7/7 Fifteen years on

Today is the 15th anniversary of the 7/7 attack. In 2008 I wrote an article for the Barnet Times, recalling my experience. It was one of the strangest days of my life. I was on the bus behind the one which got blown up, although I was blissfully unaware of this at the time.

It was all fresh in my mind then. It is worth re-reading

As we come to the anniversary of the 7/7 bombs, I thought it only fitting that we should pause for a moment and remember the victims, their families and that terrible day. Here are my memories of the day.
At the time, I was doing a some contract work at Aldgate, so normally I would take Thameslink to Farringdon and get the Met line on to Aldgate. On 7/7 I had a meeting in Oxford St so the plan was to go to Kings Cross and get the Victoria line to Oxford Circus. The day didn't start well as the radio travel announced that there was disruption on the Thameslink route due to work between Mill Hill and Hendon. An emergency timetable was running and all trains were stopping all stations. I went to the station and decided to try my luck anyway. As luck would have it an absolutely packed train pulled in and I was on my way. In hindsight one of the things which has always puzzled me to this day is the fact that despite the report of engineering work, there were no workmen on the line.
On arrival at Kings Cross there was a scene of mayhem. All of the tube lines were shut and I couldn't even get a mobile phone signal. By now I was late for my meeting and I needed to let someone know. The only announcements were that there were power problems and the network was closed. Then I got a signal and phoned the wife, who told me the same thing. Then the phone went dead. At this point I decided to get a bus. Again I was in luck. A no 30 pulled up and I jumped on. This goes to Marble Arch, so I thought I could walk down from Gt Portman Street. Unfortunately the bus only got about 50 yards when a policeman jumped on and screamed at the driver "Get everyone off this bus now" The driver asked why and the Policeman shouted "don't argue, get them off now" at which point the driver got us all to disembark. I now decided to walk, as it is not too far. As I got to Russell Street, I saw a rather odd sight. walking towards me was a little, old chinese looking guy. My first thought was "he's been at a great wedding party" as he looked as if he was covered in confetti and he was staggering rather unsteadily with a glazed look. As he got closer, I realised it wasn't confetti but bits of wood & other debris. How strange I thought. (not realising that the wreckage of the number 30 bus which had just blown up was about 100 yards down the road). Police were now frantically sealing the road off. Fire engines were hurthling towards me. All rather strange. I asked a policeman what was going on and he just moved me on.
As I got to Tottenham Court Road, I was a telly screen with Sky News on it. The infobar was my first inkling of the true enormity of what was taking place. Up until then I'd just thought it was power problems on the tube. The info bar mentioned "several bombs" "large bang heard at Aldgate" "Tube network shut" "many casualties reported" .
My first concern was my friends at Aldgate who I was working with. Still no phone signal though. By now I was very late for my meeting, so I jogged the last little bit.
When I got to my destination, none of the people I was due to see had turned up. My first concern was to call the office and the landline was working so I called in. Thankfully they were all OK. They agreed that I might as well go home. Now at this point it was still unclear as to the true extent of the carnage. As there were no buses, tubes or anything else, I thought I'd go to Selfridges and get my wife a belated birthday present. This had always been my plan for when the meeting finished. London was like a ghost town. Oxford Street was deserted. I went into Selfridges and I was the only customer. All of the staff were asking me what I knew and I had my own personal shopping assistants. I then decided to have some breakfast in the hope that the tube service would be restored.
By now it was 11.30. No buses, no news. I decided to start walking. I hatched a cunning plan. At each pub I passed I would nip in, have a half, and see what news was on the TV. At each stop the news got worse as the story unfolded. When I got to Swiss Cottage, it seemed there were buses running. I asked an inspector and he said "Jump on the first one mate, and get as far as you can"
At that moment an old routemaster on the no 13 route drew up. This would take me to Golders Green, so I was off. As I sat on the upper deck, I thought how strange that my last journey on a Routemaster (it had been announced they were going) would be in such circumstances. It seemed a very "London" way to travel home that day. At Golders Green, the 240 came in and I was on my way home.
At home, I just spent the rest of the evening watching the story unfold. The news wasn't good, but thankfully none of my close friends or people I worked with were hurt. Then I saw Mrs Fatayi-Williams make her famous plea on the news. When I saw her I recognised her as a lady who attends the same church as our family. Now over the years I've written songs, poems, speeches, articles, blogs. I like to think I'm pretty good, but nothing I've written has the power of her words.
When I'm feeling low about things I still look at what she said occasionally. Now I don't know Mrs Fatayi-Williams although I've seen her on many occasions, but she is an inspiration for those of us who have to deal with grief. I feel a strange bond with her. Her son is buried in the same cemetry as my beloved Dad. I have to walk past his grave when I put flowers on my dads grave. My dad had a full life and died naturally when his time came. Anthony's life was cruelly stolen from him. Rest in peace Anthony and all of the other victims. Let us all hope and pray that this will be the very last ever atrocity in our beloved city and that we can all learn to resolve our disputes without violence.
That would be a fitting tribute to all of the victims. 

