Auction.

The detached bungalow located at 54 Pembroke Road, Erith is to go for sale by auction on the 24th of October at midday, with a guide price of £285,000. The property has been empty and unoccupied since December of 2015. I suspect that this will not be like most real estate auctions, due to the history of the property. Thanks to a regular reader and occasional contributor who wishes to remain anonymous for bringing this story to my attention. 54 Pembroke Road has a dark and terrible recent history, which will undoubtedly deter many prospective property buyers. 54 Pembroke Road was the scene of a barbaric triple murder back in 2015, when former Eastenders actress Sian Blake and her two young children (photo above - click on it to see a larger version) were murdered by her partner, drug dealer Arthur Simpson-Kent in the house, and their mutilated bodies buried in shallow graves in the back garden. Sian Blake, 43, and their sons, Zachary, eight, and four-year-old Amon, after the actress, who was terminally-ill with Motor Neurone Disease, planned to leave Arthur Simpson-Kent and take the boys with her. Once he had killed the three, he buried their bodies in the garden of their bungalow in number 54, Pembroke Road, Erith. The bodies were not discovered by the Police for three weeks, when sniffer dogs were used to search the property. All three had been repeatedly beaten and stabbed in a series of frenzied attacks. Simpson-Kent, who admitted three counts of murder, was sentenced at the Old Bailey in October 2016 by a judge who said he had been convinced he should receive the most severe punishment available for his ''truly horrific'' crimes. Mr Justice Singh, when passing sentence said he had been left ‘in no doubt’ that Arthur Simpson-Kent should spend the rest of his life in prison.‘Each murder involved a substantial degree of premeditation or planning. At the very least that must be true of the murder of each of the two little boys individually, and in turn after the defendant had already killed Sian Blake. Further, and in any event, there were serious aggravating features of this case. Each of the victims was particularly vulnerable because of age or disability. There was an abuse of position of trust. There was concealment of the bodies. He made efforts to remove evidence of his crimes at the house, including repainting. He sought to lay a false trail by using Sian Blake's mobile phone. He lied to the police and others about the whereabouts of the family.’ He was thus awarded the very rare sentence of a Whole Life Order – which means the only way he will ever be let out of prison is on the written orders of the Home Secretary, something that has rarely if ever happened. In his case, life really does mean life in prison, with no chance of parole. The house has been empty ever since the Police dug up the back garden and discovered the three bodies buried in shallow graves. I am aware that at least one application for planning permission has been made in the past in respect of the property, where the applicant proposed to demolish the existing bungalow and to replace it with a small block of flats, but to the best of my knowledge, nothing came of this. Bearing in mind the recent history of the bungalow, and the apparent poor physical state of it, I would surmise that any purchaser would also wish to demolish it to build something new on the site. If you have any information regarding this story, please contact me in confidence to hugh.neal@gmail.com.

BBC Essex and Radio Caroline presenter Ray Clark has quit his BBC local radio show which is broadcast across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk after claiming he was treated 'cruelly' by bosses who kept him in the dark for a year about the future of his show. It comes after fellow BBC presenter Sophie Little blasted 'ageist' local radio cuts in the final episode of her cancelled show, Treasure Quest. The Radio Norfolk regular told listeners: "Local radio is a vital public service. And it is my opinion that these drastic, sweeping cuts that are taking place to BBC local radio stations all across the country are not only detrimental to anyone that enjoys switching on their local station and hearing their favourite shows but also detrimental to the local communities who value and use it. 'Actually, these cuts are unbelievable unfair to those who need local public service broadcasting the most – those who are lonely and isolated, or those who are unable to leave their house, or unable to use the internet, or unable to pay for broadband. Those who not only take comfort from the company of a familiar voice coming out of their radio but who truly rely on it to keep going. The BBC's mission, as defined by Royal Charter, is to act in the public interest, serving all audiences… but I will say this how I see it – I feel the cuts are ableist, ageist and they place economic barriers for some people too." The BBC has announced plans to cut back on local radio services in the UK. The cuts will see a reduction in the amount of local programming produced, and more sharing of content between stations. The BBC says the cuts are necessary to save money and to focus on digital-first delivery. However, the cuts have been met with criticism from politicians, listeners, and journalists. Opponents of the cuts say that they will damage the BBC's relationship with its local audiences and will make it more difficult for people to hear about the issues that matter to them. They also argue that the cuts will lead to job losses and will make it more difficult for new voices to be heard on the BBC. The BBC has defended the cuts, saying that they are necessary to ensure the future of local radio. The BBC says that it will continue to produce high-quality local journalism and that it will continue to serve its local audiences. However, the BBC has not been able to guarantee that there will be no job losses as a result of the cuts. The controversy surrounding the BBC local radio cuts has highlighted the challenges facing the BBC in the digital age. The BBC is facing increasing competition from commercial and digital media, and it is under pressure to reduce costs. However, the BBC also has a public service obligation to provide high-quality programming to all audiences. The BBC needs to find a way to balance these competing demands. It is important for the BBC to maintain its local radio services, as they play an important role in connecting the BBC with its local audiences. However, the BBC also needs to be realistic about the financial challenges it faces. It is possible that the BBC will need to make further cuts to local radio services in the future. However, it is important to note that the BBC has a long history of adapting to change. The BBC has successfully transitioned from radio to television to the internet. The BBC is also one of the most trusted news organisations in the world. As far as Ray Clark is concerned, he has recommended that his BBC Essex listeners re-tune their radios to 648 kHz AM or go online to hear his programmes on Radio Caroline. What do you think? Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com. More on this story in the end video this week.

