Cherished Memories

A Memory of Croydon.

Finding this site has brought many wonderful memories back to me. I was born in St Mary's Hospital, Croydon. My maiden name was Chappell. I lived in Purley Road, South Croydon not far from the Red Deer until 1957. Every Saturday I travelled to Croydon with Mum or, when old enough, on my own or with friends. Usually Kennards was my first stop where I made for the Arcade to see the ponies and other animals etc. It was a magical place at Christmas with Santa's Grotto and lovely decorations. Then I would go across the road to Allders which seemed a huge shop to me. Then along the High Street to Martin Fords or C&A. I loved Surrey Street Market. I learned to swim at the swimming baths down Scarborough Hill at the end of the market opposite Millets. My teacher was called Ross Eagle. I remember the water was always freezing cold and was always glad when the lesson was over. Then maybe I would visit the posh shop called Grants where things seemed very expensive. There was a shop called Nigels, an American shop, down Crown Hill where my mum bought most of my clothes. Then there was Reeves Corner which was a furniture shop. I still remember most of the old Cinemas and Theatres... the Odeon, Eros, Davies Theatre, Grand Theatre, Classic and also the Astoria and Regal Purley where I went on Saturday mornings.
We moved to Wallington when I was eleven and then to The Isle of Wight in 1981 for 25 years. I now live in Cyprus but will always cherish my childhood memories of Croydon.