Sadly since I wrote those words we have had all manner of atrocities. But we can still hope

7/7 - Ten years on

This morning I will do exactly what I did ten years ago today. I will walk to Mill Hill Broadway to get a train into London. the destination will be different. Then I had to be at Debenhams in Oxford St for an appointment at 9am. Today I will go to my office in London Bridge. Ten years ago my journey was severely disrupted by the actions of four angry young men, who in an act of hate and futility, presumably thought they were serving some sort of purpose. What did they achieve? They killed, maimed and hurt a bunch of people they'd never met. They broke the hearts of a whole bunch of families and ensured that the daily journey to work was a bit nervy for a few days. What they didn't do was spark a religious war in London, turn Christians, Jews and Muslims against each other, or change government policy. We all know what the Koran says about saving lives and killing people. I am not aware of any Koranic verse that says its OK to kill and maim a whole bunch of people indiscriminately if you don't like the policy of their elected government. I was under the impression that the Koran put a duty on Muslims living abroad to be good, upstanding citizens. The trouble is that fanatics are blind to the verses that don't suit their bitter world and their sick aims.

The point is that the attack failed. Millions like me will do exactly what they did ten years ago. London survive, London adapts, London carries on. Today, if you are religious, say a prayer for the victims and their families, if you are not, remember them in your thoughts. Today is a sad day, but also one that us in London should take some pride in. We didn't fall into the trap of hatred. We mourned and then we got on with our lives. That is the best way to deal with such people and their sick actions.

The big hole at Aldgate

Nipped up to Aldgate tonight to meet a few friends for a  beer and a curry. Passing through the station, noticed all of the flowers and plants adorning the station in memorium of 7/7.

Strangely this ramshakle display moved me far more than an "official" memorial or a speech from the Prime Minister ever could.

There is a big hole at Aldgate Station. The flowers don't fill it but they help.

Londons finest bus journey - Mill Hill East to Mill Hill Broadway on the 240

One of my most avid readers asked if I could do a little more coverage of the bus service in Barnet. Unlike Lady Thatcher, I don't think any man over age 26 who is on a bus is a failure. In my experience, he's likely to be a normal Londoner, who finds the bus an easy and cheap way to get around. Unlike many critics of Boris Johnson (of which I count myself as one), I am actually excited by his bus project. I believe that London needs special buses. London needs different buses. I always used to know I was in London because the buses look different, the taxis look different and the tube trains look different. I'm all for vanity projects if they make our city special. What many of the critics don't realise is that such icons are part of "the London brand" and have a priceless value in marketing the city. Who visits London for a ride on a bendy bus?

