The photos above - click on any one to see a larger version - were taken by me yesterday at the All Saints Church in Nuxley Road, Upper Belvedere (not Nuxley Village - no such place exists). It was on the occasion of their annual Summer Fair. This was the first year when Simon Archer has been the Priest in Charge, and the turnout for the fair was very large indeed, probably helped by the good weather. The only fly in the ointment was that the previous night a thieving scumbag had broken into the church administration office and made off with a laptop computer. Apart from this disappointing issue, the event was hugely successful; at the time of writing, the total amount raised by the fair this year has not yet been released. It was good to see so many visitors enjoy the church gardens. On a happier note, Local businesses have chipped in to help in respect of the theft of the laptop computer. Ace Computers in Bexleyheath have offered to donate a replacement laptop, and Advance Security Alarms, also from Bexleyheath are upgrading the church security systems for free. It does seem that good generally comes after bad, and I understand that no data will be lost from the laptop theft, as it was fully backed up. Last year the Summer Fair was also hit by criminals - around £240 of forged £20 notes were passed off during the course of the event; the church was one of a number of places hit by the criminal fraudsters. Nevertheless the overall impact of last year and this years Summer Fete was extremely positive. Over the last few years I have heard several critics say that there is no local community spirit - I strongly feel that events such as the All Saints fairs show that this is actually very far from the case - community spirit is strong and positive, even when criminals try to disrupt it. What do you think? Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
There has been a story in the mainstream press over the last few days, which turns out to have a local link. David Gilmour, former lead guitarist of Pink Floyd has put most of his extensive collection of guitars on sale in order to raise money for his anti climate change charity. The 73-year-old singer and guitarist sold more than 120 instruments for a total of almost £17m. His 1969 Black Fender Stratocaster alone fetched £3.1m, setting a world auction record for any guitar. What caught my eye about the story was not the record breaking Stratocaster but one of the far less well known and unusual guitars also included in the sale. A Vox Guitar Organ made by Jennings Musical Instruments in their West Street, Erith factory in 1967 was sold for $87,500 - which I believe is also a world record for the unusual combination of an electric guitar and a Vox Continental electric organ in a guitar body. More than 2,000 bidders from 66 countries registered for the sale, which was held at auction house Christie's in Rockefeller Centre in New York. The auction house said it delayed the start of the sale by one hour after an "unprecedented number of bidders" turned up, leading a second sale room to be opened up to accommodate the crowds. Christie's said Gilmour's collection was the most valuable sale of musical instruments in auction history, beating a previous record held by Eric Clapton.
Many thanks to occasional Maggot Sandwich contributor and restaurant critic Brian Silk for the information he sent me in respect of an invention I had previously not heard of. Hiram Maxim (1840-1916) is best known for the invention of the automatic machine gun, the spring mouse trap and the fire sprinkler, along with the first heavier than air aircraft - The Maxim Flyer, which took to the air - albeit briefly - in 1894, nine years before the Wright Brothers. The experimental steam powered aeroplane accidentally took off during ground testing in Baldwyn’s Park, Bexley – it flew for an estimated 281 metres at a height of 1.4 metres, according to contemporary accounts. You can read more about the story here. Suffice to say that Maxim realised that his design of flying machine was dynamically unstable, and not viable for any longer flights. He abandoned the project shortly thereafter, leaving the Wright Brothers to gain the fame and fortune that went with the first viable aerodynamic flying vehicle. As well as being a skilled engineer and inventor, Hiram Maxim was a very shrewd businessman, and I think he realised that his own flying machine was an engineering dead end, and he decided to stop throwing good money after bad, and work on other projects instead. Maxim was already a very wealthy man, and did not really need the flying machine to be a financial success at all. However, he also developed the inhaler in the photos above. Click on either photo to see a larger version. The inhaler, known as the ‘Pipe of Peace’. It was used to treat throat and chest problems such as bronchitis. Soothing vapours from water warmed with a few drops of 'Dirigo', made from Maxim’s own recipe, which consisted of a mixture of liquid menthol and wintergreen oil, could be delivered right to the back of the throat via a long, swan-necked glass tube. In this set, the drug is made by John Morgan Richards and Sons Ltd. As word of the effectiveness of Maxim’s invention spread, demand grew and eventually hundreds of thousands were sold in the early 1900s. Hiram Maxim was an excellent inventor, engineer and very canny businessman. He realised that his main product - the Maxim machine gun was a weapon