The Swan And Sugarloaf Hotel 1902, Croydon
The Swan And Sugarloaf Hotel 1902, Croydon Ref: 48181
Memories of The Swan And Sugarloaf Hotel 1902, Croydon
18+ Group
The 18+ social group used to hold meetings here. Previously they used to be held in rooms in the Blue Anchor nearby.
The Croydon Sweet Club
I have great memories of going to the Croydon Sweet Club and dancing the night away to sounds of the Liquidator and many more reggae songs, dressed in two-tone tonic suits and doing a lot of stomping. I was only 14/15 years old and was still at school and had my first ever drink of cider at the Sweet. I lived in Mitcham but used to go to Croydon. I remember pony rides at Kennards store when I was a kid and then going to Lyons tea house as a treat. Grants, Kennards and Alders ruled long before the Whitgift Centre was built. My great-grandfather ran the Swan and Sugar Loaf pub. My maiden name was Lindsay.
Croydon & local memories
Read and share memories of Croydon and Surrey inspired by Frith photos.
Kennards
Was there really a live donkey in Kennards Arcade at some point? Was that just a childhood dream I had? One highlight of my childhood was going to one of the big department stores with my grandmother and mother. Ladies dressed in black played violins while we ate coffee and cake. For a few brief hours we were rich, had a huge house and all the other things I once thought made life fun. I cannot remember if it was Alders, Kennards or Grants. One day I wanted to take my grandmother there for coffee. Alas that wonderful experience had been replaced by a self-service cafe. I have no idea of dates, but was born in 1955 and the self-service cafe disapointment happened when I was a teenager.
Kennards
My mother Kathleen Reeve used to work in Kennards and I remember that at the end of the day over the loudspeaker system they would play "Now is the Hour". In later years she always used to say how much she disliked that tune! I was only 7 but I too remember the arcade and the sights and smells and how wonderful it was for a child at Christmas time.
Dees Ford Dealer South Croydon
I purchased my first vehicle at Dees in 1959. I was twenty four and really wanted a car but the prices were high for used vehicles and the registration fees also. I went to Dees with my friend Graham (we met while working at Mullard in Mitcham) and one of the the employees told us they had some used vans for sale. In those days the registration fees for vans was a lot lower than a regular car. We were directed to a location about a mile away where Dees had a body shop and a storage area. On arrival we discovered they had a lot of used Thames vans for sale. Apparently there was some sort of contract with the Singer Sewing machine company whereby they exchanged their vehicles annually for new units. As a result Dees had a lot of vans for sale, in some cases with low mileage. We bought one each. Only problem was the color,... Read more
Wandle Road
Although I was born in Newcastle on Tyne, I came to Croydon when I was nine - about 1958. My maiden name was Fawley, and my parents (Ron and Irene) had a sweet and general shop at 6 Wandle Road. It was near the swimming pool in Scarbrook Road, and a lot of trade came from there after swimming (do you remember how hungry you were after swimming?) The shop used to advertise what was on at The Grand Theatre, and sometimes we used to get free tickets. I went to Howard school before South Croydon Secondary Modern - Mr de Voile was the head and he was always telling us 'how lucky we were' - heavens knows why. I have very fond memories of old Croydon - the market, the town hall and library, Turtles in Crown Hill, C & A, Swears & Wells - the fur shop, Lyons tea shop in North End where Macdonalds is now, Wilsons coffee shop in North End where you could smell the... Read more
James And Horner Newsagents
I was bought to live in Croydon when I was about 5/6yrs and my parents actually ran the newsagents James and Horner (if my memory serves). I remember living next door to a furrier, and only just having found this site my memories are very happy ones. I do remember visiting the Davis Theatre to see "Swan Lake" with my mum; also do a photography shoot for Jack Setty Furrier which I think was also opposite..
Croydon Train Crash Sussex rd Sth Croydon Oct 1947
I well remember this crash, I had just walked past where the crash happened to buy bread for my mother. I was only seven years old, but ii will always be on my mind, because ten years later my first job after leaving school was to become a signal box boy at South Croydon signal box.
Kennards Arcade And Surrey Street Market
My dad had a shop in Kennards Arcade, mending, making and selling dentures. I helped him on Saturdays selling his own brand of denture cleaner called 'Sparkdent'. My first half-crown pay was spent on a Buddy Holly album that I still have. A family story goes that one of his lady customers came dashing in and asked for a new pair of dentures as hers had fallen into someone else's basket of veg/fruit in Surrey Street Market and she did not dare to ask them for them back!
Surrey Ice Cream Parlour
I wonder if any one remembers the Surrey ice cream parlour, half way up Surrey Street on the left bottom of the steps leading up to the main road. Oh how I wished we could get ice. This was just after the war. I was born 1935. Also does anyone remember the lady who used to sell fresh boiled beetroots? This was later but I have no idea when. Anyone with any info please get in touch, my e-mail is: honkharling21@googlemail.com
Surrey St.
I have only just discovered this website and felt compelled to respond.
I was born in Heathfield Gardens, South Croydon in 1948 and my maiden name was Murphy. We moved to Wyche Grove near the Purley Arms, South Croydon when I was about 5 years old and we lived there until 1963 when we moved to the Isle of Wight. Something of a culture shock!
I remember trips up to Surrey Street market, noise of the stall holders and the old cabbage leaves and squashed bananas etc. near the stalls. I also remember the back entrance to Grants from the market and always thought it was something of a haven to get up into the decent surroundings of that nice store.
I went to Purley Oaks Primary School and then John Newnham, getting two buses to school and thinking nothing of it. I can remember getting quite excited when the new Routemaster bus came to Croydon and it served my routes to school in Addington.
We left Croydon just as... Read more
Town Hall Sunken Gardens
The Town Hall gardens was once the terminal for the atmospheric railway to London.
A little before my time!
Registry Office
We got married in the old registry office which was oppoosite the old Town Hall (beautiful building}, then we went down into Town hall Gardens (is this the correct name?), down the slope next to police station for photos. My name is John Knapp.
Bananas
I have just discovered this website tonight and the strange thing is that I was thinking about Surrey Street market only last week. I moved to Croydon when I was a small child in 1955. My grandmother and I would always go to the market and buy our fruit from a young dark haired man that we knew by the name of "Bananas", his stall was at the top right hand side as you went in from the Kathrine Street end.
Surrey Street
Tom Grossmith, my grandmother's uncle, had a business in Surrey Street in the late 1800s making gaiters and knickerbockers. When I was 15 I would cycle to Croydon from Wallington to try to find his shop. There was a butcher's shop at the Crown Hill end of Surrey Street and my mother would give me 15 shillings to get a leg of lamb. I soon found out that a leg of mutton only cost 12/6d so I would make half a crown for my trouble.As my pocket money was only 6d per week, this was a considerable perk. I have since discovered that my great grandfather also had a business in Surrey Street and it was he who made the cornucopia which stretched across Katherine Street for the visit of Queen Victoria to Croydon.
