Sunday 23rd February 2025
Goose willing, Jen will be doing the honours.
Gather at the gates shrine in Redcross Way from 6.45 to begin on the stroke of 7.
‘Come lock and stock to Overie Dock
From Flanders, France and Italy,
Come Molls and Dolls and fol-de-rols
A-taking of The Liberty.’
(from ‘The Book of The Crow’ / ‘The Southwark Mysteries’ by John Constable)
Sharing those lines reminded me how certain phrases from ‘The Book of The Crow’ and in particular my usage of ‘The Liberty’ undoubtedly influenced the copywriters who came up with the publicity for the upcoming development on the adjacent land (‘Come, Skylarkers and Square Pegs’ on the hoarding for ‘The Liberty of Southwark’ etc.) Just so you know, I wasn’t consulted or involved in any way with their publicity. It doesn’t bother me too much, since the developers have so far shown sensitivity and respect for our graveyard (which is to the south of their proposed development). If it did bother me, tough! Even as I write AIs are hovering up everything ever written, perhaps to regurgitate mangled versions for centuries to come? Mostly it makes me smile. (JC)
