Comments on: Kevin O’Brien, Retired Roadsweeper

By: David Ellison

David Ellison — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 06:35:48 +0000

Kevin is the genuine proud working class guy from Bermondsey, to survive all that he’s been through is remarkable, wishing that he will be happy in what ever he does during the rest of his life. Go well Kevin.

By: Richard

Richard — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 20:03:56 +0000

Interesting story. Thanks Kevin and all the best to you.

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:15:08 +0000

It kind of echoed my life of being near to danger, depression, and distractions.
There are many like Kevin about and to be truthful their world and my world I knew don’t seem to fit into the suburban stream of many people’s lives.

We survive don’t we though.

Thank you Gentle Author for telling the story and letting Kevin give his voice free rein..this isvsonething rarevand yiu allowed me to do the same.
Andy

By: Linda Hird

Linda Hird — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 15:27:36 +0000

What a wonderfully written evocative account of Kevin’s life. I well remember the pungent smell of the vinegar factory from the 78 bus: I would accompany my mother to the Magistrate’s court where she would have to collect the child maintenance (£2 and six shillings) from her divorced husband-my father!

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 15:17:11 +0000

Good man.
In an Ortonesque way, would love to know more about his escapades in the clandestine world he inhabited after dark!

By: Cherub

Cherub — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:32:29 +0000

I admire Kevin’s family for accepting him in an era when being gay was something that had to be kept hidden, he was very lucky.

I’m also glad to read he’s enjoying the freedom of his retirement, he’s done a great service keeping the local streets clean.

By: Marnie Sweet

Marnie Sweet — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 12:34:42 +0000

Can you imagine for one second being illiterate your entire life? Yet Kevin has created an interesting life story for himself in his home neighborhood and probably has more friends
than most of us. I salute him.

That is a beautiful old piece of equipment you photographed Kevin with, GA. Thank you for
it. Find the artisan who created it, please, and pay homage to him. Youngsters enquire how
workers lifted heavy loads in the old days. THAT’S how! It deserves to be preserved in a
museum of industrial life.

By: Georgina Briody

Georgina Briody — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 09:48:06 +0000

Thank you for writing this blog today, a little bit of nostalgia for me. I was brought up around this area and remember the places and their smells eg vinegar, biscuits baking. Lovely.

By: Sandra Green.

Sandra Green. — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 09:10:40 +0000

Oh, I love this guy! Gutsy, honest and a real character. Well done with your your wild and wonderful Bermondsey life.

By: achim

achim — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 08:40:33 +0000

An impressive life story. I wish Kevin O’Brien all the best for the years to come!

Love & Peace
ACHIM