As regular readers will be aware, I have recently been featuring historical local figures; this week I am writing about someone born and raised in Erith who is a well - known journalist, broadcaster and YouTuber, but is still alive, although nowadays they live in the USA. James Stephanie Sterling, also known as Jim Sterling and Commander Sterling, is an English-American freelance video game journalist, critic, pundit, and popular YouTuber. Before becoming independent in September 2014, she was the review editor for Destructoid, and an author for The Escapist. Sterling is noted as one of the main examples of a YouTuber achieving success through crowdfunding. Sterling identifies as a transfem and uses both she/her and they/them pronouns. This article uses she/her pronouns for consistency. Sterling was born in Erith on the 1st January 1984, where she lived near the poverty line for much of her childhood and was emotionally abused by her mother's partner. This abuse is what prompted her to take on the "Jim Sterling" name, saying that she would have had it legally changed, if not for legal issues. In a video from November 2015, before coming out as non-binary, Sterling stated in a video that she was "not a monogamous guy, nor a straight one either." In June 2020, she became a naturalized United States citizen. In August 2020, Sterling came out as non-binary. Sterling uses she/them pronouns. In late June 2020, while discussing the Speaking Out movement and misconduct within the video game industry, Sterling touched upon her own disorders:-"The events of recent weeks have been particularly affecting for me, as I've begun to come to terms with my own history. While all of this talk of abuse is going on, I've had a psychiatric evaluation where I was confirmed to have bipolar type 2 and complex PTSD as a result of what can only be described as a couple decades of having my sense of identity systematically destroyed by caregivers, followed by people convincing me I was making stuff up and that I wasn't even mildly depressed". Sterling presents The Jimquisition, a weekly YouTube video series in which she discusses current issues surrounding video games, often involving consumer protection and ethics in the video game industry. The series originated on Destructoid's YouTube channel and was later moved to The Escapist's channel, before being released on Sterling's own channel. James Stephanie Sterling is a staunch advocate for ethics in the gaming industry. They have consistently used their platform to address issues of sexism, racism, and discrimination in video games. Sterling has also been vocal about the importance of accessibility in gaming, calling for more inclusive design practices to ensure that everyone can enjoy video games, regardless of their abilities. Sterling has been critical of a number of video games and video game companies over the years. She has spoken out against companies such as Electronic Arts and Activision for their anti-consumer practices, and she has criticised games such as No Man's Sky and Fallout 76 for their misleading marketing and poor quality at launch. Sterling has also been a vocal advocate for workers' rights in the video game industry, and she has spoken out against companies such as Ubisoft and Riot Games for their alleged mistreatment of employees. Sterling's commitment to advocacy extends beyond the screen. They have been a prominent supporter of various charitable initiatives, such as raising funds for trans and LGBTQ+ organizations and contributing to mental health awareness campaigns. Sterling's work has been praised by many critics and fans for its honesty, its insight, and its willingness to challenge the status quo in the video game industry. She has been called one of the most important voices in video game journalism today. Her YouTube channel has 784,000 subscribers and a total number of views exceeding 543 million.  In 2016, Sterling was nominated for a BAFTA Games Award for Best Games Journalist.

