Childhood Memories

Hi there, some of you may know me or my family, at the top end of Pike Lane, or 'Havens Hill' as it was called. Does anyone remember the fish and chip shop and the coal yard in that lane by the way? My memories are of :- Helping Mom and Dad with our suitcases down to the station on the annual holiday and calling at Johnsons newsagent in that little shop on the left. Does anyone remember 'Mr. Riddley' the cobbler? As a 10 year old I was petrified having to go in to 'Stubbs' the butcher, there was something about the way he waved that cleaver about. Then there was the Co-op, with the drapery section, and how Frank use to cut the twist tobacco on the counter, then the money was put into those jars and sent whizzing across the room to the cashier and you waited for your change to return. I was only thinking the other day whilst talking to my son Luke about how we would make carts out of pram wheels and attempt speed records down 'old road' and how we dragged branches for miles around back home on bonfire night. Yes indeed, the adventures we have had at weekends, gone all day down by 'five arches', being chased out of the 'Rectors wood', or similar action in and around the 'Armitage lodge'. I do miss my home village and the people. Thankyou for taking the time to read my story and I look forward to any replies via my e-mail :- revivalx2@hotmail.com   yours..Dave Stonebridge.