a few thank you's...

Just a quick post today as HC is going up West on the train for a night out and needs to get ready.

Heard on national news today that rail ticket staff don't always sell us the best value tickets, principally on long journeys. Well I'd just like to say that's not my experience of the guys at Bellingham station, who are the most friendly and helpful imaginable. Also thanks to my two local newsagents where I sometimes get a Travelcard, who always ensure I get the right ticket and are fantastically kind and helpful. So we are surrounded by good people.

I should also mention the Lewisham council bin men, who come to our road on Thursdays. They take away everything that's put out. If we lived in some other boroughs or other cities we would be fined if the bin was one millimetre overfull or one centimetre too far away from the pavement. Our guys take all the rubbish and are friendly and polite too - at least that's what I've found.

Credit where it's due, well done Lewisham!

That's all for today, except to say that Crossness Engines Trust in Abbey Wood are hosting their last Open Day for this year on Sunday 23rd August. They will then close for refurbishment, opening again in 2010. So get down there and support them, and check out a fantastic part of South London Victorian Heritage. Have a look at http://www.crossness.org.uk/

Out and about 19th August

The Housecat was out and about earlyish today on account of the very warm weather, and decided that today's provisions could easily be obtained from the local Co-op. The Housecat is a very big fan of the Co-op. After all, in addition to having keenly priced quality food within walking distance of home, they have just sponsored the recently attended and very excellent Cambridge Folk Festival.

Dropped in at Bellingham Leisure Centre on the way back to pick up details of any exercise classes; all this on account of renewed enthusiasm for fitness.


I then made for home, the long way round, in order to up the number of steps for the day. All the while thinking "hmm not much to report on the blog today," and then nearing home, I drew level with a woman walking steadfastly towards me; the conversation went something like this:

Woman: Excuse me.
Housecat: Yes, (stepping forward, hoping to assist with some enquiry)
W: Why would anybody want to buy a house in this road? Why?
HC: I'm sorry?
W: This road. It's so long, all you can do in it is walk!
HC: (laughing politely) Well at least it keeps you fit.
W: Fit! Fit??? Walk?!! It's all you can do in this road. Walk?? Why??

And she went off up the road, muttering various incantations, or so it seemed.

I just laughed and thought, "there's my post for the day." Although, in all seriousness, the roads are long, and it's fine if your're not in a hurry, which she obviously was.

I gather from the national news that Health Workers are amongst the unfittest among us. Maybe she was one of them. Hey, that's Catford!

Out and about on 18th August

The Housecat didn't venture too far today as it was very warm. Instead, searched the Web to check out the opening times of the Lewisham Recycling Centre and read that visitors need to provide two forms of identity; one to prove name and the other to prove an address in the Borough . So much stuff to remember as well as the rubbish you're taking. Later on, went out to post a letter and saw that someone had dumped a bath at the top of the road! Yesterday there was a mattress at the other end of the road. Need I say anything other than "less identity and more encouragement to go to the dump please, Lewisham!"

The police helicopter was up again last night looking for villains. They always go up at the same time - which is five minutes after I get into bed, whenever it is. Guys, I know you have to do it, but I wish the powers that be would fit you with a mute button.

Out and about today 17 August

A great day weatherwise for a walk into the town centre, dry, not too warm and a nice coolish breeze. Can't help noticing how attractive all the trees are. Saw several Mediterranean-type spiky trees in Inchmery and Culverley Roads; we obviously have a good micro-climate for them. Heard someone practising the drums in Culverley Road - sounded energetic .Walked into the shopping centre and through to the Broadway market. Plenty of hustle and bustle, but the centre does look very shabby. Definitely needs a makeover! Didn't need any shopping today, but was tempted by the good offers on the flower and plant stall. Must remember to take a bag next time.
Also wanted to pop into the library - but will have to wait for next trip - no time today.

Welcome to my world....

Hello,

I am a Catford resident, recently retired from the daily commute and spending more time at home. Why this blog? To make me write every day, to preserve my sanity. To make me walk every day to make me fit. I hope to write about what I see on my daily trips out and about. The area to be covered with be Catford, Lewisham, adjoining boroughs and the ocassional trip further afield.

I decided I hadn't spent enough time really getting to know Catford because I've worked up in town. It's not a place that receives much in the way of favourable press. It gets mocked on other blogs, and so I hope to change that. I hope it will be a source of useful information to others about what's going on locally, and will try to link it to other useful sites. I've never blogged before so it's a bit of an adventure. - let's just see how it goes.