Beckenham, High Street c.1960

Photo ref: B46063

I'm pretty sure the name of the shop was "Importers" as a kid I was fascinated by the contraption in the window - all chain driven wheels whirling round and round and every so often someone placing or removing one of the canisters that held the beans - probably could have stood there all day had not my mother dragged me away to do shopping. As far as I remember (and could well be utterly wrong here) you couldn't ...see more

I was born in Palace Road in 1940. I remember the bombing and in particular sitting on the steps watching a doodlebug fly over. The area was eventually evacuated and we, with others, were sent to Wimslow, near Manchester. On returning to London we were housed in St. Hughs Road, Anerley. I stayed there until I was 19 and then set out to seek my fortune. After a 'round the world tour' paid for by you the, tax ...see more

My Uncle Dink (Thomas Younger) who was an invalid, used to make cardboard tanks and planes and used to sell these at Crystal Palace and Beckenham in 1920 and 1921. He was helped by my grandfather, Thomas Lang.

My mum worked at the Prompt Corner Coffee Bar for many years and my sister and I used to go in for our tea most days. We knew many of the regulars, but as I was pretty young most of the names escape me now. Mum also worked as an usherette at the Regal, and we went to the cinema regularly. She also worked in the greengrocers near to the Importers Coffee Shop (not a cafe) but what it was called I don't ...see more