Ruth Hilton

Post date: 26-Aug-2020 19:18:23

Shortly after my sister Margot was born we moved from an upstairs flat in Haverstock Hill to the garden flat at 70 Belsize Park Gardens. Many family friends already lived in Belsize Park Gardens – the Cousins at 64, Long/Nicholsons at 62 next to the bombed site, Dachingers the other side of the bomb site, Swinglers further up at No 6. Along with the Bakers in Downside Crescent, Epsteins in Lambolle Place, Forresters in Lancaster Grove and Whitmans in Howitt Rd. This group of families formed the core of a social group that was active together socially, culturally and politically. The kids all knew one another, many of us played together on the bomb site completely without adult supervision, were in and out of each others houses, were accompanied in a group by one of the adults on the 187 bus to and from George Eliot Primary school and went on holiday camps together with Forest School. These kids were my Belsize Park Massive. I was closest in age and friendship to Steve Cousins who many other girls lusted after but ours was very much a brother/sister relationship.

The families were very politically active and as kids we were taken on demos on a regular basis. I’d been in mass protests in Trafalgar Square against apartheid, nuclear weapons and supporting workers rights so often I knew all the places to go and have a drink and a sit down (Tate Gallery my favourite) after the marches.

In 1958 when I was 13 my Dad drove me to Aldermaston so we could join the last leg of the first Aldermaston march that had started in London and ended at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment. The following year the march over the four days of the Easter weekend, reversed direction starting in Aldermaston and ending in Trafalgar.

when I was at primary school with Ruth I (PE) developed a passion for her. I used to leave presnts for her on her doorstep, ring the bell, and run away.

Ruth's father ran an electrical shop in England's Lane, just around the corner from Belsize Park Gardens. Tony's father Dan on learning that Ruth was a friend, said "Look, Tony, if you meet her dad don't mention me, I owe him some money."

Ruth went on to join the rest of us at the Witches while she was at Camden School for Girls, Camden Road.

She has lots of memories of the Witches crowd.

Here's a history of Ruth in pictures

Young Ruth Hilton

Young Ruth Hilton in the playground at George Eliot Primary School aged perhaps 11, taken by me with my Kodak Brownie camera - she was my preteen heart-throb! (PE)

Teenage Ruth Hilton looking gorgeous

Teenage Ruth Hilton in the garden

Teenage Ruth Hilton looking grown up

Margo Hilton (sister), Mark Vaughn (Ruth's first seious boyfriend) and Ruth Hilton herself

Ruth Hilton in her 20s

Ruth Hilton in her 20s - at a wedding it looks like!

Ruth Hilton in her 30s

Ruth Hilton in her 30s

Ruth Hilton more recently

Dear Paul

I have finally gone through your original list and commented - changed some of the previous comments I’ve sent you. Ignore the different shades of red just clicked on wrong colour square at times.

Doing this brought back so many memories hence the decision to write my own memoirs. One of the people i knew from William Ellis and the Witches but not on your list was Peter Gotlieb. He had a sister Sue - can’t remember where she went to school. Their parents were divorced and mum Penny ran the Hampstead Gallery in Perrins Court. I worked for her Saturdays and holidays - she was a great employer - and became very friendly with Pete and Sue. Peter picked me up from school one day after I’d had domestic science, made a large dish of ravioli which was going to be the family supper. Unfortunately some other lunatic driver caused Pete to crash into a wall and the ravioli went all over the car. Luckily the wall belonged to a house owned by family friends of the Gotliebs and they took us in, checked we were undamaged, provided tea and comfort and helps Peter sort out the car. I can’t remember how I got home or what we had for supper but that was the first and last time I ever made ravioli from scratch.

FRIENDS FROM 60s

William Ellis linked

Older WE students and connections

I knew all this group except Norman Allen (although I might have known him too although can’t remember). They were generally pretty distant. We went on holiday with the Jeffreys brothers – and their parents with another family of mutual friends so they were friendlier than some of the others.

Sean Sayers, professor of philosophy (Hegel & Marx) Knew him

Andrew Moss, doctor and AIDS expert Knew him

Joe Whittaker and sister Jill Whittaker, I worked with their mother Kate who was inspirational but always found Joe a bit distant. Jill was younger than me but far more friendly.

