Category Archives: housing

From opulence to squalor: Gibson Square, Islington

Posted on March 2, 2018 by odeboyz

This desirable row of Regency houses was built in the mid-1800s, in the reign of George IV. It was a highly desirable property with servants sleeping quarters in the two attic rooms. One room for the maids the other for … Continue reading →

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The 1970s

Posted on February 1, 2018 by odeboyz

What an interesting time it was for me. Working as a jobbing plumber in Hackney, I really enjoyed the freedom of working with and for the hugely diverse population that were Hackney tenants. I made many good friends both in … Continue reading →

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Loneliness

Posted on December 15, 2017 by odeboyz

The scourge of loneliness has no age, gender, or particular type. Mostly, it affects the old and single people who for whatever reason find themselves living alone. This malady seems worse at specific occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas or … Continue reading →

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Repair and Maintenance in Tower Blocks

Posted on November 30, 2017 by odeboyz

Practically no one gives any thought to the effort required to keep tower blocks fit for purpose. Once upon a time Councils undertook to repair almost any or everything. For example, Hackney Council in the 1960s controlled its DLO (Direct … Continue reading →

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Grenfell Tower, sprinkler systems and decision-making

Posted on November 17, 2017 by odeboyz

          Tower block living is problematical whether it’s social or private. The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy was a massive wake-up call for everyone associated with tower blocks either as residents or managers. The proposal to retro-fit … Continue reading →

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Those few of forlorn hope

Posted on October 20, 2017 by odeboyz

Council estate children, might well be described in this manner. Parents, with no ambition, with children of little hope other than ‘achieving’ what their parents limit of have. The mother who openly calls her child a ‘dopey cxxt and I … Continue reading →

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The river Ingrebourne flows gently past our ‘village’

Posted on October 17, 2017 by odeboyz

For generations the children of our estate have played in or near the river. They had their fishing nets with a jam jar for the Mino they caught. Then they’d race home to Mum proud to show what they’d caught. … Continue reading →

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A job in a million

Posted on September 22, 2017 by odeboyz

When I started work at Hackney Council I quickly realised I was a cog in a big wheel. Lou Olivo, the area foreman, was pig ignorant, arrogant, and annoying to anyone at a lesser grade than him. We were trash, … Continue reading →

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A Natural Garden adjacent to our Tower Block

Posted on September 19, 2017 by odeboyz

This photograph was taken just fifty yards from a twelve story block of council flats, where 146 people live. A wild life garden, abundant with wild flowers and berries in autumn with small animals and insects throughout the year. It … Continue reading →

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Ted Carter: My first ‘lad’

Posted on September 8, 2017 by odeboyz

On my first day at Hackney I went to the depot and met two men who I told I’d been sent my Mr Lacy. “Oh, that wax work dummy, at the Town Hall – is he still standing by his … Continue reading →

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