Pure Nostalgic Joy

A Memory of Goldenhill.

My twin brother Peter & me were born on High Street, Sandyford (No.226) in 1943.
Our house was on the right whilst looking at this picture - about 8th up from the Pub. and directly across from the shops with the blinds showing. These were the Co-op. Separate shops as I remember, General Grocery on the left and a Butchers shop.
Dad was in the Army and Mum was at home - she had worked at Radway Green R.O.F factory. A system of Conscription.
Our maternal grandparents and Aunties lived in Wignall Road, just behind us. There was another Aunt and Uncle living in Wignall Road as well.
Our paternal Grandmother lived on Hollywall Lane, across the road.
Families in those days tended to live close by to one another.
We went to school in Brakespeare Street in Goldenhill.
Peter passed away in 1997 and, sadly I am the only member of the family remaining.
I have moved all over the Country since those days, but now live in rural north-east Cheshire.
Only 3 weeks ago I took 2 of my grandsons to Hanley and travelled through Kidsgrove, Tunstall etc.
I confess to being totally baffled in Hanley with the one way traffic systems and the demolition of once familiar landmarks.
A lot of it came back to me though, particularly on the return journey - passing the old Convent of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Cobridge etc.
I lost count of the number of traffic lights on the A50 between Hanley and Church Lawton !!!!
It is often said that when you look back that you rarely remember the bad bits.
All I have of this area are warm and wonderful memories.