Childhood In Upper Belvedere

A Memory of Belvedere.

I lived in a number of houses in the area starting with Elstree Gardens in Lower Belvedere, where I went to St Augustines. I remember winning a raffle and taking a bunch of flowers home to my mum and my first goal scored on their football pitch. I also remember my first kiss, but I am not going to say with whom. I guess this was early 60's having moved from Eastery nr Sandwich, Kent. My father was made redundant from Tilmanstone Colliery and started work at Belvedere Power Station- is that still there? We then moved to Prospect Close, Upper Belvedere, which had a fantastic view over the Thames. I remember keeping a log of all the ships going up and down the river. We then moved to Essenden Close, just a stones throw from The Village. I was by then going to Picardy Boys School. I remember waiting by the zebra crossing next to the doctors surgery, opposite the church in the morning for various friends; Peter Smith and Stanley Roberts etc.. to arrive before going to school. The village had one of the first coffee bars. I remember thinking at the time, it was a bit modern. I also bought my first single in the electrical/music shop, Davies was it? Spent plenty of money at the newsagent at the end of the village on Commando books. Spent loads of time in the park playing football and using the library nearby when doing homework.
Great memories. I haven't been back for many, many years. We eventually moved to The Avenue Erith, where I ended my full time education and started in full time work-- in London. The 7:07 train in the morning to Charing Cross, arriving back at around 6:30pm. What a journey!