Addiscombe, Greater London

Cherished Memories

Finding this site has brought many wonderful memories back to me. I was born in St Mary's Hospital, Croydon. My maiden name was Chappell. I lived in Purley Road, South Croydon not far from the Red Deer until 1957. Every Saturday I travelled to Croydon with Mum or, when old enough, on my own or with friends. Usually Kennards was my... [more]

Croydon, Thornton Heath and Norbury

I was born and brought up in Croydon and although I now live in the Channel Islands I still regard it as my home. I remember living in Northborough Road, Norbury and attending Norbury Manor Infants School only briefly. We used to go to the ABC Minors on a Saturday morning and my mum used to clean a dance studio next... [more]

Buddy Rich concert in Fairfield Hall

I'm not sure of the year but I attended a Buddy Rich concert once in the
Fairfield Hall. I was living in Holland at the time when I heard of the concert and as he was my idol, I rushed to make a reservation by phone. However, due to transport difficulties, we arrived late. Imagine my surprise when the management apologised... [more]

lanfranc school air disaster

I lived in Frith Road, Croydon and was in the same class as some of my friends who went on the trip to Norway. My parents couldn't afford the price for the trip (at that stage their were seven of us!). I went with the Mitcham Road Surrey ACF on summer camp instead. A strange thing happend whilst at camp one... [more]

The Toss of a Coin.

It was my brother Quentin Green who tossed a coin for the last seat on the plane that was to take 34 boys and two masters (Mr Budd and Mr Beacham) to Stavanger in Norway. One boy had to give up his place at the last moment (although there had been, I have come to know, many boys whose parents had... [more]

Waddon etc

I was born in 1948 and lived in Waddon Court Road until 1963. I remember the joy of Waddon Ponds just three doors away, and rRunning the gauntlet with the park keepers such as 'Pegleg', a cruel nickname following the 'legend' of a leg break by a swan!

The paper shop next door to Coopers was Wickhams and at... [more]

Norbury and Thornton Heath in the 1950s

Memories of Norbury and Thornton Heath are still vivid for me as I revisited the area a couple of years ago and many of the places I recall are still standing. Sadly, many are not. The Rex cinema was a favourite haunt and nearby was 'The Grandison School of Dancing' where I learned ballet for several years. Both now gone.
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