I can’t help it, West London brings out the capitals in CWS: It’s the second time in almost as many weeks I’ve had to do this with a title. But then Pines and Needles is yet another example of this part of the world keeping it real – and in the family as it were.
Most of the year on the corner of Shirland road a stalwart of a dry cleaners can be found, but in December something magical happens. A vertitable forest of fragrant pine trees appear, men in kilts run about the place – up and down ladders, hoisting trees over their shoulders, carrying them from the rooftop storage, and purveying them to anyone with the romance of a traditional Christmas still in their hearts.
It’s become a tradition now with my old chum E and I – a red cup Gingerbread Latte at any given Starbucks pre Christmas, and this year we were at E’s local deep in the heart of the City of London.
Serena Morton’s disco party is deserving of capitals.
I knew it would be right up Conversation with Strangers’ street. Disco. Just that word is evocative of fun, decadence, good times and the inevitable classic tunes. I looked at the photos on display taken by Bill Bernstein to celebrate his book launch. I was there. I could feel the energy, the eccentricity and that feeling of being with like minded souls.
Every year at Maida Hill market around this time, the Mayor of Westminster comes down along with the local MP and a few other VIPs to switch on the Christmas tree lights. It’s a relatively new tradition that our community choir All Sing! is delighted to accompany with a few jolly carols – and anything else we’ve managed to learn during the term.
“I’ll totally understand if you want to bail” came the text from choir friend Kate. “No” I wrote back, “I said I’ll come and I will – no matter about the three hours sleep, I’m up now!”
The event for which I could not resist supporting my singing chum was the 
Keith – a feisty sounding scotsman – yelled on the mike to a male participant: “WHAT WORD IS GOING TO GET YOU THROUGH THE DARK TIMES AHEAD TODAY MATE? AND, TRUST ME THERE WILL BE LOTS OF THEM!!”
Conversations with Strangers 