Story snippets

7.5.21

While scouting a location for the music documentary we began shooting today in London, I crossed paths in Alan’s Records in East Finchley with the owner of the Terrapin Trucking Company record shop which was a key fixture in the Golden Age of Crouch End. It stood a few yards away from Banners, run by Juliet and Andy Kershaw, another key part of the picture. Here it is as preserved by the British Record Shop Archive.

And here’s Simon, the man behind Terrapin. (He doesn’t work for London Underground, just trying to stay warm and likes the gear.)

9.5.21

After a peaceful reading session by William Blake’s grave in Bunhill Fields, I emerged onto City Road to be met by the sight of an elderly lady, dismounted from her bicycle, clearing up two broken bottles she had cycled past – for the sake of dogs and fellow cyclists. There was no bin in sight so I offered to guard her bike while she popped into the park to dispose of the now wrapped glass safely. She was very grateful but I was even more so because it’s nice being nice, service is a key to happiness. 

Things That Are No More #1: Veneer of the Week

Veneer of the Week on the front of Shadbolt’s factory, formerly one of the few highlights on the North Circular

Can still be found on their website but that’s no substitute

This week it is: Crown Cut American Black Walnut – now that would lift any journey on the NCR

Here’s a good observation from the DHM blog:
“But the sign felt generous, like Shadbolts were decent and cared about their product, and when companies make a bit of extra effort like that, it’s always repaid in good will.”

Why send someone up a ladder with a huge slice of veneer and a bag full of letters week after week, year after year?

And here’s a remark which accords with my memories – the exotic dimension – from the Bite blog:
“Some veneers carried the mystery of far-off places: Crown Cut Lebanon Cedar. (Others less so: Curly Birch.) ”

[This is the first of an occasional series from Simple Pleasures Part 3]