First off, 2026 must be a little better for a lot of us who caught flu at the end of 2025 and are still suffering from it or its after-effects. Naturally, things are a bit slower this January at LBH.
Obviously, reviewing any year is always going to be partial and very subjective. In that regard 2025 was no different, particularly for me.
I have tried to include the cheerful stuff whenever possible. Please forgive any lapses, as I missed a lot, being stuck in bed coughing up my lungs up for a chunk of 2025 or seeing some medical specialist.
1 Despite a great deal of sadness and losing some of our beloved neighbours, my overall feeling is that 2025 was a year of positive improvement for Lucy Brown House as there were plenty of good changes, and hopefully more to come.
2 But in 2025 we lost the redoubtable David Church (No. 17). However, Southwark Cathedral held a magnificent service for him and his ashes have been buried in their churchyard. I can almost see him smiling down from heaven at the very thought of it.
Other neighbours gone in 2025 were:
John Murray (No. 10),
Juliette Ragas (No. 29),
and Annie Day (No. 9).
3 The gardens improved dramatically in 2025, thanks to the excellent work by Matt and his volunteers. They tidied up the areas and planted a variety of new bulbs. Separately, Steve painted some of the statues. The marvellous human dynamo, Bobby Dixon, was responsible for trimming everything down, fixing much of the garden furniture, and clearing out numerous bags of old vegetation. He deserves a Gardeners’ Question Time medal. Sadly, the fish pond was apparently attacked by a fox and is now in need of serious maintenance, tender loving care (TLC), and a new oxygen pump.
4 Yet 2025 was truly the year of social events at Lucy Brown House. The arrival of Bobby and Caroline changed everything. We had a lovely Pie and Mash thank-you late lunch/dinner and then a splendid Halloween event followed by Jan’s birthday gatherings. All events were open to all residents and well attended.
5 Charmaine was ever-present and always willing to help any resident. Her Friday morning coffee sessions are lovely and she makes the most wonderful cakes by hand. Marks & Spencer should be jealous.
6 There was a changeover of local leadership. We welcome Abed and Sagal, two very proactive and helpful officials.
7 Xmas saw LBH replete with excellent decorations and wondrous Christmas trees. A Christmas dinner was sent in by our friends at Blackfriars Settlement, thank you very much! Presents too from Team Bankside.
8 Our new favourite neighbour is naturally Barry.
Barry is an English bulldog and one of the loveliest canines you could wish to meet.
He is very affectionate, a bit lazy, and doesn’t growl. He’s a very pleasant dog and a perfect new neighbour. Whoof!
9 Finally, our thoughts are constantly with Beverley and Liston, and we send them our support and strength as they navigate these difficult times.
[Links to events will be updated over the next week or so.]
Lucy Brown House 