Category Archives: myramblings

Jan 26 2011
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myramblings, Streetbook

Social media takes to the street

Recently I came across a website that allows me to chat to my neighbours and to find out about local news.

Streetbook (where did they get that from?) is a social network that covers the area I live in and other parts of Wandsworth borough. You can join a local group based on your area or affiliated to a local neighbourhood watch or park users group.

It’s early days, but so far Streetbook seems to be well received by local people. Today, the local chat section in Tooting – my group – featured discussions about where to find a good dentist and local jazz dance classes. Continue reading →

Oct 07 2010
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myramblings

A towering disappointment: the sequel

A few weeks ago, I blogged about my disappointment on missing out on the chance to sample views from London’s BT Tower as part of Open House London. Little did I know that three weeks later, I would unexpectedly get the chance to achieve this ambition.

Today, I was invited to an event at the BT Tower and afterwards got to go up to floor 34 and have an amazing vantage across the capital. It was a beautiful autumn day – perfect for unspoiled views of London.

I’ve been up the Gherkin, Centrepoint, Tower 42 (at night) and one of the Canary Wharf buildings, but I have to say that The BT Tower tops them all. The reason for this is that its location in the West End provides some great views of the square mile’s skyscrapers in the distance. Continue reading →

Sep 16 2010
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myramblings

A towering disappointment

Originally uploaded by Joffley.

I am a naturally nosy person. And nothing appeals to me more than getting a chance to snoop round buildings (and building sites) from icons to long neglected eyesores.

As a result, London Open House weekend – the annual opportunity to get a peek inside the capital’s buildings – has become a red letter event in my diary. But this year it will be tinged with disappointment.

Over the years I have been inside HM Treasury, St Pancras Chambers and Channel 4’s Horseferry Road building. But the one building I have longed to view is the BT Tower, or more specifically the viewing deck at the top.

Maybe it is because it has been off limits for most of my lifetime after its closure for security reasons, but the BT Tower has always appealed to me more than any other tall building in London. But it has never been included in the Open House London programme – until this year. Continue reading →

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