Whilst searching for more information on Dangerman’s “Not so jolly roger” episode (parts of which were filmed on the Red Sands sea forts) we found out something quite apt especially in these corona lockdown days.

During wartime, the men were stationed on those forts out at sea for six weeks on end, living on top of each other, seeing each other day in and day out and getting on each others nerves we imagine. It must have been pretty hard. It’s only been three weeks on corona lockdown in London (Has it? We’ve lost track) and we’re even experiencing the odd moments in this short time.

In those days it was called “Fort Madness” and the forces psychologists advised each man to take up hobbies. There were some great ones: embroidery, painting, knitting, fishing off the side, wood carving, drawing or making models to keep their mind off everything and the best artworks were rewarded with a bottle of rum. We reckon that idea could be revived in these uncertain times and a big bottle of Bailey’s could be the prize (for the over 18’s only of course!)

So it’s out with the superglue and the old yoghurt pots and egg cartons to make a realistic model of the Butchers in Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, playing “Find the largest stone in the flower beds” or who can make the best fake Picasso out of those half-empty tins of old gloss paint dumped under the stairs. Whatever keeps you sane!