Statues.

I have had a number of readers contact me asking me why I have not covered the important local story regarding The Bookstore Cafe at The Exchange, and its' recent "Scores on the Doors" health rating of a woeful one out of five stars - the cafe had previously held an excellent five star rating.  The reason was that despite much debate on social media, I did not have details of the story, and did not want mis - represent the charitable community benefit society. I did not wish to pass comment until the facts became clear. A disclosure - I am a volunteer at The Exchange, and run monthly history tours of the old library, and until November of last year I was a member of the governing board of The Exchange. On Tuesday morning the current board of The Exchange published the following statement:- "Dear members, stakeholders and The Exchange Community, The Bookstore recently had a visit from the Food Safety team. The results of that report were quite serious, highlighting major improvement required. We made the decision to close The Bookstore in order to rectify these issues through renewed and improved hygiene training for our staff, getting our paperwork up to date, and ensuring that our kitchen and front of house are in the best condition they can and should be. The Board of The Exchange would like to assure our members, stakeholders and the wider community that we take the issues The Bookstore is currently facing extremely seriously. We are actively supporting Louisa, Sarah and Peter to develop and implement the procedures required to rectify the situation. The senior leadership of The Exchange have steered it through the COVID pandemic and a cost of living crisis, which has been both stressful and tiring. As such, the Board recognises the need to prioritise their well-being and the need for a break to rest and recuperate. Consequently, the best course of action is for The Bookstore to remain closed for a while longer, as this will allow the leadership to recharge their batteries before returning and instigating changes, ensuring customers receive the highest standard of service possible going forward. During The Bookstore’s closure, we will thoroughly investigate the root causes of our failings. The Board and Directors will then develop an interim and long-term strategy to ensure all required changes are sustainable. To each of you who have supported and invested in the success of The Bookstore and The Exchange, the Board would like to apologise for our failings. We will not offer excuses but commit to improving to win back your trust. The Exchange, including The Garden Room and workshops, will remain open to the community as usual. It is only The Bookstore that will be closed. You can learn more about the Board here, and we are available if you have any questions or concerns by emailing us or replying to this message.

Thank you,

The Board"

It has been announced that the long running Long Wave service of BBC Radio 4 will be ceasing in the future. Trials have started running on BBC Radio 4 Long Wave advising listeners about the upcoming closure of the 198 frequency. This follows the announcement in May 2022 that the BBC is to stop scheduling separate content for Radio 4 Long Wave in anticipation of the closure of the Long Wave platform, owned and operated by a third party, which is coming to the end of its life as a technology. All programmes on Radio 4 Long Wave – The Shipping Forecast, Daily Service, Yesterday in Parliament and Test Match Special – will continue to be available on other BBC platforms. The Shipping Forecast will cease to be broadcast four times a day, and will instead be available via the Radio 4 FM simulcast twice a day (weekdays) and three times a day (weekends) as well as on DAB and BBC Sounds. It will also continue to be broadcast via HM Coastguard’s channels. The Daily Service and the longer version of Yesterday in Parliament will also continue on Long Wave until March 2024 and will then be available on BBC Radio 4 Extra and BBC Sounds. Yesterday in Parliament will still be broadcast on the Today programme on Radio 4 FM/DAB. Test Match Special is already available uninterrupted on Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds where listeners will continue to be able to access it digitally. All scheduled cricket matches on Radio 4 Long Wave will still be broadcast this summer, for the final time. Radio 4 Long Wave listeners will be reminded where they can hear the cricket across the BBC going forward. The exact switch off date has not been announced, but with the above statement, it is anticipated that the close down of the Long Wave service will likely be at the end of March 2024. Comments to me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

