Welling, Old English Garden, Danson Park c.1950

Photo ref: W281301

Christmas as a young child at home in Welling during the Fifties was the happiest time of the year. When looking back to that magical winter wonderland where it was often snowing on Christmas Day, I can still recall the joy of it all. Early on Christmas morning I was woken by my dad, dressed as Santa Claus carrying a pillow case full of presents including a traditional orange hidden at the ...see more

In a front garden opposite the back entrance of Brampton Primary School in Alexander Road, stood a huge cherry tree. During the month of April it magically transformed into a spring version of winter wonderland. a glorious cloud of pure white blossom. As a child in the late 1950's I was enchanted by this tree and it opened my eyes to other cherries growing in the area, most notably the grand avenue of ...see more

Who can remember the cheerful chirping of house sparrows appearing as if from nowhere and landing en masse on a tree or fence, only to fly off again in a moment's notice. Or the wonderful murmeration patterns from clouds of starlings in suburban skies over Wellling. Down the garden path at home it became impossible to walk there on warm sunny days when butterflies settled to spread their wings. ...see more

In the Fifties my family used to live in Gipsy Road. Once a month, or so, I was taken to visit friends of my stepmother, Uncle Andy and Auntie Kit, who lived at the Bexleyheath end of Long Lane. This involved a long walk to get there but along the way there was a handy short cut path between Brampton Road and Long Lane. There were no houses lining this pathway but on one side was a sprawling tomato nursery ...see more