Pete Jeffreys and brother Steve Jeffreys their family and mine had mutual friends and we all went on holiday together at one point although I can’t remember where. They were certainly friendlier than others in this group but were never close.

Paul Rock my first – and very innocent love. We met at a party – I think at the Vorhaus’s and it was literally that lightning bolt moment for me. There was something there for Paul too as he approached me and we started dating after the party. I can’t remember how long it went on for but he dumped me and I was devastated. Snogging but no sex – maybe this was why he dumped me!

Mid-range WE students and connections

Paul Ernest, academic As well you know, this connection goes back far further than WE!

Sue Ernest, painter – I really don’t remember your sister – sorry.

Tony Barnett, science teacher Remember him well, reconnected with him through you and somewhat amazed - and delighted - to find him still alive.

Sue Barnett Knew but don’t remember very well, think she was closer to my sister.

Peter Sayers, inventor, educational manager and photographer Knew him

Philip Howe, film maker Knew him

Alan Shoobridge I remember him well, really liked him - not romantically and was pretty devastated when he died. His was the first death I experienced in someone of my generation at a time when we thought we were pretty inviolable.

John Duchin, financier don’t know where you got the financier from but he was an estate agent although I believe his ‘career’ has been somewhat chequered. Another one I grew up with and his family moved from Belsize Park to West Heath Drive about the same time as we did. Now lives in Mallorca with his second wife (may be long term partner) who is English. His first wife was Swedish and they had two children a girl and a boy.

Tim Selwood, cricketer K Close friend of John Rush?

Steve Goldblatt, leading cinematographer Hollywood Another friend, we did hold hands in the cinema whilst watching The Mummy but probably because I was terrified. Have never liked horror movies.

Mic Parsons, Jail Russia, J Knew him. Close friend of John Rush?

Marco Goldschmied, leading architect Marco was a very close friend but we lost touch when I went to the States. Did catch up with him a few years ago – possibly through Friends Reunited – certainly while Mum was still alive because she remembered him. Have not had any contact recently.

John Rush, publishing agent First long term boyfriend but can’t remember how long the relationship lasted. This time I ended it. Still no sex. Happened to go for a drink with a friend in a pub in Highgate where he was having his stag night. He was very drunk and kept hugging me saying ‘next time it will be you’! Sentiments not reciprocated. I think he became a raving Tory. Now lives somewhere in East Anglia with his wife who has some either mental health or debilitating illness and he is her carer – or was when I last heard about him. Did get free access to Yardbirds gigs when he worked for Georgio Gromelski and when they supported the Beatles at Hammersmith front row seats. Couldn’t hear a thing for all the other kids screaming but they were great to watch!

Alf Levy, dentist As you know, ex GE recently reconnected and still in touch. Now has 2 of his 5 children living in Lewes (with their partners) and new grandchild. Alfred and Lorraine came here on Sunday for driveway coffee and it was really great to see them. With just the three of us the catch up over the years conversations were different to those we’ve had in the larger GE reunited group meetings. Still many started but not finished!

Peter Isley/Isbey (changed it to Ashby) Pretty sure it was Isbey .Remember him as v close friend of Marco’s

Younger WE students and connections

Dave Stephens V, psychologist & bro. Chris V

Steve Moss, media consultant extraordinaire

Alan Green V, nuts & bolts empire

Oliver Ollie Woolnough, set designer

Andy Ford

John Ward

Rick Kirby

Derek Bowyer

Tommy Bower, known investigative journalist

Viv Shutzman, thief

Several of the above names are familiar – Dave Stephens, Steve Moss, Ollie Woolnough but I can’t say I remember any of them even as shadowy figures from the past.

Politically Linked (Hampstead YS, YCL, CND)

Vicki Berger K Sister to Carol and I knew Carol better. Liked her very much. Think they were cousins of the Whittakers.

Jill Whittaker, K

Nessie (Vanessa Mordin) YCL, married Peter, moved to Wales

Leila & Leslie Freitag: mother married TB’s dad Knew Leslie better than Leila. If memory serves, Leslie was not overjoyed when his mother married Tony’s dad but can’t remember if it was because he didn’t want to share his mum, didn’t much like Tony’s dad or didn’t want any more siblings.

