London Bridge

another day like no other

A year ago on June 5th I posted about a day like no other after walking in support of those suffering from Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Walking again today in the annual fundraising Gutsy Walk was also a day like no other but for a very different reason and with the disease symbol itself seeming to take on a very different meaning.

As I walked around Trout Lake in the sunshine here in Vancouver this morning with all those suffering from these crippling diseases together with their loved ones and supporters my thoughts were not only with them but also a few thousand miles away in Bermondsey, London where I lived, studied, worked and taught fifty years ago. How many times have I walked across London Bridge and how well I remember its re-opening in March 1973, which I blogged about last year.

And now another night of terror, pain and despair for too many has visited on that same bridge and on those same streets that I knew so well. There are really no more words other than to express my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to families and friends who have lost loved ones, especially the family of Christine Archibald from here in British Columbia, Canada; and to wish all those recovering in those great London hospitals, a full recovery.

Oh how I wish I didn’t have to post this image again so soon after the attack in Manchester.

 

Dedicated to the memory of Jodi.

Happy Birthday Ma’am

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On March 16th 1973 Her Majesty the Queen opened the new London Bridge just round the corner from Guy’s Hospital where I was working at the time. With my new Pentax Spotmatic at the ready off I went and was able to capture some memorable moments from the day.

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The negatives have been protected in their plastic sleeves over all these years and today seemed the perfect time to revisit them. They’ve stood the test of time pretty well.

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I even discovered online today a British Movietone newsreel of the day, which is wonderful archive worth taking a look at.

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Happy Birthday Ma’am

negs