Snapshots

A Memory of Luton.

As a very little boy we moved from Birkenhead in the North West, Merseyside to Luton. It was the 1950s and my Dad had a job in Vauxhall's. His brother Tom was already a General Foreman there and his younger brother John (that's what we all called him) worked in the experimental block of Vauxhall's, working on the creation of new models. We lived at 70 Queen Street, alas no more. I remember the street was very cosmopolitan with an infinite number of people from around the world living there. On one end of the thoroughfare in Bailey Street stood a small general store run by a very nice man called Joe who only had one arm. On the opposite end stood Queens Square School were I went. The Headmaster was Mr Riding, coincidentally himself from Birkenhead originally. Other teachers I recall were Mr Rolston (think that's the right name) who I only saw very briefly. We were all gathered in the main hall and he walked to the door turned and waved to everyone and left. I never saw him again as he was retiring from school the day I arrived. Other teachers I recall were Mr Wills originally from South Africa, who used to take us for English and games and Miss Cripps who took us for drama lessons which I thought were great. I used the skills I'd learned from her in later life. Pupils, I can't recall most of their names except for a few exceptions. I was friends with John Hiddleston who lived at 112a Park Street opposite The Chequers pub which I think is still there. Another friend was Trevor Chance from, I recall, Bailey Street, Roger Hopewell was also from the same area. Then there was Ian Peddar and Paul Connor and Paul's ambition in life was to become a priest. I always wondered if he ever did. He had an eye that was constantly being operated on. Another character was Carole (Ale?). At least that's what his surname sounded like. He was Polish and my apologies to the Polish community for mispronouncing his surname. We all used to go to the park together which we called The Wreck. Why we called it that I don't know as it wasn't a wreck. I never can remember what the official name of the park was. Every year those pupils who wanted too went away to a camping holiday with Mr Riding and other staff members. I say camping but we never stayed in tents but nissan type dormitories on this huge site. There were pupils there from around the world too and it was a great experience. The place was situated somewhere by Dungeness. I remember a tiny, miniature type railway line and standing on the beach eating a TopTen chocolate ice lolly. Other memories are of Surrey Street school which I attended for the first year only as we were leaving then to return to Birkenhead. My Dad had secured a job at the then newly opened Vauxhall's in Ellesmere Port. I had to do another first year at the secondary school I attended in Birkenhead. I recently found an old letter from Mr Riding to my parents wishing us all good luck on our return to Merseyside. Yes excellent memories of Queen Square and of Luton itself. I still keep in regular touch as my cousin's live there and we meet from time to time. If anyone has any memories of the places and people I have mentioned could you please put them on this brilliant site as I'd love to read them and look at any old photographs you may have. Many thanks for having the patience to plough your way through this overlong narrative and for listening to me nattering on. I wish you all well. Very best wishes to you all.
Gerard Fitzpatrick Howkins