BHS by Barbara Lewis
I worked in British Home Stores way back from 1959 to 1966, in those days it was at the top of Church Street. I was a supervisor in the clothing department and our manager was Mr Denson, he employed a retired manager to work there for about three months to train me, his name was Mr Morse, he was very tough and precise but I certainly learnt a lot about underwear and clothing, how to work out and order from this country and abroad. In those days the shop had counters and staff were polite and customers were not kept waiting. How different to nowadays when you pick up your purchase and wander around looking for an assistant or somewhere to pay. We were a happy crowd back then and when Mr Denson was promoted to the number one store in Oxford Street he asked for me to go with him as manageress, unfortunately I had to refuse as I suddenly lost my father and had a lot of family commitments. It would... Read more
More Memories From Barbara Lewis
Us oldies enjoy remembering the simple pleasures we had of Croydon, as someone said - the little zoo and the donkeys in Kennards arcade. My favourite was that staircase in the middle as you went in by the doors, to me as a little girl it always seemed so grand. Later on, about the year 1942, I saw little tables with manicurists sitting at the top of the stairs that adjoined the hairdressing department, I then and there stopped biting my nails and had an interview, I was accepted and after about two-weeks of being trained to manicure by one of the older girls, there I was with my own little table with two shiny chrome bowls either side, a complete manicure set and lots of lovely nail varnishes in amazing colours! One day (a day I will never forget) I saw three young American soldiers watching me, I heard one say, "Go on then, it's worth having your hand held for only two shillings and sixpence!". Unfortunately his hands were very rough... Read more
This Was Written by my Mum Barbara Lewis
Reading childhood memories made me remember a few of mine. When war broke out I was 10 living in Lyndhurst Road, Thornton Heath. I used to wander up to the pond to an old shed in Thornton Road to watch horses have their horseshoe's replaced, I can still remember the smell and heat of the big soldering iron. Also, going back even further, being carried up the iron staircase at Croydon Airport to watch planes and learning later that it was to watch Amy Johnson take off.
My school in 1939 was the convent ran by nuns near warwick Road, most of the time was spent in the cellars owing to air raids. I later moved on to Norbury Manor. One thing i never found out was why none of my school friends had a gas proof room like us ! My Dad and two men did this in our living room early in 1940, the fire place was completely blocked and all doors, there was only a small... Read more
The Whitgift Spirals
I can remember that every time we went to meet my Granddad (he would wait outside Allders in George Street on Tuesday mornings after catching the 403 bus from Chelsham), we would have fish and chips in the BHS cafe and he would make my mum walk up to the top floor.
We'd then either go into the top floor of Woolworths (which had a huge mosaic of a swordfish on the wall) or into WH Smiths, just so I could run full speed down the spirals. As I was about 3 or 4, it felt like I was going supersonic!
When Nanny died, he bought me two little baby dolls from Zodiac Toys - one black and one white and everyone was shocked at him. I loved those dolls because he got them for me.
My brother would take me to see films at the Odeon by Marks and Spencers - and we used to walk home because the bus service was... Read more
Lanfranc Girl's Prize Giving
I too remember the Godrey Talbot talk at Prize Giving. I also remember we were given the afternoon off school to get ready, and given book tokens before the event to purchase a book that would be presented on the night. I see now how lucky I was to live in the centre of Croydon, until I moved when I was 12 years old. I had such freedom. I would go Christmas shopping on my own after school with saved pocket money. Woolworth down from Crown Hill was my favourite place. I went to the Croydon Parish Church Infant and Junior school. We had the best teacher in Mr. Thompson, he lived in Kent and taught us grammar school maths when we were 9 or 10 years old. I have never forgotten what a great teacher he was.
Kennards
I left Croydon in 1954, as a child of 9. I remember Kennards as a place of wonder, full of joy. I specifically remember the day when they had a fish stream in their basement, a real stream, concocted of metal channells. I remember St Mary's Church and the school where I went, and of being caned. It was a wonderful time, and I miss it, and Rupert, and Sidney, and Tommy Smith.
Croydon - an Adventure
We lived in Coney Hall and tended to shop in Bromley. As such, believe it or not, a trip to Croydon was a real treat. Kennards, Alders, the market .. what excitement.
To cap it all I might catch sight of a trolleybus (654,630 I believe). You can just see the wires at the top of this picture. Sadly I don't think we ever had the need to travel on one.
Guides
I was a Girl Guide here from 1969 to 1975. We used to meet every Friday. Guide captain was Mrs Pamela Ferries. I enjoyed many camping trips to Kent/Sussex (travelling in the back of a removal lorry), what fun!
Is This West Croydon Methodist Church?
I used to go to West Croydon Methodist Church (mainly the Sunday School) when I was a kid, from about 1940-ish to 1946-ish. I am not sure if THIS is the same church and would love to know if anybody can identify it.
Methodist Church And Sunday School
This part of Croydon was where I once lived, during and after the war. I have been searching for a photo of the Methodist Church which I attended as a child, mainly at their Sunday School. In this photo I can see the spire of the church and it is the nearest I've come across. This lovely old place must have been demolished in the late 1950s or some time in the 1960s as it has simply disappeared in later photos. What a shame. I'd really love to get a photo of the front view of the church but my search has been in vain, so far. I remember that one could get from London Road at Croydon through to Handcroft Road by walking down the path beside the church. Does anybody remember this place at all? I'd love to hear any memories of others. My email is: pg.harfleet at gmail.com if you care to contact me on this topic.
Endless Summer.
My school days at John Ruskin began in 1941. The art master's name was Mr. Smoothie and we thought he was a riot because he wore coloured socks. I have fond memories of the wooden railway bridge that crossed to Wandle Park. Every summer in prewar days there was a fair in the field beyond the pond.
Crossing The Railway Footbridge to go to Art Lessons
I attended John Ruskin Grammar school in the 1950's when it was in Tamworth Road. Our 'Art lessons' were held in a church hall across from Wandle Park and we had to walk across the railway footbridgre to get there and back. The art master was Mr Gee and we were at times late because we too had spent time on the railway bridge watching and waiting for the trains passing beneath us.
Kennard''s
My father's brother Hugh Lewis from Portdinorwic, North Wales, was a shoe buyer at Kennard's (11 - 13 North End) until the early 1930s. Are there any photos of the store from around that time, I wonder? I presume the area has been demolished and re-built by now, but if there are any photos / memories, I'd be glad to see them. Many thanks, Gareth Lewis (Cardiff)
My Name is Silvya Waston
My name is Silvya Waston, born 1943 at St Mary's, went to school at Fair Childs, lived in Grenville Road. My dad was John Waston, if there is anybody out there who knows me please email.
My Mum
My mum worked as a telephonist at the Davis Theatre, probably in the 1960s, and I used to go and meet her there. I remember watching 'Giselle' performed by Galina Ulonova and Nikelei Fediachev (sp?) of the Bolshoi Ballet. I think it was on stage but it could have been a movie. I also met Eileen Joyce the pianist and Mum came home one day with a signed copy of her book which I still have.
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 first stop where I made for the Arcade to see the ponies and other animals etc. It was a magical place at Christmas with Santa's Grotto and lovely decorations. Then I would go across the road to Allders which seemed a huge shop to me. Then along the High Street to Martin Fords or C&A. I loved Surrey Street Market. I learned to swim at the swimming baths down Scarborough Hill at the end of the market opposite Millets. My teacher was called Ross Eagle. I remember the water was always freezing cold and was always glad when the lesson was over. Then maybe I would visit the posh... Read more
Where I Was Born
This is the Hospital where I was born
Kennards 2
Reminiscences of Kennards Arcade brought back memories for me too. As a child, I was in Croydon for most of the war and "ponies", as we called the arcade, was a favourite spot when shopping. It helped with the war effort by displaying informative and morale-boosting mini-exhibitions along part of its length. Three of these stand out - a "daring" live silhouette of a glamorous young lady, probably inspired by cartoon character Jane, taking a bath in the recommended meagre depth of water; a reconstruction of a coal mine, through which one could walk, to encourage the recruitment of "Bevin Boys" who were detailed to the pits instead of to the armed forces; and the exhibition of an intact "doodlebug" - the flying bomb to which we were subjected.
