1953 1978

A Memory of Heston.

I was born in West Middlesex hospital in 1953. At the time my parents lived with my grandparents in The Alders down Fern Lane. We lived there for at least two years until my brother was born and then we went to live with my aunt and uncle in Parkside Road in Hounslow. My cousins and my brother and I had many happy years there. We all went to Grove Road School and our spare time was spent at Inwood Park. I can remember us all making a Guy Fawkes one year and putting him in an old trolley or pram and waiting for people going in and out of Hounslow Main line Station. Not sure if we had our parents permission though!
In November of 1961 we got our first home of our own as a family. We lived in Prestwick Close off Ringway in Heston. Just round the corner from where my first home was with my grandparents. One year after we moved in my youngest brother was born. I have memories of one of the houses round the corner, being used for Z Cars. It was so exciting watching the filming and everyone on tenterhooks hoping they might get chosen as an extra
We all went to Norwood Green School. I can remember Mr Cracknell, (not sure of the spelling) and Miss Bentley.
Barnes Farm was next to the playing field and we used to walk down the lane to buy apples and other produce. Many local children use to go scrimping down there. Something I never joined in with but I know many others that did. (Not that I'm telling. )
I went on to Heston Secondary Modern School. I can remember sneaking out at lunchtime to go to the bakers in the village that use to sell the most amazing Chelsea Buns. I later found out that my grandfather was a delivery man for the same baker when he was a younger man.
As a teenager I used to go riding at the stables by Norwood Green and many an hour was spent in Osterley Park. We used to take a picnic and make a day of it, something I carried on with my own children after I married and moved away.
When I left school I went to work at Westbrook, the children's home in New Heston Road. I once saw Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich filming a promo for one of their new records. All of them sitting on the back seat of an old car driving past. So exciting.......I wonder what became of them?
I got married in Heston Church and I still think it's a really picturesque church and even though I moved away I had special permission to have my daughter christened there too.
It's a long time now since I've been there. I lost my dad in 1992 and mum in 2002 and they were my last remaining tie to the area.
I have so many happy memories of Heston and so many people I was so lucky to share them with.
Thank you for allowing me to relive my memories with your help and all the other people who have done the same.