After noting this Ryder Street terrace’s excellent stoop, it’s hard to miss its street number, hand drawn on the wall in a Roman script – ‘VIII’.

That’s not all. Along with the DIY number, the Surry Hills terrace gets a constant stream of messages, as far as I can see, all addressed to James.

Hey James!
Have a beer with us sometime!
Sam & Ed

Hello James!
This time it was Grace, Balin and Sam!

I’m assuming James lives in the place. Though, if not, it could go back and forward as some sort of ad hoc community announcement board?

Before mobile phones and email (and definitely before social media), connecting with friends called for good timing, a working landline, and a lot of luck. Somehow we managed. In Surry Hills, the tradition continues.