Croydon Town Hall And Library
I too remember the town hall and library and the damage done during a wartime bombing raid. The repairs took a long time to do but were so good it was impossible to see where the damage had been done. The reference library was second to none and it helped my brother and I pass our exams.
Lime Tree Walk
Boys were not allowed to cycle on the school premises so I had to walk this leafy lane twice daily. I was scooting my bike homeward towards the Wellesley Road entrance one afternoon, expecting to hear a prefectorial shout ordering me to walk, when an air gun pellet struck me painfully between the shoulders. Looking round I saw a group of embarrassed sixth-formers seeking to dissociate themselves from a red-capped prefect holding an awkward bundle. In my anger I mounted my bike and rode the remaining 50 yards to the exit without further penalty.
I sometimes settled in the shade of these trees with my chums when swotting for finals or watching cricket on a Saturday afternoon.
The destruction of the avenue was, in my mind, a great loss to Croydon when the school site was re-developed in 1966
Leslie King (grandpa-leslie.com)
Lanfranc Girls' School Prize Giving
Between year 1962-65 I seem to remember that the Denning Hall was used on at least one occasion for Lanfranc Girls's Prize Giving Ceremony. I also think the Fairfield Hall may have been used as a venue. I remember one year receiving prizes from Mrs Godfrey Talbot. I was a member of the school choir which would perform during the course of the evening ceremony.
Registrars Office
I remember attending the Registry Office which was part of Taberner House to notify a death of a family member. Also to get married.
Buddy Rich Concert
I remember attending concerts here between 1969-1974; especially 'Buddy Rich and his Orchestra'. The best of these being the year that Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Lane were in the audience and we ended up with 'extra time' and a wonderful impromptu encore .. what a memorable evening.
Croydon Town Hall Library
I remember many very happy hours in the wonderful library. Besides the books the wonderful architectural details, the grand staircase and all the lovely dark rich wood everywhere. The new library may have more space and all the modern facilities but by comparison it is soul-less and cold.
Underpass
I remember going under on my scooter en route to Beddington only to find the wind turned me completely round so I was facing where I had come from!
Foundation Scholar.
I was a pupil at the school from 1943 to 1948 from the age of 10. I used to travel there from Norbury on the tram, having won a Scholarship from Norbury Manor School. I came from a typically working class background and to be fortunate enough to attend this school was a considerable advantage. Mr. Clayton was Headmaster, with the imposing Dr. Shutt his deputy. It was wartime of course, and many morning assemblies in Big School were marked with the latest news of deaths of old boys. I particularly remember Mr. Taylor our Art master announcing the landings in Normandy in 1944, and the bombing of Allders. My time there is remembered with gratitude, but it was difficult at times due to the cultural differences with life at home. I now realise how hard it must have been for my parents, who found the way of life and social mores of the school completely foreign to them. They never visited the place during my time there. I... Read more
Fair And Lake - Wandle Park, Croydon
A travelling fair each summer here was both a delight and a way to earn a few shillings when the fair ended. I would help dismantle the rides and stalls, working hard from morning to evening for about five shillings (25p) some of which would then be spent next day on hiring a rowing boat on the lake! The families who owned the rides were generous and very hardworking. I loved those times and it seems such a shame that the boating lake is no more.
There were little arched footbridges here and there and I shall never forget the way the water was reflected on the underside of the bridge as the boat glided under each one. There was an island in the centre of the lake and sometimes I would stop the rowboat in the rushes around the middle island. It was like being beside an island in the sea for a 12 year old lad, keeping a sharp eye peeled for... Read more
Watching The Steam Trains From This Bridge
This railway footbridge was one of my favourite places as an eleven and twelve year old lad, back in 1946 and 1947.
I would stand for ages in the centre of this bridge just waiting for the next steam train to rumble and thunder beneath me. Clouds of steam and smoke would billow up, strongly smelling and smutty stuff but highly exciting too! I would try to count the trucks or carriages as they passed below. Some of the freight trains seemed endlessly long, truck after truck after truck - with tons of coal uniformly filled and neatly mounded.
I was not "train spotting", or collecting engine numbers or anything like that. It was just the sheer joy of seeing and listening to these fascinating machines pass beneath me on this super footbridge - so long ago, but still as fresh as ever in my memory.
Coffee Bar South Croydon
The coffee bar at South Croydon with 'steps' was known as the Chalet Swiss. So called, as it resembled a typical Swiss wooden building. It was one of only a few places 'teenagers' could meet. Another was the Tarantella on the A23 towards Norbury.
Croydon, Surrey Street And A E Pearce
I have very fond memories of Croydon, especially Reeves Corner which has now been destroyed. I was born on Fairholme Road in 1974, but moved to Wallington when I was three. But we shopped in Croydon most Saturdays, catching the 157 or the 154 to the bus garage. I was wondering if anyone knew what business A.E Pearce on Surrey Street, next to Ye old dog and Bull, was? I also used to work in the NLA tower next to East Croydon station and had many a Costa Coffee there. In addition, I worked just down the road. My nan used to work in the pub that became the Blue Orchid. Lots and lots of memories I could write about. Definately want to know what A. E Pearce business was. If anyone knows, please reply.Thank you, Lainy. I moved away from Croydon 6 years ago now and do miss the hussle and bussle o
Coffee Bars
I was born in Croydon in 1945 and lived in Victoria Place near Duppas Hill Lane. I went to the Howard School, then on to St Andrews School. My friends and I used to go to a coffee shop in South Croydon, I think it was it was in Lower Selsdon Road. I remember you had to go up a few steps to the front door. Can anyone remember the name of this coffee shop? Thanks, Cliff (Kip) Carver.
Some Memories of Croydon in The in 1950's
I was born in Croydon in 1948, and lived there until 1960. Some of my memories are going to the fish & chip shop in Surrey Street and munching on the chips as we walked home to Edridge Road. Also, the Saturday mornings at the Classic Cinema in South Croydon. I used to go to Beulah Infant School, Thornton Heath, Howard Junior School and spent a year at Fairchilds Secondary School, New Addington. Another memory was when Liberace appeared at the Davis Theatre. We didn't see the show but caught a glipse of him as he left the stage door. My grandfather used to have a small cafe in Handcroft Road, Broadgreen. It was known as Bunny's Snack Bar.
Ice Skating
I was stationed at Kenley in the RAF and used to go ice skating nearly every day, walking down from Kenley. I still ice skate, I have been to all the London ice rinks and Hampton Court and my regular one at Guildford. I am 84 next week.
