Empty.

The photo above shows what in many ways is a landmark building in the centre of Bexleyheath. Recently the place was used as an office by law firm MW Solicitors, who later changed their name to Taylor Rose, who moved into the building in April 2018. They have now vacated it and relocated to a brand new office on the site of the original Bexleyheath Library further down Bexleyheath Broadway. Since then the building has remained empty and unused. Readers with a good memory may well recall that when Bexleyheath Broadway was rebuilt and pedestrianised in the early 1990's, after the opening of The Broadway Shopping Centre in 1984, some new retail and bar / restaurant units were created on each side of the re-routed Mayplace Road West. On one side a block including The Furze Wren pub, TK Maxx and some other retail units, and on the other side of the road is located Bexleyheath bus halt and a large, purpose built bar / restaurant building.  Before the current structure was built the site was home to a former cinema called The Astor, which was turned into a bingo hall in 1967, which operated until 1986 when it was closed down and subsequently demolished to make way for the current building. The building was originally occupied by Yates Wine Lodge - an Oldham based pub chain with most of its outlets in the North of England. Yates is the oldest pub chain in the UK, with the first branch opening in Oldham in 1884. In earlier times, it invented its own range of drinks which it called Blobs, which consisted of sweet Australian wine and brandy, sugar, lemon and hot water. The pubs were the first to be visited on a "pub crawl", they were the first port of call on a night out. It was most popular on Fridays and Saturdays, and many were quieter in the early week; the pubs were not often seen as family pubs, though were regularly the start of a hen night or stag night or just the start of a "pub crawl". The reasoning being that "The Blob" was an affordable and easy start to the night, with its cheap (comparatively), high alcoholic content and being hot, it didn't take many to get the consumer "in the mood". Yates in Bexleyheath was OK during the daytime - a bit like a trendier version of Wetherspoons, but at night it was a nightmare - under age drinkers and people binge drinking before getting the free mini bus to a nightclub in Swanley. I recall waiting at nearby bus stop after a Friday night cinema visit in around 2004; two women, who were apparently mother and daughter were fighting in the street - it turned out that they were both having a relationship with the same man. This was fairly typical of a night at Yates; It got so bad that the bus stops in Mayplace Road West were closed on a Friday and Saturday night, and Yates and The Furze Wren (then called Lloyds) opposite had different closing times enforced by magistrates to try and stop fights when the places turned out at closing time. One local commented at the time:- "Don't think a single punter in there hasn't got any Burberry in their wardrobe. Regular 2-pot screamers getting into fights and girls (yes girls!) getting glassed - Nice!" Another Bexleyheath local commented:- "Yates is an awful place. Just a large, sterile drinking den with no atmosphere worth mentioning. The food is mediocre at best and the bar staff make you feel like you should be privileged your getting served by them. The clientele are the type that wouldn't know a decent pub if it came up and poked them in the eye. One good point is that places like this attract the scum and keep them out of the decent pubs in the area." I could not have described the place any better. In 2005 the central Yates company was subject to a takeover by the Laurel Pub Company, and the Bexleyheath Yates was sold off - it had become unprofitable after it introduced a £5 entrance fee on Friday and Saturday evenings, and the bar on the first floor had been closed down. It re - opened some time later, re-branded as RSVP Bar. This struggled on for a couple of years, but never recaptured the popularity of Yates when it was first open. The RSVP Bar seemed to make most of its money by selling alco-pops to teenagers, and many of its former customers instead went across the road to the increasingly successful Furze Wren - which was / is operated by Wetherspoons. RSVP Bar closed and the building was empty for over a year, before a company took over the building with plans to turn it into an Afro - Caribbean restaurant. They spent ages on building work, with little progress towards opening being apparent. The whole restaurant project soon collapsed when a Nando's branch opened directly opposite it on the corner of Mayplace Road West and Geddes Place, essentially taking away the business. Subsequently in 2018 it became a short - lived office for lawyers MW Solicitors / Taylor Rose, but it is now empty once again. 

