Hackney – Page 2 – slightly weird

27th May 20213rd June 2021

The days and the weeks and the months and the years go by…

Thursday, 27 April, 2021

No, it’s not really that bad. It’s not actually bad at all. I was somewhat inspired by a blog post, whose site I’ve now forgotten but I should find it, filled with all the wonderful silver linings of these past fifteen (?) months. I could seriously relate to almost all of them, and those I couldn’t relate to I’m quite sure I could substitute something of my own. Fair game!

Guilt still haunts me when I don’t blog, even though hardly anyone reads it anyway. What’s that about? Asserting my existence, emptying my mind, creating memories with words and photos, increasingly photo-derived words these days.

There’s drama outside my window, as always. Constructions big and small, the sly drug-related (?) encounters, doggie adventures, a brave daytime fox, budgies on the tree, crow attacks, the daily Ming Hai routine – we call her Ming – of opening the shutters at noon and closing them again at 10pm (Krish promises the empty air that he will go help her, even clean her little takeaway domain), and the traffic…with the advent of LTNs (low traffic neighbourhoods) schools reopening, road closures, and construction, both roads in either direction can be crammed with vehicles while we pedestrians pray for a break so that we can cross. This week I think we are back to pre-pandemic sights and sounds, just add the masks and that’s it.

And I’ve loved watching the tree slowly bud, unfurl its leaves and today it’s harder to see the shops and road opposite. Under threat of eviction, I cherish the whole thing. This is surely my last year here in this spot.

Tree phases — The tree from early April till late May

We’ve had a miserable week or two in terms of weather. Darkness, high wind, rain, hail…with only the occasional bright spell. This morning I woke up to a lovely blue sky and luminous day. I’ll take it.

Walking is still a problem for me. Friday I’m going to a physio appointment. In the past these have been useless, but I’m an optimist. I hope they have some answers, even for a temporary fix. I do walk but it’s painful, and that’s a whole other blog. I miss enjoying walking.

Meanwhile I’ve made a list of places to visit nearby with my camera. I can set aside my physical difficulties to gain some emotional perspective. It’s not just the weather that will be brighter.

Krish is still visiting Guy’s Hospital, but the schedule is now lighter and longer. Lighter is almost a play on words, since he is now having light treatment – a long journey for two very short sessions. The last time I went I had a nice little walk and rest while waiting for Krish to get his second vaccination. Longish story and includes my trip to Eataly, so how about a short blog on that? Stay tuned

Christine, who is a new friend – the one who came to Brat with me – came to Spitalfields with me. I wanted to see an exhibit of Afghan wedding dresses at The Townhouse, but we found it closed. I texted the owner, who apologised for her site being outdated, and she gave me the correct hours, so we’ll try again soon. Meanwhile, we had lunch and I took a few photos. I’m not going to lie – juggling a camera (phone or digital) and a crutch, a mask, a coat, and a shoulder purse is pretty much an Olympic event. This means either fewer steps or fewer photos, and often both.

Townhouse - antiques and gallery — Townhouse was closed. In the window a lovely cut out for the Bethnal Green Mulberry appeal (one of the very few wins for the area)

Fournier Street with the Ten Bells at the corner. On the side I’m standing is Christ Church. I love the old shop signs over the new shop frontages

My snack lunch at Spitalfields Market — We had snacks at Spitalfields Market. I had eggplant – too generous for a side, and soup dumplings which had heavy-crusted bottoms. Too much for lunch so I ate half of each box and brought the rest home

Dan Kitchener's Spitalfields Geisha — After swiftly passing one of Dan Kitchener’s geishas on Commercial Street by bus many times, I managed to get a photo while waiting for my bus home

7th May 20214th June 2021

Vine Court, Whitechapel

Fri, 7 May, 2021

I didn’t go with Krish to his appointment today. The timing was wrong. But I did go to Whitechapel to meet him. There were two things on my mind – take a look at Vine Court (near Ambala) and find a good biryani. (Hint – one out of two ain’t bad.)

