“…I do some mild developing. The sort of place I need
Is a quiet country market town that’s rather run to seed
A luncheon and a drink or two, a little savoir faire –
I fix the Planning Officer, the Town Clerk and the Mayor.

And if some Preservationist attempts to interfere
A ‘dangerous structure’ notice from the Borough Engineer
Will settle any buildings that are standing in our way –
The modern style, sir, with respect, has really come to stay.”

Sunday Sayings with a poem from Betjeman in which the “Executive” is also executioner of the past. Back in the 60s this was especially true and it was Betjeman himself as campaign preservationist who saved this Victorian Grand Hotel and railway station of St Pancras for us travellers, to and from London, to enjoy to this day.