A gangland thriller with a supernatural twist has become a surprise hit on Netflix, becoming one of the most watched movies on the streaming service, and according to the Radio Times the film - called "Bull" is set to become a cult classic along the lines of The Long Good Friday and Get Carter. "Bull" was filmed in and around Dartford; it was shot in just 18 days with diverse settings including an abattoir, a funfair and a housing estate. Scenes for the low budget film took place at Dartford Working Men’s Club and various private houses and locations including filming in the Temple Hill area where letters were sent to residents to warn them of possible disturbances. Some homeowners in Knights Manor Way were approached to see if their houses would be suitable to film inside. The production also visited Forge Farm Meats in Tunbridge Wells and a private house in Gravesend, which doubled as the home of a character called Marge, played by actress Elizabeth Counsell. There are also supporting performances from David Hayman, of ITV's Trial & Retribution, and former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite. Lead actor Neil Maskell, who played Winston Churchill in BBC drama Peaky Blinders, was making a return to Dartford for his scenes having previously acted and directed at The Miskin Theatre, part of North Kent College. The review of the film by Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw reads as follows (edited to remove spoilers):- "Bull is a violent gangland shocker that returns this film-maker - Paul Andrew Williams - to territory he first staked out with his 2006 feature debut, the lowlife thriller London to Brighton. There are brilliant moments here, and Bull is arguably as good as, say, Shane Meadows’s much-admired Dead Man’s Shoes, in a similarly relentless vein. But I have to admit to finding the female characters less interesting than they were in London to Brighton – and opinions might divide about the ending here, which the movie both telegraphs in advance and yet also diverts your attention away from, with a shuffling of the timeline. Neil Maskell stars as the titular Bull, and for those of us who have enjoyed this actor’s powerfully charismatic and disturbing performances in the past, particularly in Ben Wheatley’s films, the casting should tip you off. You don’t expect anything soft and relaxing from Maskell, and you don’t get it. Bull used to be a London gangland enforcer working for Norm (David Hayman), who, among many unsavoury concerns, runs a dodgy butcher’s business forcing food suppliers to accept his dodgy meat. Norm and the rest of his crew, including Marco (Jason Milligan), Gary (Kevin Harvey) and Beardy (David Nellist), are sometimes to be found in a greasy spoon, wearing hi-vis tabards, indicating some sort of building-trade front. With his fanatical yet disciplined love of violence, Bull should have been Norm’s favoured employee, especially as he is also his son-in-law, having married Norm’s daughter Gemma (Lois Brabin-Platt), with whom he has a young son. But to Bull’s fury, Gemma became a smack addict and a neglectful mother to their adored little boy, and glowering Norm took her side in their many arguments. When the relationship broke down, Bull demanded sole custody of his son. The escalating dispute led to a horrifying situation with a burning caravan, to which there are traumatised flashbacks. Now Bull has returned to take a terrible, bloody vengeance on everyone. Bull takes us back to the queasy world of Mike Hodges’s Get Carter, and the crime fiction of Ted Lewis – although Bull is probably even nastier. But the difference there is that Carter was trying to find out the truth; here, Bull already knows the truth, and we don’t. What exactly has motivated his revenge-lust? The explanation, when it does emerge, is simultaneously wildly overblown and a little bit anticlimactic. Well, this film’s horns are still pretty sharp". The BBC Radio Times said of "Bull":- "Bull – a revenge thriller in the mould of Get Carter, Wrath of Man, and Kill List – is a British cult classic in the making. Released in 2021, the Paul Andrew Williams-directed film went somewhat under the radar due to Covid-19 ravaging the entertainment sector, leaving many independent films in purgatory. But now thanks to Netflix, it's finding a new lease of life. Those that did see the film upon its initial release had nothing but high praise for the searing thriller, which is not for the queasy or those that suffer from haemophobia".

I took the photo above - click on it to see a larger version - from my home office window on Sunday afternoon; two adolescent Foxes were sunbathing on my back lawn. Later in the same afternoon, I saw three adult foxes relaxing on my synthetic lawn. It was clear that they were completely relaxed an not at all phased by me watching them. The presence of urban foxes in the United Kingdom has been a subject of both fascination and concern. While these elusive creatures have adapted to city life, their coexistence with humans has given rise to a series of problems that warrant attention. Foxes are inherently wild animals with instinctual behaviours geared towards survival. When introduced into urban environments, they may exhibit adaptations that are not conducive to harmonious coexistence. For instance, foxes scavenging for food may disrupt local ecosystems and compete with other wildlife for resources. This disruption can lead to an imbalance in the natural order and result in unintended consequences for native species. I know that local foxes have learned to open wheelie bins looking for food waste, and even when homeowners place a brick to hold the bin lids down, the foxes have learned to push the brick off before opening the lid. Urban foxes can present potential risks to human health and safety. While the risk of foxes directly attacking humans is low, incidents involving bites or scratches can occur, particularly if individuals attempt to interact with or feed the animals. Foxes are also known carriers of diseases such as mange and parasites like ticks and fleas, which can be transmitted to pets or even humans.

