Category Archives: Autobiography

The Big Plaster

Posted on September 25, 2014 by odeboyz

Although childhood memories of the early 50s are fading fast, we should record them for our children to try and understand why we think and do as we do even now. They were the years that shaped us – and … Continue reading →

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Hackney Saga 2

Posted on September 5, 2014 by odeboyz

Despite all the efforts I had put into making the WIS (Wenlock Barn Improvement Scheme) work, whilst I was in hospital that week my old area boss Joe Terry succeeded in scuppering the continuation of the scheme set up under … Continue reading →

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The Hackney Saga

Posted on August 22, 2014 by odeboyz

Bob Beavis, my senior carpenter, was a great asset to me in that within his apprenticeship he had been taught how to become more than just a carpenter but a skilled joiner he used to overcome any technical problems. For … Continue reading →

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A Hackney Estate Before Its Time.

Posted on August 8, 2014 by odeboyz

In 1975 I had already worked for Hackney Council for 12 years first as a plumber then as the foreman plumber. Based in the depths of Shoreditch down Bowling Green Walk off of Pitfield Street. One lunch time I got … Continue reading →

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Stay as They Are

Posted on July 25, 2014 by odeboyz

Knowing the day could be calamitous or at least memorable, Jan and I joined the tube at Elm Park Station last Wednesday morning to wend our way across Londons metropolis from the East to North West – Maida Vale station. … Continue reading →

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Our Village

Posted on July 11, 2014 by odeboyz

It’s a metaphor because in many ways our council estate of 146 dwellings (in three tower blocks) can be seen in much the same way as a large hamlet of old somewhere in rural Yorkshire or any other place in … Continue reading →

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A Treasured Chest

Posted on June 27, 2014 by odeboyz
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Making and Living

Posted on June 17, 2014 by odeboyz

This hotel is not for me I’m dining out but I’m lonely There isn’t much in Newbury Come here yourself and then you’ll see. Actually don’t. Just take it from me I met a girl who dreams a lot Seems … Continue reading →

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Committed Comrades

Posted on June 14, 2014 by odeboyz

Through the early to mid 1980s Margaret Thatcher waged a vindictive and unrelenting war against the Labour movement in general and specifically the Metropolitan County Councils. Her nemesis was Ken Livingstone the ultimate “left” Leader of the G.L.C. at County Hall … Continue reading →

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Just Yesterday Ago

Posted on May 30, 2014 by odeboyz

In 1989 (I can’t believe that is twenty five years ago) I was the Branch Secretary of the National and Local Government Organisation (NALGO) in Hackney, I was at the head of a bunch of left wing extremists.The Communist Party, … Continue reading →

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