A petition to scrap the proposed toll on the Blackwall Tunnel has gained over 10,000 signatures in a matter of days. The toll is due to be introduced in 2025, when the new Silvertown Tunnel opens. The petition, which was launched by Conservative MP Louie French, argues that the toll will be a burden on local residents and businesses, and will lead to increased congestion on other roads. "The Blackwall Tunnel toll is a stealth tax on motorists and businesses in South East London," said French. "It will add to the cost of living and doing business, and will push people onto other roads, making congestion worse." The petition has been backed by a number of local businesses and groups, including the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses. "The Blackwall Tunnel toll is a bad idea for businesses and residents alike," said Peter John, head of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce. "It will add to the cost of doing business and make it harder for businesses to compete. It will also make it more difficult for residents to get to and from work and to access essential services." The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has defended the toll, saying that it is necessary to fund the maintenance and improvement of London's transport infrastructure. He has also said that the toll will help to reduce congestion and improve air quality. However, critics of the toll argue that it is unfair to target motorists in South East London, who already pay high taxes and have to deal with congestion. They also argue that the toll will have a negative impact on the local economy. The petition is due to be closed today - 8th October 2023. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the government will be required to respond to it. There are arguments for and against the toll - Arguments in favour of the toll:- The toll will help to fund the maintenance and improvement of London's transport infrastructure. The toll will help to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The toll will help to manage demand for the new Silvertown Tunnel. Arguments against the toll:- The toll will be a burden on local residents and businesses. The toll will lead to increased congestion on other roads. The toll is unfair to target motorists in South East London - river crossings in West London are all free - why should drivers in the East of the capital be unfairly discriminated against? The toll will have a negative impact on the local economy. The petition to scrap the proposed Blackwall Tunnel toll has gained significant support in a short period of time. It remains to be seen whether the government will respond positively to the petition, but it is clear that there is a strong public opposition to the toll. What do you think? Email me at the usual address - hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Another historic local person of note is the artist Colin Gill (1892-1940) who was a British artist who is best known today for his work as a war artist during the First World War. He was born in Bexleyheath, and studied at the Slade School of Art. In 1913, he became the first recipient of the Rome Scholarship in Decorative Painting to the British School at Rome. Gill's studies were interrupted by the outbreak of the First World War. He joined the Royal Artillery and served on the Western Front. In 1916, he was seconded to the Royal Engineers to work as a front-line camouflage officer. He was gassed in 1918, and was subsequently invalided out of the army. He never fully recovered from his injuries, and suffered from ill health for the remainder of his short life. Gill's experiences in the war had a profound impact on his art. He began to paint scenes of battle and the aftermath of war. His paintings are often stark and unflinching, but they are also deeply moving. One of Gill's most famous paintings is Heavy Artillery (1919). This painting depicts a battery of heavy artillery firing on enemy lines. The painting is full of movement and drama, and it conveys the power and destructive force of modern warfare. Another important painting by Gill is Evening After a Push (1919). This painting depicts a group of soldiers resting after a battle. The soldiers are exhausted and weary, but they are also defiant and determined. The painting is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. After the war, Gill continued to paint, but he also turned to other forms of art, such as mural painting and portraiture. He taught at the Royal College of Art from 1922 to 1925. Gill's paintings were exhibited at the Imperial War Museum in 1921, and they have since been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. His work is a powerful and important record of the First World War, and it continues to resonate with audiences today. In addition to his wartime paintings, Gill also produced a number of murals and portraits. His most famous mural is Boadicea at Colchester, 61 AD (1929), which is located in the Colchester Town Hall. The mural depicts the British warrior queen Boadicea leading her army into battle against the Romans. Gill also produced a number of portraits of prominent figures, including the artist Eric Gill, the poet Siegfried Sassoon, and the writer H.G. Wells. In 1940, he traveled to South Africa to work on a series of murals for the Magistrates Court in Johannesburg. He died suddenly of a heart attack while working on this project - it is thought he suffered heart and respiratory damage when he was gassed in the trenches, and that this contributed towards his early death. He was only 48 years old. Nowadays, Gill's work is held in many public collections, including the Tate Gallery, the Imperial War Museum, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. He is considered to be one of the most important British artists of the war period. His work is also notable for its technical skill and its innovative use of colour and form. Gill was a master of composition and perspective, and his paintings are often highly detailed and realistic. Gill's work is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of peace. His paintings are also a testament to the power of art to bear witness to the truth of human experience.

The plaque shown in the photo above (click on it for a larger view) is one of the least known artefacts in Erith - very few locals are even aware that it exists. The plaque, which marks the eight hundredth anniversary of the start of the Rainham to Erith Pilgrim's Ferry, which began in the year 1199. The plaque was erected on the wall next to the wooden jetty adjacent to Erith Riverside Gardens back in 1999. The Pilgrim's Ferry was used to allow travellers to cross the River Thames between Erith and Coldharbour Point in Rainham. There was an unsuccessful campaign back in 2010 / 2011 to try and get the ferry service restarted, as part of the "London Loop". The ferry last ran on a regular daily basis back in 1854.

Sometimes landmarks can be so everyday that locals essentially ignore them. I feel that this is very much the case in respect of the Bexleyheath Clock Tower, pictured above - click on the photo to see a larger version. The Bexleyheath Clock Tower is a landmark in the town. It was built in 1912 to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. The tower was designed by Walter Maxted Epps and is in a freely treated Renaissance style. It is built of red brick and has four clock faces, each of which is 3 feet 4 inches in diameter. The tower is 46 feet tall and is topped by a weather vane. The tower was officially opened on 17 July 1912 by the Mayor of Bexley, Alderman George F. Andrews. The opening ceremony was attended by a large crowd of local residents and dignitaries. In 1940, the bell in the clock tower was removed for scrap metal during World War II. The bell was not replaced until 1998. In 2012, the clock tower was refurbished to mark its 100th anniversary. The refurbishment included cleaning the tower, repairing the brickwork, and repainting the clock faces.

The end video this week comes from the YouTube channel Ringway Manchester - which specialises in news and history related to radio communications. In the video below, the channel explains the current dire situation with BBC local radio, as per my article earlier in this weekly update. Comments to me at the usual address - hugh.neal@gmail.com.