Last Monday marked sweeping changes to many BBC Local Radio schedules, which has caused anger among many listeners. BBC Radio Kent has had much of its local content removed. The drastic cuts to the station’s output now sees a single afternoon show broadcast across all of Kent, Surrey and Sussex between 2pm and 6pm. The evening schedule is also now networked, with shared content broadcast across a huge part of the South East. At weekends, a single breakfast show also broadcasts across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The cuts mean some of the station’s most popular presenters have seen their shows moved or axed altogether. Some previously loyal listeners have vowed to boycott the popular station as a result of the cutbacks. BBC Local Radio has long been a cornerstone of British broadcasting, providing a platform for local news, events, and discussions that reflect the unique character and interests of individual communities. For many listeners, especially those in rural or isolated areas, local radio serves as a lifeline, connecting them to their neighbours, providing essential information, and offering a sense of belonging. The BBC's cutbacks, however, threaten to diminish this vital service. By reducing local airtime and sharing more programming across stations, the BBC risks homogenizing local radio, diminishing its ability to cater to the specific needs and interests of individual communities. Moreover, the loss of local staff and presenters raises concerns about the quality of local news coverage and the ability to respond to local issues in a timely and meaningful way. One of the most significant impacts of the cutbacks has been the loss of local jobs. As programming is centralised, fewer staff are needed at local stations, leading to redundancies and a reduction in the number of people producing and presenting local content. This loss of expertise and experience has a direct impact on the quality and relevance of local radio programming. Another major concern is the reduced airtime for local news and events. With more programming being produced centrally, there is less time for local stations to cover the issues that matter most to their communities. This means that important local stories are going unreported, and listeners are missing out on vital information about their local area. The impact of these cutbacks is already being felt by listeners. Many have expressed dismay at the loss of long serving, familiar presenters and the reduction in local programming. They fear that the BBC's commitment to local communities is being eroded, leaving them with a less relevant and engaging radio service. The BBC's justification for these cutbacks centres on financial constraints. The corporation faces a challenging funding environment, with a decline in traditional licence fee income and increasing competition from digital media. However, many critics argue that the BBC should prioritise local radio, given its importance to communities and its unique role in British broadcasting. One response to an article on the Kent Messenger website on the cutbacks read:- "Very sad indeed, Radio Kent will cease to be focused on Kent and become just another bland 'one size fits all' station that suits nobody. The BBC lost its way a long time ago". The cutbacks to BBC local radio represent a significant loss for communities across England. The plans have seen the corporation accused of abandoning its loyal radio listeners - including many older people - and using licence fee money to compete with commercial local news providers. BBC’s local radio output has traditionally differed significantly and targeted different audiences to commercial stations, including KMFM in Kent. BBC local radio has been a trusted source of information, entertainment, and connection for decades, and its diminished presence will leave a void in the lives of many listeners. What do you think? Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Mystery surrounds The Wrong 'Un pub in Bexleyheath Broadway. The Wetherspoon's pub has been up for sale for over a year now, and to date no buyer seems to have been found. According to the website of commercial property agent Savills, the lease on the pub lasts until the end of March 2028. I understand that a number of companies have investigated the premises, but at the time of writing it remains on sale. I think it will prove difficult for Wetherspoon's to get rid of the place. It was rumoured back in June that a buyer had been found, but from what I can gather, this has not been completed - all I can find out is that the pub is still "under offer" - something that has not changed for at least five months. 

