Sidcup Memories ( 1970's )

A Memory of Sidcup.

Mr Father Charles Edwin Gillmore was born in Sidcup in 1942. He lived at home with his brother David Gillmore and sister Maureen Clarke also their Mother Florence Ada Gillmore ( Nee Eustace ) at 22 Alma road Sidcup, just down the road from Waring park. Although I and my fellow siblings never lived in Sidcup we used to visit my nan at 22 Alma road all through the 1970's and the 1980's as a small child I remember being overwhelmed at the size of Marlow house ( just after the railway bridge on the way to Alma road.) Me and my brother Steven used to love visiting our Nan at 22 Alma rd everyday she would give us 10 pence each to go to the sweet shop 3 or 4 houses up to get ourselves some goodies, ( we always used to get a jamboree bag. ) With the sweets inside along with a couple of other toys and things. I remember the little army man with his parachute being the most coveted jamboree bag toy. you used to sometimes also get a 2x1 inch piece of cardboard with a picture of a monkey on it along with this came a tiny little cigarette which you inserted into a small hole at the monkeys mouth,when lit the monkey used to puff on it, Lol you don't get them anymore ha ha. A little up from there was Lewis's shop on the corner of birbeck and alma road. Next door to my Nans at no 20 Alma road live two lads called Simon and Benjamin they were our holiday friends when we went to our nans, I wonder what happened to them ??? They were pretty cool lads they had cool things like air pistols and things.... We used to go waring park a lot their used to be a little zoo type thing in the corner somewhere. Best shop in Sidcup as a kid? That's easy: Burrells toy shop they had some great toys there. We used to love the high st and all them different shops and shop owners,,, Does anyone remember the fruit and veg seller with the big wooden horse cart selling his wares along the hadlow rd area I think.... I also remember going to the paraffin machine on Alma road for my nan to fill her paraffin heater up.. If you remember my dad Charles Edwin Gillmore aka charley or Gilley, or remember my nan Florence Ada Gillmore ( nee Eustace ) From 22 alma road sidcup or simon and benjamin or if you are simon or benji drop me an email to say hi would be nice tohear from you.. Thanks Neil Gillmore. blues_man_two@hotmail.co.uk