In 1980 The Whistler published this interview with Charles Attwater who lived in West Hill Place.
I was born at No 21 Belmont Street near St Bartholomew’s Church, off Anne Street. Shortly after my birth we moved to No 9 and from there to the now vanished London Street, which used to run alongside St Bartholomew’s Church. I spent my childhood from age three to ten years there. I went to Preston Road School and the Headmaster was called Ward. We called him Gaffer Ward and he was a most tough man. Continue reading Vignettes from Seven Dials Past→
Do you live in Brighton & Hove or the surrounding areas? Could you help make a difference to a young person’s life in your own home? Could you support a young person who is at risk of becoming homeless?
Barnardo’s, in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council, has started a new scheme called Supported Lodgings, to help young people make a smooth transition to live independently. Continue reading Making a Difference→
At this time of year the days rush by with either preparations for Christmas or plans to avoid it. Slow down and enjoy the prospect of a few days rest…
Spend 10 mins a day doing absolutely nothing, alone, particularly before a meal.
The Portuguese have a saying. ‘Think of many things, do one.’
Take your name off junk mail lists, contact the Mailing Preference Service on 0207 291 3310 or mpsonline.org.uk
For 2015 buy presents and cards when you see them throughout the year
Hang clothes up when you take them off; take clothes you have not worn for 2 years to a charity shop
Train all members of your household to do their share of chores
Keep your mobile phone switched off occasionally – see if you can
Leave a party early if it is turgid; put some sparkle into it if it is just not fun
The final instalment of life in the Seven Dials by Tony Hill…
Because Dad had to be able to drive his lorry to the far corners of Sussex to put injured horses and cows out of their misery, he had a virtually unlimited supplementary petrol ration. This allowed him to be the only Brighton greengrocer who was able to deliver to the big houses around Dyke Road Avenue and the back of Hove, and boosted his trade considerably. You chose your own price in the Dials Vegetable Market. If, for example, he had peas that could be sold at seven pence a pound, he would split the batch into two piles on opposite sides of the shop, one pile labelled Peas 6d lb, the other marked Best Peas 8d lb. Three out of four ladies chose the dearer ones! This made more profit for Dad, saved money for the really poor, of whom there were quite a few, and made the other customers feel they were living well, so everybody was happy. Continue reading The Dials Vegetable Market→
Peter Batten celebrates the art of the illustrated book…
A few days ago a parcel arrived for me, which I was eager to open. My interest had several elements. First, the book in the parcel was an interesting document from the history of the United States. Toward the end of the 1960s I was a part-time post-grad student of American Studies at the University of Sussex. At that time the Professor and Head of Department was Marcus Cunliffe, a very inspiring leader. Some readers may remember his wife Mitzi, a sculptor. Marcus had written a fine introduction to the book in my parcel, which I wanted to read. Second, the book was illustrated with wood engravings and published by the Folio Society. I collect illustrated books, so this would be an interesting addition to my library. Continue reading Can you picture it?→
Everything you ever wanted to know about life in Brighton (OK, and Hove)
The Whistler 