of war, and was giving him a negative public image; by diversifying into medicines, this would contribute to a far pleasanter and more positive personal reputation. In his autobiography of 1915, Hiram Maxim wrote:- "I think it was about the year 1900 that I had a very severe attack of bronchitis. First, we had the family physician; then he called in two experts on throat troubles; but they did me no good. They recommended, however, that I should go to Bournemouth and put myself under the treatment of a noted specialist. It was a failure. I returned to London and consulted the greatest specialist on throat troubles in England, and a few days later he sent me about half a ton of stoneware bottles containing mineral water. I took some of the water and followed the treatment for a time without the least effect. I was then recommended to go to Mont Dore, where they have strong and hot mineral springs and there are many doctors who make a speciality of treating bronchitis. I submitted to a very long system of steaming and boiling and taking the waters with no effect. I next learned that at Royat, not far distant, there was an English physician who was supposed to be the greatest expert on throat troubles in France. After he had been working on me about three weeks he said: "There remains only one thing for you to do, and that is to go to Nice and go through a system of treatment at Vos' Inhalatorium." I spent the next winter at Nice and was much gratified to find that I was greatly benefited by the treatment. It was very long and very severe. Every day I had to inhale an hour at a time; but the bronchitis had disappeared completely by the beginning of April, when I returned to England. However, with the cold and foggy weather of the next autumn the trouble returned as bad as ever; so again I went to Nice and went under the treatment. While there I heard a great deal of discussion regarding throat troubles—generally in the French language. Mr. Vos became very much interested in my case, perhaps more so on account of the comic sketches that I made for him, some of which greatly amused the Russian Grand Dukes who were his patients. At any rate I made a point of learning all that could be learned about the treatment of bronchitis before I left Nice, and the next season, when the trouble commenced again, I bought some glass tubing and made a few glass inhalers myself. By making a mouthpiece of such a shape that the vapours were introduced directly into the throat instead of medicating the inside of the mouth I found that my simple device was much more effective than the very elaborate machinery of Mr. Vos. When I became fully satisfied that my apparatus would ward off bronchitis, I gave a few away, and they all did very well indeed. The next move was to get two hundred of them made by a glass-blower, and these I also gave away, with splendid results. This created a demand, and I placed the sale of the instruments with the eminent firm of John Morgan Richards and Sons, of London, since which time hundreds of thousands have been sold and have given entire satisfaction. A short time ago, while returning from the seaside, I found myself in a first-class compartment with a distinguished-looking gentleman. He asked me if I were not Sir Hiram Maxim, and upon telling him that I was he gave me his own name, which I recognised as being one of the most eminent of the Harley Street physicians. He said: "I have tried your inhaling apparatus with very good results; it is a splendid thing; I recommend it to all my patients who have throat troubles. You have prevented an immense amount of suffering in the world and you ought to be very proud of it." This is the way that one of the greatest physicians in the world looked at the subject, but some of my friends not altogether unconnected with the gun business have told me that I have ruined my reputation absolutely by making a medical inhaler, and a scientific friend has written me deploring the fact that one so eminent in science as myself should descend to "prostituting my talents on quack nostrums." However, this little inhaler enables me to live all winter in England and large numbers are now being sold all over the world. So I think I shall be able to withstand the disgrace of having brought out such an invention. From the foregoing it will be seen that it is a very creditable thing to invent a killing machine, and nothing less than a disgrace to invent an apparatus to prevent human suffering. It is a curious and interesting fact that one of the gentlemen who has ridiculed me the most recommends these inhalers to his friends and always takes one with him when travelling. While at Nice I learned that the inhalants could be taken very much stronger if a small quantity of cocaine were used, but as cocaine was regarded as a poison, it was not expedient to use it. I spent my boyhood in the State of Maine, where there is a little plant which, although it is used for flavouring confectionery, really benumbs the mouth and throat just as cocaine does, only in a less degree. By mixing a small quantity of the oil of this plant with pine essence, the vapours may be inhaled very strong without producing coughing, and this little discovery is one of the things that has made the inhalers such a remarkable success. I suppose I shall have to stand the disgrace which is said to be sufficiently great to wipe out all the credit that I might have had for inventing killing machines".
