Adventures of Old Red & Other Tales from Woolwich

Crossroads.

I take an unmarked path between Bloomfield and Burrage Road into a residential area. I turn left down a narrow, walled corridor and get to a crossroads of garden fences. A sorry looking folding chair sits poised with its ripped lilac material, facing someone’s back garden gate.

A discarded Christmas gift bag with a confused looking polar bear leans nonchalantly against the wall, staring at the gate. A red mop handle, ‘Old Red’, contemplates his fate in the corner.

Out of picture are two mop heads, each wondering which one Old Red will choose. Limp desperation is in the air. The tension is really too much.

Something has definitely gone down here.

I scuttle off.

******

Caught at the right (or maybe its the wrong) angle, the 1st Duke of Wellington is looking most pleased with himself, asserting his grandeur on a plinth that is surrounded by 4 balls. The Duke is peering down on a group of rather miserable looking exercisers who have just finish their workout. There is something superhero about old Wellybobs in his cape. He was Master General of the Ordnance, Royal Arsenal, from 1818 to 1827. I think better of singing an “I saw your winkie” jingle, and wander off. To retain his dignity, I should respectfully note that the statue is best viewed from the front. [I didn’t take any pictures from the front so go see him in person if you are curious].

******

Two guys having a cigarette break loiter in a car park against the backdrop of Cannon Place.

I walk in, past the window of what looks like an office. A man waves and gestures to go to the tiny door within the big door. I think I might be trespassing on private property so I muster a friendly smile and give him the “I’m a local just walking about” spiel. He tells me that Cannon Place used to be a repository for the British Library and that they bought it eight years ago and now its a corporate storage facility. He says I can wander about the car park which is nice of him.

I do this, diligently.

I find an emergency phone.

-ends-

Author: lizzfort

Community dance artist-educator-researcher View all posts by lizzfort