MARLER FAMILY 1910-20s

Ada Marler: dates at Cottage Homes: 1917-1924; Jim and Maisie would have been in there later.

We had lots of 'aunts' and 'uncles' from the Homes, in particular Mr Harold and Mrs Win McLaren whom I believe worked there.

Margaret can remember Aunt Win (Mrs McLaren) very well. We grew up with their children, but I particularly remember Diane because she was more our age and a friend of my younger brother. Aunt Win had a great sense of humour and loved telling you funny stories about my Dad and Aunt and Uncle (who was also from the Homes). I did see her running along the main road near to the homes one day and asked why she was in such a hurry. Reply was that she had to be quick because she did not know how much longer she had left (she was 80 at the time!)

Margaret says that she had the privilege of seeing the conversions when they were selling them. I do not know if you had a chance, but if you can picture the high ceilings one house was converted to:

One four bedroomed end of terrace house with dining room

One three bedroomed middle terraced house without dining room

One three bedroomed end of terrace house with dining room.

They were beautiful conversions, but if Michael Heseltine had not stepped in at the time the builders would have left them uncovered and let them rot. That was despite the fact that Havering Council had placed a preservation order on them. I personally feel that they should have been left intact and used as a working museum.

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