Fever And Festival
I remember January 1951, my second year at Croydon Parish Church Infants' School, I was six. I was beginning to wonder where about a quarter of the class had gone. Then I fell ill and Dr Schofield (not sure which one, there were two brothers, Dr James and Dr Robert) said, "It's scarlet fever!" I was taken, with my Ration Book, to the Isolation Hospital at Waddon. I was there three weeks, and found out where my classmates were! We were not allowed visitors, not even parents - that was hard at only six years old! There was one very kind nurse named Seneca, who used to keep in contact with my Mother for some time afterwards. I was pleased to be home for my sister Glenda's fourth birthday. Unfortuneately, she went off to the Isolation Hospital on that day, as she had caught scarlet fever, but not from me.
Later that year, my Dad took me to London for the... Read more
Longheath Gardens
I attended Ashburton Primary for a short time before transferring to Monks Orchard, The Glade. My parents moved from Colleridge Road, which was on the housing estate behind the fire station, to Longheath Gardens in about 1959/60. I remember walking to Monks Orchard with my friend, her cat would follow us but always stop at the main road and when we crossed the cat would watch for a while, turn and go back home. Mr Critchlow (not sure of the spelling) was the headmaster of Monks Orchard, I can remember being sent to his office on an errand and the smell of cigarette smoke was always evident. I remember him giving out sweets as a sort of "thankyou". I think he drove to work in a sports car, have no idea of the make. In the juniors I'm pretty sure there was an open fire and often the free milk ended up very warm by the time you got to drink it! The class took it in turn to be... Read more
The Gloucester. West Croydon.
I was born in 1949 in Northcote Road just across the road from the Gloucester. My uncle, Eddie Clements, lived there up until January 2012. He has just recently passed away. I have fond memories of the area. I went to Tavistock School in the 1960s. I spent many hours playing in Whitehorse Road Rec. Stanley Halls was a night out for me when I was not really old enough to get in. Later I moved to Pemdevon Road just off of Broad Green. The ABC cinema was a regular Saturday morning place to go. The manager used to threaten to cut the cartoon if we wouldn't calm down and be quiet. When I left school I got into motor bikes and used to frequent Thornton Heath Pond and the Nightingale Cafe in Biggin Hill. I now live in West Sussex. To me Croydon has changed but not for the better. You can take the Boy out of Croydon but you can't take Croydon out of the Boy.
Parsons Mead, Norbury, Winterbourne, Selhurst, Top Rank Suite
My grandparents moved to Parsons Mead when grandad was transferred to Croydon Co-op. My mum, Eunice Moat, was head girl at Selhurst in about 1937. I went to Winterbourne In the infants we learnt the maypole dances. My partner was Trevor. The Junior girls were on the ground floor, the boys on the first floor. Classmates were Christine Ogilvie, Susan Hoppy, Lynda Payne, Christine Sendjak and Christine Tomashevski. The headmistress Miss Bray had a Morris minor. An early memory is of the donkeys at Kennards. Also a Croydon festival or Son et Lumiere with a re-enactment of a fire. Dancing on Tuesday nights at the Suite and my first burger at the Wimpy in Croydon.
Does Anyone Remember Skip? I am Also Looking For The Son of Irene (Rene) Maiden Name Reeves.
Hello, does anyone remember Skip? He used to take boys from poorer family on day trips, swimming, to the beach etc. Also, I'm looking for the son of Irene Reeves, this wasn't her married name, they may have been Hussey. She was my mum's favourite auntie on her dad's side, and I'm looking into the family tree and getting stuck. Please do reply to this post, or email me on atableofgreenfields@hotmail.com.
Orchid Purley
All the Mowtown and Reggae groups in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Shirley Avenue
I lived as a child in Croydon. My memories were the shops, tea at Alders, a special treat of milk shake at Macdonalds (there was only one at that time and it tasted better!). There was a sweet shop at the bottom of Shirley Avenue where I would stop to buy sweets on my way back from school. My mum would ask me go to the Butchers shop on lower Addiscombe which I did not mind since they were ever so nice. Ashburton Park was great especially when the fair or the circus came. The library was great. I had such great memories of Croydon and hope to be able to return and show off the sites one day to my family. A special hello to my piano teacher, Mrs. Goslett ... Wherever she is.
Air Raid Shelters Being Delivered
I was born in Abbey Road 1935 and I can remember air raid shelters being delivered by horse and cart, was it Carter Pattison? That name rings a bell. I can remember going out into the road after an air raid to collect shrapnell. I left Croydon aged 23 when I got married, My memories of my early life were great despite the worries of the air raids. Wandle Park was a great place to go and play, but when Mum had time She took us to Beddington park (no gas works or factories near there). I can remember going up to Surrey Streett to help Mum buy the vegetables. Mum used to take us to the Methodist Church opposite the main hospital on Sunday afternoons. We were very well treated there, although we were not Methodists. One day the Dagenham Girl Pipers gave a performence and I fell in love with Pipes and Drums. If anyone would like to get in contact with me my e-mail is honkharling21@googlemail.com
Old Pub of Croydon.
Southbridge Road, South Croydon. I am looking for the name of a building that was at 94 Southbridge Road in Croydon. I am presuming it was a pub... we have a photo of it - looks like a pub but is it?
Lanfranc Girls And Boys
I have finally found a site where the Lanfranc name is Girls and Boys. I lived in Rosecourt Road in Croydon from the age of 11 until we moved to Kent when I was about 17. My brother Alan went to Lanfranc boys and I to the Lanfranc girls school. Alan was the light of my life, I say was because he went to Norway on that awful day. I loved him dearly and have just started reading the "Lanfranc Boys" book written by Rosalind Jones. I would like to thank my dear ice-skating friend Carol (Brown) Thornton for what she put in the book, (please get in touch). Also Bill Cooper, Barry Lee and Barry Sturgess. Thank you all for your input (made me cry), it will probably be a long time before I finish the book through the tears. We had loads of fun living where we did behind Lanfranc girls school, sometimes I would creep out of bed just before the whistle... Read more
Fiona Stewart, Are You Out There?
Looking to re-connect with Fiona Stewart (maiden name), daughter of Ken and Hilda Stewart. Fiona, my Mum (Lilian Holmes) and I used to visit you when we lived in New York. I now live in Canada. Where are you now?
Regards,
Diane
Kennards
My father came from Croydon, he was Peter Odonoghue, my grandparents lived in Stanley in Stanley Road with my Aunt Patrica (Pat). I remember going to Kennards arcade for the pony rides and one Christmas had a red cape brought from there. My mum's sister still lives in Thornton Heath. Sadly my parnets are now dead so I can't tell them about this site. Croydon brings lots of happy memories for me. I now live in Suffolk.
The Six Bells Croydon
My dad Les Seary was a member of the Buffs that met at The Six Bells Pub and my mum Gwen would stay in the bar with the other wives why they had their meeting. I also remember going with my parents to your aunt and uncle's pub The Hare and Hounds and I thought it was wonderful as it was in the country. How my brother, sister and myself enjoyed sitting outside the pub drinking our pepsi and eating our crisps and on special days a bar of Cadburys Dairy Milk! wonderful memories.
Mitcham Road.
I was born in Thornton Heath in 1960, but now live on the Mitcham road, near the old Queen Vic pub. We know our house is over 150 years old, but have no photos of either the house, or surrounding area, which shows what it was like in the past. There are so few photos available from archive sources for this area, and would dearly like to hear from anyone who lived (lives) in the area, who may have a photo of anything between the Queen Vic pub, and Sumner Road.
