Hi Jean

I apologise for seeming to do nothing much this weekend, but I'm actually very busy.

I was asked in "Smoke gets in your eyes..." if I have any pictures of the toilets. Well yes, actually, I do. However, they are truly gross and I'm not too happy to have them at the top of this page.

I'm trying to set up a whole new section of this blog for such delights and I hope you'll bear with me while I struggle to get it working.

Be careful what you wish for...

Again I do apologise for going walkabout for a couple of weeks. I've had a lot on my mind.

Uppermost was the need to decide the future of this blog. For a while, I considered dropping the whole thing. As you must have noticed, my little effort has attracted some of the most disgusting personalities you could come across. In spite of this, I have decided, for now, to keep going and not to restrict comments here. I still have a belief in free speech and the inherent decency of one's fellow human beings. I know, I know - what a naïve fool - but I never claimed to be perfect.

I've also been busy advising a new blogger on how to go about it. Now this will be interesting. My focus has been on trying to secure a future for Greenwich Market, but I have been side-tracked into personal disputes. From now on I will be realigning my efforts on their original path and not commenting much on the interesting methods of the current management. The new blogger is a different creature entirely and is planning to pick up the threads to try to make the traders' lot a better one. They've promised to let me know when they start up - I'll pass that on to you here.

On respect, anonymity and freedom of speech

Oh dear, what have I done? It seems the speculation over my identity, which I thought so amusing, has turned nasty and led to people abusing each other and naming names (twice so far, and different - you can't both be right can you?). I'm not at all happy to see my efforts distorted into personal abuse, whatever the reason. I'm also displeased that someone seems to think it amusing to name their candidate for the Whistler mantle. As much as I regret taking some of the fun out of this blog, for the sake of the innocent I'd better tell you all who I'm not. I am not:

• A market trader
• A shopkeeper
• On the staff of GSM/USM
• An employee of the Hospital
• An employee of NBRE
• A journalist
• A restaurateur
  
• A publican
• Somebody obsessed with their personal profits
• The Sugar Plum Fairy

I've probably missed some things out, and if you find yourself singled out for attention as a result, I'm sorry. Don't bother asking around either. No-one knows who I am, not even my family and friends. That's what made the guessing-game so much fun for a while. Now I see there is a risk of the innocent suffering for my amusement - hence this post.

So who am I? Someone who cares passionately about Greenwich, its markets (all of them), its small businesses, its parks, its architecture, its history, its overall uniqueness and all the people who make it special. I will comment on anything that I feel threatens all that.

Sadly, I still can't tell you who I am, for the reasons given in one of my earliest posts (see Why is whistler anonymous).

Finally, a note on freedom, respect and privacy.

I allow everyone to comment on this site freely, without editing or deletion (even Pennypacker, who seems to think swearing in print is acceptable in a site open to all ages). I see this blog as a forum for all, and I do mean all, who wish to make their feelings known, whether I agree with them or not. I allow you to comment anonymously so you are free to say whatever you want (as long as it isn't libellous) without fear of ridicule or retribution. I may comment on what you say - that is my right as much as yours. I respect your right to anonymity and privacy and I don't think it's too much to ask that you respect mine.

Now please stop messing about and get back to saving Greenwich Market (and please don't swear).

Categorise that

A correspondent asks:

...what do your categories mean? I can make sense of some of them but what about Et to brute?

Well it's actually Et Tu Brute and it's Latin. As "Et tu, Brute?" (And you, Brutus) the words were uttered by Julius Caesar in Shakespeare's play before being stabbed by one he could have expected to defend him. I use it in a similar way to categorise posts concerning a betrayal by those who should be extending support and succour.

I confess a number of my categories are little obscure. I'll give a virtual prize to anyone who can provide the right meaning for a category and explain why I might have chosen it.

Do the markets matter to Greenwich?

To offer one example, the World Heritage Organisation website for Greenwich says on its homepage (at http://www.greenwichwhs.org.uk/): “So near to central London yet only 20 minutes from the city centre, Greenwich is a place of contrasts, from awe-inspiring architecture, tranquil open spaces and breathtaking views to cosy pubs and bustling street markets.” On its page about shopping in Greenwich (at http://www.greenwichwhs.org.uk/shopping/index.asp), the covered market is the main feature. It says: “From Thursday to Sunday, its cobbled stones are packed with traders’ stalls selling arts, crafts, antiques and collectables plus a food court at weekends.” About the Greenwich markets generally it says: “The markets are a major attraction for visitors and locals giving the streets and alleyways of Greenwich an extra buzz at weekends and bank holidays.” This is only one example of information for visitors to Greenwich recognising the value of the market.

How can you contribute?

The easiest way to contribute to this blog is to add a comment to an existing post. Just click on the Comments link under the post you wish to comment on. If you want to raise a new issue, pass on lots of information or ask me a question, email me at whistler @ hushmail.com. When you comment on an existing post you can choose to reveal your identity, use a nickname or remain entirely anonymous. Please choose a nickname and post under that if possible - you still remain anonymous but I can engage in a meaningful conversation with you. If you email me, let me know if you want me to conceal your identity. I will always respect your wishes.

Why is Whistler anonymous?

I'm sure I'll be attacked for running this blog anonymously, so I thought I'd better get my defence in first. I've been a visitor to Greenwich Market since the early 1980s and I still visit the market often and know many of the traders and shopkeepers. I have nothing to worry about, but I have often heard that traders fear reprisals if they speak out openly in defence of themselves and the market. Even being associated with me and my campaign could cause them trouble, so if I remain anonymous any association with me can't be made.

Welcome to all Greenwich Market lovers

I'd like to offer a hearty welcome to all of you who care for Greenwich and the market at its heart. Of course, there's more to this blog than expressing affection for one of London's great traditions. I believe there's a danger of the market disappearing without trace unless those of us who care make ourselves heard. This blog is a forum for everyone who remembers what the market once was and would like it to be again, or who imagines what it could be. Let's raise our voices and save Greenwich Market.