Garden City
A Memory of Woodford Bridge.
I lived in Britannia House, Garden City from 1962/3-1970. This was one of the Dr Barnado homes inside the Garden City. I went to Roding Lane Infants then Junior school. I then went to St Barnabas Secondary School.
I still look back with great fondness on Woodford Bridge and when able to, I visit. I no longer know anyone in Woodford but do visit all the places I knew and liked. This includes visiting two school friends whom are buried in St Paul's church.
Add your comment
You must be signed-in to your Frith account to post a comment.
Add to Album
You must be signed in to save to an album
Sign inSparked a Memory for you?
If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?
Comments & Feedback
I am so glad you mentioned Joe Brown if I remember right didn't he do his show at Canada Hall? I remember the swimming pool and the church (I was christened there). The church is still there as is now a indoor swimming pool for a health club.
It is so nice to hear from someone else whom lived in The Garden City. I still remember the lovely tree lined road, the playing fields and the massive bonfire on November 5th.
George Webber
you remember my brothers name . So many people don't want to look back but those memories have been a great source of stability and comfort because the setting was so wonderful . I feel privileged to have had that experience because it has made me who am today . I cried when I saw the first pictures of Dr Barnardo's homes and glimpses of the children walking down the path with their short trousers ! How I wish I could go back and find those houses still there and relive all those times . I did go back once after I left but it was too soon for me to feel nostalgic . Then a few years later when the house were still there but were empty. Have you found any good pictures of your house George ? I found it difficult and think one was called princess Margaret house but it looked liked Union Jack house .
This has made my day , thank you so much for making contact . I will tell my brother that you remember him . It's especially nice because he has just moved house to be nearer to me from Manchester . Any more stories from that time George ?
Teresa x
I have been back a few times but are only 2 buildings left from when we were at The Garden City. One of those is the church which as I mentioned is an indoor swimming pool for a health club. The other is Gwyne House. This now a hotel and entertainment venue.
I now live in Chelmsford, having finally come out of care when I was 18.
How has life been for you? When I came out of care, I didn't have any support and over the years have and continue to have a few nagging issues.
I too feel privileged to have been brought up in a setting such as we had.I still look back with a fondness and people say to me, how comes it doesn't bother you? I was about 2 years 6 months when I went to Barnados so I don't remember much of life before and I can't change anything so why worry.
I have some photos that I will sort out. Have you an email that I can send them to?
Best wishes George
Thanks for replying . I went to Gwynne about ten years ago for a wedding not realising it was the area where I had lived. I cried when I saw the house and remember driving past Snakes lane.
After seeing your comment I did some more research and I found a video clip with Joe Brown in pathe news visiting us at Dr Barnados in his red e type jag ! It wasn't the time I saw him because I distinctly remember him coming on his own and singing to us standing in his car . Still great to see a clip anyway !
I live in Erith Kent and my email is teresa.mcfarlane1@ntlworld.com .
Kind regards
Teresa
I found the Joe Brown video on the net and watched that.
Regards George Webber
It should be easy to find out which house you were in. Get in touch with Barnardos. They are at Tanners lane Barkingside Ilford. If you know the years you were there and any other information that would help.
George
You won't remember me but I remember you. I was also in union jack.
Wayne
In Britannia House we used to go to the barbers in the high street. I remember the barber used a cut throat razor to trim around the ears and neck. Well this particular day when he was trimming around one of my ears, he slit it open. Crickey I still cringe a bit when I think about it.