Friday, February 26, 2021
Today's obscure street is Ronnie Lane, E12. It's either in Manor Park or Little Ilford, depending on your preferred geography. It's named after Small Faces guitarist Ronnie Lane who grew up not so far away on Romford Road and played his first gigs locally. He's been dead since 1997 so his name was perfect when a new estate emerged in 2001, and the new street name was unveiled on what would have been his 55th birthday. This is an odd area on the very edge of Newham, almost bumped up against the North Circular, pocked with modern cul-de-sacs and older tower blocks. And Ronnie Lane's a very odd street in that it's three entirely separate stunted dead ends leading off two different main roads. Delivering pizzas must be a pain.
I hoped to find something of interest but Ronnie Lane's not really that kind of place. Undistinguished, quiet, quite nice really, almost Beckton-like but better built. Hardstanding dominates. Alleyways connect through to adjacent streets. Brickwork's bright and clean. One of the houses had a lot of cars parked outside but that was as untidy as it got. I suspect the neighbours would make it very clear they've got no room for ravers. I have nothing else, sorry.
<< click for Newer posts
click for Older Posts >>
click to return to the main page
