I do some kidding in this column, mostly by way of a quirky, welcoming intro, but this time I don’t need to do any of that but just hand over to CAROL STAPLES, a former colleague at the Merc under Roger Norman’s regime in Deptford High Street. Carol, basically, was chief reporter and different class… […]
Mercury Man
Semi-retired local newspaper columnist.
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Show some love for Lewisham – get its clock tower working again
It’s Valentine’s Day, and 853‘s special correspondent and turf accountancy adviser MERCURY MAN is in the mood for love. He wants to see some affection lavished on an old Lewisham landmark… Popped down to Lewisham the other Thursday about half past two and glanced up at the famous old clock tower to see the time […]
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Cribbage: How an old pub game is making a comeback in SE London
Looking for a new year’s resolution? How about taking up a classic pub game that sharpens the mind and makes you think? Let 853‘s special correspondent and turf investment adviser MERCURY MAN introduce you to cribbage… “You made 4 suboptimal plays this game for a cumulative error of 4.2pts.” That’s ‘Pro’ of Cribbage Classic telling […]
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The local newspaper photographer who became a thriller writer
Got some book tokens for Christmas? 853‘s special correspondent and turf investment adviser MERCURY MAN returns with a tale of an old colleague who has just released his first novel… We’re all guilty, aren’t we? Of jumping to unfair assumptions. Making sweeping generalisations. Postulating when we should just be listening. Choosing conjecture when… (Okay, we […]
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The SE London soccer legend who wants a revolution in women’s football
853‘s special correspondent and turf investment advisor MERCURY MAN presents PETER KING – once a force in SE London youth football, now working his magic in women’s football in Essex. And he’s got a message for the people running the sport… WHERE to start with Peter King? It could be Moses, but Moses is a […]
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From taekwondo to Motown: Community spirit is alive and well in New Eltham
Think modern society turns its back on the community? Think again. Fresh from a winner at the 3.10 at Chepstow, 853‘s special correspondent and turf investment advisor MERCURY MAN has found good news in New Eltham… PSSST! I want this one to be a complete surprise. Not only to you but to the people I’m […]
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Mercury Man: The sports reporter who became a hypnotherapist
853‘s special correspondent MERCURY MAN has done a bit of sports reporting in his time – but what happens when the local paper industry starts to fade away? Sit back, relax, and let him talk you through what happened to one of south-east London’s best-known sports writers after the cuts came… Sports journalism tends to […]
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Mercury Man: Through the pinhole with Wulfie Mayfield
It’s bank holiday weekend, so 853‘s special correspondent MERCURY MAN marks May Day by downing tools and getting someone else to do all the work. As you all knew, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day was last Sunday. You did know, didn’t you? It’s been held on the last Sunday in April since 2001. My own pinhole […]
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