Charity advertising

Isn't it the case that the simplest advertising is so often the most effective? This certainly works really well. The Kids Company is a charity that works with young ex-offenders and disadvantaged children through inner-city schools in London. You can read more about their work here. Double-click on the photograph to see it better.

Ella

It is the 4th of April, and Ella is 9 months old. What can I say.

Oddbins RIP

I am sorry to see that Oddbins is in difficulty. It seems it is another victim of a time in which consumers have less money to spend, and when we do, we shop in different ways. Over the last few years I have done my wine buying online, with rival chain Majestic. I've been very satisfied, with a good range, sensible prices, and most importantly for me, they deliver, something Oddbins didn’t offer.

There is a nostalgic comment by Guardian wine critic Fiona Beckett today under the headline “A sparkling chain that lost its fizz”.

And there is a lovely piece here, where former Oddbins employee Phil White reflects fondly on his time with the firm: "Hic Transit Gloria: Oddbins - a love poem"

Sardine tin

I took this snap last November in Acton Mews, an ordinary inner-city back lane, underneath the railway tracks. I thought it was quite attractive because the artist had used the irregular broken edge of the plaster to create the open part of the tin. However, as it shows up rather better in real life rather than on the photograph, I didn’t publish it here.

This week I saw that mermaid has gone, and the wall has reverted to its former state, making it now much easier to see what appealed to me in the first place.

Suck and Chew

Seen in Columbia Road, E2.

Purveyor: purvey - verb - provide or supply (food, drink, or other goods) as one's business

Montpellier

Today was my final day in France and was spent in Montpellier, perhaps my favourite French city. I made two visits here in 2007 for the Rugby World Cup and really got to know it well. On this occasion we had intended to visit the the Musée Fabre, but the weather was so nice (17 degrees) we were very happy to soak up the sun, take lunch outside, walk the streets, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Montpellier has an excellent tram system which allows you to park at the edge of the city and ride in to the centre.