1953 1974

A Memory of Morden.

I was born in our house in Martin Way and lived there until 1974. My grandparents moved into the house in the 1930's, just after it was built, and it was ours for around 40 years!
I remember Morden before Crown House existed, when the old Crown pub was on the corner instead. I used to play in Mostyn Gardens and John Innes park, near Rutlish school. Hillcross was my school, with the field, willow tree and old bomb shelter. I used to walk there with my brothers and sister, down Westcroft Gardens. Martin Way had a small parade of shops - the fish shop, Levers hardware store, a barbers/hairdressers, grocers, greengrocers, launderette and Platt's the newsagents and sweet shop. After that was the Fina petrol station. Across the road was St James' church and I used to enjoy looking out of my bedroom window at the wedding parties arriving.

The main supermarket in Morden was Caters and there was an Express Dairy near the underground station that sold cakes with cream squished onto them from a machine, to order! As a child that used to fascinate me!!

I went to Joseph Hood secondary school until we were moved 'en masse' to Willows at the start of the comprehensive system. Joseph Hood was split between the building in Whatley Avenue and the new building by Carters Bridge in Raynes Park, so it often involved a lunchtime walk from one to the other.

Morden was quiet and a good place to live at that time. I have happy memories of it.

Sue Sandy (nee Vowden)

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