Merrow, The Forge 1913

Photo ref: 65231P

Where local people were invited to watch the film of Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953. There wasn't a screen, just curtains which moved about a bit. The Hall was used for the Tenant's Association's children's Christmas parties and we all sported paper 'crowns' donated by Cow and Gate - I've still got my picture! The 'clinic' was held here once a week where mothers could meet each other and get information ...see more

I remember this well as I started here in 1953. It was in Merrow Street (on the site of the new school) had a solid flint fascia and the main curved archway at the front of the school which boasted 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'. This was almost scary on the first day at school! At the front door was a small cloakroom for coats and wellingtons on wet days,. Next came the kitchen and I ...see more

I remember these shops well as my family moved into the 'new' council houses in 1952 when Bushy Hill estate was still being developed. From the left, the bright red letterbox which was always regularly painted, then the first shop was a confectioners - maybe also a newsagent/tobacconist - and also a small post office counter at the rear which was run by Mr Rich. There was an open door through to Kimber's the grocer ...see more

My nan and grandad lived down here, I can remember walking down here hundreds of times, sometimes with my mum and others with my auntie Joyce, I really loved her she used to give me tomato ketchup sandwiches, and my grandad's front garden was a cushion of forget-me-nots - we weren't allowed to walk on his grass. We would be taken over the common to pick bluebells and primroses, and see the bullrushes in the pond. Such fond memories.