Near ''The Lammas
1954-1959, say?? Perhaps earlier too. This section of the River looks v. close to the area off the top of Thames or Bridge Street (?) known as The Staines "Lammas". A number of pools and play areas, with a swimming pool set into the River itself. Such a trek by 'bus to get there. I don't think anyone would do it today. But we did and we thought it a wonderful treat.
Although there were many hardships for most families, at least Mother wasn't a slave to technology or guilt. Part of her 'work' was to take us out and about. To enjoy life with us wherever possible. A 'takeaway' was occasional Fish and Chips or a 'bag' of hot chips. More likely an ice lolly!
String bags with refreshments, swim tyres ready inflated around our waists! Mother quite resigned, even cheerful about our 'big day out'. Planning where would be best to 'bags' a spot for the day.
Excited to get there in the cool morning bus ride, by the late afternoon we wanted to avoid the hot wait for 'the little bus' we would trail down the High Street, towards a cycle shop which had a little arched laneway alongside.(Later a Chinese Restaurant??) and wait for the 116. Hoping it was going all the way to Bedfont Green and not changing driver or conductor at "The BullDog" nr Ashford General.
Later The River became an even more important socialising force for many young people with its Boat Hire, Tow path walks, Regatta and historical sites.
Such lovely places really. There were always the gloomy people and grimy places. But on balance Staines really did have a lot to offer.
Olivia R-S
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RE: RE: Near 'The Lammas
What was the name of the Cycle shop? Commerfords springs to mind.
Comment from Name withheld on Friday, 27th June 2008.
RE: RE: Near ''The Lammas
How interesting to read comments about the old Lammas, I too remember going there during the fifties, everything you said was quite correct, and you bought back a memory long since forgotten about, the 116 bus. I lived at Stanwell Village along the Bedfont Road. When we went to Staines we caught the 162, it later became the 203 and 203a but sometimes we caught the 116 and walked from the Bulldog down to the Village.
Comment from Darryll Seabourne on Saturday, 3rd January 2009.
RE: RE: Near ''The Lammas
This is taken a little way away from the Lammas but not too far! The cycle shop (in Church Street) was, unless my memory plays tricks, Bundy's.
Comment from Terry Smith on Saturday, 5th March 2011.