My Childhood

A Memory of Croydon.

My parents lived with my grandfather - Harry Fiddleman, at 41 Lower Addiscombe Road. Grandfather was a hairdresser so we lived behind and above the shop. I was born at St Mary's Maternity Home. I cannot find any references to this 'Home' anywhere, although I'd love to know more about it. When I was a baby my 'cot' was a drawer - evidently quite common in the fifties. My father worked for his father in the early days, then went on to helping other hairdressers and eventually ended up working for Lloyds Bank in the city. His name was Norman Fiddleman. My mother had trained as a dressmaker, so made various garments at home and then sold them in Croydon market. She had been brought up in Colliers Wood. Her maiden name was Iris Hawkins. Her father was a policeman. Evidently I was well known at the market in 1953/54, in my pram, when I was a baby.
We lived with my grandfather until I was about six years old. When I was five years old I went to Wolsey Infants School. There were about thirty or more in our class. We sat in rows, were not allowed ‘to play’ and learned to read with those ever exciting books - Janet and John! I can still remember the old-fashioned pictures and the word: - “Look” said Janet. “Look” said John. There were no toys of any kind in the classroom! This obviously didn't put me off too much as I trained to be a teacher and have had a marvellous career!
I remember having quite a good social life when I was five and six years old. I was always being invited to parties. I had a party in Granddad’s house where everyone from my class was invited! Mum swore she would never invite so many children again! I also had a boyfriend. He was called Robert. He was scrumptious! I used to sing ‘I wanna be Bobbie’s girl, I wanna be Bobbie’s girl – that’s the only thing I wanna be!” One of my best friends was a girl called Carol Etherington. The Etheringtons had a Bakers shop in the vicinity and I often went over there to play. I also remember going to the church quite near our house and joining 'the sunbeams'. I was always singing 'Jesus wants me for a sunbeam'. I have no idea which church it was! I can also remember going out by myself to the little park at the end of the road. I used to play for a while, then please myself when I went home.
All in all good days. I do not know Croydon at all nowadays. I believe 41 Lower Addiscombe Road is still there and has become a small Music Academy. I did email the address to ask some questions, but have received no reply. I have started an autobiography as I think my children might be interested - one day! IF anyone has any material about this area of Croydon in the years 1953 to 1959, or knew any of the people mentioned, I would love to hear from them!
Meanwhile I shall continue to enjoy other people's stories from this time.
My grandparents used to play in a quartet around Croydon. I'm sure they must have been mentioned in a local paper at some time, but I have no idea how to research this. I'd love to know, if anyone has any suggestions.