Cameras.

It would appear that Transport for London are now installing a new tranche of ULEZ cameras in and around the London Borough of Bexley. One recently appeared at the top of Picardy Road, Upper Belvedere (sometimes incorrectly referred to as Picardy Hill), and on Wednesday morning last week the ULEZ camera in the photo above - click on it to see a larger view - appeared in Manor Road, close to the junction with Frobisher Road in Erith. On Thursday the Guardian newspaper ran a story which said:- "The names and addresses of thousands of EU drivers were unlawfully accessed by Italian police and shared with the company that collects Ulez penalties on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), investigators believe. The Italian data protection authority is investigating claims by Belgium’s government that an unnamed police department misused official powers to pass the personal details of Belgian drivers to Euro Parking Collections, which is employed by TfL to issue fines to enforce London’s low emission zone (Lez) and ultra-low emission zone. Authorities in the Netherlands and Germany have stated that their databases were also illegally accessed by an agent in Italy in what one Belgium MP has called “the biggest data and privacy breach in EU history”. The fines are alleged to have been issued illegally because since Brexit, national laws allow the UK to access the personal data of EU citizens only for criminal offences, and breaching Ulez rules is a civil contravention. The issue could tarnish London’s international standing, according to Liberal Democrat London assembly member Caroline Pidgeon. She has demanded that TfL stop using Euro Parking to issue fines to EU citizens until it can be sure the company’s methods are legally compliant". You can read the full article by clicking here. As I have said on numerous previous occasions, I do not support or condone any kind of criminal act including but not limited to criminal damage or vandalism.

