Good Bye Croydon Old Friend

I've spent most of the last 23 years working in Croydon. In that time I have worked in three different offices.

Southern House, Croydon - 7th December 2006 (1990-2002 & 2006-2009)

46 George Street, Croydon - (2002-2006)

No.1 Croydon - 11th May 2010 (2010-2014)

It's not the most exciting or beautiful of places, but to me it has become my second home. I even went to College there.

Croydon College

Today however is my last day of employment in Croydon for the foreseeable future. After exactly 4 years in my current position, I have decided to move on. My new role will take me to a modern office building in the heart of London. In fact, it is virtually in the shadow of that iconic London structure, Tower Bridge. The area where my new office is situated appeared on an 'Art of Noise' 12" single sleeve when I was still at school.

Although I shall miss Croydon with all her idiosyncrasies, ugly buildings and tram system, I shall still pass by her everyday on my way to the Big Smoke.

Croydon from the Office - 11th January 2007

Good bye old friend, I'm going to miss you!

Regards



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Pedestrian Warning: Please Look Where You're Going in Croydon!

There have be three pedestrians seriously injured in George Street, Croydon over the past couple of months and they have all been Women. This does actually surprise me, as statistically Men are more prone to risk taking than Men.

The first, a pregnant woman in her 20's was hit by a Double Decker bus while crossing the road outside East Croydon station. She was also rushed to St George's Hospital in Tooting, suffering a fractured skull and her unborn child had to be delivered early. I understand that both mother and baby are doing well.

The second was about a fortnight ago, where a women in her 40's running for a Tram tripped in front of it and was carried about 10 yards into the Tram stop outside East Croydon station. She was also rushed to St George's in Tooting. I haven't heard anymore about her injuries, but I understand that they were described as "Life Changing" at the time.

Today slightly further down the road, opposite Boots, another Woman in her 20's was hit by a Tram. Apparently she was seen to be looking down at her mobile phone and just stepped out in front of it. She was also given a fast lift to St. George's.

The Trams in Croydon are big, bright green and come at regular intervals. They are very hard not to see as are the bright red Double Decker buses. So why are so many people not seeing them? Could it be a case of complacency breeding contempt?

Whatever the cause of these Women's ill attention and misjudged sense of immortality, I would like to appeal to all my readers (male, female or undecided) and the wider public to please pay attention to the world around you. It could just save your life!

Regards



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(5-365) Grande Cappuccino with Caramel

Courtesy of Starbucks

My wife met me from work and took me out for a lunch time coffee. In hindsight it was a mistake to sit inside to drink it as it was very hot in the shopping centre. All too quickly it was time to return to work, but my wife met me after work and we travelled home together.

Did I mention that it's "Dress Down Friday"?

2nd July 2010
(iPhone)

Regards



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Greenpeace Visit Nestle Tower in Croydon

I was walking allow George Street in Croydon this lunchtime and spotted this temporary banner hung over the usual advertising hoarding.

A little further down the road, outside Croydon College I spotted two more.

Nestle have their UK Headquarters, Nestle Tower, on the Wellesley Road in Croydon. I thought I'd pop down there to see if anything was going on.

Just about the banner are two protesters wearing climbing gear and one more either side of the canopy. In front of the building there are a number of protesters dressed as monkey and of course the Police were also there to keep an eye on things. There was no trouble and everyone seemed to be having a good and friendly time while making their point.

Their point, being a valid one (in my opinion at least) is that farmers wanting to make palm oil for Nestle are causing deforestation. This practice is destroying the habits of various species, including Primates.

What give us to right to vandalise vast parts of the world so we can maintain or comfy life style here in the West? You can't say it's not my fault, because we are all guilty of apathy as these things are done in our name!


Food for thought I think.

Read More Here - greenpeace.org.uk

Regards


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Croydon Voted UK Chav Capital

I was quite amused when a colleague bought this article into work today and I have to agree with the survey results.

Survey labels Croydon UK chav capital

However, the same could be said for many more towns around the country, not just Croydon.

I myself have been threaten in the streets of Croydon by a Chav. Read all about that incident here.

Proof That Smoking is Bad For Your Health

Regards



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