Ashford memories
Here are memories of Ashford and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Ashford or a Ashford photo.
Blyth Spirit
Moved to the Grammar School in 1949 from St.Annes - my brother,Frank Blagrove, was already there. Do you remember the film shows run by Mr Phillips? Entry was one penny. Blyth Spirit with Margaret Rutherford, has been on the television several times recently - that brings back memories. Unfortunately, grammar school education was wasted on me, I was a bit of a rebel but stayed the course until 1954. It was a great pity when Ashford, Middlesex was overpowered by Surrey and the best grammar school in the south was lost. What about all the hockey teams of other schools in the area especially those we beat, I played goalkeeper for the school team. On one occasion, when I was still wearing trousers, a concession awarded to the goal keeper, I returned to my classroom and was confronted by Mrs Phillips, the headmistress. Boy, did she tell me off. Those were the days! To wear trousers to school was unheard of. For punishment, it was probably one of the many... Read more
Clock House Lane
I was born in a tiny house on Clock House Lane (the youngest of nine) and spent many happy hours playing over on "the rec". My brothers played soccer, and we all played tennis, and went putting on the miniature golf course. We also played on the swings a lot.
I'm A Stanwellian
I grew up in Stanhope Heath...went to junior school and Lord Knyvet's, hen Ashford Grammar. I remember the farrier, the gravel pits, the"Iraqi place". My brother and mother are buried in the cemetery. My friend was Steven Tibbles. The Pearce family lived across the street, she worked at Ashford hospital, Bill Pearce worked in the fire department at the airport. I spent many days building and driving around "go-carts" (not motor). I got nicked for running through corn fields - not good when your dad's a Bobby! I remember seeing my first Corvette, sitting on the bench on the corner. How about Saint Annes' Well? I fell off the gate of my dad's allotment and broke my arm...
White Lodge (The Station House)
I was only a few years old, when we moved into White Lodge, the station house, as shown in the picture, I loved the sound of the trains stopping & starting at the platforms, the house used to shake, it was certainly a novelty, our family consisted of 4 siblings, & mum & Dad, & we lived there for 45 years. Mum complained when the trains went from Steam to Diesel, that her net curtains, needed more frequent cleaning, from the diesel fumes, when windows were opened. It was a very special moment, when the train carrying Winston Churchill's coffin past through.
Ashford Swimming Pool
I remember visiting this open air pool many times, I also remember how cold it was. Flats now stand where the pool was.
Ashford Fish Shop
In about 1949 my family brought the fried fish shop at number 3 Station Approach, Ashford, Middlesex. I was about three years old at the time and my earliest memory is of driving my pedal car between the tables and chairs in the shop. My father had a secure job in the office with London Transport at Chiswick, so did not give it up. My mother ran the shop during the day and dad took over in the evenings. They must have done a good job because business thrived and they sold the shop a year later making a nice profit.
Biking to School
I attended Clarendon Road from 1950-52 and then moved to Eckelford. Initially my father took me by bike and then went on my own. I am the youngest of nine children, several of whom also went to Clarendon Road.
Clarendon Road School
I would love to see a photograph of Clarendon Road School, on its original site, before it was replaced by homes. Does anyone have any Internal or external?
Memories of Middlesex
The Russell Family
I am researching Beatrice Russell who lived in Halliford on Thames with her family in the 1880s and 1890s and possibly later too. I would be grateful for any information, memories, addresses or leads that might help me find out a little more about the Russells. She had a brother called Edward and they both lived in British East Africa, now Kenya in the 1890s. Please send any information to me, sullivanpaul1@gmail.com
Thank you.
Near ''The Lammas
1954-1959, say?? Perhaps earlier too. This section of the River looks v. close to the area off the top of Thames or Bridge Street (?) known as The Staines "Lammas". A number of pools and play areas, with a swimming pool set into the River itself. Such a trek by 'bus to get there. I don't think anyone would do it today. But we did and we thought it a wonderful treat. Although there were many hardships for most families, at least Mother wasn't a slave to technology or guilt. Part of her 'work' was to take us out and about. To enjoy life with us wherever possible. A 'takeaway' was occasional Fish and Chips or a 'bag' of hot chips. More likely an ice lolly! String bags with refreshments, swim tyres ready inflated around our waists! Mother quite resigned, even cheerful about our 'big day out'. Planning where would be best to 'bags' a spot for the day. Excited to get there in the cool morning... Read more
The Weir
See my comments under photo S175052 - Penton Hook Lock - about the wooden weir you can just see in the middle of this image.
Picnics at Knowle Green
We had some very happy family picnics on Knowle Green. There was a small stream in which we used to play with our fishing nets and catch small fish and other water creatures. There were also plenty of wild flowers on the edge of the stream and dragon flies. There was also on the Green a herd of dairy cows brought down from their farm daily to graze, Knowle Green was then common land, and in the early evening they were rounded up to take back to their farm to be milked. I have no idea where the farm was.
There was also on Knowle Green a blacksmith's forge and we children used to stand and watch the furnace and the horses being shoed. This was situated by the other stream on Knowle Green on the other side of the linoleum factory.
There were also about six mature, beautiful horse chestnut trees at the entrance to Knowle Green by Kingston Road, wonderfully bountiful for the conker season and to play... Read more
Not 1960?
The four pinnacles on the tower were removed after WW2 because a bomb dropped in Wraysbury Road made them unsafe. I was born in '45 (and baptised in St. Mary's) and was still living in Wraysbury Road in 1960. I do not remember the pinnacles being demolished so this photo must have been taken much earlier as they would have been removed in my early childhood.
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