The City at Night

 Walking to the South Bank in Waterloo, starting at Railton Road is about 6 miles. I love this walk, especially at dusk. The city at night has a magic all of its own.  Walking at night is a great time to think.

It’s nice to be able to stop when and where you want, with no particular place to go; that’s the way I like it.

 

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER

As I walk from my flat on Railton Road, the 1st place of interest I come across is Carlton Mansions; which was on the to be demolished. but eventually restored.

 It has served as a coop for over 40 years. 

It was a three-layered tenement-type building, with huge staircases. I seem to recall getting lost under the influence of something or another. The design of the flats was all unique. I have known several of the tenants there. They are pokey but at £10 a week or so, worth it.

The building was originally built to provide accommodation for railway workers, as it is situated on the corner of Coldharbour Lane and Railton Road. Back in Victorian times, when the railways were being laid down all over London, the accommodation was often built to house the immigrants who had travelled to work there.

 

In the late 70’s, squatters who formed a coop took over. The Inhabitants were forced out of their beloved homes recently and rehoused by the council. There were many wild night parties held in Carlton Mansions.

Walking in London can be like a new adventure!

 

When walking towards Kensington, I decided to try heading down a few unfamiliar streets. There are always new developments in London, and sometimes it can feel like you are actually in a new city.

The other side of the coin is witnessing the death of the beloved old buildings.  It was sad to see The Old Cricketers pub being prepared for the scrap heap. The last time I went to a gig there, I saw Rat Scabies from the Punk, band ‘The Damned. As well I  saw The Glitter Band without Gary.! I guess, things have to move on.

Walking at night gives the city a glow that creates a magic place to be.

As I amble down Kennington Lane heading to the South Bank the memories flood back. In the early 80’s I worked as a part-time Library Assistant.  in the cut at Waterloo.  I stayed in the job for a year, & a half before buying a return ticket to NYC for a month, to experience a bit more excitement. When I returned I did not go back to the library job, instead, I started a rock band and did bits of stuff on the black market for a while. 

 

Walking about at night, I can ponder while roaming.

At the time, music was all that mattered to me. I thought NYC might be better than in London. It was fantastic but not as good as London when it came to the music scene. I missed everybody when I was away. I tried to extend my visit and travel further to California but that’s another story.

 

Until next time, keep on keeping on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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