Thornton Heath

A Memory of Croydon.

I was born in 1951 and enjoyed a very happy childhood in Thornton Heath. Our house backed onto the Graveney River and the Rec. Blissful for children. Many happy hours spent in the children's playground with the playground lady a qualified first aider to look after us, whilst our mother's shopped in the local high street. There was a religious meeting for older children in the summer called Sunshine Corner. We would sit on the grass and listen to songs and readings. All very low key but lovely. I attended Winterbourne infants and the primary. I remember walking to school playing 'brokenbiscuits' on the pavements. I was a very fussy eater when little and hated school dinners. My older brother would take me to The Oasis fish bar for lunch instead! A very simple childhood but a very happy one. Today's children seem to have so much, but I do think my generation had the best childhood expenience of all.
My Aunty lived in Nutfield Road. I would visit her until she sadly passed away. I would sometimes take her little dog for a walk. It saddened me on my first visit to the Rec. After so many years. It had changed beyond all recognition.
So sad. I decided not to visit again, but to remember those happy days spent there as a child.

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