Monday 16th November
Number 4 – A Basement Flat, Sussex Gardens, near Marble Arch. I had run away and had almost no money, I had to survive. I am not ashamed of what I did but no need to divulge the details, except to say that within 2 weeks I had a job and a new address. But it wasn’t that awful and I was taken to a couple of parties, one where I met a few of the Black and White Minstrels – all gay. Anyway the owner of the flat, a quite wealthy man was kind and helped me to get both a job and somewhere to live.
Number 5 – 40 Carysfort Road, Stoke Newington. My very first digs. A tiny room, the cheapest I could find. Two pounds a week for a bed, a tiny wardrobe, a chair, a sink and a one-ring hob with a shared bathroom and toilet down the hall. I can remember a few weeks later when I had contacted Mum and Dad and the look on their faces when they saw what I had left home for. I was there for about four months.
Number 6 – Rectory Road, Stoke Newington. A room again, but a large one this time. I split it up into bedroom and sitting room and decorated the walls with drawings. I bought a radio and can remember spending long hours with Carol, my first real girlfriend in that bed, me nipping out for take-away fish and chips and drinks. Happy days. Rent was six pounds a week. I was there for about three months.
Number 7 – Dukes Avenue, Muswell Hill. A huge shared room with a workmate in a beautiful shared house just behind Ally Pally. I was only here for a few weeks but had a lovely time. I can remember laying on the hilly slopes looking over London with Carol and thinking I was the happiest guy alive.
That didn’t last long.