I vividly remember my last journey on a London routemaster. It was on the day of the London bomings of 7/7. I was doing some consultancy work at Debenhams in Oxford St. I had taken a Thameslink train to Kings X Thameslink, when the system ground to a halt. No one knew why. At first the talk was of "power surges". As the tube service was shut, I decided to get a bus for the last portion of the route. I jumped on a no 30 bus outside the station. This was not a routemaster. We got about 100 yards when a panicking policeman slung us all off. He gave us no reason. As I walked down the Euston Road, I saw a chinese chap staggering around. He looked like he was covered in confetti. I thought it was a bit early for a wedding booze up. As he got closer, I realised that he was covered in debris. How odd? It was only when I walked down Tottenham Court Road and saw a TV that the true situation became clear. I went into a cafe, had a cup of tea and listened to the radio.

At Debenhams, no one was there, so I decided to go home.  I took the opportunity to go to an empty Selfridges to buy my wife a birthday present. I was the only customer, so I got fantastic service. As no buses were running, I walked up to Swiss cottage. There was a no 13 Routemaster there. I took it to Golders Green. I felt very nostalgic. It felt right being on this London icon as my city was under attack. I felt safe and happy. I thought back to my mum's story about the Blitz and how she saw a blown up bus, on the way to her job in Bond St. I went back home and immediately went to see my mum for a cup of tea. I knew she'd be worried about me. We discussed buses and London bombs.

Anyway, I digress. The last portion of my journey, from Golders Green to Mill Hill was on a bog standard 240 bus. Now the title of this blog is "Londons finest bus journey". I believe this journey to contain the finest bus ride in London. The section from Mill Hill East to Mill Hill Broadway is, in my humble opinion, unsurpassed in London (or possibly the world). If you want a cheap day out, this short journey, contains more than any other route I could possibly imagine.

As you get on the bus at Mill Hill East, across the road is the site of the Inglis Barracks. This was the former home of the Royal Engineers. It is now a council depot and is soon to be transformed into a new town centre. The IRA bombed the barracks in the 1980's. I remember it well, I was in Istanbul at the time. As the bus goes up the hill, there is a pub on the right. This is the Angel and Crown. It has had a few names. When I was a kid it was called "The Royal Engineers". It's name was changed as it was felt that the name may attract an IRA bombing. It became "The Railway Engineer". It is located on Saunders Lane. This is an oddity in Barnet. It is a closed to cars road, which is a nature reserve. I am sure Brian Coleman has his beady eyes on it with his "roads, roads, toads" policy. A local campaign recently to oppose his plans to transform it into a two lane Highway was successful, but we all know Coleman. He doesn't let matters rest easily. A friend of mine, Valerie, who is a qualified surveyor lead the protests. When she previously confronted Coleman, he said "shut up you silly housewife". Let's just say she isn't a fan. As the bus ascends Bittacy Hill, there is a fine view of London to the back of the bus. I especially like this view as the sun comes up. At the top of Bittacy Hill, you have the Jehovas witness centre. Sadly this isn't really much to look at. As the bus travels down the Ridgeway, you pass a real London landmark on your right, the National Institute for Medical Research. This has been used as a film location, most notably it was Arkham Asylum in "Batman returns".

On your left you have a fabulous panoramic view of London. On a clear day you can see the Telecom Tower. The bus continues, and on your left you have a small church, called "The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star". If you are lucky on a sunday, you will see the worshippers in their eye catching white robes. I used to work with Brother Julius, who was the pastor of the church. The sect are vegetarians who believe Jesus has returned. On your right as you pass the church, you have a superb panoramic view of Totteridge valley. The house on your right, with the swimming pool in the back garden, was formerly owned by Patrick McGoohan at the height of his fame. As his fame grew, people used to stand on the Ridgeway and stare at him in his garden. Paddy lived here at the time of The Prisoner. He erected the high brick wall to prevent this. The Mill Hill Preservation Society launched a campaign against McGoohan and his wall. They drove out McGoohan, who moved to Switzerland, but the wall remained. I suspect we'd have all been happier, if Paddy had remained and the wall had gone.