On Tuesday afternoon I received an Email which has been a long time in coming. You may recall that back in 2016 I wrote at some length about the demolition of historic Belvedere pub The Leather Bottle. The photo above, supplied by Daniel Francis, shows the moment that the demolition of the landmark local building went under way, to the horror of those watching. On Friday the 14th June 2019, Councillor Daniel Francis, leader of Bexley Labour Group and one of the three ward councillors for Belvedere received confirmation from the Health and Safety Executive that they are prosecuting Balmonza Ltd. and its Director under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The first hearing will take place on the 21st August 2019 at Westminster Magistrates Court.The prosecution relates to the demolition and works carried out on the site of the former Leather Bottle public house by Balmonza Ltd. during June 2016. On top of this, another development by the same company has been refused retrospective planning permission after a long fought battle with local residents. The development at the rear of 238 Woolwich Road, which backs onto Abbey Wood has finally been rejected, after multiple complaints from local residents and a blatant attempt by the person behind the developer to yet again break planning law. Balmonza Ltd had built a huge concrete platform at the rear of the house, and it appeared that they were trying to build an illegal block of flats, actually inside the Abbey Wood. Fortunately after a prolonged and concerted campaign by local residents, this has now been stopped. What remediation work will be undertaken is unclear at this point.
Pretty much anyone who works in an office, runs their own business, or who works with figures to any extent will be familiar with using a computer spreadsheet – most commonly Microsoft Excel. Many will curse at them from time to time, but would also find working with numbers far more difficult without a spreadsheet. It was not always the case. The term “Spreadsheet” has been in use for several hundred years; originally. In the realm of accounting jargon a "spread sheet" or spreadsheet was, and is a large sheet of paper with columns and rows that organises data about transactions for a business person to examine. It spreads or shows all of the costs, income, taxes, and other related data on a single sheet of paper for a manager to examine when making a decision. The problem with this is that if a value on the sheet changes – for example if the rate of tax was to increase, then the business person had to erase the related values in the relevant column, manually recalculate the new value, and write it onto the sheet – this could be a complex and time consuming business. Accountants and business owners would spend frustrating hours wrestling with figures in this way. In the early 1960’s several electronic versions of spreadsheets were created, which needed to be run on complex (for the time) and hugely expensive mainframe computers. Forty years ago this week, the first spreadsheet application was published in the UK for use on a personal computer, and it became the first “killer app” – a piece of software so powerful and groundbreaking that many businesses bought a computer just to be able to run it. The program was called Visicalc, and it is debatably the single most important piece of software for business ever written. In 1979, personal computing was very much in its infancy; outside of large companies and universities, computers were really only used by hobbyists and engineers who wanted to learn about the new technology, and how to program. The Apple II had just been released in the USA, which was arguably the first computer for home use that did not require a high level of technical expertise to run. It was a perfect storm –the first widely available and (relatively) easy to use personal computer, along with an incredibly powerful spreadsheet program in Visicalc. Consequently both flew off the shelves; business people bought an Apple II purely to run Visicalc, which greatly pleased Apple, and ultimately led to their giant size and influence nowadays. Visicalc was ported onto a wide variety of other computers in the early 1980’s the upper screen capture above - click on it for a larger version - was taken from the Atari 8 bit computer port, which I used to sell when I worked at Silica Shop in Hatherley Road, Sidcup), and without a doubt it led to the adoption of computers in many companies that had previously done without. Once Visicalc became available for the then new IBM 5150 personal computer (what we now refer to as the PC mark one) the future was assured. By this time many other software companies had produced their own versions of an electronic spreadsheet – often with more functions, and Visicalc fell by the wayside. The creators of Visicalc had made one decision which benefitted many in the long run, but led to the demise of their own product – they did not patent or copyright it. What I find fascinating is that whilst most software has changed beyond recognition over the years, the computer spreadsheet has stayed pretty much the same. If you were to time travel a Visicalc user from 1979 and put them in front of a Windows PC running Microsoft Excel now, they would find that the basic operation was exactly the same, albeit with many more functions and options. The principle has not changed at all. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Now for the weekly safety and security reports from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly a report from Barnehurst ward:- "Another fairly quiet week crime wise on Barnehurst ward and once again I am pleased to report no burglaries. Unfortunately motor vehicle crime continues to be a problem. These crimes mainly occur late at night to the early hours of the morning with the suspects apparently just trying random vehicles so please ensure your vehicles are locked and parked under a light source if possible. Overnight of Thursday 13th June there was a theft from motor vehicle in Pennine Way, the owner waking up to find all the compartments emptied onto the front seats of the car. In the early hours of Saturday 15th June two males were seen trying to break into a vehicle in Colyers Lane, fortunately they were disturbed by the car's owner and fled. Most recently a vehicle was taken from a communal car park off Drummond Close, however this vehicle had been shown off road for over two years and had already had its engine removed. Our next community contact session will be held at Barnehurst Golf Course on Tuesday July 2nd at 11am so please pop along. On a finishing note; now that summer is here could residents please shut all windows when leaving the house. Burglars love an open window. Don't make it easy for them". Belvedere ward:- "The team have been made aware of a male that has been seen in Calvert Close in the early hours of the morning recently (although not every morning). This male has been breaking into several vehicles at the location and has stolen several items from within each vehicle. We have been informed by dog walkers around the Lesness Abbey site that there has been ASB taking place by groups of youths who have been gathering just within the wooded areas and causing issues. The team have been actively patrolling the location and will continue to do so. PC Holmes and PCSO Worrall recovered yet another stolen vehicle that had been left in the residents car park in Shortlands Close. It had been at the location for several months and had been stolen from Greenwich Borough. Our next Community Contact session is taking place on Wednesday 26th June at 12pm at Lesness Abbey ruins site". Bexleyheath ward:- "There has been one reported burglary on the ward along Heversham Road Bexleyheath on Monday 17/06/2019 between 11am & 1pm. Entry was gained via an upstairs window using a ladder. There has been three reports of theft from motor vehicles also: Friday 14/06/2019 – Mayplace Close Broadway Bexleyheath; Thursday 13/06/2019 – Broadway Car Park area; Thursday 13/06/2019 – Broadway Car Park – Exhaust taken from vehicle; Theft of motor vehicle along Gravel Hill Close Bexleyheath that happened overnight between Fri 14/06/2019 and Sat 15/06/2019; Tuesday 18/06/2019 - A hand bag was reported stolen from New Look store along the Broadway. Bag was taken from the back of a wheelchair. The team regularly patrols along drug hot spot areas and ASB areas on the ward conducting regular stop and accounts and searches".
Image: Left to right: PCSO Joyce Barlow (Crayford SNT), NW Committee Member Stewart Bartle, Mayor of Bexley Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis, NW Coordinator John Whelan and NW Volunteer Andrew Davis at the Crayford Funday last Saturday.
Crayford ward:- "A quantity of plants were stolen from Mulberry Court on Sunday 2nd June between 19.00-19.30, the suspect and vehicle were seen on CCTV. A bicycle parked at Crayford BR station was tampered with on Tuesday 11th June between 08.00-18.30. A Renault had its windscreen cracked whilst parked at Town Hall Square between Sun 9th and Thurs 13th June. A black Lambretta, LX18CWD which was not in working order and had a broken front fender, scratches and dents was taken from a driveway in Dale Road. On Thurs 13th June between 09.00-23.40, a white Nissan Amera was dragged off a driveway in Shearwood Crescent, also inside were tools and a pressure washer. A blue disabled parking permit, sunglasses, tom tom and wi-fi box were stolen from a vehicle parked in Wolsley Close, there was damage caused to the vehicle. There has been a burglary this week, it occurred on the evening of Sunday 16th June, the patio door was forced and an untidy search made, a 32 inch Sony TV and other items were stolen. A catalytic convertor was removed from a Toyota Prius whilst parked at Stadium Way on Monday 17th June at approx. 11.30am. Number plates DE53YBG were stolen from a vehicle whilst parked near Maiden Lane junction with Gable Close, these should be on a Nissan Micra. A dash cam, bag containing money and bank cards were stolen from a parked grey Mercedes C180 in Halcot Avenue. A male has reported being pickpocketed whilst waiting for a train at Crayford BR Station on Tuesday 18th June at approx. 08.45-08.50, the black leather wallet contained a driving licence and cards, someone did attempt to use a card before it was cancelled. It was a fabulous turn out for the Crayford Fun Day last Saturday, really nice to meet so many enthusiastic residents. Our next community contact session is on Wednesday 26th June between 16.00-17.00, please come along if there is anything you would like to discuss with me". Erith ward - no reports received this week. Northumberland Heath ward:- "This week the team assisted Greenwich Borough with a large crime scene, due to a serious shooting in Plumstead. PCSO Lorraine has been conducting patrols on Bexley Road in relation to recent reports of ASB to various locations/stores. Any children who are caught acting in an anti-social manor will be reported to the relevant schools and home visits conducted. There has been an attempted theft of motor vehicle in Limewood Road, DA8 in the early hours of the Saturday 15th June, the vehicle had damage to the door lock. Also a possible attempted burglary in Carlton Road, at the rear of the property an outside pane of glass was broken on the double glazed window, entry was not gained to the property. At this time of year when the weather is warmer and windows are opened, please be mindful to close all windows when leaving your property. Our next community contact session is on Wednesday 26th June at 4pm in the Mill Road Library, please do come along and meet a member of the team and discuss any issues or concerns you have, or just pop in and say hello". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "We have had 3 theft from motor vehicle offences in the last 2 days, all of which have happened in daytime hours. Duriun Way at 1130am Sunday 16th June, Betsham Road at 1045am on Monday 17th June and Lincoln Close at 2.40pm, also on Monday. Items stolen include a mobile phone and a sat nav. Please please remove all valuables from your vehicles and ask any family/visitors to do the same, even if you are only getting out of the car for a minute or so. PC's Mark and James arrested a wanted male on Monday after he was seen in Budgens in Rainbow Road. The male is wanted for 9 previous offences and the investigating officer is aware and enquiries continue before the suspect is due back for a charging decision. Our team and our colleagues from neighbouring wards all assisted at the fatal shooting crime scene in Plumstead all through the day on Saturday. After 4 weeks stuck in the office with a broken rib, PCSO Mark will be back in uniform this coming Saturday when he will be attending the St Augustines Summer Fete from 11am. Our next CCS is at 6pm on Sunday June 23rd at our SNT base in Pier Road, Erith (next to Farm Foods)". Thamesmead East ward:- "Burglaries On Sunday 16/06/19 between the hours of 07.00pm and 08.40pm a flat in Muscovy House, KALE ROAD was broken into, believed entry was gained via an insecure window. A property in TEMPLAR DRIVE was broken into, between the Saturday 08/02/19 and Monday 17/06/19 ,the resident was away at the time. The blocks of flats in both WOLVERCOTE ROAD and KALE ROAD are undergoing refurbishment of double glazing windows , scaffolding has been erected to aid the installation A Theft in a Dwelling occurred in Teeswater Court, MANGOLD WAY on Wednesday 12/06/19 at 02.10pm,the victim allowed a female into the property, when the victim was out of the room ,the female stole a number of items. Crime Prevention. Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you're going out for a few minutes. Photograph and keep a detailed inventory of each item of jewellery and keep it in a separate place. Remain vigilant at all times. Motor Vehicle Crimes – Between the hours of 11:30pm on Thursday 13/06/19 and 06:20am Friday 14/06/19 a vehicle parked locked and secure was broken into in THAMESBANK PLACE .The Theft of a Motor Vehicle occurred in ASPEN GREEN on Tuesday 18/06/19 between the hours of 06.00am and 07.00pm. A vehicle parked on YARNTON WAY, was taken between 09.00am and 10.00am on Thursday 13/06/19.Unknown suspects broke into a parked vehicle outside of Trefoil house KALE ROAD between the hours of 21.00pm of Saturday 15/06/19 and 09.20am of Sunday 16/06/19. Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention. Did you know that your vehicle is like a shop window? If you can see ANY property left on view then so can a thief . Take it with you. Good news – Following good work by PC Pruden, a female who failed to appear at court for various theft offences was arrested, appeared at court ,now awaiting sentencing".
The image above was captured on a Ring doorbell at 5.30 am on the morning of Friday 14th June in Lodge Hill - someone stealing a resident's milk. Please contact NW office if you have info or similar to report.
West Heath ward:- "Attempted burglary in Dryhill Road on Monday 17/06/2019 between the hours of 9am and 09.30pm. The suspect smashed the rear kitchen window and attempted to gain entry by removing items from the window ledge, it is believed entry was not gained. Residential burglary in Preston Drive on Saturday 15/06/2019 between 10.30pm and 11.45am on Sunday 16/06/2019. The victim was away from the property overnight and upon returning, discovered the upstairs bedroom windows wide open. Several pieces of jewellery and a watch were stolen. There are currently no Neighbourhood Watches in either of these roads. Once again we have had a spate of motor vehicle crimes over the last week. Attempted theft of two Range Rovers from Bedonwell Road just before midnight on Thursday 13/06/2019. Both vehicles were searched and loose change and a pair of sunglasses were stolen. Theft of a wallet and mobile phone from a vehicle parked in Orchard Avenue between Thursday 13/06/2019 at 17.30pm and Friday 14/06/2019 at 4pm when the owner returned to his vehicle. A Number of photographic equipment was stolen from a black Mercedes in Romney Gardens between Monday 17/06/2019 at 11pm and 6am the following morning. The owner of the vehicle returned to find the doors of the vehicle wide open. An attempt was made to enter two Jaguars in Hollingbourne Avenue between 11pm on Monday 16/06/2019 and Tuesday 18/06/2019 at 7am. Nothing was stolen from the vehicle as the victim did not keep any items of value in the vehicles. The team have continued to carry out joint arrest enquiries and patrols this week with our colleagues from Crook Log, East Wickham wards".
