Brookbank Road

A Memory of Lewisham.

I was born in Lewisham Hospital and went to St Stephens school, left in 1959 after l did the 11 plus and we moved to Marden Kent, l think my Father knew he was sick and he died in June 1963. Our lives were very ordinary as were all others at that time, we were always at the Royal Naval association clubs, first at Belmont Hill then to Slaithwaite Road, my Father was Secretary of Lewisham club and treasurer of Woolwich, he would organise outings and we always had Margo's double decker bus.

When people say "Those were the days" they really were, it was a pleasure being a kid in Lewisham and l think l missed it when we moved but could not say having a child's mind, only when we are older do we have more ability to present our feelings to others and also have time to reflect on our past. Our club outings took us to Luton Chatham, Sundridge Park and Camberwell and very many more. The RNA club at Camberwell was one of the happiest places you could find but sadly almost all members were disabled, missing limbs, blind, shell shocked, we were lucky firstly to be alive and next to have all of our faculties, l will always have very fond memories of all people that l can remember as a child, kind generous people, respectful people, happy caring people, but l will always be grateful to all those that gave their lives protecting our homeland.

Names l remember were Ted Egan, Ron Davis, Bill Faero, Jim Muir, Jim Parrot, Sam Parr, "Chippie", all these good people are long gone but live in my head for their help to others because it is what we can do for others that gives us our will to live, it's not about 'money', it is about being a good human being and showing your loyalty to your fellow man.

At St Stephens school l remember many, Billy Foot and his Brother, George Raggett, Michael Lee, Martin Newton, Jean Purkiss, Susan Catt, Michael Coomber, Janet Coomber, Tony Saxby, Leslie Clements, Mr & Mrs Tutt the caretakers...................the list goes on. I remember the opening of our new playground in front of the Solex factory and the sweet shop, The Dolls House too.

I left UK nearly 30 years ago and live in Spain and Portugal but l am packing up and going to stay in Spain permanently, if you think you know me then message me, even if it a remote chance, l will always answer any messages. chasruler2@gmail.com