recollections of a magical childhood
recollections of a magical childhood
Embedded Files
Shrimping in rock pools and cooking them in a saucepan on a primus stove (Trevor, me, Cyril Saunders and my Dad).
Collecting eggs from Pop Wood's chickens.
Yes - remember the smell of warm straw & Nanna & Pop cooking bran and potato peeling mush to feed the chickens and the ducks - the famous "Matilda"!
Do you remember the chicken feed masher Nanna used? A short wooden-handled utensil with a sort of star-shaped metal head?
Sorry, don't remember the chicken feed masher. I'll have to see if I can dredge it up!
A bloke with flat cap and raincoat who used furtle about in the spinney and watch us on the swings.... Nanna used to think that OK as she thought she knew who he was!!! Thanks, Nanna!
Yes, I can actually remember his appearance really clearly. Also remember Nanna saying "He's harmless, just a bit simple"!
Freddie and Dave Ryder and Wilksie....... cow pat club initiation.... poo all up our arms!!
Nope - don't remember that or them.
Old grey Ford tractor near Stock’s Farm.
Yes - on the way to Mrs It and her sweet shop!!
See page 13 for more information on Wilksie and the sweetshop!!
Here's my drawing of the Chicken feed masher as I couldn't find it on Google Images. Pathetic effort innit?
No, it's not at all!
No, it's not at all!
Buses & Trolleybuses
Buses & Trolleybuses
Bournemouth Pavilion plus Open Top Trolley .... circular tour
A ticket for the last trolleybus ride!
On the morning of the last day trolleybuses ran in 1969!
Guy Arab 37. Bournemouth Pier 16 August 1959
Hants & Dorset open top
A fantastic photo of an open-topped trollybus in the summer of 1964. I
I'm sure we rode around on the open topped trolleybus maybe just once, didn't we? (It was obviously not considered a public safety risk being so close to the overhead wires.) They were happy, carefree times, eh! evocative.Imagine pootling around, driving that with the front screen open to let in a gentle breeze of cool air!
I'm sure we rode around on the open topped trolleybus maybe just once, didn't we? (It was obviously not considered a public safety risk being so close to the overhead wires.) They were happy, carefree times, eh! evocative.Imagine pootling around, driving that with the front screen open to let in a gentle breeze of cool air!
On this day, 20th April 1969, was the last trolleybus day. Along Bath Road and up to the pier the parade will make their final trip under Bournemouth wires to Mallard Road depot.
Travelling downhill to the baths
"Yellow Buses" single decker, open-topped coach. Pretty confident that it's a Bedford.Coming down the hill looks to be a Ford Thames 400E Mini Bus
Bournemouth Bus Station
Yes - plus single-deckers to Shell Bay and creamy white Hants & Dorset open-top Buses to Sandbanks......and Royal Blue coaches with glass roof observation windows pulling into Bournemouth bus station.
Bournemouth bus station in the mid-1950s, before it was extensively rebuilt.One coach is descending the ramp to the coach station while another is departing for Totnes.
A Royal Blue headed for Portsmouth emerges from the depths of the bus station
A nice shot of a Royal Blue coach taken in 1962 plus Wolseley 1500 with "Bournemouth EL" plate
Smell the fumes! Bournemouth Square June 1958 with a couple of favourites a Royal Blue Bristol and a Bournemouth Corporation Leyland Tiger
"Bristol LS6G UEL 736 had been new to Hants & Dorset in February 1957 as a 39-seat coach. Ten years later it was converted in Hants & Dorset's workshops as a driver-only operated bus, and repainted from the cream coach livery into the green bus livery. It is seen in March 1968 at Bournemouth Square, nearing the end of its journey from Wimborne on route 21 via Colehill, Hampreston, Longham and Parley Cross. UEL 736 was withdrawn from service in 1971. The coach seats had their headrests removed as part of the conversion to OMO. Service 21 became 138 with the section from Wimborne to Canford Bottom via Colehill becoming part of service 133 (now morebus 13) in 1975. 138 was discontinued at the time of MAP in November 1980."
I don't recall ever seeing a coach on the 21 route in our time. Do you?
