Addlestone, New Haw c.1950

My first job as a Saturday girl (1974) was working at a newsagents called Jarman's on the right of this photo on the corner of the road which led to the police station and infants school Darley Dene. I remember having to weigh snuff and having to use an old-fashioned till where you had to add up the items and press down the correct keys to show the total in the top window. I worked for a lady called Molly - she was still there in the 1980's. I think I earned about 60p for a Saturday afternoon.

We used to love watching the trains come through and were sad when they brought in the barriers. I used to travel from Addlestone Station to Egham to attend Strode's College on the old trains which had corridors and compartments! Sounds ancient but was only 1977-79! From the train we could see the new line being built to accomodate the train once the M25 was completed!

This looks like the bridge over the canal at the Addlestone / New Haw border but I can't be sure. If it is I remember my parents taking us there (early 70's) to watch them put in new lock gates. The gates have the year engraved into them. I also believe that the lock keepers cottage, which I think is the house on the left, was used as a location for a film (about time travellers?).

After getting off the bus from New Haw we would walk to Nan & Grandad's house. Passing over the crossing there was Wells Boot Stores on the right just before Alexandra Road. Down here, over the river, the Laundry and Taylor & Pentons on the left. I think Taylor & Penton made furniture for John Lewis, I do know my Aunt Elsie and my Grandfather (Walter Godfrey) worked there, Auntie in the office and Grandad as Night Watchman. Now on to 37 Byron Road for tea and pocket money.