Roger Silverman, teacher & political activist He was I felt always intimidated by his father – or his father’s position. He’s now standing as a candidate for the Labour Party NEC

Henry & Quentin Jacobsen, photography I remember knowing them when they were at school – King Alfreds but didn’t know them well. Thanks to you have met Henry recently – he’s very quiet!

John Cousins – Steve’s older brother. I was never as close to him as I was to Steve but because our families were in same lefty social circles knew him well. Steve used to have snogging sessions with assorted girls – usually one at a time - in their flat when his parents were out and one day I was invited to be John’s partner for the afternoon. I think probably because John wouldn’t go out. Very enjoyable but didn’t go any further. He moved to Sweden, got married and had kids – at least one girl. He came over with his wife sometime after Steve died – he wasn’t at the funeral and they spent some time in Brighton as part of the reason for their visit was to see Steve’s oldest son who was living in Newhaven at the time. John’s wife died a couple of years ago but as far as I know he has remained in their home in Sweden.

Nick Swingler Another of the kids from lefty Belsize Park family. Knew his sister Clair better. Had another brother I think younger called Ollie

Norman Vorhaus – do you mean David Vorhaus? Had a sister Gwyneth. Did not much like David and think their parents were a bit weird but liked Gwyneth. Think David became a musician and that Gwyneth died a few years ago.

Mark Long (people show) Another Belsize Park lefty who I grew up with as our parents were friends and they lived about 3 doors away (The Cousins’s live two doors away from us next door to Mark’s family). Mark’s Mum Bridget had remarried to Jock Nicholson after Mark’s younger sister Laura was born but their youngest sister Josie was a Nicholson. Mark was a year older than me but we both went to Trent Park training college – I was in my first year when Mark was in his last as I’d had a year in the US after leaving school and before starting training college. He was a much revered student and my friendship with him stood me in very good stead! He started The People Show with at least two other Trent students Sid Palmer and Mike Figgis - also at Trent but not the same year as Mark and Sid. I can’t remember if Mike was in my year or the year above – was also involved with the People Show in its early days. Mark now lives in Ireland but is still involved with the People Show.

Witches linked

Looking at your list, I have a feeling that my main time at the Witches may have been earlier than some of the people here. I think my Dad may have taken me first time round and most of the times I went were on Sunday afternoons to the folk club as I was more than a bit besotted with Martyn Carthy. (May even have seen him play at The Loft in Elizabeth Mews which was smaller and never as popular as the Witches but was just round the corner from our shop and happy to serve one dish of spaghetti bolognaise with two, three or four forks! Don’t remember the Witches being as accommodating!))

Dave Young Knew him

John Maizels, painter & editor Raw Vision knew and remember I liked him but can’t remember how I got to know him although I think there might have been a family connection. They lived in Llanvanor Rd which was not far off the Finchley Road from West Heath Drive.

Vaughn O'Leary name rings a bell but have no other memory

Paul Vaughn, painter & designer. Moved to Tunisia with bride if this is the Paul Vaughn that is the middle brother Jasper oldest, Mark youngest, I knew him as I had a long lasting relationship with Mark. During that time if memory serves, Paul was in a relationship with Janie Whitman. He was pretty self contained but had a great sense of humour.

Peter (Chet) Chettleborough very fond of Chet and have just found a small, signed photo!

Mick Roach stole my heart and my virginity but was in a relationship with another girl at the time – something he failed to mention. I think he married her and they went off to live in Australia.

Joe Hennessy Welch I remember him well, was he always called Hennesy Joe? Think he had some sort of relationship with my sister but may have been fleeting (one night?)

Sunita Nandy, Hampstead Hill Gdns another King Alfred pupil? Remember her well, always liked her and we were friends but think I wasn’t that important to her. Did she have a sister? I could be mixing the two of them up.

Pete V, Chris & Pauline Blackman knew Pete and Chris better than Pauline, thought Chris was a bit loud and something of a show off but on reflection maybe this was compensatory behaviour. Pete was a far quieter and gentler personality.

