SE6 Bellingham, Catford, Hither Green
How I went to the dogsby Douglas Mcleod |
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During the 1950s in Catford I remember a very large pet shop which sold every kind of pet. |
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I was told at the time it was known as ‘Haircuts’ – why I don’t know. |
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We bought a dog called ‘Blackie’ whos personality was not what could be described as sweet. Nevertheless I was fond of him and he rarely drew blood. |
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Catford was distinct from Lewisham and the other places which surround it. I don’t mean separated by space but by character. The Dog Track, ironically in view of the name Catford, seemed to dominate my conception of the character of Catford. My mother seemed to regard it as a wicked place but that may have been because my father visited it regularly. After speech day at the Town Hall boys from Brockley County made their way home and a group of about 6 of us went into the dog track for the first time. I was struck by the pure colour of the place, the brilliant greens and the bright lighting and the crowds of people. A middle-sized yob came up to us and threatened us, presumably we were within his territory and despite the fact that there were about 6 of us the others all ran away. I remained there for a further minute during which I reasoned with myself thus. What if he has a knife – I don’t mind getting hurt or even killed but I want to get credit for it and there would be no credit in getting killed unseen and by this nonentity on a dog track. So I turned and left too. I do regret not punching him though, like a gentleman of course – no kicking. |
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