Category Archives: Autobiography

A strong young man

Posted on January 6, 2017 by odeboyz

Back in the early seventies whilst working as a newly appointed foreman plumber at the DLO (Direct Labour Organisation) for the London Borough of Hackney a job came in for a roof repair to the Stoke Newington Town Hall. Of course, … Continue reading →

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Spring in the City

Posted on December 9, 2016 by odeboyz
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How wonderful were my early days

Posted on November 24, 2016 by odeboyz

Mid 1940s to 1953 I lived at 59 Gibson Square in Islington. Each month the rent collector Mr Beetle (yes, really), would arrive on the doorstep to inspect the property and collect the rent. The rent not only Mum and Dad paid, … Continue reading →

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Peg Solitaire

Posted on November 22, 2016 by odeboyz

Such a childish puzzle Jumping pegs over the nearest neighbour Guessing, muddled wrong moves Whatever possessed Mum to persevere? Sheer determination I guess, Whilst we’re watching TV Mum had the Solitaire board on her lap. There was much frustration. After … Continue reading →

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My Romantic Parents

Posted on November 15, 2016 by odeboyz

My mother wrote this on her 80th birthday. I find it both poignant and romantic and twenty-five years later it is still a powerful statement. Chris

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William Tyndale Junior School toilets

Posted on October 28, 2016 by odeboyz

Our junior school, behind the Islington Town Hall in Upper Street, was once called Sebbon Street School but was ‘rebranded’ as William Tyndale just before I went there. The school toilets were austere as were the 1950s teaching methods. Most of the teachers responded … Continue reading →

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The Bottom Shelf

Posted on October 24, 2016 by odeboyz

For more than half a lifetime Mostly ignored over the years Dads old sheet music Had been lost to my ears. There it languished, paper slowly rotting Forgotten, those lovely words and melodies Piano music, difficult for me I would … Continue reading →

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A Moment of Simple Bliss

Posted on October 14, 2016 by odeboyz

Like many young men in 1960 my Dad taught me how to drive in his old Standard 45 car. I was sixteen at the time and in those first few lessons I thought it very complicated. It was the first time … Continue reading →

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Get Used to It

Posted on October 10, 2016 by odeboyz

In times, long gone I had broad shoulders Even, ‘barrel chested’ Thick arms and wrists. Legs were not so good But I didn’t care At thirteen, I had seen Many adverts for Charles Atlas. I knew I was the type … Continue reading →

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My Bedroom In The Good Old Days

Posted on September 29, 2016 by odeboyz

God knows how many times the old bedstead I slept in, as a child, was handed down. It was a  1940s double bed with a wooden headboard with slatted vertical boards and had three carved holes in the shape of hearts over … Continue reading →

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