Erith has one of the very few Internet Cafes left in the area; Dominion World Limited, based at number 2, Cross Street, also offers a number of business services, including corporate management, computer sales, photography and fashion, document printing, logistics and transportation, along with use as a business centre. The organisation started out, and still operates an Internet Cafe on the ground floor of their premises - as you can see in the lower of the two photos above - click on either for a larger view. When the world’s first internet cafe, Cafe Cyberia, first opened its doors in London’s West End in September 1994, its founders could never have imagined what they had unleashed. Internet cafes — cheap, accessible venues where just about anyone could explore cyberspace in its infancy — spread slowly across the world at first, and then snowballed in popularity. In the spring of 1996, Sri Lanka got its first two internet cafes: the Cyber Cafe, and the Surf Board. A few months later, Kuwait’s first internet cafe launched with 16 PCs. In 1999, a travel guide promised readers a list of 2,000 cafes in 113 countries. Within a couple years, it was estimated that there were more than 100 internet cafes in Ghana alone. BusyInternet opened the largest internet cafe in Accra, boasting 100 screens. By 2002, there were more than 200,000 licensed internet cafes in China, and still more operating under the table. For many, internet cafes represented the arrival of the future. “The first day I entered, I didn’t believe it,” a university student in Accra said about stepping into BusyInternet. “I didn’t believe it was Ghana.” Teenagers met in internet cafes to evade parental surveillance; students used them as study halls. Relationships, both digital and IRL (In Real Life), came to life inside internet cafes; scammers transformed them into the headquarters of international crime rings. Travellers and migrants logged on to reconnect with families and friends in distant time zones. Very few people ever bought coffee at internet cafes. By the 2010s, though, it was clear that internet cafes were in decline. The writing had been on the wall for years. In 2004, a Guardian article predicted that the launch of 3G mobile broadband meant that internet cafes “will become an increasingly rare sight, a logging-in point for students and tourists.” The launch of the iPhone and the advent of cheap data were just two more nails in the coffin. Internet cafe empires crumbled quickly. In 2013, a Rwandan cafe owner reported that his daily customer count had suddenly dropped from 200 to just 10. India lost more than half of its 200,000 internet cafes between 2005 and 2016. Accra’s BusyInternet cafe folded, and the company pivoted to be an internet service provider. Then came the Covid-19 pandemic, which wiped out many of the internet cafes that were just barely holding on. Other companies, like Dominion World Limited diversified their businesses into other areas in order to compensate for the drop - off in customers for the Internet Cafe trade. Comments to me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Major-General Sir Henry Wheatley, 1st Baronet CB, GCH was a distinguished British military officer and public servant who played a significant role in the Napoleonic Wars and later contributed to various administrative and philanthropic endeavours during the 19th century. Born in Lesney House, Erith in 1777, Henry Wheatley's early life was marked by his interest in military affairs and a strong sense of duty. He entered the British Army at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his leadership skills and strategic acumen. His dedication and exceptional service on the battlefield earned him recognition and commendations from his superiors. Wheatley's most notable achievements came during the Napoleonic Wars, a period of intense conflict that reshaped the political and military landscape of Europe. Serving with distinction in several campaigns, Wheatley demonstrated his bravery and tactical brilliance in various battles. His leadership was particularly evident in key engagements, where he effectively coordinated troops and devised strategies that contributed to British victories. In recognition of his outstanding military service, Wheatley was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) and later became a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order (GCH). These prestigious honours highlighted his contributions to the British military and his commitment to upholding the nation's interests. Wheatley married Louisa, daughter of George Edward Hawkins, serjeant surgeon to King George III on 13 February 1806. They had two sons who died young and five daughters: Georgiana-Louisa; Henrietta-Maria, who died young; Laura-Maria who died in 1841; Mary; and Sophia, Maid of Honour to Queen Adelaide. After the Napoleonic Wars, Wheatley's talents extended beyond the battlefield. He retired from the army in 1812; his rank of Major-General was in the Army of Hanover, and was conferred upon him by King William IV. In 1830, King William IV made him Keeper of the Privy Purse. He was also Receiver-General of the Duchy of Cornwall. Both of these offices remained with him upon the succession of Queen Victoria until his retirement in January 1847. He transitioned into a role as a public servant, utilizing his organisational skills and dedication to contribute to the betterment of society. He became involved in various administrative and philanthropic initiatives, working to improve infrastructure, social welfare, and education. Wheatley's legacy also includes his creation of the Wheatley Baronetcy, a hereditary title that he was granted in recognition of his military and civic achievements. This title symbolised his enduring impact on British society and his commitment to both his country and his fellow citizens. He died aged 75 on the 21st March 1852. Wheatley Terrace Road in Erith is named after him. 

