High Street c1965, Beckenham
High Street c1965, Beckenham Ref: B46075
Memories of High Street c1965, Beckenham
Train.
I remember I used to put a penny in a slot on the window frame of the toy shop and watch a train go round in the window.
Beckenham & local memories
Read and share memories of Beckenham and Kent inspired by Frith photos.
The Prompt
My mum worked at the Prompt Corner Coffee Bar for many years and my sister and I used to go in for our tea most days. We knew many of the regulars, but as I was pretty young most of the names escape me now. Mum also worked as an usherette at the Regal, and we went to the cinema regularly. She also worked in the greengrocers near to the Importers Coffee Shop (not a cafe) but what it was called I don't recall. We lived in Fairfield Road, opposite Christ Church, and spent hours and hours playing with the local children in the car parks (where there were never any cars) and in Kelsey Park, where we made dens in the bushes, and caught sticklebacks in the stream.
Remembering The High Street as A Young Child
I remember going into the Prompt Cafe with my parents along the High Street. As a young child, I can recall seeing loads of little mats or coasters on the wall. Yes, I also remember the strong smell of the roasted coffee beans. Every Friday in the 1960s my parents had lunch in the Regal, now the Odeon, by the roundabout. My dad used to say the lunch was very cheap there. I used to love Kennedys and their meat pies, such a shame they have now closed down. My mother worked in Boots in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Next door to the George pub was a furrier, several real fur coats in the window. My mother took me to the dentist which was held in the Town Hall of all places. The nurse there scared me, especially when I had to have gas, I remember the horrible black rubber mouthpiece she put over my mouth. I was... Read more
Childhood Days
The house you can see straight ahead (was Gordon House) was the house I was brought up in. My neighbour lived above the coffee shop that you all remember, I have lovely memories of that house, of that time. It's such a different place now....
Fond Memories
I too have wonderful memories of walking down to Beckenham High Street, from Elmers End (seemed like a million miles to a four-year-old with little legs!) and passing by the toy shop and putting in a penny to watch the train go around... then walking down past the coffee shop with its pungent odor (which smelled horrible to a little one!) and on to the end of the high street, stopping on the way at Sainsburys with the wood shavings on the floor... aahhh...good times indeed..
Coffee Shop.
I also remember the lovely smell of the coffee shop when I used to walk there with my dad, he loved the smell and often used to go and buy some fresh ground coffee.
Elm Road Church.
My parents were married in this church in 1955. I was born in Stone Park Hospital in 1957. I was also blessed in this church.
Walking up Beckenham High Street
I remember there was a shop that sold all kinds of coffee beans. You could smell the coffee a few doors before you reached it. It's in the centre of the photo.
Elmers End
I was born in Beckenham Hospital - the one next to a park I believe. I grew up in Elmers End and attending Elmers End & Eden Park Preparatory School - my husband and I tried to find the school a few years back when we came over from Canada, where I've lived for the past 30+ years, for a visit...but I believe the Elmers End school is no longer there. I went to Marian Vian Secondary School which we did find and although the building is the same it has a number of changes now!! The London Transport Bus Garage that was at the end of our road, Beck Lane, is now housing and so is Churchfields School where my brother went!
It was wonderful to be able to walk down my street and rmember people & memories, like walking to the end of our street to the bus garage for shillings for the meter and on the opposite corner to the cigarette machine... Read more