In another slightly radio related issue, many commercial radio stations have recently been broadcasting commercials funded by the NHS to try and encourage people to complete and return bowel cancer testing kits. I understand that the take up of kits to vulnerable groups is far lower than the health authorities were anticipating. Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK, with over 45,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in the UK, killing over 16,500 people each year. The NHS offers free bowel cancer screening to eligible people aged 60 to 74. The screening test is a simple stool test that can be done at home. If the test is positive, further tests will be needed to confirm whether there is bowel cancer. However, the take-up of bowel cancer screening in the UK is low. In 2021, only 61% of eligible people took up the screening offer. There are a number of reasons why the take-up of bowel cancer screening is low. These include:- Lack of awareness: Many people are not aware of the bowel cancer screening programme or do not know that they are eligible. I would guess that this is the principal reason for the current radio advert campaign. Fear of cancer: Some people are afraid of being diagnosed with cancer and so avoid being screened. Embarrassment: Some people may feel embarrassed about doing the stool test. Practical barriers: Some people may have practical barriers to accessing screening, such as transportation difficulties or lack of time. The low take-up of bowel cancer screening is a serious concern, as it means that many people are missing out on the chance to detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Following my article last week about smart power meters, and how many that are currently installed in British homes and businesses will need to be replaced before 2G and 3G phone networks are phased out. Subsequent to this, it was brought to my attention that another issue with all UK mart meters may shortly come to pass if the British government follows the example of the French. Let me explain. The French government is planning a trial to temporarily halve the maximum power levels of Linky smart electricity meters (photo above - click on it to see a larger version) this winter in an effort to limit blackouts. The trial would involve around 200,000 homes with Linky meters, and would see their maximum power levels reduced from 6kVA to 3kVA for up to four hours in a single day. The trial is being carried out in response to concerns over the resilience of the French electricity grid in the face of rising energy demand and the potential for supply disruptions. The government is hoping that the trial will help to identify any potential problems with the grid and to develop new ways to manage electricity demand. There are a number of reasons why the French government is concerned about the resilience of the electricity grid. Firstly, energy demand is rising in France, driven by factors such as the electrification of transport and heating. Secondly, the country is increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources, which can be intermittent in nature. Thirdly, France is interconnected with the European electricity grid, which means that it is vulnerable to disruptions in other countries. The French government has already taken a number of steps to improve the resilience of the electricity grid, such as investing in new infrastructure and developing new energy storage technologies. However, the government believes that the Linky smart meter trial is a necessary additional measure to ensure that the grid can cope with the challenges of the coming winter. The Linky smart meters are being used to carry out the trial because they allow power company Enedis to remotely control the power supply to individual homes. This means that  Enedis can reduce the power supply to homes during periods of high demand, without having to physically send out engineers. The trial is expected to begin in December 2023 and will last for six months. Participants in the trial will be informed by letter and will not have the right to opt out. However, they will be compensated for any inconvenience caused by the power reductions. The trial has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the move, arguing that it is necessary to protect the electricity grid and to avoid blackouts. Others have criticized the trial, arguing that it is an unfair burden on consumers and that it will lead to higher energy bills. The trial will be closely watched by the energy industry and by governments around the world. If the trial is successful, it could lead to the widespread use of smart meters to manage electricity demand and to prevent blackouts. This is quite likely to happen at some point in the future in the UK. Another reason to avoid having a smart meter installed?

Last week I wrote a topical article about the Gunpowder Plot, and its alleged links to Erith. One thing I uncovered whilst carrying out my historical research was a little known fact. England's premier Elizabethan spy master - Sir Francis Walsingham was born and raised locally in Foot's Cray Place. Sir Francis Walsingham was a key figure in Elizabethan England, serving as principal secretary to Queen Elizabeth I from 1573 until his death in 1590. He is best known for establishing a highly effective intelligence network that played a crucial role in protecting England from foreign threats, particularly from Catholic powers such as Spain. Walsingham was also a skilled diplomat and statesman, and he was deeply involved in many of the major events of the Elizabethan era, including the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Walsingham was born around 1532 at Foot's Cray Place. He was the only son of William Walsingham, a successful lawyer, and Joyce Denny, the daughter of a courtier. Walsingham attended Cambridge University and then travelled in Europe, where he studied law and languages. He became a committed Protestant during his time abroad, and he returned to England in 1553 when the Catholic Queen Mary I ascended to the throne. During Mary's reign, Walsingham was forced to live in exile due to his Protestant beliefs. He spent time in Switzerland, Italy, and France, where he continued to study and develop his political skills. He also began to build up a network of contacts with other Protestants across Europe. When Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, Walsingham returned to England and was appointed as one of her secretaries. He quickly became one of Elizabeth's most trusted advisors, and he played a key role in her government. Walsingham is best known for his work as a spymaster. He established a vast network of spies and informers throughout Europe, and he used this network to gather intelligence on England's enemies. This intelligence was essential in helping England to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588. On 18 August 1588, after the dispersal of the armada, naval commander Lord Henry Seymour wrote to Walsingham, "you have fought more with your pen than many have in our English navy fought with their enemies". In addition to his work as a spymaster, Walsingham was also a skilled diplomat. He represented England in negotiations with France, Spain, and other European powers. He was also a strong advocate for English colonisation and trade, and he played a role in the development of England's maritime power. In foreign intelligence, Walsingham's extensive network of "intelligencers", who passed on general news as well as secrets, spanned Europe and the Mediterranean.While foreign intelligence was a normal part of the principal secretary's activities, Walsingham brought to it flair and ambition, and large sums of his own money. He cast his net more widely than others had done previously: expanding and exploiting links across the continent as well as in Constantinople and Algiers, and building and inserting contacts among Catholic exiles. Among his spies may have been the playwright Christopher Marlowe; Marlowe was in France in the mid-1580s and was acquainted with Walsingham's kinsman Thomas Walsingham. Walsingham died in London on April 6, 1590. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. Walsingham is considered one of the most important figures in Elizabethan England. He was a brilliant statesman, a shrewd diplomat, and a master spymaster. His work helped to protect England from foreign threats and to make England a leading power in Europe.