Orchid Ballroom
I remember the Orchid Balloom in Purley, I had so many super nights there, dancing and meeting up with friends. My sisters and I went there almost every Saturday, jiving the night away. I even met my husband there, and we are still together, I came from Kenley in Surrey, not too far away from the Orchid. There are no such ballrooms to go to now, sadly. Oh, those were the very happy days...
Belmont School
We lived in Earlswood Avenue, Thornton Heath from 1949-52 and used to walk or sometimes catch a 16/18 tram to Galpins Road, on the border of Th Heath and Norbury, where my brother and I attended Belmont School. It was run by a lady called Miss Jeffrey, and has long since closed. It was based in two houses in Galpins Road, both of which have now presumably reverted to residential status.
I remember the last trams, and the subsequent demolition of Thornton Heath tram depot and the building of the new bus depot.
We used to go fishing in Thornton Heath pond - sticklebacks, carefully taken home in jam jars, to survive usually but a few days.
Croydon itself - magical Surrey Street, wonderful Kennards arcade, and that SUPER toy shop in George Street.
Good days. We were poor (so was everyone) but we were extremely happy.
Orchid Ballroom
Oh yes, wonderful evenings spent waiting for the invitation to dance. I have photos of the exciting evening when the TV cameras came and televised us jiving. I even remember the site when it was a skating rink.
Growing up in South Norwood And Visiting Central Croydon
I was born in Rotherhithe in 1939 and moved with my parents to south Norwood when I was 3. I went to Cypress Primary School during the last year of the war and remember vividly walking from home in South Norwood Hill to school following nights of air raids and dogfights over our house. My memories are of passing spaces where the homes of my schoolfriends once stood. Also collecting waste newspapers at school and harvesting fruit from the school grounds. I recall sheltering in the public air raid shelter in Portland Road when shopping with my mother. My parents took me to Croydon regularly on the 654 trolley bus and we visited the Kennards Arcade, a wonderland with shetland pony rides. Sometimes we had tea in the tea room upstairs, decorated with lilac blossom murals and listened to the "Gipsy" string band while we ate. My brother and I attended post-war parties hosted by Corona Drinks company when they were behind Stanley Halls. I went to John Ruskin Boys Grammar School... Read more
Lanfranc School
With the 50th anniversary of the tragic air crash involving my classmates in 2011 I thought I would add a few memories. I could so easily have been on that plane had it not been for the fact that I wanted to buy my first cycle. I saved half the cost towards one I had my eye on. The plan being to ask my parents for the other half instead of going on the school trip. A cunning plan that worked and now I am a retired father of two and have my first grandchild. I no longer live in Croydon where I was born in Mayday Hospital (1946) and lived for a while in Rochford Way before moving to Woodcroft Road in Thornton Heath. Now I live in Sussex but have made several visits to Croydon (Mitcham) Cemetery to pay my respects to the boys interred there. When I went to evening classes at Lanfranc we used to dare each other to ride down the cycle track that divided the... Read more
The Six Bells, Handcroft Road
I'm not a native of Croydon, but I remember visiting The Six Bells when my uncle was the landlord there during the 1960s. I was in the army at that time, based in Harrogate, Yorkshire and when heading for home in Weymouth when on leave, I would lodge there overnight on my way. My uncle's name was Ralph Beaden, and aunt was Chris (Christine). They sold Courage beers if my memory serves me correctly and I enjoyed many a pint there. Upstairs, at the front of the building over the public bar, there was a meeting room that was used by the Buffs (Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffalos). My uncle and aunt moved out the The Six Bells sometime in the late 1960s and took on The Hare and Hounds at Upper Warlingham.
Home Sweet Home
I was born in Lancing Road, numnber 38a, and have an elder brother John. I can remember at one end of the sStreet corner was a vegetable shop and the other was a junk yard, at the other end was a sweet shop and the other side was a grocers by the name of Hopkins, where I can remember going for a half pound of broken biscuits. Around the corner was Purely Way Roundabout, where my dad took me every year to stand and watch the London to Brighton old car race. My memories of May Day and the Croydon General Hospital's embedded in my thoughts as I was ill quite often. My first work was in the A G I factory, and then I moved to Reeves furniture shop delivering new and auctioned goods. I often think back to my mates Colin Parker, Dave Dulerway, Peter Jones and Rodney Fife, and many more whose names have gone from me. During the week there were a horse and cart delivering vegetables, an ice cream... Read more
The Orchid Ballroom Purley.
Ah yes, I remember it well. It was magical to go there and dance the evening away. So many great bands in the 50's. The floor was great, the music super.
I learned to dance at a place called Quinns dance school near south Croydon. Tony and Marjorie were great teachers and MC's. I was born at Mayday hospital, and was raised in Riddlesdown, near Purley. Attended St Annes College in Sanderstead till 1950, then went to work in London.
I remember the trolley cars that ran along the Brighton Road to Croydon where I shopped with my parents and siblings. Loved the Davis theatre and saw Maurice Chevalier and some wonderful Ballet performances there. My favourite stores were Kennards, Grants, and Allders, where my friend and I went for lunch sometimes and had "beans on toast" all we could afford back then. They had "tea dances" there too. I learned to swim in the great city pool near Surrey Street. I visited Croydon in 2004 on a trip from... Read more
Further to my History of The Granada Thornton Heath
I have been searching Google Earth photos, I cannot find any trace of The Granada Thornton Heath. It appears to have now been demolished. What a shame, a part of my childhood has disappeared completely
John Wimpenny 16.5.2010
Pitlake Bridge
Maybe a bit later but I remember a shop on Pitlake Bridge that sold unusual foreign plastic kits and Toys - There was another in Southbridge Road as well, or maybe the same one moved there.. I also recall going into a sort of bookshop with a small printing press near the window. My Dad was a printer and I think wanted to show me the machine. From what I know now, this must have been a left wing / anarchist hangover from the Croydon Brotherhood Church of the turn of the century. Does anyone else remember these, both on the actual raised bit of the bridge near Reeves Corner? Something I will always regret is in the late 1960s when an old photographers and wireless shop opposite Reeves Corner closed down. There was skip FULL of old photos and radio valves being thrown out. I did salvage a few - but that must have been a treasure trove lost forever.
St. Saviour's Road, Croydon
I lived at 86 St. Saviour's Road - early 50's. I've so many memories of the area - the small garage halfway along the road, the local Greengrocer's (Pacitis), the shops on Queen's Road - including the Fish Shop as well as Jacobs' Sweet Shop in Queen's Road and so on.
St Saviours Road, Croydon
I was born in Croydon (St Mary's Hospital I think) in 1948. We lived in St Saviours Road until I was aged approximately 5 or 6 when we moved to the West Midlands. We would always go back though and spend some of our summer holidays there with my Aunty Gwen (Wood) who was my mum's (Eileen Partridge) sister.
Brother of Christine Brown/ Brooks, See Previous Memory.