Back in April 2019, I wrote an in depth article on why I considered that Sky TV would need to move from broadcasting via satellite to web streaming. Nearly five years ago I wrote:- "Fibre optic broadband is the way forward. Mark my words, the age of Sky using hugely expensive satellites to broadcast will soon be at an end; they will either change their operating model and switch to online, or they will slowly die". It would appear that my prediction is now coming true. Sky dishes have dominated British rooftops, bringing premium channels and paid for content into millions of homes for three decades. However, rumours abound that the dish's days may be numbered, with Sky seemingly transitioning towards a streaming-first future. Is this just speculation, or are we witnessing the end of an era? While Sky hasn't officially announced the closure of its satellite service, several signs point towards a strategic shift. They've stopped actively promoting new satellite installations, focusing instead on their streaming platform, Sky Stream. Additionally, their latest hardware offering, the Sky Glass TV, doesn't even require a dish, emphasizing their streaming ambitions. As a direct result of this, Sky is to cut 1,000 jobs in its engineering division as viewers make the switch from satellite to internet-delivered TV services. Several factors contribute to this potential move. Firstly, internet penetration in the UK is at an all-time high, with reliable broadband readily available in most areas. Additionally, streaming technology has matured, offering high-quality, reliable viewing experiences. This shift aligns with broader industry trends, as global media giants like Netflix and Disney+ dominate the entertainment landscape. Anyone who has tried to sign up with Sky since late 2021 will have found it more difficult to sign up for its satellite TV based service. It has been aggressively pushing its Sky Glass TVs – and for those wanting to choose their own TV – Sky Stream pucks. That has had an impact on the number of tasks available for its satellite installer teams. The new IP-based TV services are designed to ‘plug and play’ – the devices designed to attach themselves to an existing wi-fi router. No installer required. Technical support for IPTV services is largely outsourced, with any connection-related issues pushed back to the end user or to the likes of Openreach, who carry Sky’s full fibre broadband service through its network. Sky only has just over four years left on its existing satellite carriage contract with SES, the operators of the Astra satellites used to carry the service. It has been three years since the last confirmation from SES of an extension of satellite capacity – this confirmed Sky would remain on satellite until 2028. The current fleet of three satellites that carry Sky’s UK and Ireland service – Astra 2E, 2F and 2G – are all due to reach their end of life by the end of the decade. A decision will soon need to be made on force migrating current satellite users or, like Movistar+ in Spain, continuing a limited satellite TV service for viewers with poor internet connections. Reports that Sky is planning to cease selling Sky Q and satellite upgrades have so far been denied, but that day is expected to come sooner rather than later. But is the satellite sunset inevitable? Not necessarily. While Sky might prioritise streaming, completely abandoning their satellite infrastructure seems unlikely in the near future. The technology still serves millions of customers, particularly in rural areas with limited broadband options. Sky's current satellites have lifespans extending into the late 2020s, further suggesting a gradual transition rather than an abrupt shutdown. What does this mean for Sky customers? For now, not much needs to change. Existing satellite users can likely continue receiving their service for some time. However, it's wise to stay informed about potential future developments and weigh their streaming options. This potential shift raises broader questions about the future of television itself. Will satellite become a relic of the past, like VHS tapes before it? Or will it find a niche alongside streaming, catering to specific needs and regions? Only time will tell. Comments to me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Bearing in mind Erith is very much a maritime town, the River Thames does not really get the exposure or use one would expect. Historically Erith was an important port outside of London. Many ships which were too large to make it into the Port of London were unloaded at Erith, with their cargoes being taken further up river by Thames sailing barges similar to the one in the photograph above - click on it to see a larger version. This was before the river was fully dredged and managed as it is nowadays. Today one can watch huge container and bulk carrier ships passing Erith river front on a daily basis; the best time to see ship movements is at or around the changing of the tide. As previously mentioned, some of the small and medium sized vessels can often be seen moored on Erith Pier as well. Until 2013 there was an annual Thames Barge race, but for reasons unknown it has not been run since. The origin of this historic competition is well documented. It was the brainchild of a man who was nick named “The Golden Dustman”. His real name was Henry Dodd. He was born in 1801 into a very poor family; his first job was as a plough boy in arable fields that were within view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which he did until he was in his early thirties, when he found employment as a “scavenger” – a sort of prototype recycling consultant. He soon discovered that the big money was in transporting waste, rather than actually sorting it. London was rapidly growing in size, and the population was booming. As the number of people in the capital increased, the amount of rubbish they generated went up. Dodd saw this as a very lucrative business opportunity, so instead of using slow and somewhat unreliable horses and carts to haul rubbish, he first hired, then purchased a fleet of sailing barges, which could transport far greater cargoes at a higher speed than any contemporary road solution. Most of the waste material Dodd was transporting was burned outside the capital, and the resulting ash was a vital ingredient in making bricks, which in turn were used to build the expansion of London. Never one to overlook a business opening, Dodd invested in several brick works, including a very large site on what is now Manor Road in Erith. Nowadays, this kind of end to end ownership of all stages in a manufacturing process is known as “vertical integration” and Henry Dodd was a pioneer of it. All this made Dodd incredibly wealthy; he was one of the richest commoners in England, right at the start of the then new middle class. Dodd’s money bought him a degree of respectability in Victorian society (though I am sure there were whispers behind his back – though after having been brought up in the environment he had, I somewhat doubt if this bothered him). Dodd became a very enthusiastic patron of the theatre, and through this mutual interest he became very good friends with Charles Dickens. Dickens scholars believe that Dodd was the inspiration for the character of Mr. Boffin, the millionaire dustman who appears in the novel “Our Mutual Friend”. Dodd invested a large amount of money in sailing barges, and soon discovered that there was an intense rivalry between barge skippers. Never one to miss a main chance, he decided that in 1863 he would stage a sailing barge race – for entertainment, but also as a means to improve the business. The first race was only for his own sailing barges, and was run from Erith to Canvey Island and back, with the first barge and skipper to make the round trip being awarded a generous cash purse, which was awarded under the auspices of the Prince of Wales Yacht Club. Many in society assumed that the event had Royal patronage (something that Dodd did little to discourage), but in fact it was named after an Erith pub! In 1864 the race was opened to all comers, and after a while it became such a big event the running of it was passed over to a committee of barge owners. Within ten years, specially built racing barges were being constructed purely to try and win the race. Passenger steamers would be chartered to follow the racing barges on their course, and records show that over 10,000 people watched the race from on board these steamers. Henry Dodd, the “Golden Dustman” died in 1881; he left a fund to sustain the match – an eye watering sum of £100,000, which today is equivalent to tens of millions of pounds. In the latter years of the 19th century, the event was covered by Charles’ Dickens son (who confusingly was also called Charles) in his annual gazetteer. For the Centenary Match raced in 1963, the two principal rivals in Britain’s coasting trade, F T Everard and The London and The Rochester Trading Co. lavished money on their fastest barges in an attempt to ensure success for craft which were, by that time, an anachronism in transportation terms. The 48 mile course was from Mucking to the Mouse Lightship, and then back up to Gravesend. F T Everard’s Veronica was the winner, leaving the rest far behind in her wake. Not only was this spectacle thought to be the second oldest sailing contest in the world after the America’s Cup, unlike the America’s Cup of 1851, it was still sailed in craft virtually unchanged since those times until 2013, and as such is in itself was an especially important part of this nation’s maritime heritage. Comments to me at hugh.neal@gmail.com. 