Occasional Maggot Sandwich technology contributor Miles wrote a piece on the new EV charging station which recently opened at the Sainsbury's supermarket in Crayford. As an experiment he then ran the article he wrote through the Chat GPT 4 Artificial Intelligence system to see what the result might be. Suffice to say that he was impressed. Here is Miles article after it had been rewritten by AI:- "Currents of Change: A First-Hand Look at Sainsbury's Crayford EV Charging Haven - As the world pivots towards sustainable energy, Sainsbury's Crayford stands at the forefront of this revolution with their recent launch of fifteen 150kW CCS ultra-rapid chargers, accompanied by a solitary 50kW CHAdeMO charger. During a routine run to pick up groceries, I seized the opportunity to test out their state-of-the-art facility and, frankly, the experience was nothing short of impressive. Spacious Bays: A Breather for Your Car - Immediately noticeable was the generous space allocated to each bay, a thoughtful design that mitigates the risk of those all-too-common car park scuffs. This is a far cry from the cramped quarters that are often the norm elsewhere, where entering your vehicle feels akin to a contortionist's act. Innovative Cable Management: Accessibility Redefined - Long-time followers of Hugh's blog may recall my concerns about the cumbersome weight of charging cables, which posed a challenge for those with physical limitations. Sainsbury's Crayford has ingeniously countered this with an overhead pole system that not only supports the cable's weight but also offers the flexibility to reach charging ports located anywhere on the vehicle. Simplified Payment: The End of 'App Hell' - The dreaded 'app hell' that once plagued EV charging has been relegated to the past. Aligning with recent government mandates, the chargers at Crayford come equipped with credit card readers. This user-friendly addition is a boon for those who prefer a straightforward tap of the card over navigating multiple phone apps. Ultra-Rapid Charging: Quick Turnaround - The name 'ultra-rapid' certainly lives up to its billing. Post-shopping, I returned to a fully charged car in what felt like a blink of an eye. During this brief wait, I had the pleasure of engaging with a cordial Welsh gentleman, curious about my EV — a testament to the camaraderie within the EV community. Cost Considerations: A Bitter Pill - However, excellence comes at a price. At 75 pence per kilowatt-hour, the cost of convenience steeply parallels that of fueling an internal combustion engine vehicle — a far stretch from the economical £10 it would cost to charge at home. It's an area ripe for competitive adjustment. Concluding Thoughts: More Than Just Charging - The roll out of these advanced chargers across the nation is heartening. As the charging process evolves to become more seamless and expeditious, the case for electric vehicles strengthens for the average consumer. Our collective gaze must now turn towards making public charging more economically accessible". A facinating piece and a valuable assessment of the new EV recharging facility. What do you think? Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com. 

The end video this week is also about an electric vehicle. It is an episode from the "Harry's Garage" YouTube channel. Harry Metcalfe is a motoring journalist, publisher and farmer who produces what many consider to be the finest motoring channel on YouTube. In this episode he gets acquainted with the forthcoming electric sports car, the Caterham Project V, which will be built in the new Caterham factory in Dartford, which I understand will be the successor to the original Caterham Cars factory in Kennet Road, Crayford.