The end video this week features a team who describe themselves thus:- "We are IKS Exploration WHAT WE DO - We explore and document historic locations from all eras mainly WW2 bunkers Cold War Bunkers. WHAT WE HATE - We hate people who vandalise historic locations and people who give out explore locations on the internet! WE RESPECT PRIVACY - Some locations that are privately owned will have all traces of where it located removed. All locations we visit are open locations, we at IKS Exploration don't condone forced entry or any sort of break in at any location! if the location is locked or bricked up we move to the next location". This is a video of theirs exploring a former Cold War disaster co - ordination centre which forms part of Dartford Civic Offices.
Pretty much anyone who works in an office, runs their own business, or who works with figures to any extent will be familiar with using a computer spreadsheet – most commonly Microsoft Excel. Many will curse at them from time to time, but would also find working with numbers far more difficult without a spreadsheet. It was not always the case. The term “Spreadsheet” has been in use for several hundred years; originally. In the realm of accounting jargon a "spread sheet" or spreadsheet was, and is a large sheet of paper with columns and rows that organises data about transactions for a business person to examine. It spreads or shows all of the costs, income, taxes, and other related data on a single sheet of paper for a manager to examine when making a decision. The problem with this is that if a value on the sheet changes – for example if the rate of tax was to increase, then the business person had to erase the related values in the relevant column, manually recalculate the new value, and write it onto the sheet – this could be a complex and time consuming business. Accountants and business owners would spend frustrating hours wrestling with figures in this way. In the early 1960’s several electronic versions of spreadsheets were created, which needed to be run on complex (for the time) and hugely expensive mainframe computers. Forty years ago this week, the first spreadsheet application was published in the UK for use on a personal computer, and it became the first “killer app” – a piece of software so powerful and groundbreaking that many businesses bought a computer just to be able to run it. The program was called Visicalc, and it is debatably the single most important piece of software for business ever written. In 1979, personal computing was very much in its infancy; outside of large companies and universities, computers were really only used by hobbyists and engineers who wanted to learn about the new technology, and how to program. The Apple II had just been released in the USA, which was arguably the first computer for home use that did not require a high level of technical expertise to run. It was a perfect storm –the first widely available and (relatively) easy to use personal computer, along with an incredibly powerful spreadsheet program in Visicalc. Consequently both flew off the shelves; business people bought an Apple II purely to run Visicalc, which greatly pleased Apple, and ultimately led to their giant size and influence nowadays. Visicalc was ported onto a wide variety of other computers in the early 1980’s the upper screen capture above - click on it for a larger version - was taken from the Atari 8 bit computer port, which I used to sell when I worked at Silica Shop in Hatherley Road, Sidcup), and without a doubt it led to the adoption of computers in many companies that had previously done without. Once Visicalc became available for the then new IBM 5150 personal computer (what we now refer to as the PC mark one) the future was assured. By this time many other software companies had produced their own versions of an electronic spreadsheet – often with more functions, and Visicalc fell by the wayside. The creators of Visicalc had made one decision which benefitted many in the long run, but led to the demise of their own product – they did not patent or copyright it. What I find fascinating is that whilst most software has changed beyond recognition over the years, the computer spreadsheet has stayed pretty much the same. If you were to time travel a Visicalc user from 1979 and put them in front of a Windows PC running Microsoft Excel now, they would find that the basic operation was exactly the same, albeit with many more functions and options. The principle has not changed at all. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Now for the weekly safety and security reports from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly a report from Barnehurst ward:- "Another fairly quiet week crime wise on Barnehurst ward and once again I am pleased to report no burglaries. Unfortunately motor vehicle crime continues to be a problem. These crimes mainly occur late at night to the early hours of the morning with the suspects apparently just trying random vehicles so please ensure your vehicles are locked and parked under a light source if possible. Overnight of Thursday 13th June there was a theft from motor vehicle in Pennine Way, the owner waking up to find all the compartments emptied onto the front seats of the car. In the early hours of Saturday 15th June two males were seen trying to break into a vehicle in Colyers Lane, fortunately they were disturbed by the car's owner and fled. Most recently a vehicle was taken from a communal car park off Drummond Close, however this vehicle had been shown off road for over two years and had already had its engine removed. Our next community contact session will be held at Barnehurst Golf Course on Tuesday July 2nd at 11am so please pop along. On a finishing note; now that summer is here could residents please shut all windows when leaving the house. Burglars love an open window. Don't make it easy for them". Belvedere ward:- "The team have been made aware of a male that has been seen in Calvert Close in the early hours of the morning recently (although not every morning). This male has been breaking into several vehicles at the location and has stolen several items from within each vehicle. We have been informed by dog walkers around the Lesness Abbey site that there has been ASB taking place by groups of youths who have been gathering just within the wooded areas and causing issues. The team have been actively patrolling the location and will continue to do so. PC Holmes and PCSO Worrall recovered yet another stolen vehicle that had been left in the residents car park in Shortlands Close. It had been at the location for several months and had been stolen from Greenwich Borough. Our next Community Contact session is taking place on Wednesday 26th June at 12pm at Lesness Abbey ruins site". Bexleyheath ward:- "There has been one reported burglary on the ward along Heversham Road Bexleyheath on Monday 17/06/2019 between 11am & 1pm. Entry was gained via an upstairs window using a ladder. There has been three reports of theft from motor vehicles also: Friday 14/06/2019 – Mayplace Close Broadway Bexleyheath; Thursday 13/06/2019 – Broadway Car Park area; Thursday 13/06/2019 – Broadway Car Park – Exhaust taken from vehicle; Theft of motor vehicle along Gravel Hill Close Bexleyheath that happened overnight between Fri 14/06/2019 and Sat 15/06/2019; Tuesday 18/06/2019 - A hand bag was reported stolen from New Look store along the Broadway. Bag was taken from the back of a wheelchair. The team regularly patrols along drug hot spot areas and ASB areas on the ward conducting regular stop and accounts and searches".
