Chandler's Ford, The Parade c.1960

Photo ref: C490075

Our family had already started plans to emigrate to Canada in 1956. I graduated from North End Secondary Modern after completing my O levels in June. I needed a job for a few months until we left in November. I heard that Dr Burge the chemist was looking for someone to fill in for a while. I applied for the job and started right away. The hours were from 9-6 five and a half days a week, the salary £5 per week. ...see more

I was born at Velmore Camp in 1954 and lived there with my parents, Fred and Margaret Eldridge, and my sister Lynette. A year later we moved to Derby Road, Eastleigh. Have tried unsuccessfully to find information about Velmore and would appreciate anything anyone might know please.

I had scarlel fever and was sent the Isolation Hospital as it was then called . I had no idea where I was and hated it there so much so I didn't eat.I was only about 4 or 5 & one night I had diarroea & fouled my bed. The nurse was cross because she had to change the bed clothes and give me a bath. I returned home after 10 days.

Every day, on the way to primary school, Sherborne House I was driven past the Tabby Cat, from the Vicarage at North Baddesley where I lived. Every day I was told "Oh look, can you see the tabby cat?" A picture on the door I think it was supposed to be. I could never see it, and never knew where the others were looking...