I was born in Mayday Hospital in 1938 and was brought up in Clarendon Road, West Croydon. I went to the Croydon Parish Church, Waddon Secondary Modern and Stanley Technical Schools. I would walk over Pitlake Bridge taking my sister Christine and myself to the Parish Church school and like her, I remember well how it all used to be before it became the current Jubillee Bridge. I used to know John Phillips, Fuzzy May, Audrey Latta, Maurice Eastman, Alan Eastmond, Tony Greenhead, Len Harvey, Brian Wilson/Wiltshire and many others of my era and would like to hear from them or any others that might read this and remember me. I have lived in Sydney for 36 years now, but tend to come home to Croydon every year as Christine still lives there. I also miss England greatly and despite doing well over here, I should probably never have emigrated so far away from what I know and remember. So, if there is anyone out there that wants to say... Read more
Pitlake Bridge Area
I was born in Clarendon Road and live there now. Pitlake bridge years ago before it was changed to Jubilee bridge had shops on either side, provision shop Hallidays?, the butchers, a hairdressers, Wally Whitbourne's grocery shop, sweet shop, Weenole's newspaper shop, fish & chips, the right hand side had another sweet shop, a tv etc shop, the pubs were down further and the Alms Houses, Cottons?, the baby store and the veg shop and the traffic lights and so forth. I went to Tavistock Secondary Modern Girls' School where there were steps going down Pitlake bridge where there is now a Church/Mission Hall. I remember The Black Boy, the Six Bells public house, Reeves, another fish shop in Handcroft Road, the Post Office on the corner of Derby Road. I was one of the girls that worked with the horses in the ring in Kennards and also went to Beddington Park on a Sunday giving rides to the children, ponies were called Maisy, Lane, Snowy, Sceptre, Susan etc. The smaller Sheltand ponies... Read more
Croydon
I started my first job at UDT in George Street, Croydon in 1957 (age 15). I met my husband at the Orchid Ballroom, Purley on 21 May 1960 and left my job in London to work at Milne & Russell, South Croydon prior to getting married in 1963. When I next returned to Croydon I drove the wrong way up George Street! (It wasn't one-way in my day). The concrete jungle had begun to replace the lovely old buildings, Grants was a shambles and Kennards was no more. I've never been back. Prefer to remember the old Croydon - happy days.
S Ede
Grant Brothers, Stuart Hunt & Ellis Kensington
Oh how wonderful to come across this site. I was born in Beckenham but worked in Croydon. My first job was receptionist at a solicitors office - Stuart Hunt & Co. - I met my first boyfriend there and there was a wonderful clerk who took me under his wing and he and his wife stayed in touch with my mum for a number of years. I also worked at Ellis Kensington in the Whitgift Centre. I remember Kennards arcade and the pony rides, Surrey Street Market, seeing the Everly Brothers, Jack Jones, Segovia and probably others I can't recall at the Fairfield Halls. My mum worked at the Davis Theatre on the switchboard and I'd often get the bus from school and go there to meet her after school. I got to see the Bolshoi Ballet perform and Eileen Joyce the pianist - I have a signed copy of her biography. What wonderful memories. Does anyone remember a boarding and quarantine kennel run out Wallington way I think? I worked there... Read more
The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
Did anyone ever go dancing in the Orchid Ballroom, back in the 1950s? I most certainly did, even though I was only approaching my 17th birthday!
This superb dance venue, with its huge floor, revolving bandstand and some of THE best dance-bands in the country was hugely successful in those long-gone days and was the place where many lasting relationships were formed.
One evening I was lucky enough to be there when "Come Dancing" was being broadcast! What a privilege that was.
Another memorable night was when Victor Sylvester and his Orchestra were guesting there. The great Victor, so elegant as he conducted his small ensemble.
Although the place no longer exists as a dance-hall the memories of it linger on. I can still see myself walking down the carpeted steps to the pay-box on the left, searching the crowd within to see if I knew any of the dancers.
One evening I asked the resident bandleader if we could... Read more
Croydon Union Infirmary
Hi all, I am trying to trace my family, does anybody know of the Union Infirmary? I think it was a poor house. Any info or pics would be gratefully recieved.
Lanfrancs Air Disaster/ Kennards
Year: 1956 I was born in Croydon and used to go to Gonville School where I sat next to a boy named (I think) Geoffrey Green. My father moved us to Sussex before I went on to secondary school. A few years later, the Lanfrancs air crash happened. I believe that I knew most of the boys who died on that day. Had I still been in Croydon, I would have been one of them. I also knew some girls whilst at Gonville - in particular Tessa Hopkins and Celia Pinkerton - I used to have a crush on them! Once in a while I wonder whatever happened to them - it was all such a long while ago but sometimes it seems only yesterday. Whilst living in Croydon my father often took me to Kennards Arcade - I remember the donkey rides! But the main attraction was the pet shop where my father would buy tropical fish. Now I live in New Zealand...
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 door. We moved to Lower Addisombe Road about 1964ish and we lived at 11 Alexander Road. I vividly remember Halls Butchers on the corner and the general store and sweet shop next door, and the owner who always wore a brown button-up overall and wore the hugest glasses. I also remember Fishers clothes shop and Mr Boxall's horse which lived under Windmill Bridge. We used to play in the rec at the bridge and watch the Brighton Belle pass by. My friends at that time were Linda Tullett who also lived in Alexander Road and Yvonne Amy an Indian (I think) girl who lived on the corner of Alexander... Read 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 and said "We've had to give you two folding chairs - and they're on the stage!". Incredible as it may seem, my wife and I sat on the stage and if I had stretched out my hand, I could have touched Rich's bass tom-tom. This could never happen today - and knowing his temperament, I'm amazed that we were tolerated. What a performance - I felt every rim-shot through my feet!
I wonder if anyone remembers seeing us - or was it just a dream?
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 night, everybody was assembled and the air disaster was announced, I remember being very sad at the thought of not seeing boys I had known a long time. I remember that one of the Officers was also a teacher (not at Lanfranc) and that very sadly his brother was one of the teachers killed in the air crash, he of course went straight back home. Then of course there was the funeral, like, I expect, most of the children I was a bit confused at the ceremony, but the reading of the names brought the reality of it all to life.
My parents are remembered at Croydon Cemetery... Read 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 to remove them from the trip because they could not afford it), and according to the newspapers at the time this boy was named as Denis Fields whose widowed mother could not afford the last payment. So my brother Quentin (also known as 'Greenfly' and 'Kew Green') tossed a coin for it. Quentin always called heads. He did so this fateful time - and won. Only he lost. I have always wondered who the other boy was but have never been able to find him. I would love to know what he has done with his life. I am now reaching the final stages of research into the whole... Read 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 the other end of the parade was the cafe run by Mr Coombes. He had a daughter Susan. The Saturday milk round finished here with two rounds of toast and an orange juice. The UD milkman was Maurice. This was about 1957/8. After the milk round I had a job with the butchers, Poulters if I remember rightly. One Saturday morning the bike fell over in Court Drive and one or two joints of meet became unwrapped and fell on the road! A quick wipe off and rewrap and I don't think anybody knew a thing. I used to buy 'Autosport' in those days and I kept all the... Read 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.
Does anyone remember going to Mrs Nicholson's nursery school in St Philip's church hall, Norbury? Or Sunday School at the old Methodist Church - now pulled down, although the church hall where we babies were weighed and measured in the 1940s is still there.
For many years the Granada cinema remained, converted to a Bingo hall, but on my last visit a couple of years ago they were demolishing it. The Savoy/ABC at Broad Green was also being demolished.
How I would love to see my old school - Croydon High - again, but alas the old buildings which were full of character (used to be private... Read more
Any Memories of Bill Black?