Regarding the single-decker coach, I don't ever recall one on route 21. In fact, I think it was usually a double-decker Bristol when it ran in those days. There are still very few houses in Hampreston and no service to Hampreston anymore; the 13 (ex 133, ex 22) runs through Ferndown then straight along the Wimborne Road to Canford Bottom, Colehill and Wimborne. I've done that one a few times in the past!
On thinking about Hampreston as a destination, I'm intrigued to know exactly how the buses used to turn around there as there isn't any obvious place, it being a cul-de-sac.
Another view of a Royal Blue coach. This time travelling up Bath Hill (on the 20th April, 1969).It looks like the leading trolleybus has broken down (how did it get the dent in the front?!) as its conductor arms are down and the driver appears to be talking to the driver of the following trolleybus.
Model railway in Boscombe which the man switched on as you clumped down the stairs.
Yes - I'd already found a thread on a forum where someone is looking for photos of it but no response except that apparently it was set up at the Halebrose Chambers, Christchurch Road (see Page 20).
Discussions in the bathroom while one of us having a poo... many plans made there!
Had that one lined up. The passive one of us sat on the chair which stood on the blanket cupboard at the bottom of the bath!! Plus Nanna and Pop's ribbed-rubber lace-up boots under the sink and Izal toilet paper plus pressed metal toilet roll holders with a sort of zig-zag step edge design plus chrome catches on the cupboards that you lifted and latched over (see Page 16). Old small Hoover vacuum cleaner (see below) and sweeping brushes (one red with blonde bristles?) in the long bathroom cupboard. Plastic opaque curtains with sailing yachts printed on them in pale blue and orange.
Pretty sure it was one of these - a Hoover Junior (model 370 which was replaced by the 375 after 2 years!) - more info here.
"IT BEATS AS IT SWEEPS AS IT CLEANS"!
This morning, due to the clumps of cat hair and debris on the kitchen floor,
I found myself singing:
'All the dirt, all the grit,
Hoover cleans up every bit
Hoover beats as it sweeps as it cleans'
(even though we have a Dyson!)
Bournemouth Central
Bournemouth Central
Some evocative shots of Bournemouth Central - oh to be able to go back!
An engine class (1931 Q Class) I don't recall seeing often (although, I suspect we bought the Triang 0-6-0 tender engine in an attempt to represent it). Do you? The photo was taken 22nd September 1963
I must admit I don't particularly recall seeing any of those Q Class 0-6-0's in our railway days. They were probably rarely seen at Bournemouth and according to my trusty dog eared railway book, the Maunsell's Q Class spent most of their days on the South Eastern. I may be wrong but I think the Midland 3F 0-6-0 tender loco (43775) which we had was a Christmas present gifted before we grew more 'Southern Railway' orientated. We didn't ever try to 'southernise' it like the Bo-Bo diesel.
...or my Princess Elizabeth which we morphed into a Bulleid Battle of Britain/West Country loco,albeit with the "wrong" spoked wheels! But, plenty of lead in the body cavity.
I must admit I don't particularly recall seeing any of those Q Class 0-6-0's in our railway days. They were probably rarely seen at Bournemouth and according to my trusty dog eared railway book, the Maunsell's Q Class spent most of their days on the South Eastern. I may be wrong but I think the Midland 3F 0-6-0 tender loco (43775) which we had was a Christmas present gifted before we grew more 'Southern Railway' orientated. We didn't ever try to 'southernise' it like the Bo-Bo diesel.
...or my Princess Elizabeth which we morphed into a Bulleid Battle of Britain/West Country loco,albeit with the "wrong" spoked wheels! But, plenty of lead in the body cavity.
The Chingford Odeon
The Chingford Odeon
OK, here's some of mine I had planned! Going to see a Hard Day's Night (or was it Help!) at Odeon in Chingford and walking home and trying to remember and sing the songs.
The film we saw at Chingford cinema was Help!....we tried to memorise the chords being played in the film..... couldn't see to write them down!
Odeon Cinema Chingford 1935
This photo (discovered later than the one on the left) was taken on the same day
Inside the Odeon in 1935 - rather nice!
a view of the inside from the circle seats!
If I recall correctly, we sat in the right-hand seats to watch "Help!". I think we watched it through twice to try and memorise the chords.
It was released in 1965, so I would imagine we sublimely puffed through a few Piccadilly Tipped on that occasion.
I'm sure we would have!