Bernie Osgood, jail Iran another one I thought I loved but wouldn’t have sex with who dumped me for Noelle Brangwyn because she would.

Margot Hilton, Australia sister

Claire Swingler a bit younger than me but knew her and her brothers because our parents were friends – all part of the Belsize Park lefty political activists. Her Dad was an MP.

Jane (Janie) Whitman same sort of relationship as Claire but I always felt closer to Janie

Kai – Jane’s partner I think I knew Kai’s mother – again some connection with my parents and I believe they lived in Chalcot Gardens opposite the shop so I did know him but not very well.

Sue Whitman actress, went to Central, knew her quite well but not as well as Janie or even John. Always thought she was much younger than Janie but have just looked her up and it says she was born in 1946 and I’m sure Janie was more than a year younger than me. close friend of Pauline wife/Pete Rasini

Alice Fairfax-Jones, father owned Everyman. Had Austus John’s studio early 1970s off West end Lane. Now in France with clothing design studio K again I think there was some sort of family connection but nowhere near as close as with the Cousin’s and Mark Long’s family.

Judy Brandt – neice of Brandt photographer knew her through the King Alfred’s school crowd. Always liked her. Think she had a relationship with one of the KA teachers.

Sandra Naidu was very friendly with her for a long time. She lived in Dunstan Road and I can remember spending a lot of time at her house.

Vicky Wilding, Goldhurst Terrace. Knew her

Early 1960s

Gabi Weissman V, painter remember him well from GE

Ruth Hilton, Brighton, SEN expert PSHE rather than SEN although did teach in Special Schools for years before becoming an Advisory Teacher for PSHE

Richard Gates V, Tony’s cousin, photograper remember him well – he was always great fun.

Steve Cousins cook - He would prefer chef! Steve was my closest friend growing up. I loved him like a brother and we spent pretty much all our time playing together as kids and shared experiences as teenagers. We lost touch when I went to the States the year after leaving school and I saw very little of him once I went to college when I got back. He trained with Pru Leith and was doing pretty well until the drink and drugs got to him. I had reports of him begging on the streets in Hampstead from several mutual friends who had seen him – but I never did. I was so pleased to be in touch again – as with you – through Friends Reunited and to see him sober during the early time of our reconnection. We became close friends again pretty quickly. His difficult relationship with the trans woman he became involved with drove him back to drink and eventually killed him.

Dave, Mary & Sian Wallis-Jones . DWJ head at Fitzjohns Primary School Always very fond of David, lost touch and again reconnected through Friends Reunited and kept in touch after our first reunion although he never wanted to come to another of our get togethers. Was very shocked when he died so suddenly and unexpectedly. I didn’t know Mary very well but she became a governor at Chalcot School after I’d left and moved to Brighton but as I went back there often I met Mary again in her role as governor.

Carol Berger Carol was the Berger girl I was friendlier with and liked a lot.

Peter Jaffe knew all the Jaffe’s as they were family friends. Was always a bit in awe of Peter as he was older and came across as clever and a bit of a boffin. Had two sisters Margie who went to Camden but can’t remember name of other sister.

Robert Tresman knew him, he went to Hendon County so Margot probably knew him better than I did. I think he lived in Dunstan Rd.

Anne Bendall another Camden girl. Had a bit of an on off relationship with her.

Sussex Uni linked 1966 on

Dave Fry Have a feeling I knew Dave before he went to Sussex but not well.

Anne Beech, publisher Close friend of close friends so have met her through the Harris’s

Dave Buirski with sister Di knew them both from Forest School Camps.

Marilyn Wheatcroft D, BBC Marilyn was at Hendon County and for a long time a close friend of my sister, I never took to her. She had a long standing relationship with another HC boy who Margot and I were both friendly with. He was Jewish from a family that would not have been happy with him dating a non Jewish girl so we became the cover family!

Howard Marks (1970s?) D, smuggler & author, Mr Nice very well known to several of my Brighton friends some of whom he used to store either dope or money. When he was in Terra Haute high security prison and I went to visit friends in Indianapolis, one of my friends got me a visiting pass so I spent most of a day with him in the visitors room of the prison. He was charming, interesting and clever but totally uninterested in me and the friends in Brighton who had helped him in the past.