As far as I have been able to determine, Erith has not been the host to a boot fair for a considerable period of time. As you will see from the photo of the poster above, this is about to change. I will be attending the inaugural event, if for nothing more to see who turns up, and what is for sale. There is the added bonus that the Erith event is to raise money for the Ellenor Hospice in Gravesend. I did some research on the history and origins of the boot fair, and what I discovered proved to be fascinating, so here goes... In the realm of open-air markets and makeshift bazaars, the boot fair stands as a quintessential British tradition, bringing together communities, collectors, and bargain hunters. Rooted in a rich history of economic exchange and social interaction, the boot fair has evolved from its modest beginnings into a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate people of all ages. Delving into the origins of the boot fair reveals a fascinating journey of economic necessity, community spirit, and the timeless allure of second-hand treasures. The concept of the boot fair traces back to the early 19th century in England, a period marked by significant socio-economic changes. The Industrial Revolution had given rise to urbanisation, and a growing number of people were seeking opportunities for trade and income supplementation. As a response to these changing dynamics, informal outdoor markets began to emerge as spaces for individuals to sell surplus items, homemade crafts, and even their own possessions. These early forms of marketplaces would lay the foundation for what we now know as boot fairs. The term "boot fair" itself is thought to be derived from the practice of vendors selling items directly from the boot of their cars. These impromptu markets were initially driven by practicality, as individuals sought to make extra money by selling items they no longer needed. Whether it was clothing, household goods, or toys, these early boot fairs were essentially an extension of people's homes, allowing them to de-clutter and profit simultaneously. As the decades passed, boot fairs began to take on a more organized and communal aspect. Local communities recognized the potential of these markets to not only facilitate economic transactions but also foster social interactions. Towns and villages started hosting organized boot fairs, providing designated spaces for vendors to set up stalls and attracting a wider audience. These events often coincided with other community gatherings, such as fêtes and carnivals, creating a festive atmosphere that appealed to both sellers and buyers. The boot fair culture also became intertwined with the idea of recycling and sustainability. With environmental concerns gaining prominence in recent years, the concept of buying and selling second-hand goods has gained renewed relevance. Boot fairs offer a platform for individuals to give new life to pre-loved items, reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable consumer culture. Today, boot fairs have grown beyond their modest origins to become a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations. They attract a diverse array of participants, from antique enthusiasts and collectors in search of rare finds to families looking for affordable goods. Modern technology, such as social media and online platforms, has facilitated the promotion and organisation of boot fairs, allowing for wider reach and greater convenience. The appeal of the boot fair lies not only in the prospect of finding unique items at budget-friendly prices but also in the experience of communal engagement. Visitors and vendors alike share stories, haggle over prices, and forge connections that extend beyond the exchange of goods. These markets serve as a testament to the enduring power of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world. The boot fair, born out of economic necessity and community spirit, has evolved into a cherished cultural institution that embodies the essence of British tradition. Its humble beginnings as impromptu roadside markets have blossomed into organised events that bring people together for the joy of buying, selling, and connecting. As we continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape of consumerism and social interaction, the boot fair remains a steadfast reminder of the value of community, sustainability, and the timeless allure of a good bargain.

The end video this week is a short news article on the unveiling of the statues of Keith Richards and Sir Mick Jagger in Dartford last week. Comments and feedback to me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.