As the bus progresses, you have Mill Hill Schools impressive facade to your left. the school is one of the largest landowners in Mill Hill and is responsible for keeping much of Mill Hill green. On your right is St Pauls church.  This church was built by William Wilberforce, the man responsible for the abolition of slavery. I am proud that such a great man lived in my manor. Immediately after the church, we see Sheepwash pond. This is one of the best loved sights in Mill Hill. Generations of children have enjoyed looking at the ducks, geese, fish and other more exotic wildlife that have been reported there.

Immediately past the pond, is Mill Hills newest attraction. The Belmont Stables has been transformed into a lavish theme park called Belmont Childrens farm. The theme park has some great attractions such as tractor rides, face painting and trailer rides. The zoo has wallabies, Siberian Chipmunks, chinchillas and cockatiels. There is also a waffle house on the site and plans for a shop selling honey. The theme park owners proudly report that they've attracted a whopping 25,000  visitors since it opened in November. If you want to see the Theme Park, I'd advise you get along there rather soon. The neighbours are objecting to the fact that the owner hasn't applied for planning permission for the change of use and intensification. As the site is on the green belt and in the conservation area, there is a good chance it will all be shut down. It would be rather sad if the local businessman who opened it lost all his investment, purely because a bit of paperwork wasn't filled in.

On your left, you have the Three Hammers pub.  Strangely the Ember inns website has a picture of another pub on the top. The Hammers is my local. It's OK. I've done a few gigs there, most notably in 1985 when I met my beloved wife. Generally though it doesn't have music or entertainment. The bus now turns left down the Ridgeway. This is a stunning view of the west of London. My advice for this portion is to travel on the 240 at dusk as England play. You'll see a stunning view of the lit up Wembley Arch, but it's worth it even if they aren't playing. On your right as you descend, you'll see the Cottage Homes. This was formerly owned by the retail trust, but is now a private retirement estate. The houses look to me like Swiss Music box chalets. Beyond that, you'll see the former missionary training college - St Josephs College. This has recently become derelict and has occasionally been used as a film and TV location.

At the bottom of Hammers Lane, the bus turns right into Flower Lane. On your left is Mill Hill Park. In the summer, you'll see Hendon and Edgware Cricket club playing. You also have Mill Hill Bowls club and a pleasant cafe. There is a mini golf course and a childrens play area (currently and rather badly) being upgraded. Just beyond that is the Wyvale Garden Centre. This is on the site of the Former Mill Hill Swimming pool. For me this is a major bugbear as the swimming pool was bequeathed to the people of Mill Hill for use in eternity as a pool. The Council crassly ignored this in the 1980's, shut the pool and allowed the Garden Centre to open. As ever with Barnet Council, kids come last.

The bus then turns right into Albert Road and left into Victoria Road. The houses on the right are in distinctive Dutch Cottage style. Sadly many property developers are eyeing these up to transform into luxury flats as has happened to no's 1,3 and 5. At the End of Victoria Road, is a little green area with a stream. This is known to locals as Simmonds Mead. The Mill Hill Preservation Society successfully applied to have this designated as a village green last year. The bus turns right onto Mill Hill Circus. Sadly there is no circus here, just a roundabout. Once across the Roundabout, you are into Mill Hill Broadway and the end of the epic journey. If you have worked up a hunger, there are some great restaurants here. For lovers of Chinese food, we have The Good Earth and Hees. For lovers of curry, we have The Mill Hill Tandoori and The Day of the Raj. There's also a Pizza Express, The Olives and Half Full.

At Mill Hill Station, you have the Thameslink station, which can take you to central London or Luton airport ! What more could you possibly want from a 15 minute bus journey. I hope that when Boris Johnson brings his new bus in, the very first route he converts is the 240. It deserves the worlds finest bus.