Comments on: Return To Columbia Rd

By: Helge B Johnnysen

Helge B Johnnysen — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 23:23:15 +0000

A question for Clive Jennings; I lost track of Idonia van der Bijl
Many years ago, but wanted to reconnect, we were good friends in
London in the 80s before zi moved back to Norway.
Would you mind getting in touch with me by email?
helgebj@getmail.no
Thank you!

By: Denyse Southcott “nee Metcalfe”

Denyse Southcott “nee Metcalfe” — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 01:25:15 +0000

My large family ( 9 children) used to live Columbia Sq, the “ old black buildings “ in Columbia Rd in the late 40’s and 50’s up until 58, when they were condemned.
Any photographs of those buildings would be greatly appreciated
We used to have so much fun in and around the area, especially when the 11 story high buildings were erected, playing in the lifts and jumping on the bollards out front.

By: Cameron Mitchell

Cameron Mitchell — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 07:28:31 +0000

Omg all the familiar faces! I grew up and lived in the Guinness flats from 1989-2009. I remember Lee’s, Steve’s video shop and Joe all too well. I know exactly where Jackie is standing as I used to spend many of nights up there, staring out at the city. Simon made my mum and her partner’s wedding rings.
There used to be a bagel shop on the end right opposite the pharmacy, and a fish and chip shop near where the bookmakers used to be.

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:55:46 +0000

I’ve just found -this, I was Idonia’s niece, and also Zoe’s who wrote above in 2022, every now and again I go on a mission looking for her ceramics – and just found 2 pieces on ebay, which I bought – I suppose as family I always thought she would be there. Bryan – I think you met baby Idonia a few years ago when my cousin Sarah and her family visited from South Africa.

By: Zoë Howarth

Zoë Howarth — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 17:41:27 +0000

Idonia was my youngest sister. There were four of us. We miss her hugely and hold on to lots of great memories. Tomorrow is the anniversary of her death 18 years ago. Loved and remembered by many.

By: Bryan Leech

Bryan Leech — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 23:52:59 +0000

Like Clive Jennings, I too remember Idonia Van Derby Bijl with much fondness. We both studied at Central School of Art and Design in the early, 80s. I still have some of her wonderful ceramic pieces from those early days. After college I returned to my native Ireland. A few years ago I called to the Colombia Road shop and had hoped to catch up with Idonia and the gentleman in the store told me she had passed away. I was so shocked I just turned and left. Idonia is someone who is forever in my mind and this evening I did an online search and found this article and Clive’s posting. What a great loss. May her memory stay in our hearts forever.

By: bernadette baker

bernadette baker — Sun, 01 May 2016 14:37:51 +0000

Les and Penny used to sell their lovely wares at St Albans market in the late 90’s!!

By: Sharyn Baillie

Sharyn Baillie — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:36:41 +0000

Remember my time spent in and around this area in the eighties and then again briefly 5 years ago. Great to read about this special place. Sharyn South-west, Western Australia

By: Achim

Achim — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 12:09:00 +0000

What a colorful life in this urban quarter…!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: Natalie Koch

Natalie Koch — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 11:30:07 +0000

Lovely story, beautiful people. Good to see how people can make a difference. Looking forward to reading more about Columbia Road.
GA, enjoy your time off!