Leyton In The 1950s

A Memory of Leytonstone.

My family lived 7 Newport Road, my sister was even born there. As a kid in the 1950s I would go to Saturday morning pictures at the Essoldo, on Leyton High Road, it cost 7 pence. That's also where the library was. I had to get up earlier to visit the Rialto cinema but could get in for sixpence, afterwards it was into Bearmans to listen to the latest pop singles from America.
Newport Road seemed to be quite long and the kids from both ends had wonderful snowball fights every winter.
My Nana and Grandad lived on Albert Road. A fishmonger pushed a cart with prawns for sale. Milk was delivered with a horse-drawn wagon. The rag and bone man had a carousel attachment which was fun, and kids drove mums crazy for something to donate for a ride.
Epping Forest was a favourite Sunday picnic area, there was a huge dead, hollow tree that every child wanted to climb, when I finally succeeded on getting inside my father had to help me out.
School was right across the street, if I was naughty and banished from class, my mum would bring me hot cocoa in the winter. I remember getting lost in the 1952 fog, whilst going to school.
Our flat didn't have a bathroom and the toilet was outside. Bath night was Fridays in the scullery in a metal bath that otherwise hung outside. Walking to Giants Hole, not far from Whipps Cross Hospital, to get pussy willow. Learning to swim at Cattal Road baths. Walking to Walthamstow to watch the eels, wiggling around ice blocks, at the pie and eel shop. The pie and mash with parsley sauce was the biggest treat imaginable. Being fascinated seeing a my first black person, who was a policeman. Getting 4 sweeties for a penny at the corner shop, or going to Piner's, turn right on Francis Road, or left for the best fish and chips. Walking down Sidmouth Road, to reach the park and beyond that the kids play area, with a lovely round-about.
Living in the States now I relish these memories.