Good Mates And Grown Ups

A Memory of Hornsey.

I was born in 1937 at Steed Road Muswell Hill. 1938 moved to 137 Northview Road opposite the alley leading to the playing fields. Used to go that way to school at Crouch End sec mod. First school Campsbourne Road Primary. It closed down during the war following a night time raid, which took the roof off. Used to hang around High Street shops aged from 13 to 15 with, Mickey Spendiff, John Mully, Brian Haynes, Kenny Stovell and Co. Remember the smog? During the winter one year, we climbed the fence into Priory Park after dark couldn't see hand in front of your face. Sitting on top of the fountain throwing pebbles at the police. They couldn't see or hear us, but we could hear them. We thought it highly funny.
In 1942 my brother Jack Finn married, Nancy Burton from Nightingale Lane. The same year the submarine he was serving on, P222, was reported missing presumed sunk.
I was pals with Alan Poulter, who's Father was caretaker at the drill hall, Nightingale Lane. Being an ex RSM Middlesex Rgt he was also the drum major for the fife and drum band. His three sons, and me were part of the Corps of Drums. I played the sympols. Damn things were bigger than me.
My dad Ernie Finn, ww1 RHA ueebto usenthe Nightingale pub, the Hornsey Tavern and the Top House, which had a big horse trough and metal cups chained to the water fountain outside.
Injoined the army as a regular August 1953. Never to return to London. I now live in Cardiff S Wales.
Anyone with fond memories of Hornsey can contact me on brianfinn37@virginmedia.com.
TTFN
Brian.

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