Nosy neighbour

Spent an hour of last night's warm sunny evening walking around St John's Wood, Kilburn and the places in between.

Really LOOKED at the buildings for the first time. So interesting to note the different styles, all crammed in together. Neo-gothic victorian mansions next to 1970s council blocks next to Georgian town houses next to 1930s Poirot-style flats.

We came across a old chapel (not sure what it's used for now) that a woman had built in Kilburn, in memory of her brother. The stone plaque in the wall said he'd spent the last nine years of his life preaching what sounds like the open air. His first sermon was delivered in Abbey Fields, presumably somewhere around the present-day Abbey Road (of Beatles stuido fame). His last sermon was delivered on a bridge in Brondesbury.

Also came across a church that F instantly recognised as Catholic, by the architecture. It was next to a community centre outside which an elderly man in a suit was smoking a cigarette. F said he would put money on him being Irish. He said Irish men of a certain age always put a jacket on to go the pub.

I also spent ages being extremely nosy, trying to find an entrance to the mythical meadow, more of which in a future post.

Urban Garden (not mine)

Stumbled across the Phoenix Garden in WC2 yesterday. I love the fact that people bother to try and make their living areas prettier, more community-oriented places, particularly right in the heart of central London.

Poison pen letters

Drama this evening at the Co-op AGM.

I live in a housing Co-operative, run on a voluntary basis by the tenant members. On Saturday an anonymous poison pen letter was sent to all 202 Co-op tenants, telling vicious lies about two of the Co-op's(unpaid) Management Committee.

The letter ensured that tonight's meeting boasted the largest turnout I've seen in 4 years of living here. It was heartening that almost all had come to support the MC members, as well as get a good dose of gossip.

I said "almost all" because although the letter was anonymous, it's pretty clear who wrote it, and he was present too, his downturned face hidden by the brim of his baseball cap.

After the two MC members had had made their dignified responses to the letter,the Co-op members started showing their anger. A woman addressed the 50-strong crowd:

"The letter wasn't signed, but we all know who wrote it. He's even here with us tonight. Why doesn't he speak out and tell us why he hates us so much?"

Our eyes scanned the room.

The man we all suspected raised himself to his feet and replied "you should refer to the facts before making accusations. I had nothing to do with those letters."

Another female voice called out from the other side of the hall: "well why have you stood up then? No-one said your name."

Busted.

In the pub afterwards there was a general feeling of good cheer. The people had rallied round to protect their community. We will stand together.

The letter will be taken to the police and if they can prove who wrote it, the Co-op will take action.