THE BIG RETORT

On the 1st January 1908, following a remarkable wager, a man wearing an iron mask set off on an astonishing 30,000 mile journey around the world - then disappeared. TheBigRetort... Ten years ago we published a story about a great hoax. Even today some people still think it took place. Here, we update it in short form. The Great Iron Mask Hoax in previous posts detailed the extraordinary saga of 33-year-old Harry Bensley, who accepted a bet made between an American philanthropist and an English nobleman: to push a pram around the world, with his face encased inside an iron mask, for a purse of $100,000. Many sighting were recorded of "The Mask” at that time but then... he inexplicably vanished. TheBigRetort: where in the world did The Mask go? Almost one year after the wager made between Harry Bensley aka The Man in the Iron Mask, a publication known as “Answers” (December 19th, 1908, p63) received a response to this same question; it remained buried… until we unearthed it...

    SAVE KJ  BUILDING SUPPLIES  Nestled alongside a small parade of shops on the Lewisham run of the A20, in the heart of a community, sits a small DIY merchant with a builders' yard. The original store opened back in the early '80s, its founder believing if you build it, they will come. “They” did... in the form of council     enforcement officers.  TheBigRetort… Early doors and heritage windows “KJ, Building Supplies” received its initials from Kevin Bottomley, 71, since retired.  In what was supposed to be a steady transition from one hard working generation to the next,  young charge Will Buckle took over the business.  A  good  move for Will.  Since the arrival of the Orange Line to Brockley, many residents went on a building spree improving the buildings into upmarket flats and houses. The materials, along with friendly advice, being supplied over the years have proved to be a  community bonus. A genuine pu...

  Amid the bustle of Deptford Market, where myriad languages from diverse ethnic groups fill the air, a legend stands with a name that commands the utmost respect – Bob "The Fish" . Welcome to the world of Bob, where fish reign supreme. And he remains the undisputed king of fish. TheBigRetort   The Rise of Bob Fish Bob "The Fish" Cummings is a character whose presence leaves an indelible mark. Much like the iconic mafia patriarchs of cinematic fame. "Don" Cummings' journey began decades ago. It's a fishy tale rich with stories told and untold.  Bob's path to local fame commenced at the now-shuttered fishmonger's, formerly located at 47 & 49 Deptford High Street. Unperturbed by the shop's closure, Bob embarked on a new venture, setting up his stall in the heart of the bustling market on the High Street. Just turn right onto the Hgh Street when you have exited the station. To listen to Bob recount his daily escapades forms a c...

Nestled in the heart of a vibrant community in southeast London stands a modest DIY merchant known as KJ Building Supplies. Founded back in the early '80s, the store's name was derived from its creator's initials. However, "KJ" himself may have had an epiphany about the importance of building things when he said – "If they build it, they will come" – then they did, in the form of Lewisham Council planning enforcement. TheBigRetort A fter many decades of looking after his community, Kevin Bottomley, aged 72, retired last year, Retirement heralded golf rounds, leisurely moments in a deckchair watching the grandchildren, and motor racing, a passion for which Kevin is renowned. But something far more complicated was on the horizon than the turn at Brands Hatch. During which, Kevin passed the baton to his long-time protégé, Will Buckle.  The arrival of the Orange Line in Brockley in 2010 brought a steady stream of residents looking to renovate their old Vic...

We previously reported that, in the heart of Lewisham, a local dispute has been brewing, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the local planning process. At the centre of this dispute: the founder of a DIY store and builders’ merchant. It was established in 1983. So why has Kevin found himself entangled in planning enforcement hell? TheBigRetort... The Backstory Due to a single complaint about where he was storing his goods next to his DIY store, Kevin Bottomley (pictured above with Pipe Man) was invited to apply for retrospective planning permission by the council. To retain the use of a piece of land on the east side of 55 Loampit Hill for a builders’ yard. This later included a metal sea container for storing wood. The small fence alongside it was also brought under enforcement. But the yard itself had been in use for many years? The container introduced the previous year for the storage of wood was to cut down on deliveries and in acknowledgment of the mayor...