Childhood Memories

A Memory of Berkhamsted.

Coral Merriman

We moved to Berkhamstead from London in 1952. I went to Ashlyns which still had the Thomas Coram boarders. It was a Secondary School, Mr Gilbertson was Headmaster, we had Assembly every morning where all the staff wore their black cloaks, we had Church Services in the Chapel where Mr Cuthbertson played the organ. We had swimming lessons in the pool, gym, outside sports, domestic science and every class that you can imagine. When I left I worked first at the Co-oP opposite Sharlands in the High Street, later I did my apprenticeship at Barbara's Flower shop, Miss Dwight had two, one opposite the Regal or Rex Cinema and the other in an old Butchers Shop in the High Street on the cross roads. I then worked in Freeman Hardy and Willis with Mr Bond before joining the WRAF. My Mum and Dad had the Hallwalk Fisheries and restaurant down by the caravan park as you entered Berkhamstead. I remember lovely carefree days down by the canal, picnics on the Common, it was a lovely place to live.