The Opening of the Chingford Odeon.mp4Here's a short video of it being built
Six new images of South Chingford (below), where we went to watch “A Hard Day’s Night” at the Odeon. I'm not sure if you remember this area at all?
I do remember seeing 'Help!' right through twice to see if we could get the chords but for some reason, I thought the Cinema we went to was in Walthamstow. Nice to see the Trolleybuses in Chingford but I'm afraid I don't really recall Chingford town. Looking at the photos, I do wonder how many of those shops are still trading now.
Help!, you're right, not A Hard Day's Night, sorry.
The Odeon is just out of view - behind the shop called Parade. I'd say the photo was taken in the very late 40s to early 50sNote the Police Box (complete with Bobby and his bike - ready to catch rapscallions!), Borough of Chingford noticeboard, subterranean toilets and trolleybusesBlock of shops in centre background appears to have compass points on its tower. I suppose this is to match the clock on the tower of its sister block (see below)
This appears to be from the late 50s. The Singer Gazelle convertible on the left was launched in 1956
I'd say this shot is from a similar time. Note the old "KEEP LEFT" bollards used from the 30s to the 60 s
Views up Old Church Road from the bus stop and bus shelter appearing in two of the photos above the image of the bollards 'through the ages'(not a phrase I expected to have to type when I started this!). Whilst the one on the left is, too, from the 50s, the image on the right is from 1935
Getting drunk for the first time - we must have been playing our guitars at some family party at the Chingford Sea Scouts Hall and we laid on our backs in the field with our heads spinning.
Pop-pop's shaky hands when trying to insert the wires into the track connectors - I'm no better myself now!
Maritime Stuff!
Maritime Stuff!
Talking about the stream earlier, I recall we had a yearning for the toy submarine like this......
Nautilus Submarine
Since writing this my very kind brother-in-law has given me one he had.I got one in the end - albeit 55 - 60 years later!!
Since writing this my very kind brother-in-law has given me one he had.I got one in the end - albeit 55 - 60 years later!!
and a Royal Navy fast patrol boat (can't find picture) but it had a forward cab and another at the rear.........
I've since found these images. Was it this the one? I think, maybe, it was
I have since learned that Vosper, the fast boat manufacturer, made Sir Malcolm Campbell's water speed record-holding boat in 1939, see here for the full history of the company.
However, it does not mention that it was owned at one time by David Brown, the man who gave his initials to the Aston Martin DB1, DB2, etc.
I have since learned that Vosper, the fast boat manufacturer, made Sir Malcolm Campbell's water speed record-holding boat in 1939, see here for the full history of the company.
However, it does not mention that it was owned at one time by David Brown, the man who gave his initials to the Aston Martin DB1, DB2, etc.
I remember us walking home to Parley Cross from Boscombe railway shop having bought ourselves a mouth organ!!
Fried spam for breakfast with the budgie in the cage by the sink.
Pop-pop's high window and all his paraphernalia on the side (pipe rack, newspaper, etc - can you remember what else?). Pop saying - "Hey Mum - listen to this". The calendar under the mirror above the kitchen table marked up with "the boys arrive"! Coal scuttle and stove on a raised tiled plinth that ran under the cooker. I still can't find a picture anywhere of the kitchen stove (a sort of shiny grey speckled finish as I recall) that was in the kitchen - can you succeed where I can't? I know it had a lift-off lid and a slide-away inspection hatch on the bend of the pipe where it neared the ceiling (plus drop-down doors where you lit it and adjusted the amount of draw?
The kitchen boiler at Mimosa was something similar to these (below), though I'm not sure it's exactly that design. Was it made by 'Ideal?' Standing on a Red and Cream square tiled base with a wooden edge which extended under the cooker and fridge I think.
(Above) Yes, I think you're right about the kitchen boiler. I thought it was round but now I've seen this it could have been shaped like this one. Thanks for the colour of the tiled base!
(Left) Apparently, it is a Beeston domestic boiler. Further research showed it to be Model: THBCIS007
I established this when I happened to look at the Chartered Surveyor's report of the bungalow, before Nanna and Pop purchased it, sometime in 1949. See the report right and below.
Incidentally, I checked the solicitor's address on Google Maps and their office was alongside St Paul's Cathedral in London! It's hard to tell but I think it's now a Pizza Express joint!
covering letter
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Do you remember the woven plastic carpet on the floor...light green/black and some other colour (white) almost like it was made from that children's craze of plastic tubes which you could plait into key rings, etc? What was it called... I dunno...'Scooby-Doo' or summat! (a bit like the current craze with those little elastic bands which I also can't remember the name of!).
