The Really Early Memories Of Northwood Hills

A Memory of Northwood Hills.

At the ripe old age of 89 years I well remember my years at what I have always regarded as "Home.".

In 1931 I first entered the world, living in Wembley, but in 1935 I recall my father meeting Harry Peachey of Belton Estates and arranging to purchase a yet-to-be built semi-detached house in Northwood Hills. The road at that time was unnamed and in discussion with Harry Peachey my father suggested it be named Ferndown. The road was designated to be a cul-de-sac, ending at the circle, that I believe is still there., but subsequently, despite much local opposition, plans were changed! We eventually moved into number 54 in March 1936.

A few houses at that time were completed, but most were still in the course of construction and I well remember playing in the half built houses when the builders had finished for the day and often being chased away by Harry Peachey.

At the age of 5 years I started attending Northwood Hills Infant/Junior school, staying there until 1942, following which I was moved up to Potter Street School. Following the School Scholarship exams a year later I went onto Marylebone Grammar School in September 1943.

Schooling memories at Northwood Hills remain very clear and I still recall the names of virtually all the staff . The old school was lit by gas and I recall the lights being lit late on winter afternoons by the caretaker using a meths` rag on the end of a pole.. I remember our being hurried into the air raid shelters during the frequent raids in 1940/41 and the futile attempts by teachers to instil some sort of order. I also recall having to go to school for a couple of months from 07.30 'ish until 11.30 `ish as we had to accommodate children from a neighbouring school that had been bombed. (They did the second shift)!

It may interest Ferndown residents to hear that No. 50, the next building to ours due to its being semi-detached, was hit by a reported 500lbs unexploded bomb that entered through the roof, exited below the front bedroom window, turned and buried itself under the downstairs front room window. Most Ferndown residents were evacuated for 2 -3weeks until "The Bomb Squad" could deal with it. Meanwhile, the trains were allowed to still allowed to run, but only at a walking pace. N.b. This applied to the non-stop expresses also! Eventually the bomb was investigated and removed, but turned out to be a 50lbs anti-aircraft shell.

I could easily go on to write several more pages if this proves of interest and is requested, but will call it a day for now. Prior to doing so, however, I should say that I lived in Ferndown until December 1949, when called up up for National Service. My parents stayed until November 1951 prior to moving to Bournemouth. In the interim, I only stayed home when I had a leave-pass.

Malcolm King.
P.S. Should anyone remember me, please do get in touch at kingm@ive.co.uk

Thank you so much for this lovely and detailed memory - yes please do tell us more. Editor.

---

---