A Day Out to Woolwich
During the early years after the Second World War my mother would take me to Woolwich as a special treat. I was about 8 year old then. We would catch the 696 trolleybus from Dartford market and arrive at the Woolwich Arsenal around lunch time. Our first stop was Manzie's Pie and Eel shop - absolutely delicious after the wartime food. From there we would walk past Woolwich Empire on our way to the ferry. On the way we would watch the trams changing their electric shoes and then proceed to the ferry pier. When we boarded I immediately went down to see the steam engines at work. They had polished brass bearing and well-oiled pistions. The smell of steam, coal, and oil still remains with me. Arriving at the other side we would simply walk to the Royal Victoria Gardens (still there) and, after an hour or so return to Woolwich. It doesn't seem much now but after the blitz it was really a great day out.
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RE: RE: A Day Out to Woolwich
i can remember as a very young boy about 5-6 years of age going into the Manzes' pie and mash shop where my grandmother Violet Manze used to work very long hours. My mum would often take me(Stephen) and my brother (Andrew) to see my gran whenever we were in town and I can remember that we used to go upstairs and the large stone steps seemed to be massive to climb up! I was only 5ish though! My grandmother died in 1997 and she would be 100 years old this year (2011). We lived in Griffin Road, Plumstead and got the 192 bus into town. My nan and my grandfather Albert Manze worked at the pie shop and I think my father Alan used to lend a hand too. I just thought I'd leave a short memory as I saw that you went into the Manze pie and eel shop and may have been served by my nan! Stephen Manze
Comment from Steve Manze on Saturday, 26th February 2011.