I do (now) remember the kitchen carpet. Was that plastic tube toy/thingy something like Twizzle? But, not sure that's it either.
The weaving craze was called Scoubidou...just spelt weirdly (the full description is here). Don't know if you ever did it? but I remember making something.
Yes see Page 11
What about the carpet in the bathroom?
Similarly, there was a bit of Cat's Cradle shenanigans in the playground I seem to recall.
An example of Nanna's writing (found on the back of an old photograph of her and Pop)
A couple of Christmas cards I have just found
Biscuit barrel on the dresser, cupboards at both ends one containing the Hants & Dorset bus timetable.
Pop's garage/shed full of tools and tins and jars of screws etc.
Some great stuff here Trevor.
Pop's green Raleigh (?) bicycle he rode to the Post Office. Obviously not the sports model, weighing about 3 tons
Yep - good one.
Yep - good one.
Watching the drop of spittle swinging under the end of Pop's pipe as he gave us some special "how to do something” instructions!
I'd forgotten that but you've brought it back.
Tomato plant smell in the greenhouse.
Yes - had that one up my sleeve. Also, the vine plant that ran from the far (super-heated) end to the door and produced grapes.
On the back of this photo, Nanna has written: "The man who does all the work"! This was taken before the vine had been planted
I well remember the greenhouse and the smell of tomato plants. It had little doors along the side walls to allow air circulation..we were only granted admission on rare occasions!
I well remember the greenhouse and the smell of tomato plants. It had little doors along the side walls to allow air circulation..we were only granted admission on rare occasions!
Another great shot of Pop-Pop doing what he loved best!Actually, you can see the vine, referred to above, behind him in this photograph
Vegetable patch on the right-hand side of the garden, fruit bushes on the left and sweet pea plants (lovely aroma - I am growing some for the first time this year - they are about 4 inches high and show no signs of getting taller!) on a trellis that ran in line with the front of the greenhouse and separated the lawn from the veg.
I think we stole some boards from the site when they were building the new Memorial Hall........ Nanna's name is on a plaque inside the hall commemorating all her organising activities by the way.
What about the hut that preceded it? Can't remember what they're called (Nissen huts?). I remember us playing our guitars (on stage) as the sun streamed through the highish windows. We sang the Beatles' song "Yes it is".
This is a scan of one of our pieces of sheet music that we occasionally bought
The old Nissen hut Hall has gone though its neighbour (the Scout hut) was until recently signposted as Parley Leisure Centre....made me chuckle!!!
They were a bit like these
The replacement
I once played in here with my friend John and my labrador called George - running about with a made up game shouting "he's going for a ringer!" - you had to be there!
Mr Philips who owned the toy shop at Parley Cross refusing to replace a rather feeble red water pistol. I can still picture that building as it had curved steps leading up to it. Have since found out it was once a café.
Had forgotten but now remember the water pistols. I remember squirting them into our mouths to get a drink and the taste of plastic!
It seems from this the Mr Chubb of Chubbs Garage was involved in the plans to create a Parish Hall from the Nissen huts. The committee all met in Parley Cross Café (which I presume was the toy shop you mentioned?). Later they built the current hall - opened in May '64.
I also remember the huge fir tree near the traffic lights and the bus stop to town by a lay-by (and the shelter being built later) there. Seem to remember the Post Office on the corner was the place to shop!
The Ironmongers at Parley Cross...... "Could we have 3 ounces of nails please?" ... or something like. Was that where we got the baseboards? Afraid the Post Office on the corner now sells Double Glazing...groan! We got the railway boards from the shop near the chip shop (beside the electricity transformer that's fenced in)...but the name evades me......oh, Squires I think it was.
The second-hand shop in Moordown..... can't remember what we bought there. Rather sleazy little business.
I remember the owner was a spiv (!) and he was having an argument with a customer on the steps about playing discordantly or something - about how you can't play two keys that sit side-by-side together. I think we wanted an electric guitar but didn't have the funds or failing that a walkie talkie set as the two cans and a length of stretched string had its limitations!
An interesting website here about Moordown)
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