have simplified: I explore London with Bradshaw’s Hand Book to London of 1862 (and travel as much as feasible); plants have always been a joy and now I have the time and good fortune to explore them in two wonderful gardens; I have baked all my life and would love to create a book for friends; and I have discovered the challenges of photography. I am not sure if I am on the ‘right’ path, but I continue to follow, wherever it may lead me.
I think our “paths” lead us where ever we need to be as long as we are open to them. I’m enjoying your garden images.
Hi, I was reading your article on Fordham Park, and specifically the demolished Vance Street and Snead Street. I lived in Snead Street from my birth in 1956 until demolition in 1975. The houses were most certainly not unsafe or unfit – they were the last part of an “improvement program”, started in the mid 1960s, which saw a whole swathe of the area demolished and replaced by shoddy prefabricated flats and maisonettes. Having said that, the houses were in need of updating, which was never done because of the impending demolition. For example, we had no hot running water, no bathroom and just an outside toilet. However, they were good size houses and, with refurbishment, would have been expensive today. For comparison, my aunt lived at 187 Edward Street just around the corner – one of the few houses spared and a “desirable property” today. My understanding is that, by the mid 1970s, it was clear that the rebuilding scheme was a mistake, so the decision to leave the area as a park was taken.
Thank you for your comments which are very interesting. In exploring Lewisham I have come across dubious ‘modernisation’ schemes before and find it very sad. So much of the character of these neighbourhoods is lost to dull and poor quality building, often because it is higher density. Most of ‘old’ Lewisham has been destroyed in this way.
Hi Candy,
Do you mind if i use some of your photos of Cranbrook Community Food Garden for my own blog (I am a member of the garden but am away from home at the moment and found them via google).
Thanks,
Liam
Dear Liam
Yes, I’d be happy to let you use some of the photographs of Cranbrook community Food Garden IF you credit me as the photographer and include a link to my blogsite. The photographs were taken three years ago in order to promote the London Gardens Trust OGSW – are you sure they are still relevant?
Candy
Yes, sure thing. And yes, they’re good for what I need! Thank you.