Proud Of My Watfordian Roots

A Memory of Watford.

I was born in Watford Hospital March 1961. There is evidence that we - mum, dad and l - lived in Durban Road, and Wellington Road. I'm told one of these 'homes' was a flat in which l became proud owner of a little pink teddy - left on my pram by a neighbour, my mum says - she thinks it was a raffle prize from the local fair. I still have her to this day.
Dad Peter Simmons was born July 1925 and spent most of his life living at Nicholas Close, he told us stories about how he had a cousin who was a trainer/groundsman for Watford FC, of how his Grandad James died from injuries sustained whilst trying to lift a cart horse which had fallen in the gravel pits owned by James brother Thomas Joseph. Dad attended Leggatts Way Senior Boys school in 1939 before starting his butchery career with Fisheries on a market stall in High Street, Watford, then working in a butchers shop which had to change its name because there were so many SIMMONS - the shop rotated its name to SNOWWIS apparently! Dad joined the Navy, returned to Watford, met Mum at the Butchers Ball 1959ish, duly married her in 1960. Moved a few more times before retiring to Bridport where he sadly died in 1991.
His legacy and memories live on in me, as l have always had an affinity with Watford, sharing my birthday with Elton John, a mild interest in Watford FC, memories of the Salvation Army playing on the green of Nicholas Close - due apparently to the fact that Thomas J was a strong member, in fact Treasurer, of the Watford Army until his death in 1930. Thomas J was part of the Household Troop Band of the Salvation Army he was also a successful business man employing over 100 people. His son Thomas Herbert Simmons became Mayor of Watford.
I have memories of picnics in Cassiobury Park, playing in the paddling pool, of shared family occassions in the Green Man pub which l've since learned was a regular haunt of the 'older' part of the family.
Little did l know until just 2 days ago the significance of cousin Les Simmons, just today l 'googled' him and Wow what a result- a very popular, well loved, well respected man.
As l delve further into my family history l am because of these characters proud to be from Watford and even prouder to say that these are my family members. And this is why l am a proud Watfordian.

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