I took the photograph above on Wednesday morning - click on it to see a larger view; engineers arrived at Manor Road in Erith, close to the junction with Frobisher Road in order to replace the ULEZ camera and pole that had been cut down recently - as I covered in last weeks Blog update. I spoke to the engineers, who were very friendly - they stated that they expected to be back again within a few weeks to once again replace the camera. They seemed quite happy about this, as it was "a very good earner" for them. The chap dressed in black in the foreground of the photo was a private security guard. I have it on good authority that these private security operatives earn well in excess of £400 a day whilst protecting the ULEZ engineers installing or replacing damaged cameras. As previously mentioned, it recently became known that TfL did not budget for replacing defective or damaged ULEZ cameras; I am in no doubt that Londoners will end up footing the bill in some way or other. The damage to ULEZ cameras is allegedly the work of a shadowy group of individuals know as Blade Runners. The Blade Runners are a loosely organized group of individuals who believe the ULEZ unfairly restricts their freedom and disproportionately burdens low-income residents who cannot afford newer, compliant vehicles. They argue that the scheme is an attack on their way of life and a form of "green taxation." Their name references the 1982 sci-fi film "Blade Runner," drawing a parallel between themselves and the movie's protagonists who hunt down replicants, seen as a threat to society. Estimates suggest there are around 250 active Blade Runner members, primarily drivers who rely on older, non-compliant vehicles. The Blade Runners have garnered media attention for their tactics, which have ranged from peaceful protests to more controversial actions. These include:- Campaigns: Raising awareness through online forums and social media groups. Vandalism:- Damaging ULEZ cameras, though this is widely condemned and considered illegal. Civil disobedience:- Refusing to pay the ULEZ charge. The Blade Runners raise several arguments against the ULEZ:- Financial burden:- They argue the daily charge disproportionately affects low-income individuals and small businesses who cannot afford to upgrade their vehicles. Limited effectiveness:- Some question the ULEZ's actual impact on air quality, arguing that it simply displaces pollution to other areas. Unfair targeting:- They claim the scheme unfairly penalises responsible car owners who maintain their vehicles, while exempting newer, potentially more polluting models like motorbikes. I do not support or condone any kind of criminal act including but not limited to criminal damage or vandalism. Comments to me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Locally we still have long established independent record dealer Cruisin’ Records in Welling, which celebrates its' 50th anniversary this year. I recall visiting the shop in the 1980’s – it held a bewildering variety of stock, from pretty much every musical genre; at the time it leaned towards jazz funk and soul, and I can recall hearing adverts for the shop on several dance themed pirate radio stations at the time. Nowadays the shop stocks music of all varieties. I have heard on very good authority that John, the owner of Cruisin' Records is looking to retire in the near future, and that the very long established record shop is shortly to go up for sale. You can see their website here.
This year marks another 50th anniversary - the opening of the first McDonald's restaurant in the UK, which opened in Powis Street in Woolwich in October 1974. On the opening day, crowds gathered outside the shiny new fast food outlet. Inside, they found wooden seats, an ashtray on every table, and some of the cheapest meals locals had ever seen. Inside the decor was a pretty grim brown and cream colour with some massive photo portraits on the walls. But the hamburgers, which were "made with 100% pure beef, topped with pickles, mustard and ketchup, served in a freshly toasted bun" cost just 15p. A cheeseburger – they just added some "mellow cheese" – was 21p while for those with a "big appetite" you could pick up a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a Big Mac for 45p. A McMariner, which is now called a Filet-O-Fish, cost 30p and a value meal of a hamburger, fries and milkshake, known as United Tastes of America, cost 48p. The Powis Street, Woolwich branch was opened by Ed ’Stewpot’ Stewart was the personality, along with the local mayor and hundreds of people who had already heard about ’The Difference at McDonald’s’. The serving staff were mostly middle-aged women who looked like dinner ladies, and the queue stretched down the road. One customer opened her first burger and turned to her friend, ’There’s no butter in these rolls’ she tutted. ’No, and no knives and forks, either,’ her friend replied. Many customers had never seen slices of pickled gherkin before, and quickly picked them out of the burgers. Stepping inside the first McDonald's was like stepping into a time capsule. The decor was simple, featuring wooden seating and, a sign of the times, ashtrays on every table. The menu, while familiar today, offered burgers for a mere 15p and Big Macs for a luxurious 45p – a stark contrast to today's prices. McDonald’s approach and brand originally traded on its American heritage and novelty factor before gradually evolving into a part of family life tailored for a UK market. When it opened its first British restaurant it had to educate consumers about this new concept of counter-service, fast eating. McDonald's management undertook a great deal of research before choosing Woolwich as the location of their first restaurant. They carried out a number of surveys and Woolwich had the greatest demographic mix of anywhere they surveyed, possibly because of the presence of both the Royal Artillery training regiment and Thames Polytechnic, which at the time encouraged foreign students, along with the influx of families working on the construction of the Thames Barrier, begun in the same year. A 46-year-old Paul Preston, from Ohio USA, was hired to drive the “UK launch pad” to success and the Woolwich restaurant subsequently became so popular that just one month later, boxer Henry Cooper launched his autobiography from there. Despite initial skepticism from some, the Woolwich McDonald's quickly became a success. The combination of affordability, convenience, and a taste of American culture proved irresistible. It paved the way for the rapid expansion of the McDonald's brand across the UK, with thousands of restaurants opening their doors in the years that followed. Today, the Woolwich McDonald's still stands, a testament to the enduring legacy of the brand and a reminder of how a simple concept can change the way people eat. While the decor and menu have evolved, the core principles of speed, affordability, and consistency remain the same, making the UK's first McDonald's a historical landmark and a reminder of how cultural trends can take root and flourish. In 1974, the Powis Street McDonalds was operated directly by the company - the idea of franchising restaurant sites was still many years away. It was said that the Powis Street site did not turn a profit for a number of years, as money was invested in publicity and expansion of the brand - something which paid off handsomely in the medium to long term. Since 1974, more than 1.8 million people in the UK have either worked in McDonald’s and its franchises, or have been employed by its suppliers, according to the company. Today burger-chain McDonalds have more than 1300 stores open across the UK.