Following the article I published last week on former Gladiators star Wolf - real name Michael Van Wijk, and how he used to live in a flat above a hairdressers shop in Woolwich Road, Upper Belvedere. My research led me onto another sports celebrity with an even bigger claim to fame. Olympic gold medal winner and former undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis used to live in Crayford. Lewis's Crayford story began in the 1980s when, as a young and aspiring boxer, he found himself living and training at the historic Crayford Arms pub. Run by his then-manager Frank Maloney, the pub became more than just an abode; it was rumoured to be a training ground as well. Lewis's training stretched beyond the pub walls. He frequented St. Paul's Cray Amateur Boxing Club, honing his skills under the tutelage of trainers like Tony Wilson. The gym, now known as Amigo's Gym in Orpington, still proudly boasts Lewis's legacy, inspiring young boxers with his story. His impact on the local community extends beyond the ring. Lewis's former driver, Kerry Cook, now coaches at Amigo's, highlighting the positive influence the champion had on the area. The Crayford Arms remains a popular spot for boxing fans, and Lewis's achievements are a source of local pride, with photos of his sporting days on the walls of the small pub. 

The press advert above was originally published back in 1955; the product advertised is Cookeen hard vegetable cooking fat, which to this day is still manufactured in the ADM Edible Oils factory - the largest manufacturer of edible oils in Europe. If you have bought a supermarket ready meal in the UK, the oil used to cook it will have come from ADM Oils in Erith. It is also one of the largest local employers, with around 1,200 workers, many of whom live in the local area. It originally started up in 1908, when it was known as Erith Oil Works – the business then was similar to now; they crush and process all kinds of seeds, to extract their natural oils, which are used in foodstuffs, cooking oils and animal feeds. The seeds, then as now are brought upriver in large bulk freighter ships. The distinctive huge concrete silos that are still present on the ADM site were constructed in 1916, where they were some of the earliest surviving examples of reinforced concrete construction in the UK. They were constructed by Danish structural engineering company Christiani and Neilsen, who invented reinforced concrete construction techniques.

A new breed of criminal is taking to the streets, not on mopeds, but on electric bikes, their targets - your mobile phone. These silent, swift vehicles are becoming the weapon of choice for phone snatchers, posing a growing threat in the city. Electric bikes offer a distinct advantage to thieves. Their assisted power allows for quick getaways, easily outpacing pedestrians and even outrunning some cars in traffic-heavy areas. This speed makes them ideal for snatch-and-run tactics, leaving victims with little chance of pursuit. Additionally, the quiet nature of e-bikes allows perpetrators to approach unsuspecting targets unnoticed, further increasing their chances of success. Reports indicate that phone thefts are concentrated in busy areas like tourist hot spots, transport hubs, and shopping areas. Thieves often target individuals using their phones while walking, talking, or texting, making them vulnerable and distracted. Some even resort to riding on pavements, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Beyond the financial loss, phone theft can have a significant emotional impact on victims. The loss of personal data, photos, and communication channels can be deeply unsettling. In some cases, phone snatching can escalate to violence, leaving victims physically and psychologically traumatised. The Metropolitan Police are aware of the rising trend and are taking steps to address it. Increased patrols in high-risk areas, targeted operations, and public awareness campaigns are all part of the effort. However, individual vigilance remains crucial.  Police have issued the following advice to try to keep the public safe from mobile phone thieves:- Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid using your phone while walking in busy areas, especially if you are alone. Keep your phone secure: Use a phone case with a strap or keep it in a secure pocket. Don't flaunt your phone: Avoid making calls or playing games in public, as this attracts unwanted attention. Report suspicious activity: If you see someone acting suspiciously, report it to the police immediately.

The end video this week shows the statues of Alcock and Brown seated on a bench in Crayford. The Vickers factory where their Vickers Vimy aircraft was built was located on the site of what is now the Crayford retail park. In 1919, the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean still seemed an insurmountable barrier in the budding era of aviation. But on June 14th, two daring British aviators, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown, defied the odds and achieved the unthinkable: the first non-stop transatlantic flight. Their aircraft, a modified Vickers Vimy bomber named "Newfoundland," was far from the sleek, sophisticated jets we see today. It was a lumbering biplane, its open cockpit exposing them to the harsh elements. Undeterred, Alcock and Brown took off from St. John's, Newfoundland, laden with 865 gallons of fuel - a gamble on the limited range of the aircraft. The journey was fraught with peril. Thick fog, icy winds, and engine trouble threatened to force them back. Their sextant, used for celestial navigation, malfunctioned, leaving them to rely on dead reckoning and Brown's remarkable sense of direction. Hours blurred into a grueling test of endurance, with exhaustion and near-freezing temperatures adding to the challenge. Finally, after 16 hours and 28 minutes, a glimmer of hope appeared: the rugged coast of Ireland. Guided by the Marconi wireless station in Clifden, they made a daring landing on a boggy field, narrowly escaping disaster. News of their feat spread like wildfire, hailing them as heroes. Not only had they claimed a £10,000 prize offered by the Daily Mail, but they had ushered in a new era of transatlantic travel. Their success paved the way for future commercial flights, shrinking the world and forging new connections across continents. The statues in Crayford are a reminder of Alcock and Brown's amazing feat of aerial exploration. Comments and feedback to me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.