The Pre-Fab Years

I was born in Recreation Close - a tiny 1 bedroom maisonette at the bottom of Wide Way. My Grandparents lived in Greenwood Road just around the corner. In June 1944, during the Second World War, a doodle bug exploded on the shelter killing my grandmother, and I think, 6 other people in the road. Their names are recorded in a book of rememberance in Westminster Abbey which I visited recently. Anyway, in 1946 my brother Richard was born so we were allocated one of the new pre-fabs just around the corner. What luxury it was - having a fridge in a very modern kitchen. I remember well the 1947 big freeze when our pipes froze and b urst in the bathroom. However, we were only in the pre-fab for 2 years as my 2nd brother came along and we moved to a brand new council house in Brenley Close by the Beehive /bridge. I have lovely memories of the fair - I think it was 3 fairs in 1 - the 7 islands pond and Saturday morning pictures. I was an ABC minor. I still see my 2 best friends, Pamela and Brenda, from the days when we went to Pollards Hill Infants and Junior schools and then to Rowan Girls School. Lovely memories but now so long ago!