Bleak Moments

The story opens with Sylvia (Anne Raitt) walking to work. Looking along Lansdowne Hill towards Royal Circus in SE27 with Tonge House beyond the trees.

Tonge House is obscured by trees. SJ

At the corner of an alleyway, schoolteacher Peter (Eric Allan) waits for Sylvia. Facing Hale Path from the corner of Thornlaw Road and Thurlby Road in West Norwood.

Looking south from the same notched trunk. SJ

The two walk together, chatting as they go, until parting to go their separate ways at the end of the alley. Looking north-west along Tredwell Road SE27 with Hale Path across Casewick Road.

There have been some extensions on the right. SJ

On another day, Peter dawdles at the bottom of the alley. Facing south-eastward on Hale Path.

Most of the fencing either side has been replaced. SJ

Running late, Sylvia hurries towards Peter, slowing her pace as she draws near. Hale Path in West Norwood SE27.

It was tricky to pinpoint the exact spot. SJ

Peter comments that he heard running feet before asking if she and her sister Hilda would like to go for a walk at the weekend. Looking towards the junction of Casewick Road and Tredwell Road from the southern end of Hale Path.

This looks the same, from the bollard in the foreground to the house in the background. SJ

On Sunday, Peter makes his way to the house that Sylvia shares with Hilda. Looking westward on Glennie Road SE27.

It was quite tightly packed with parked cars so I stepped into the road. SJ

Fastening the gate carefully behind him, Peter rings the doorbell. Number 79 Glennie Road.

The upper screen above the doorway has been replaced. SJ

On a day after Norman and his Friends begin renting Sylvia's garage, Hilda (Sarah Stephenson) slowly makes her way from the remedial training workshop that she attends. The southern section of Thurlby Road SE27 with properties on Cheviot Road in the left background.

This, from Thurlby Road, looks over St. Julian's Farm Road but a winter shot would show more of the houses on and near Thornlaw Road. SJ

Uffington Road SE27 with the corner of Thurlby Road to the left.

Looking south. SJ

Turning a corner, Hilda's pace remains leisurely. Looking into Uffington Road from Thurlby Road.

Panning left to, aaargh, a bright red van. SJ

Facing Royal Circus from Portal Close.

Again a parked vehicle interfered with the angle. SJ

Royal Circus seen from Portal Close with the roof tops of numbers 32 to 29 Royal Circus to the bottom left.

Panning left eastwards. SJ

Facing the junction of Glennie Road and Royal Circus in West Norwood.

This looks east to another junction just to the south of the previous two shots. SJ

Reaching home, Hilda hears Norman playing guitar inside the garage. Outside number 79 Glennie Road in West Norwood.

A confusing shot, with the angle not helping. The window of no.79 is on the left and no. 81 and 81a on the right. These new but sympathetic to the rest of the street's style replaced a couple of garages, set back from the road, in about 2020. SJ

Hilda turns to face the garage door as Norman starts whistling. Looking from number 79 across Glennie Road towards number 96 with 94 on the right.

These garages opposite, see previous comment, however remain. SJ

Peter sets off to take Sylvia out for the evening while her work colleague Joy looks after Hilda. The junction of Stockfield Road and Mount Nod Road in Streatham SW16.

A bright yellow salt box is prominent. SJ

The following day at work, Sylvia's Boss (Christopher Martin) looks out of the window at the office.

Leaning against the garage door, Hilda wails out of tune as she listens to Norman playing his guitar. Looking into Glennie Road from Royal Circus.

I now realise I'm further west of Royal Circus than I should be, so this is replaceable. SJ

Peter and Sylvia exchange stilted pleasantries when they bump into each other outside the library. West Norwood Library at 16 to 14 Knight's Hill in SE27 identified by Christopher Matheson on the London on Location website.

Just south of the junction with Norwood Road. SJ

On the way home, Sylvia urges Hilda to come down from a footbridge. Christopher Matheson advises that this is Canterbury Grove in SE27 with the footbridge crossing the railway running between West Norwood Junction and West Norwood station.

The parked car forced me to the right a bit. Here Canterbury Grove is pedestrian only as it passes over the railway line but returns to road on the other side with the side of no. 16 visible on the left. SJ

As the pair near the house they see Norman (Mike Bradwell) and his Friends (Donald Sumpter and Malcolm Smith) loading their van. Looking westward on Glennie Road, West Norwood.

The gap for the inset garages (see comparison 15) is now filled in. SJ

Sylvia and Hilda watch Norman and his Pals drive away after moving out. Facing 79 Glennie Road in SE27.

This really does show a number of changes. SJ