There was music shop on the Thornton Road in the mid 1950s, run by a Ada Lilian Rose who lived there with her three children. It's a bit of a long shot but I'm actually trying to trace someone called William or Bill Black who was a trombone player in The Billy Cotton band, who we think lived in the area and visited the shop around this time. I also know that he worked as a motor mechanic, possibly locally; was married and had a son around 8 years old.
If anyone has memories of any of this information, I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Thank you.
Kennards
Theses photos have certainly brought back so many memories, how great to see it all as remembered, but to bring it all back correctly - the mind changes things! I loved Kennards - the smell and the sounds of that arcade will always live with me, I remember getting to the top of the arcade and hearing the jingling of the ponies' bells and feeling so excited - also the beautiful smell of the Indian shop - I don't think I ever knew what it was. There was also a back entry to Grants, from Surrey Street I think? The smell of the greengrocery and the sound of the shouting vendors is also a strong memory - I hear it is still there. I lived in Norbury from 1950-1971, I used to get off the bus for school at West Croydon. The photo has reminded me of that very big electrical store - was it Ketts? I walked to swimming in Scarbrook Road every week past the building site that... Read more
The Waldrons
I was born in Mayday Hospital, lived in Croydon in 1952 with my family and Aunty Cis (Bassett) in the Waldrons and I remember playing in the spinney opposite the house. I remember the house being very big but then I was young. The last time I visited my aunty there I think was around 1965 and I hid because I didn't want to go home, which then was Darlington, Co. Durham.
My dad was Bill Eaton. I was very pleased to see the old photos of Croydon, my birth place. It is very special.
Does Anyone Remember William Reddington?
William Reddington owned or ran a shop in croydon around 1945-7 then emigrated to Canada. Does anyone remember the name of the shop ir him? He was my grandfather but I don't know much more about him than that. I think it may have been a paint shop or something like that.
Little Road, Addiscombe.
I moved to 11 Little Road when I was three. Opposite our little Victorian house was the playground, attended everyday by a lady who used to sit in her little hut and make tea. The road was a cul de sac, two rows of Victorian terraced houses, our semi detached 2 up 2 down house, and then a detached house at the top of the road. It must have been very old, thinking back the date it was built, probably around the 1700s. The road ran under Windmill Bridge and underneath were lock ups which the local green grocer used to house his horses that pulled his cart of veggies. Mr Boxall, I think, was his name. The playground had a large slide which, when the Queen's train passed through for the yearly races she attended, us kids would sit on and wave to the Royal train as it went through. She never did slow down and wave back! We had the biggest conker tree in the area, and we... Read more
Lost
, Sonja, I have lost your phone number, this is Margaret Matheson-Redpath. I live on canturbury road Please send your email again, Marg
Memories
I was born in Croydon in 1962 and lived in Milton Road. I can remember visiting my nan and my dad's two brothers Reg and Ken. They were really happy times and I can remember knowing I was near nan's when on the train I saw the playground in Addiscombe!! My uncle Reg used to work at the Fairfield Halls and my Uncle ken & great uncle Stan on the buses. My dad Ray and mum Rita lived in Croydon until about 1965, when I was three when we moved to Lincolnshire. Lovely to read things on this site, I just wish dad was still here to have a look.
Kaye
Lanfranc School For Girls
Yes me too! Having just stumbled across this website and having read your stories.
My dad was born in Bute Road just off the Mitcham Road and then moved to Albion Street number 7! He is now 99 and lives in Ewell. I was brought up in Aurelia Road my best friend Joyce Lucas, Michael Cocklin Robert Cocklin and his little sister Mary Cocklin, Beryl Mitchell Linda Tanner Christine Doors Eileen Morris and Tommy whose surname I have forgotten but his sister died of diabetes aged just 16. Anne Condon whose father had the off license in Thornton Road. How us kids used to play cricket, rounders hop scotch until it was too dark to see, jacks, two balls and we even used to climb up on top of the "Acan Tab" on the roof to see the workers down below, health & safety then, dont think so! We used to go "rabbiting" over the cemetery, ride our bikes all over Mitcham Common and beyond.... Read more
Fish And Chips
l was born at Westfield Rd. My dad's brother and his wife owned the fish and chip shop on Pitlake Bridge (which is now renamed Jubilee Bridge). There was also a paper shop called Weanholes, it belonged to an old woman, she was about 80, no teeth, always looked as if she was chewing her gums ah ah. l went to Croydon Parish Church School. And Sunday School at St Edmond's which was at the bottom of our road next to the park. We would all gather there to play hop scotch untill the street lights came on or we heard our mums calling us in. l remember the slaughterhouse and yes you did have to run inside your house if one got loose. Does anybody remember the sheep that was killed and they fould a baby that was a few days away from being born and the men saved its life and bottle fed it and would walk it about on a collar and lead for many years. Trudie... Read more
The Pictures And Being Young & Stupid
Hi Keith, I had actually written to you two months ago, but they (the site) must have sensored my message because I had written my e-mail address. I had mentioned that when I told Ken (my brother and your fellow mate) that you had responded Ken wanted to contact you. Ken is fine and living in San Fransisco, Marg is fine and living in a suburb of San Fransisco, and I recently moved to Tucson (out in the hot desert). Unfortunately, Ralph died of a viral infection of the heart about 15 years ago, my dad died in 1970, and mum past away 5 years ago.
Tell Sue that I had a crush (thought she was sweet) on her while growing up, and tell her I remember Marg getting into big big, BIG trouble over taking the cutains down, but funny on hind site. I guess Marg must have been inspired by the movie, "Gone with the wind"!
Sorry to hear... Read more
Rex Cinema Norbury
I was so excited when I discovered this site I just had to join!
I lived in Melfort Road from 1942 'til 1956 and went to Winterbourne and the Manor.
The story about the Rex echoed mine. My wife worked in the office block for CITB in about 1960/2. As kids we alternated between the Rex and the Granada and bunked into the Rex to see Blackboard Jungle, so much like the Manor! My first job was at Loverings opposite the Granada.
I have been on Friends ReUnited for years but not had much luck. I was a street kid (my dad died when I was 9) so TH and Norbury was my stamping ground.
I look forward to seeing; and adding, more memories of the old place, last visit 2004.
Bert Barnes
Kennards
Kennards had the little zoo where a monkey in a tiny cage reached out and pulled my sister's hair. This was about the year of Queen Elizabeth's coronation. We went down to Woolworth’s and were given free Union Jack flags.
Upstairs in Kennards there was another area with penny slot machines. Inside each glass case there was a scene that was activated when you put the penny in. One scene was a haunted graveyard with a drunk drinking from a bottle with his back to a gravestone. When the scene started to move the drunk would take a swig from his bottle and a ghost would arise from behind the gravestone.
Wonderful Memories
What an unexpected pleasure it was stumbling quite by accident upon this website this evening! I was born in Croydon in 1948 and lived in West Croydon till 1955.
I have very vivid memories of the high street, even of being 'bumped' down the Surrey Street steps in a push chair! My very first memory in fact..
Siselys sweet shop was at the top of Oakfield Road, where I lived ... and a visit there after a shopping trip was a treat indeed ... watching the soft molten sweet being poured onto the huge (to me) copper slab to be cut and cooled into sweets was magical.
