20 Years; 20 Places: No.7 The City of London
20 Years I have been writing this Blog, and to celebrate my endurance I am selecting 20 Players and 20 Places, in no particular order, that I hold dear.
No.7 in Places is The City of London.
For me London is the best city in the world, but this pick is not just the capital, but the square mile right smack bang in the middle.
For almost 20 years I worked in the City traipsing up there and back every day on the train. Like a lot of others back then I was working in the City before I was technically old enough to buy a drink in a pub, and although I was pretty exposed to the sights and sounds of central London as a kid, I was less aware of the draw of the City’s major historical landmarks and it’s tangled web of narrow alleys and lanes.
I loved working in The City, and I know it has changed but I still miss it’s atmospheric streets, storied pubs and the melting pot of characters.
I spent a large chunk of my working life in and out of the Lloyds of London Building, and that corner of the square mile I knew like the back of my hand.
I grew up in The City, it was my school, my apprenticeship and my pursuit.
The City of London. Place of work from 1984 until 2003.
Like you I too worked in the City (as an Underwriter).As you say great atmosphere etc. Long hours (many in the local watering holes) wouldn’t have missed it for all the world.
Me neither, Windy. I may have even broked to you in the day. 📝
It would be nice to think so but I worked in the City from the late 60s to the early 80s 1st with Bishopsgate Insurance and then Federated Insurance, now in my 70s living in beautiful downtown Dorset. Have been a supporter since I was 13, started when I was at the Woolwich Poly.
Ah, a little before my time. I am sure you can tell some great stories. The market changed quickly through the 90’s. Mind you it is unrecognizable now.
Dorset is lovely part of the world.
Yes I have, but as they say my lips are sealed to protect the innocent and the guilty!
Always enjoy reading your articles.
Haha. Thank you 🙏
Hiya Windy, I went to the Poly too…..started in 1964 and left in 1972…..Lived in Charlton from1963 and been a supporter ever since……used to bunk in over the old corrugated iron gates in those days !!!
I left in 1963,wanted to stay and do my A levels but parents moved to Essex so couldn’t stay., Trying to remember the Teachers. Mr Hart I think was the deputy Head. Mr Davis taught French & English. Mr Clarke Maths. Mr Whitehead (I think also Maths). Mr LeBreton. We 1st lived at Plumstead (Horse & Groom Pub) and then Blackheath. Remember the gates and the corrugated mens toilet. Programme was 6d and entrance 1/6d.
Happy days!
Yep, remember all those except for Hart. Deputy Head in my time was Cyril or Cecil Roberts….Head was Mc D Fyfe (nicknamed ‘Mouse’)….other teachers were Jock Campbell, Mr Macdonald, Miss Locker, Jack Beard, ‘Chippy’Simons, and sports master was Mr Lissamer…….the football team was coached by Charlie Revell ( miserable sod !! )…..as you say, happy days. I’m still in touch with some of the guys, but sadly as the years roll on they are getting less in numbers. In those days you could get in to The Valley free just after half time when they opened the gates.
You’re right Deputy Head was Roberts also just remembered I left in 1964 not 63 (another senior moment) so we may possibly have been there at the same time. Sadly when we moved to Essex lost contact with many of the friends I made. One was a programme seller at the ground surname was Taylor but everyone called him “Ernie” can’t remember why.
Ha Ha, I have loads of memories from those times. The Poly was a decent school in those days. It gave me a good start in life so can’t complain. It’s a shame everyone has gotten spread far and wide now. I’m in North Yorkshire these days, still a hardened Charlton supporter though. Nice chatting, reminiscing and catching up. Take care.
Gents – is the school still there?
No,the original building built in 1912 is long gone and been replaced by an hotel and a Family centre, but the school,in name only, was moved to new buildings on the Thamesmead estate. So there is still a Woolwich Polytechnic school but about 2 miles away from the original site.