Although SE23.com has been going for just over 5 years, it still seems to me to be a relatively short period of time given that I've known the Forest Hill area for over half a century. This makes me think about how news and events were communicated to the local community before SE23.com came along and what impact it has had.

I suppose that if we were to consider (say) the recent water leak in Honor Oak road, then prior to SE23.com it is quite feasible that (subsequent power cut aside!) the remainder of Forest Hill would have known very little about it other than through general conversation including the telephone. Perhaps it might have got a mention on radio travel news, but it could have taken the best part of a week for the whole area to get to know about it when it might have got a mention in the local newspaper.

So in terms of the impact on the local community that SE23.com has had, then it has to be the speed with which news and events can be communicated. Within minutes of an event taking place, then potentially the whole Forest Hill area can be made aware.

Essentially though, it is so convenient. It's a bit different to the days when catching up on the local news meant a stroll to the bandstand in Hornimans park on a Sunday for a gossip with other local folk!