Hendon, Technical College c.1955

Photo ref: H397029

Even though I was born a good ten-years after the second world war, Hendon was my home town. I loved it there. I attended Algernon Infant and Junior school, then onto St Mary's in the Downage. I always loved Hendon, but on a visit there to attend a funeral, I was shocked to see the state of the town. There was no feeling of community, all the shops in West Hendon were either boarded up or shut. I couldn't wait to ...see more

During the Second World War 'Lord Haw-Haw' announced over the wireless from Germany that the clock atop of the Hendon Technical College was showing the 'Wrong Time!'.

My friend lived in the caretakers flat ,'Lingley', (not shown in photo). We used to go to the 'Tech Dances' which were held once a month in the winter months. We were all members of the Parish Youth Club, our summer evenings would be sometimes spent playing rounders in the park on Greyhound Hill, and a shandy in the Greyhound after. I married a New Zealander and moved to NZ, I have been back a few times.

I was born at 19 Broomgrove Gardens, Edgware in 1933. Although the address was Edgware the closest railway station was Burnt Oak. I went to Staglane Primary school and the Headmistress' name was Miss Palmer. My dad worked at DeHavilands as a toolmaker and was involved with the manufacture of Dehaviland aircraft motors. I was with my dad when he heard on his crystal set that the war had started ...see more