Good Times

A Memory of Romford.

I lived in and around the Romford area from 1957 until 1979 - I have never been back. I went to school first at St Edwards (the confessor) near the market square, we were taught by nuns and some were tyrants! Sister Aloysius, tall and willowy, gentle and kind visited each classroom with her huge rosary beads swinging amongst her voluminous black habit. I can still remember and smell Benediction - it was a small school that has long been lost in time. I lived in Rush Green, as did my wonderful nan and grandad, long gone, but still I think of happy times running to their house from mine. My grandma, who was bombed in the war lived just down the road. I was only eight when I travelled to St Edward's, latterly St Peter's in North Street, it took three buses, I can only remember the 174 and 130 which we caught at Roneo Corner. St Mary's convent was my second school, great times.

I remember the smell of the brewery, it was awful, learning to swim at Morney Road swimming baths, shopping in the market where they sold puppies! Finally taking the train to London for my first job, I clearly remember looking at the newstand just inside the station and the papers proclaiming that Elvis was dead! I live far over the ocean now, but still have those fond memories and maybe I'll come back one day.

---

---