Image: Left to right: PCSO Joyce Barlow (Crayford SNT), NW Committee Member Stewart Bartle, Mayor of Bexley Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis, NW Coordinator John Whelan and NW Volunteer Andrew Davis at the Crayford Funday last Saturday.
Crayford ward:- "A quantity of plants were stolen from Mulberry Court on Sunday 2nd June between 19.00-19.30, the suspect and vehicle were seen on CCTV. A bicycle parked at Crayford BR station was tampered with on Tuesday 11th June between 08.00-18.30. A Renault had its windscreen cracked whilst parked at Town Hall Square between Sun 9th and Thurs 13th June. A black Lambretta, LX18CWD which was not in working order and had a broken front fender, scratches and dents was taken from a driveway in Dale Road. On Thurs 13th June between 09.00-23.40, a white Nissan Amera was dragged off a driveway in Shearwood Crescent, also inside were tools and a pressure washer. A blue disabled parking permit, sunglasses, tom tom and wi-fi box were stolen from a vehicle parked in Wolsley Close, there was damage caused to the vehicle. There has been a burglary this week, it occurred on the evening of Sunday 16th June, the patio door was forced and an untidy search made, a 32 inch Sony TV and other items were stolen. A catalytic convertor was removed from a Toyota Prius whilst parked at Stadium Way on Monday 17th June at approx. 11.30am. Number plates DE53YBG were stolen from a vehicle whilst parked near Maiden Lane junction with Gable Close, these should be on a Nissan Micra. A dash cam, bag containing money and bank cards were stolen from a parked grey Mercedes C180 in Halcot Avenue. A male has reported being pickpocketed whilst waiting for a train at Crayford BR Station on Tuesday 18th June at approx. 08.45-08.50, the black leather wallet contained a driving licence and cards, someone did attempt to use a card before it was cancelled. It was a fabulous turn out for the Crayford Fun Day last Saturday, really nice to meet so many enthusiastic residents. Our next community contact session is on Wednesday 26th June between 16.00-17.00, please come along if there is anything you would like to discuss with me". Erith ward - no reports received this week. Northumberland Heath ward:- "This week the team assisted Greenwich Borough with a large crime scene, due to a serious shooting in Plumstead. PCSO Lorraine has been conducting patrols on Bexley Road in relation to recent reports of ASB to various locations/stores. Any children who are caught acting in an anti-social manor will be reported to the relevant schools and home visits conducted. There has been an attempted theft of motor vehicle in Limewood Road, DA8 in the early hours of the Saturday 15th June, the vehicle had damage to the door lock. Also a possible attempted burglary in Carlton Road, at the rear of the property an outside pane of glass was broken on the double glazed window, entry was not gained to the property. At this time of year when the weather is warmer and windows are opened, please be mindful to close all windows when leaving your property. Our next community contact session is on Wednesday 26th June at 4pm in the Mill Road Library, please do come along and meet a member of the team and discuss any issues or concerns you have, or just pop in and say hello". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "We have had 3 theft from motor vehicle offences in the last 2 days, all of which have happened in daytime hours. Duriun Way at 1130am Sunday 16th June, Betsham Road at 1045am on Monday 17th June and Lincoln Close at 2.40pm, also on Monday. Items stolen include a mobile phone and a sat nav. Please please remove all valuables from your vehicles and ask any family/visitors to do the same, even if you are only getting out of the car for a minute or so. PC's Mark and James arrested a wanted male on Monday after he was seen in Budgens in Rainbow Road. The male is wanted for 9 previous offences and the investigating officer is aware and enquiries continue before the suspect is due back for a charging decision. Our team and our colleagues from neighbouring wards all assisted at the fatal shooting crime scene in Plumstead all through the day on Saturday. After 4 weeks stuck in the office with a broken rib, PCSO Mark will be back in uniform this coming Saturday when he will be attending the St Augustines Summer Fete from 11am. Our next CCS is at 6pm on Sunday June 23rd at our SNT base in Pier Road, Erith (next to Farm