Oakwood, The Underground Station, Bramley Road c.1955

Photo ref: O105004

Just before our wedding at St Thomas's in April 1967, Ching my wife to be and I, were called to see the vicar. We sat in his lounge and he gave the essential instructions for making love (for making babies). He spoke very slowly and each word was drawn out. An extract follows......... He said to me 'firstly you stroaoaoaoak (stroke) the ear lobe, repeated - stroaoaoaoak the ear lobe then yooooou mooooooooove your hand down ...see more

Peter Ward & Brian Moore lived close by - we were in Kings Own a teenage group run by the curate at the church. All genteel stuff no wicked behaviour. For me, a cycle ride from Winchmore Hill.

Although I was working in Wales at this time, my parents still lived in Oakwood, and I was married at St. Thomas' in December 1969. I had previously gone to church and Sunday School here when I was still at home.

I was brought up near Boxer's Lake in the 1940s and 50s in Silverdale, one of the culdesacs off the southern arm of Lonsdale Drive. My first "job" was as a paper boy for Murrays the Newsagents on Bramley Parade, the nearest shop in this photo. I used to cycle up Merryhills Drive and along Bramley Road to work. Later, in my school holidays, they took me on as a junior assistant in the shop itself. At this time ...see more