us moths

Paul, Judith and I went down to the estate not last weekend but the one before that. On the Sunday. Paul went off doing his own thing and Judith and I just sat watching Claydon House. A single family on the second floor flickered in and out in daily activity, basking in the solitude of their stage. The stars of the show. The exclusiveness of it all had registered. They were happy. Another family picnicked in this, the most unlikely of settings: a 2oth century motte-and-bailey. A barebacked man sat swigging from a 2 litre bottle - but all eyes on the three teenagers massaging the concrete with their fledgling attempts at free running. Their going to break their heads, we all thought.

Paul returned and with that we moved on to the Aylesbury House, which sits at a right angle to Claydon House. There was a fluorescent jacket blinking about halfway up. A security guard. I tried to have a constructive conversation. Him on the 6th floor. Me on the ground. It was ineffective. Clearly bored by manning an empty building he signaled to me he would come down. He shook our hands like we were here on official business, like he'd been expecting us. I asked if he would show us around. He obliged as if it were a common request. During the tour we were told there was one resident left. By chance we met him on the six floor. A lease holder. Smoking a cigarette. Looking out at the bustling roundabout below. He felt our approach and without even turning his head: "No comment" he said. He probably thought we were journalists. Why else would we be in the six floor of a vacated building. Without warning the security guard nipped into a tiny room to flick a switch. A women with an electronic voice bellowed something about an alarm being activated. Startled, I queried the commotion - he deactivated and activated gain to prove he was the instigator. He smiled at me, proud in his responsibility and locked the door with a flick of his wrist. Without a word we began the descent. Another round of hand shakes and he was gone.

Within days I learned of another visit. It took place exactly a year ago to the day click here . Reading this account induced a spectrum of emotions but the final thought crystallised. I was just another moth mesmerized by light radiating from the Heygate bulb.

most important email of journey so far

Dear C,

RE: Paint the Heygate Estate - We're Calling it The Campaign Agaisnt Living Miserably

By way of an overview of our conversation: My ideas and dreams are expressed in the attached documents - the proposal and the FAQs. I am seeking approval and input from the (ex)residence and/or the resident's representative of the Heygate Estate since it is those people that my proposal concerns. The proposal has been with Cllr. Noblet's office for 2 months - they have been most responsive and communicative but there has been little movement and no formal feedback. However, just last week they referred me to the office of Cllr.Humphreys whom I understand will be much more proactive. I was promptly told that I will have a meeting set up with Cllr. Humphreys, Project Manager, Jon Abbott, and a Committee Member - I am led to believe this will go in the diary soon.

Before then however I would relish an opportunity to speak with / meet with Ms.O and discuss the proposal and the ways in which this proposal can evolve to benefit (ex)residents even more effectively. This is the most important step as far as I am concerned. We would have to work together to make sure that the idea is plausible and aligns well with the goals of Southwark Council, Councillors and the Cheif Exec. Time is against us and I still need to know whether the council will give up the building for one of the largest and coolest inclusive art projects in the world - a preeminent step for art - through which we can bring about a turn in social policy, almost as a byproduct. In this particular case we use mental health but it could be anything.

I have six world renowned well known urban artists (local and overseas) who have told me personally that they want to come down to paint the Heygate and work with this local community. Imagine the possibilities.

I need the support and input of the Heygate residents representative and so in haste I ask you both to take a look at the documents and give me a chance to present my journey to-date in person / over the phone as soon as possible.

I look forward to hearing from yourself and Ms. O.

Many thanks,