Foods)". Thamesmead East ward:- "Burglaries On Sunday 16/06/19 between the hours of 07.00pm and 08.40pm a flat in Muscovy House, KALE ROAD was broken into, believed entry was gained via an insecure window. A property in TEMPLAR DRIVE was broken into, between the Saturday 08/02/19 and Monday 17/06/19 ,the resident was away at the time. The blocks of flats in both WOLVERCOTE ROAD and KALE ROAD are undergoing refurbishment of double glazing windows , scaffolding has been erected to aid the installation A Theft in a Dwelling occurred in Teeswater Court, MANGOLD WAY on Wednesday 12/06/19 at 02.10pm,the victim allowed a female into the property, when the victim was out of the room ,the female stole a number of items. Crime Prevention. Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you're going out for a few minutes. Photograph and keep a detailed inventory of each item of jewellery and keep it in a separate place. Remain vigilant at all times. Motor Vehicle Crimes – Between the hours of 11:30pm on Thursday 13/06/19 and 06:20am Friday 14/06/19 a vehicle parked locked and secure was broken into in THAMESBANK PLACE .The Theft of a Motor Vehicle occurred in ASPEN GREEN on Tuesday 18/06/19 between the hours of 06.00am and 07.00pm. A vehicle parked on YARNTON WAY, was taken between 09.00am and 10.00am on Thursday 13/06/19.Unknown suspects broke into a parked vehicle outside of Trefoil house KALE ROAD between the hours of 21.00pm of Saturday 15/06/19 and 09.20am of Sunday 16/06/19. Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention. Did you know that your vehicle is like a shop window? If you can see ANY property left on view then so can a thief . Take it with you. Good news – Following good work by PC Pruden, a female who failed to appear at court for various theft offences was arrested, appeared at court ,now awaiting sentencing".
The image above was captured on a Ring doorbell at 5.30 am on the morning of Friday 14th June in Lodge Hill - someone stealing a resident's milk. Please contact NW office if you have info or similar to report.
West Heath ward:- "Attempted burglary in Dryhill Road on Monday 17/06/2019 between the hours of 9am and 09.30pm. The suspect smashed the rear kitchen window and attempted to gain entry by removing items from the window ledge, it is believed entry was not gained. Residential burglary in Preston Drive on Saturday 15/06/2019 between 10.30pm and 11.45am on Sunday 16/06/2019. The victim was away from the property overnight and upon returning, discovered the upstairs bedroom windows wide open. Several pieces of jewellery and a watch were stolen. There are currently no Neighbourhood Watches in either of these roads. Once again we have had a spate of motor vehicle crimes over the last week. Attempted theft of two Range Rovers from Bedonwell Road just before midnight on Thursday 13/06/2019. Both vehicles were searched and loose change and a pair of sunglasses were stolen. Theft of a wallet and mobile phone from a vehicle parked in Orchard Avenue between Thursday 13/06/2019 at 17.30pm and Friday 14/06/2019 at 4pm when the owner returned to his vehicle. A Number of photographic equipment was stolen from a black Mercedes in Romney Gardens between Monday 17/06/2019 at 11pm and 6am the following morning. The owner of the vehicle returned to find the doors of the vehicle wide open. An attempt was made to enter two Jaguars in Hollingbourne Avenue between 11pm on Monday 16/06/2019 and Tuesday 18/06/2019 at 7am. Nothing was stolen from the vehicle as the victim did not keep any items of value in the vehicles. The team have continued to carry out joint arrest enquiries and patrols this week with our colleagues from Crook Log, East Wickham wards".
The end video this week features a team who describe themselves thus:- "We are IKS Exploration WHAT WE DO - We explore and document historic locations from all eras mainly WW2 bunkers Cold War Bunkers. WHAT WE HATE - We hate people who vandalise historic locations and people who give out explore locations on the internet! WE RESPECT PRIVACY - Some locations that are privately owned will have all traces of where it located removed. All locations we visit are open locations, we at IKS Exploration don't condone forced entry or any sort of break in at any location! if the location is locked or bricked up we move to the next location". This is a video of theirs exploring a former Cold War disaster co - ordination centre which forms part of Dartford Civic Offices.