Istanbul company Getir has a depot under the arches. It’s a new food delivery service. We deliver groceries in minutes, day or night.’ Their bikes – all with L plates – are everywhere

I took the bus up to Dalston Junction. Lately, the traffic is solid and slow all the way up from Dalston Cross. I have to allow lots of time

The usual spaced train ride to Whitechapel, Four stops — The usual spacious train ride to Whitechapel, Four stops

Whitechapel Station is on the main Whitechapel Road but these days the station entrance is closed while they prepare for the Elizabeth Line. I chose to come this way since they have lifts at the entry and exit stations, but I didn’t count on the long walk from my platform to the side street where the temporary exit is.

Cabling at Whitechapel — I was really intrigued by the network of cables along the side of the tracks. It’s always there, of course, but I hadn’t looked it quite as closely before

Court Street, the temporary station entrance

I was a little surprised to see Whitechapel thronging with people. It was like Covid had never happened, except for the masks. It was Ramadan and everyone was milling about, buying things, including from the tables laden with fast-breaking food. If I’d not just started my walk and had someone to advise me, I might have been tempted to come away with a feast.

Continue reading “Vine Court, Whitechapel”

10th April 2021

COVID – Restlessness and Lethargy

Thursday, 8th April, 2021

I think about my blog every day. I think about writing for it every day. A day becomes a week becomes a month. I’m at once restless and lethargic, and how do I come to terms with that?

I’m not exactly sure.

My mother always told me, Janice, you think too much. She was right. What I think most about is other people. Who are they? What are they doing? Why don’t I know them? Where do they live? What do they eat? What are their lives when they are not in front of me, inside my head? Yes, all of that and more.

The short version of the story is I’m not getting out much and I’m not seeing that many people. Lockdowns combined with a deteriorating knee keep me indoors and away from things I normally love to do. I try to think about people who have written whole books while being (what I consider) prisoners of home and even bed. My hat’s off to them. Yes, the stories are still in my head but I lack the motivation. I’ve heard that inspiration is something being taken in, and motivation is about movement – a driving force. Motivation is more closely connected to external stimuli, while inspiration is based on the internal stimuli. I’d say that right now I do feel inspired, but not really motivated. So if I’m not getting out that much, external stimuli are dampened, and the thoughts stay inside my head. So let’s get them out a bit.

I say I haven’t been out much, but I’m blessed by living in an area that is infinitely walkable (even now, and even though that might be limited) and infinitely fascinating. Those who feel at one with nature have a hard time understanding that. In nature I understand the peace and beauty, but as large as the vista might be, it’s harder for me to examine. Where are the people? Maybe I don’t want to face the person who is there – me. Hmm.

Right now ‘me’ is a person who can barely walk. My knee has given up and more than a few minutes on it becomes unbearably painful. Except I do bear it, and don’t want to. I’m doing my best. If I don’t try, then I’m missing out on so many things. Throughout the pandemic, I’ve managed what I could. Now my radius is shrinking and I’ll still do what I can. So let’s look at what I’ve managed to do and think positive and look ahead.

Not in order but a smattering of life chez moi at the moment.

We are still mourning the loss of a favourite haunt, Poetto – a nice pizza and pasta with friendly service. Gone a few months before lockdown. Maybe it was a blessing for them.

Dragon guarding Upper Clapton Road — Krish noticed a dragon standing over a building – now building supplies but we’d love to know what it was before. I’ll keep researching!

Tram Depot — There was apparently a tram depot in Clapton and this is the yard. Nowadays it’s a collection of rental studios for film and photography called Hackney Studios. Notice the ghost sign, centre right.

Tram Store — After the tram depot, we visited Tram Shop. You can normally have a meal here, but right now it’s a general store. We found a few things to buy, none were food.

On the way to The Dusty Knuckle — I wanted to buy something at the Dusty Knuckle in Dalston. By the time I made it there (damn you, bad knee) the shelves were bare. Absolutely everything had sold out. This is the alley leading down to the bakery yard.

Stik in the Curve Garden — I hadn’t been in the Curve Garden for months! It was looking very green and wasn’t too busy. So Melodie and I sat by the Stik wallart and Melodie, who used to be his landlady, sent him texts, unanswered. I’m still a groupie, it seems.

