After attending Kingsley High School in Worcester Park, left there at 14 and attended Pitman's College in Wimbledon, where I learned shorthand and typing. Got me my first job in London at the tender age of 16. Don't remember much of Wimbledon, but do remember a very strict male teacher at Pitman's who would rap your knuckles if you did something wrong.

I remember 1952 the year of the great smog, making my way back from school along Dundonald Road towards my home in Graham Road. I had to follow the railings along the recreation ground because I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face - I was 5 at the time. After I married at St Marys Church up Wimbledon Hill, I moved to my (...Read full memory)