Happy Days In Ham : Long Hot Summers Scrumping, Cold Snowy Winters On Ham Pond

A Memory of Ham.

I had the best days of my life in Ham. I moved there from Tooting when i was 4 or 5. I first lived in Back Lane although i cant remember over which shop ? Then we moved to New Rd and i lived next door to the man who was the night guard at Ham House. He used to tell my lots of stories about ghosts in the house. Then on to Ham Street where my aunty had her shop ( Mrs Dunkley).I used to help her in the shop sometimes after school. I had an uncle living next to the cobblers in the little 2 up 2 down houses. I remember the tiny off licence at the side of the Ham Tap where i used to go and get some lemonade and crisps. I can also remember the fish man who used to come every Sunday and park outside the (I think it was called The Crooked Billet) ?? I always had to go and get my mum,dad and aunty their Sunday fish tea.I have so many happy memories i could probably go on forever.!! I went to St Andrews Church school which became St Andrews with Sr Richards in Ashburnham Rd. I then went to Grey Court Secondary School. I enjoyed every day there and i never played truent. HONEST!!! I got married in St Andrews Church on the common in 1976 Yeh that really Hot summer. Myself and my dad worked at Hawkers. I was always on the common walking my Boxer dag with my dad. My mum helped her sister in the shop and did a little part time job. Summers were picnics on the common or in Richmond Park, trying to catch frogs just inside Ham gate. Long walks along the river to Teddington or Richmond.I had an uncle who lived in the Star and Garter Home. I remember the Mulberry Tree and the cut through leading over the corpse to the polo fields where i saw many famous people playing polo. I also have memories of Tommy Steel living in Petersham and the Big Whole that appeared in the road next to his house. I had to get off my 71 bus and walk down the nearby alley to get on another bus at the Star and Garter pub. So Many Happy Times. Ive ran out of room now, but i could go on forever!!!! Michele ( Mel )