On Tuesday of last week, The Exchange published the following press release, which I reproduce in full:- "The Old Library, a cherished Grade II listed building in the heart of Erith, has been nominated for the prestigious RIBA South East Awards 2024. The repair and renewal project, led by Robin Lee Architects in collaboration with community craft organisation, The Exchange, has garnered attention for its meticulous preservation of heritage and its transformative impact on the local community. Constructed in 1906, funded by Scottish philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Library served as a cornerstone of the community for over a century – first as a library, and later also as a local museum. However, after its closure to the public in 2009, the building fell into disrepair, facing significant challenges to its survival. The project, led by Robin Lee Architects in collaboration with The Exchange, sought to preserve the building's rich heritage while re-imagining its future as a vibrant hub for community engagement, taking inspiration from its heritage of craft and empowerment to inform its future. Through meticulous attention to detail and a phased approach to the renovation process, the project not only stabilised the building's structure, but also created versatile spaces that cater to the local community. "We knew it would be a place for community; we knew we wanted to repair, protect and enhance heritage features; we knew we wanted a beautiful destination garden; and we knew it would be a space that would be inspired by its heritage story of craft and empowerment," said Sarah Batten, Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Exchange. "Robin Lee Architects were invested in community consultations throughout the process, creating a design that offered enough flexibility for change, but still creating defined and distinctive spaces through sensitive repair and adaptation." The project included the installation of modern amenities and infrastructure, the creation of new learning spaces, and the incorporation of sustainable design principles to ensure the building's longevity for future generations. Additionally, community involvement was integral to the project, with local residents participating in consultations, workshops, and now even contributing to the fabrication of furniture. The building now has a range of spaces - including a ceramics workshop, textiles workshop, timber workshop, and spaces which can be used by the public or hired for private events. "Following completion in 2022, the building now provides a range of dedicated spaces for makers… while providing community-focussed education workshops, and activities re-establishing Erith’s Carnegie Library as a place for education and learning within a communal setting," said Robin Lee, lead architect on the project. Gradually, The Exchange has developed into an award-winning community craft organisation, and Arts Council recognised National Portfolio Organisation, and are thrilled and honoured to be recognised by RIBA for this part of their story. “We couldn’t have got there without the support of Robin Lee Architects and the approach to the building and spaces.” For more information about The Exchange and the project, please visit: www.theexchangeerith.com.
On October 16th, 1993, the streets of Welling witnessed a historic event: a large-scale demonstration against the British National Party (BNP). The BNP was a far-right political party known for its racist and xenophobic ideology. Taking its name from that of a defunct 1960s far-right party, the BNP was created by John Tyndall and other former members of the fascist National Front (NF). During the 1980s and 1990s, the BNP placed little emphasis on contesting elections, in which it did poorly. Instead, it focused on street marches and rallies, creating the Combat 18 paramilitary—its name a coded reference to Nazi German leader Adolf Hitler—to protect its events from anti-fascist protesters. The 1993 demonstration was fueled by a growing sense of anger and concern over the increasing visibility and activities of the BNP. The party, known for its hate filled fascist ideology, had established its headquarters in a book shop which was then located at 154 Upper Wickham Lane in Welling, causing unease and fear amongst residents, particularly from minority communities. The brutal murder of Stephen Lawrence, in Eltham earlier that year further heightened tensions and galvanized anti-racist sentiment. The demonstration, organized by the Anti-Nazi League and Youth Against Racism in Europe (YRE), aimed to condemn the BNP's presence and demand the closure of its book shop, seen as a hub for their activities. Estimates of the crowd size vary, ranging from 15,000 to a staggering 45,000 individuals. This diverse group, united against racism, marched from Winn's Common in Plumstead towards the BNP Upper Wickham Lane headquarters. However, their initial route, passing directly by the bookshop, was blocked by the Metropolitan Police under orders from Commissioner Paul Condon. This decision sparked controversy, with some accusing the police of prioritising the protection of the BNP over the right to peaceful protest. Despite the change in route, the demonstration continued, fueled by a shared message of anti-racism and anti-fascism. Chants of "We are black, we are white, together we are dynamite!" and "BNP – burn it down!" resonated through the streets. The peaceful march, however, turned violent when a small group of individuals attempted to break through police lines to reach the BNP bookshop. Clashes erupted between these individuals and the police, resulting in injuries and arrests. The violence overshadowed the peaceful message of the majority of demonstrators and was widely condemned. The Welling demonstration, despite the controversy surrounding the violence, remains a powerful symbol of collective action against racism and extremism. It highlighted the growing public opposition to the BNP and its divisive, fascist ideology. The event also sparked discussions about the role of the police in managing protests and the importance of maintaining a balance between public safety and the right to demonstrate. While the initial objective of shutting down the BNP bookshop was not achieved, the demonstration served as a significant moment of public resistance against the far-right. 74 people were injured in the riots, including 12 police officers. The clashes were the most serious civil disorder in London since the poll tax riots in 1990. The Metropolitan Police spent £1 million and sent 7,000 officers to police the event. The BNP bookshop in Welling was eventually closed down by Bexley Council in 1995.
The end video this week is from popular and respected public transport You Tuber Jago Hazzard. It concerns the various proposals to connect Thamesmead and possibly Belvedere with Beckton. Comments and feedback to me as usual at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
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