Hounslow Memories

A Memory of Hounslow.

I remember much of a childhood in Hounslow. We moved there approximately 1955/6. Grand parents Alice & Arthur, mum Shirley, stepdad Fred, Jennifer, me, Wendy & Christopher - Billy arrived a bit later.
Some happy days. (I ran away a lot so they weren't all happy)!
Alexandra Infants school, my 1st or 2nd teacher Mrs Bun was lovely. At Alexandra Juniors I can remember Jean, Brenda Pettit (we sneaked off & got locked in the lavs at the rec near Hounslow East, big trouble & a hiding). My best friends were June Merrington and Parvez Puri. Mr Sheffield used to hit me on the head with his knuckles, it really hurt.
We used to drop our baby brother Billy off at the child minder on Alexandra Rd.
I remember often being very cold, bare legs, no gloves.
Lots of freedom in those days of no tv. Lots of adventures, most of them a bit naughty.
My sister Jenny was supposed to 'look after' us. It must have been hell for her. I remember climbing up the embankment by Lambton Park to play chicken with the tube train & live rails (Piccadilly Line)! The drivers sometimes stopped to get out & shout.
We caught buses at an early age without parents. Going swimming at Isleworth or Twickenham baths, ice skating at Richmond ice rink. I wanted to be an ice dancer when I grew up.
Weekend days out used to be Runnymede, Hampton Court, Bushy Park, Richmond Park. Seaside trips were Brighton, Eastbourne, Littlehampton, West Wittering. Holidays were camping, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove.
After my stepfather's attempts at teaching me to swim (by chucking me in the Thames at Runnymede) I learnt to swim properly at Hounslow baths. We used to have a cup of hot Oxo at the little cafe there afterwards. On the way home we'd pass the Scofa bakery. I'd wander in sometimes & scrounge some hot bread. I used to say I was poor and hungry. The loaves were large round, brown & you could break them into quarters.
I remember our neighbours, the Davis or Davies family? They bought the sweet shop around the corner in Lambton Rd where we spent our pocket money on a Saturday morning. There was the Wavy Line grocer by the Pilbrows on Lambton Rd where we used to get the groceries.
On Sundays, after traipsing all the way to Sunday School at the Baptist Church we would have to patrol the streets looking for R. Whites or Corona bottles to get the 3d back on the bottles for Dad - because he was broke or because they wanted us out of the house for some peace I dont know!
There was Saturday matinee at the cinema, usually boring cartoons. It was hard to sit still. They used to call it the fleapit & I was a bit worried there were really fleas. I remember being taken to see the Wizard of Oz & being absolutely terrified under Mum's seat.
We sisters went to The Girls Brigage attached to Baptist Church & got 'badges' on our sleeves for knots, cooking, 1st aid & stuff I can't remember.
I do remember having to run around the shelter in Lambton Park whilst my sister & Joseph were kissing round the back every time I disappeared.
Naughty Rita & I had adventures wandering to the back of beyond; Osterly Park, Hounslow Heath, a reservoir which seemed miles at the time. We built camp fires & I used to get into such trouble when I got home, often late, filthy from smoke & scratched from brambles but it was so worth it.
My last attempt running away from Hounslow was walking to Heathrow. The plan was to stow away on a plane, preferably to Japan or Austrailia but anywhere would have done. I got caught & taken back by the police. I was about 10-12 I think.
I really missed Rita when we moved to the country in '63, life became dead boring. I also missed June Merrington & Parvez Puri. My first introduction to proper tasty food had been at Parvez's house, it was wonderful. Her family were so kind & welcoming, they also took me to see Indian films. June and Parvez went to Bulstrode School I believe & I went elsewhere at 11. June is now in Dorset, Parvez I know not where. I wish I did
Anyway, I'm back in SW London now so all is well. Penelope (nee Aylett).
Edit: sister are Jennifer and Wendy, brothers Chris & Billy Sturgeon.