Thornton Heath, The Pond c.1960

Photo ref: T262047

My father and mother ran the Horseshoe pub opposite the Bank at 745, London Road from 1961 till 1967. Next door was an abandoned barbershop which was left fully equipped, until knocked down to make way for a car park for the pub. A little further down was a small cafe where the motor bikers would meet up. Across the road was the music shop run by the trombone player from the Billy Cotton Band. From our living room we overlooked the pond. Happy days.

We lived as a family in Gonville Road with St Judes Church on the corner of Thornton Road, to the left of this picture. I remember the Pond when it was full of rubbish so this garden was an improvement when it was filled in. My first job was at the National Provincial Bank, and from the window of the staff room (it looks as though that is where this photo was taken from) I remember the cherry trees ...see more