There was a pawn shop on the corner of Oakfield Road, the brass balls hanging above ... and I also remember a dress agency next door to that, where high quality second hand ladies clothes were sold. I still have a handbag of my late mother's from there.
Kennards arcade was the best place to be sure, ponies, exotic perfumes sold... Read more
Waddon Ponds And Kennards
I remember beautiful Waddon ponds with its ducks, and coots and swans, and cycling around the park. I also remember the trolley buses that went up to Croydon, and going to Kennards, and the ponies and the arcade, I still dream of it even now, and the Walls ice cream factory in Purley Way with the ice cream machine outside, and the sound of the factory hooters and the sound of the aeroplanes. I think they built a big Sainsbury's on top of Purley Way but Sainsbury's used to be in Church Street with the Co-op and lots of other shops. I also remember going up to Crown Hill where there was a big coloured lighting sign in the evenings, I expect a lot of this is gone now, it was all so beautiful. Looking back now, I remember how they tried to demolish the Town Hall and everything, but that it is still there now. Dad had the bike shop in Purley Way, Coopers, when everyone cycled and we... Read more
Pitlake Bridge
I was born in Cuthbert Road, West Croydon, next to Pitlake Bridge, and have a vivid memory of when the manholes on the bridge exploded.
Wandle Park was our playground, and a fairground or circus had its winter storage next to the park. I was christened in St Edmund's Church which was also next to Wandle Park, but I think must have been demolished.
On the two corners of Westfield Road, where it met Cuthbert, were two shops - one a grocers and the other a 'fancy goods' store - they were run by two brothers (twins?).
The slaughter house was at the end of our road, and it was awful to hear the terrified animals squealing. They often escaped, and people used to leap into our gated sideway for safety, especially when it was a bull which had escaped! No wonder I'm a vegetarian!
Alison
Growing up in Croydon
Through WW2 we lived in Stanley Road, number 73, at that time an off-licence which my mother ran whilst my father was serving in the RAF. I went to Boston Road school and remember we had small boxes of emergency rations in case we were trapped in the school by an air raid. We were bombed out in 1944 by a V1 that hit further up the road and severely damaged no 73, for a time we lived with relatives in the Birmingham area and then moved back when the house and shop were repaired. When my father was demobbed we moved to Midhurst Avenue and he worked as a lorry driver.
I remember the winter of 1945 as we had serious fuel shortages and we went and bought coke directly from the gasworks and collected wood for the fires. In the 1940s I attended Selhurst Grammar School leaving in 1950 to work as a medical laboratory technician.
Childhood Dreams
I came across this website by accident, what a treat. I was raised in Croydon, actually Addington. My nana and granddad lived at 195 Purley Way in Wadden. I spent many happy hours there as a child. I would spend several weeks with my grandparents just before Christmas every year while my mom worked at the post office in Croydon for extra Christmas money, my dad was a postman there for many years. One thing in particular that stands out is lying in my nana's bed and listening to motor cars and bikes on wet pavement going over the bridge in front of the house. When we visited them, every Sunday for dinner we used to walk up Purley Way past the gasworks where my grandad Stagg used to work. My mom would toss small stones up at the windows and my grandad would look out. Anyone remember Walls Ice Cream in the machine? We would always stop for a sixpenny... Read more
The Pictures
I was born on Clyde Road in 1950, and in 1954 moved to Caterbury Road in West Croydon, where I attended school Elmwood, and then Lambfrank (spelling?). Mr Reeves was a teacher at Elmwood, and always answered anything he didn't like with a WHACK on the bottom from one of many different shoes that he kept for punishment (depending on how much punishment he wanted to inflict that day). But the good thing about him was that, all we had to do was to ask a question and the war and he would talk for the next hour non stop about the jerry's.
I like other writers here also remember Kennards and what a joy it was to be there. We didn't shop too much, because funds at the time were very limited, and Kennards was not the place where we went to buy, (only look at what others could afford). But I do remember going to the pictures, and seeing "Old Yeller" at the Davis, "The Horse Soldiers"... Read more
Kennards + Waddon
Hi
On finding your memories pages I simply had to add my own contribution as my memories of Croydon and area are so dear to me.
My grandparents lived in Waddon, just off the Purley Way, and I visited regularly on holiday, when my Grandad (Grampy) a city commutor took me everywhere.
I remember Kennards so clearly and with great pleasure, the arcade running down the hill outside the store, with its baby rabbits, puppies and kittens and then finally going in to find the carosel of four ponies going round and round to the tune of the Teddy Bears Picnic. I believe this was done away with in later years and three ponies were walked, carrying children, in and out the columns outside the front. Oh what a delight to ride the Trolley Bus into town and to know that I was going to Kennards that day.
When I was a little older, all of ten, I was allowed to go into 'town' by... Read more
Further to Cinemas in Croydon
I grew up in Galpins Road, Thornton Heath and as a youngster joined the ABC Minors at the Rex Cinema, Norbury sadly now demolished and replaced by an office block. I saw many of the MGM Musicals at the Rex, including Singing in the Rain. I also used to go to The State Cinema, Thornton Heath later to become The Granada. Here I saw many an Abbott and Costello film. I joined the forces in 1954, and was stationed abroad in Singapore. Here in my spare time I worked as a projectionist at The Astra RAF Cinema in Tengah. On leaving the forces in 1957, I applied for a projectionists job with Granada, and for about a year worked in the projection room of the Granada, Thornton Heath. I remember the Chief Projectionist's first name was Les. I did not stay here for long, Granada Cinemas sent me to Clapham Junction Century, where I was employed as a second projectionist for a few years and met my wife who worked... Read more
Sisleys Sweet Shop
My Mum, sister and I used to go to the Savoy at least once a week, and used to walk from the Sample Shoe shop down the High Street to the Savoy, passing on the way Croydon General Hospital. Along the left hand side of this High Street was a sweet shop that sold their own sweets "home made" and they were delicious!
Coconut Squares were my favourite. The shop used to smell gorgeous. I wonder if any one remembers this shop.
I also remember the Odeon , the Scala , Hippodrome (down Surrey Street)Pallidium, Eros, Classic Davis etc Cinemas. I think there used to be one in the High Street roughly where Allders arcade is now.
Can you remeber Kennards arcade, that used to have the little Zoo, and ponies you could ride ? Happy Day's. Croydon was nice then before it became a concrete jungle. Have long sinced moved away, but I still remember the Old Croydon with... Read more
CINEMAS IN CROYDON
I lived in Croydon until 1969 ( the year I got married and moved away ) My Dad - Len Marsh - was a Cinema Manager with the ABC chain, and we lived very near the Rex Cinema, Norbury, closed in 1962. Dad was based there for a time, but acted as Relief Manager all over the South London area : cinemas he managed at various times included the Regal, Purley, Mayfair, Tooting, Ritz, Balham, Majestic, Mitcham and the Regal, Streatham. Also others whose names escape me at Forest Hill, Brixton, Elephant and Castle and Camberwell. His last job before leaving cinema management was at the ABC ( formerly the Savoy) at Broad Green, West Croydon. Most of the cinemas he worked at are long gone, I suspect, but if anyone has memories of cinema - going in Croydon during the 1950's/60's, I would be delighted to hear from you. Anyone remember the small cinemas in Croydon High Street, the Odeon and the Eros ? There was also the... Read more
