1940 To 1955.

A Memory of Hounslow.

My name is Terry Gosling, I was born in 1940 in St Stephens Road. I attended Grove Road school and after went on to Bulstrode School. I have lost touch with most of my school pals, Reg Pope is still in touch though. We both joined the Royal Navy. My first Saturday job was in a large grocers in Bell Road I cannot remember the name. Another pal was Billie Smith, his family ran the wet fish shop in Bell Road. I fondly remember the parks especially the boats in Inwood. Hounslow Heath was a great play ground we used to get rides in Bren gun carriers from the soldiers who were training there, we used to bum the boiled sweets from the ration packs. We made model boats and played with them on the River Crane. During the war my Mum drove a shunting engine on Hounslow marshalling yards, I believe that's why I'm still mad about steam trains. The High Street changed so much, the burnt out Trinity church, the Town Hall, are the Baths still there? I understand Bulstrode School is no more, I remember well getting beasted by Mr Dennis, he loved to cane! I have fond memories of Mr Sherman, he took art and calligraphy. I liked English and French but cannot name the teachers. I used all the cinemas, the Regal, Granada, and Dominion, and the Odeon at Hounslow West. I enjoyed going to the "pictures". After I joined the Royal Navy, I was away a lot but used to frequent the local pubs, my nearest to home was The Warren which is now a supermarket, there were quite a few small pubs either named after soldiers or Crimean war battles. I enjoyed Henekeys and The Bell. Hounslow was a great place to grow up in, lots to do and see, and I have many happy memories of that time.