When Krish had his vaccination, we made time to visit Fremont Street, home of my great grandmother and father, and where my maternal grandmother was born. Along the way we saw Five King Edwards Road, once a women’s fashion factory, now fancy flats.

Some elegant stonework. — We think this grand facade was likely the offices for the factory. Such elegant stonework.

6 Fremont Street. My maternal great grandparents lived here. It seems strange that I am now only 1km away from an ancestral home. Strange but fitting.

Nan and her mum — My maternal great grandmother, Phoebe, with my maternal grandmother, Charlotte (looking incredibly like my mum)

Tesco

Tesco Morning Lane. In just one year the world has changed. Shopping is a new experience and sometimes it feels like it was always like this, especially when I see people looking like they are used to it.

Knitting — I have always been a bad needleworker, but I enjoy creating things, watching them take shape. I made these ‘postwoman’s gloves’ from a simple pattern and decorated them. I’ve now made a third pair in light orange.

Stik at Homerton — I went for an XRay on my knee and made sure I stayed a while in front of the Stik mural in one of the courtyards.

Daylight Savings Time — On 28 March the clocks went forward in the UK. The evenings are longer. The trees on Sandringham Avenue will soon be in leaf, and the skies will stay lighter.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have taken cars away from some smaller streets and forced them to the larger streets, like mine. Every day starting around 3pm the parade of cars begins, ending almost four hours later.

1st February 20212nd February 2021

Vaccinated!

Monday, 1st February, 2021

Today was historic for me. I had my first Covid vaccination. I’ll confess I hadn’t wanted to be one of the first in line for it. It feels too new and untested, but I also knew deep down that I would probably be just fine with doing it when invited. My invitation came by text on Tuesday, I phoned my doctor’s office on Wednesday morning and they offered me today (Monday) at 12:10pm. I was on!

If you’re still waiting and want to know what it’s like…Pictorial essay follows!

Bocking Street Vaccine Centre — I had the choice of two vaccination centres. I chose Bocking Street, which is at the back of Mare Street Market. The building didn’t inspire much

Queue for vaccines — There was a short queue waiting to get in. We were met at the door and asked the usual health questions and had our temperature taken and hands sanitised. We then went through a second check. I asked if Krish could get a vaccine as my carer and was told to try when I reached the window. They were very nice, but said ‘not today’

Waiting room — Inside the centre, I got a seat among others with plexiglass between each one. I had an entry ticket number that they jokingly referred to as my raffle ticket. Krish was allowed in with me all the way

Vaccination Centre Cleaner — There was one person doing cleaning at the centre. She diligently cleaned every chair, in every area after each person, seldom resting. Hats off to her!

Waiting room, Vaccination Centre — We waited on our chairs, plastic shields between each one

So what was it like, getting the vaccine? I was sent into the main room which had many cubicles. They told me walk straight ahead where I saw a doctor waiting, masked. His badge read ‘Declan’ and he told me his name, which I sadly forget.

Declan explained to me about the vaccine and asked me a few questions. He then asked me if I had any questions of my own. I told him that, despite everything, I always worried somewhat about having an allergic reaction and he reassured me that if I had never had one, it was extremely unlikely. He explained things as if he were doing it for the first time – simply and warmly. I appreciated that. He prepared the syringe and stood beside me and I waited for the ‘sharp, short pain’ he promised. Then he said ‘OK, it’s done.’ I was actually shocked. I hadn’t felt anything at all and thought I hadn’t had it yet. I told him so and he said ‘It’s not about skill. It’s hit and miss if I hit a pain receptor spot.’ I thanked him and headed off for the assessment waiting room, where I would wait fifteen minutes.

Post vaccination waiting area — After getting our vaccine, we waited again for fifteen minutes to make sure we were well enough to leave. Note the cleaner again (on the right)

Continue reading “Vaccinated!”

29th January 202129th January 2021

A walk in the past and the present

Wednesday, 27th January, 2021

Still strange to see 2021 written down but here it is. I’m finding it hard to think of things to write and staying local means there are fewer photos to spark my imagination. I’m taking them, though. Each one tells a story. So perhaps something newsy isn’t such a bad way to go. Somehow I know that other thoughts must blossom from this.

