Penton Hook c1960, Staines
Penton Hook c1960, Staines Ref: S175057
Memories of Penton Hook c1960, Staines
The Weir
See my comments under photo S175052 - Penton Hook Lock - about the wooden weir you can just see in the middle of this image.
Staines & local memories
Read and share memories of Staines and Middlesex inspired by Frith photos.
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... Read more
Not 1960?
The four pinnacles on the tower were removed after WW2 because a bomb dropped in Wraysbury Road made them unsafe. I was born in '45 (and baptised in St. Mary's) and was still living in Wraysbury Road in 1960. I do not remember the pinnacles being demolished so this photo must have been taken much earlier as they would have been removed in my early childhood.
Picnics at Knowle Green
We had some very happy family picnics on Knowle Green. There was a small stream in which we used to play with our fishing nets and catch small fish and other water creatures. There were also plenty of wild flowers on the edge of the stream and dragon flies. There was also on the Green a herd of dairy cows brought down from their farm daily to graze, Knowle Green was then common land, and in the early evening they were rounded up to take back to their farm to be milked. I have no idea where the farm was.
There was also on Knowle Green a blacksmith's forge and we children used to stand and watch the furnace and the horses being shoed. This was situated by the other stream on Knowle Green on the other side of the linoleum factory.
There were also about six mature, beautiful horse chestnut trees at the entrance to Knowle Green by Kingston Road, wonderfully bountiful for the conker season and to play... Read more
Johnson & Clarks
Does anyone remember Johnson & Clarks department store? It used to be the place to go for school uniforms. It was like Grace Brother's department store from the comedy TV show "Are you being served?". I tried to find some old photos, but to no avail. Before it was demolished, it sat on the opposite corner from where Debenhams still sits. Strangely, this is one of my oldest memories of Staines along with the big old cinema watching Star Wars, ET etc... The legendary queues to get into the cinema almost wrapped right around the building.
Remember Me?
My name is Michael Smith, I lived on Cherry Tree Avenue in Staines in the 1960s and have lots of memories, I went to M.A. school. Anyone remember me? email me @ m5976@quickclic.net
Edgell And Beehive Roads Staines
I am in the process of trying to find information for a friend of mine who has recently moved into Beehive Road. We know the property was built in 1890 but there is nothing shown on the 1891 Census. 4 properties are shown on the 1901 Census. I would be grateful if any one has any information however small.
many thanks
Tony Ardis
Shropshire
