Faircross And My Early Teens

A Memory of Barking.

I was born in Upney Hospital 1944, my mum and dad lived in Stratton Drive, went to Park Modern School as did my 2 older sisters and my brother. Most of my parents families lived in the same area ie on the so called 'Leftly Estate', we were considered to be upper class living there!! My best memories at that time are of Barking Park, the small train that ran at the end of the park, boating on the lake, and there was even a paddle steamer. Barking Carnival held in the first week of September was always special! I was sixteen and finding out what girls and rock'n' roll were about! Bright lights and Elvis and Buddy Holly - best time of my life!
One last thought...Does anybody remember the fish and chip shop 200 yards from the park entrance? With 2 large walls covered in tiles depicting Lowestoft Trawlers in Heavy seas? Absolutely wonderful!! Probably in a landfill site now? In 1960, I now owned a motorcyle! But my mates all had scooters! (I have always been the odd one out!). Monday nights at the Ilford Palais was the place to be, lots of scooters, even more lights and mirrors and everybody in a parka!
Back a few years, I remember going to the Royal Oak (Fly House) on a Saturday night with my mum and dad, most of the residents of Stratton Drive and my family's relations were there, singing and drinking. I had to stay outside with a lemonade and a packet of Smiths crisp and the little blue bag of salt. Thought in my mind is how close they all seem to be! I suppose the war had brought everybody together and fifteen years later it hadn't diminished. I have very happy memories of Faircross!
Bernard Stevens, Sussex