Ashford, West London Schools The Lodge 1895

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.

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 under in general. I do hope that they are still there.
Thankyou Knowle Green for such good memories.

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 bus ride, by the late afternoon  we wanted to avoid the hot wait for 'the little bus' we would trail down the High Street, towards a cycle shop which had a little arched laneway alongside.(Later a Chinese Restaurant??) and wait for the 116. Hoping it was going all the way to Bedfont Green and not changing driver or conductor at "The BullDog" nr Ashford General.

Later The River became an  even more important socialising force for many young people with its Boat Hire, Tow path walks, Regatta and historical sites.
Such lovely places really. There were always the gloomy people and grimy places. But on balance Staines really did have a lot to offer.
Olivia R-S

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.