Rye Hill Park Prefabs

A Memory of Peckham.

hi, as a child I lived in the prefabs on Rye Hill Park, now flats. I remember the Rossi ice cream horse and cart that used to stop at the bottom of the hill and lemon ice was my favourite. The park was our playground and my brother fell in the stream on numerous occasions, much to my mum’s horror. We had a white westie called Snowy who used to chase the postman.

The prefabs were lovely and everybody in our little close was very friendly. I remember the street party we had in 1953 for the Coronation.

My parents names were Grace and George Evans and my brother was Eddy and I am Carol. Our immediate neighbours were Vi and Ernie Fletcher and they had 2 sons Brian and Alan. Mr and Mrs Banhan and their daughter Pat, mr and Mrs Parker and son Peter, Mrs Saunders, mr and Mrs Hobday and their son Ronnie.

I lived there from 1947 to 1954 and have wonderful memories and wondered if anyone else remembers the prefabs and our little community.

Carol Latter (was evans)

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Added 17 February 2019

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Hi My name is John Sanders (Saunders) and I lived with my father Charlie, mum Doris and older brother Ken in the prefab situated in the centre of the 'close' and backing onto the Banhan's. Mr Banhan kept a big aviary for budgies, Pat was my first crush. I was about 6 while Pat was at least 9 so a much older woman so it was not to be. Brian and Alan were our best friends and I remember their mum and dad were very keen on ballroom dancing. Their son Alan followed suit and became an international champion. (Look him up).
The prefabs were built on the existing plots of far larger houses so had loads of space. Ours had a front garden with a big oak? tree. There were apple and pear trees in the back with blackberry bushes growing along the north wall and a fair sized lawn.
Directly opposite our close across the road were several bomb sites or 'playgrounds' No health and safety then! These were great places for building camps where our gang would plot raids on the 'Flat kids' who lived a down the hill .
Dad used to work in a factory called Dowdals (not sure of the spelling, that made bird cages. The factory and us were relocated to Crawley New Town in the late 50's.
I was looking at Prefabs in general and came across this Memoir which triggered so many fond memories. Thank You
I made a nostale Hill Park a few years ago and think our Oak tree is still standing.

By johnandsues on Mon Jun 7th 2021, at 5:08 pm

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