Today I’m feeling sad and thinking about loss. It’s Holocaust Day and I attended the online Memorial for Hackney. The stories were poignant – I’ve lit a candle. Yesterday I finished watching the series ‘It’s a Sin’ – a mini series about HIV/AIDS in the 80s in the UK. Lots of memories flooded my brain – of my brother in law declining and eventually dying of AIDS, of fleeting friends dying of it in Toronto – it felt like droves, of a friend who died of advanced breast cancer back in the early 1990s when they didn’t save as many women, and of my brother and I helping my dad through his days with pancreatic cancer. So, yes, sad.

Anyway, we are in another lockdown – is that three or four? No end date that I’ve heard of but possibly March, maybe April. Someone muttered ‘Easter.’ In short, who knows? It’s not quiet like last March but it’s quieter than last February so I’ll take what I can get. I order groceries for delivery, fill in with short jaunts to the very local and the somewhat local shops, and I stay in keeping myself busy or at least entertained.

With that in mind, my last exploration walk was a short one that I’d been putting off for some time. It’s a walk along the very short Spurstowe Terrace. I’d been thinking about walking along there for some time. It’s been ages since I did that. The crazy (or not so, really) thing was how different it looks from that last time.

My first question was who was Spurstowe? William Spurstowe lived from 1605–1666) and was a Calvinist clergyman, theologian, and member of the Westminster Assembly. He became vicar of Hackney in 1643. In 1662 the Uniformity Act was introduced and he was one of over 2,000 clergymen who refused to take the oath (the Great Ejection) so was ejected from his parish of Hackney for nonconformity. He remained in Hackney and built six almshouses there, work starting shortly before his death. Those almshouses are behind the Hackney Empire but he owned a great deal of ‘charity land’ in Hackney and I’m not sure if it would have included the space that Spurstowe Terrace occupies. More than likely it did, though, since some of his charity land was along Navarino Road. If you cross Graham Road, walking along Navarino Road, it intersects with Wilton Way and here you’ll find a very nice pub, the Spurstowe Arms. (I didn’t go that far.)

Hackney Downs Station on Dalston Lane at Amhurst Road

To the right of the station is our Tesco Express. If we wanted we could do all our shopping here

Spurstowe Terrace

Spurstowe Terrace off Dalston Lane

A bit of the old peeking through — Much of Spurstowe Terrace is now modern or mid-century. However, behind the constructions and gates and hoarding, I got a peek of this older building. It seems to be an old factory or workshop

Back of Dalston Lane — I was quite fascinated by the smaller back gardens of these houses on Dalston Lane from Spurstowe Terrace.

I found this photo while researching. Doesn’t it look like the Dole Office was right against these houses on Dalston Lane? Those posts and gate have gone, if so

A glimpse of Navarino Mansions — From Spurstowe terrace, a parking area gave me a good view of Navarino Mansions

At the end of Spurstowe Terrace

At the end of Spurstowe Terrace were these housing authority houses – probably mid-century

Modern living but not much of a view. You can just see Navarino Mansions. Wm Spurstowe had charity land on Navarino Road and perhaps here too

I did mention this street is no pretty sight! Would would William think?

Before Christmas they tore up the street in front of the house. It was very noisy and disruptive including the fact that the bus stops on either side of the ride were closed. This made going out shopping or making lighter of short exploration trips more difficult. Just before Christmas they filled everything in and we were back to normal. Not for too long, though. Not long after New Year’s Day back came the barricades and diggers. They closed off the area in front of the house, this time a larger area, and now the street facing down towards the house is also a construction site, no access for vehicles. This will go on until late February, but at least it’s been less noisy. I miss my bus stops!

So on the way home from a short Tesco shopping trip, I walked along most of the construction site and made a video of what I see along my way (red line). Huge apologies and a warning here. I watched this myself and got very seasick. Wearing a mask, carrying a shopping bag, and with my glasses fogged up, I hadn’t accounted for the amount of rocking motion that would be in the video. (And in the beginning, I clearly wasn’t capturing the whole whole view. Oops.) But there is a bonus – a quick side-trip to my closest corner store (so exciting). Anyway, grab your seasick pills or take it in stages!

Enough seasickness?