General Chat

In 1955 my parents moved from a flat above a Barclays bank on Commerical Rd, London, to a bunglaow in Wickford Essex. Fortunately our neighbours, all Londoners had children of a similar age to me I was 7 and so I soon made friends. It was two bedrooms, a dining/lving are with french doors to a very large garden...for someone used to a bombsite yard it was very different. Life was pretty idyllic as we could play without our parents worrying. I had a scoote and loved to usse that. My sister was born at the bungalow on a Sunday that also happened to be Mothers Day (never happened since ..Mothers day I mean on 11th March) . I had been an only child for a long while so was a little jealous. My parents had a back boiler installed and that gave us hot water but that was all. I went to school at the local C of E primary and made more friends. My Dad a city boy took to gardening but it did mean we were clearing weeds, brambles etc every weekend...enough to put you off for life !!! It didn't as you all know I love my garden, but that garden was a hard slog for a little one !! The windows were Crittall metal framed and I used to scrape the frost off from the inside ! And dress under the bedclothes in those days...of how things have changed.I went on to Google earth and the bungalow is still there slightly changed from the front view, but still my old home. I went to Sunday School, and had some lovely teachers at school, which was about a ten minute walk away. It was still a rural market town then and we passed fields with cows etc to get to the town centre..oh how it has changed...I liked it how i remember it


More later.

Got the wedding dress yesterday, and retried my outfit on just in case you know what I mean....Got OH sorted with shoes etc.

The decorator has finished our dining room and it looks great...he is back after the wedding to paint the front door and conservatory on the outside.

Hope to post this weeken d, but have got to refill the cupboards in the dining room !!!!!!!

Regards Jan 1.25pm Norfolk

I did one paragraph about the 60s but now I have copied a chapter from my life story which covers the era. it will have to be over several posts.

We were married at Fareham Baptist Church in August 1960. My bridesmaids were my sister, my friend Margaret and Tony’s niece aged 7. Tony’s brother John was his Best Man. My dress was made by a friend of Mum’s, It was oyster coloured brocade, a sort of gold colour as white was too pale for me. I had an ecru coloured veil with pearls on and I carried a bouquet of pink carnations; Tony looked very smart in his Naval uniform. The two older bridesmaids wore pale blue short dresses and Christine wore pink. The hymns were Love Divine All Loves Excelling and Oh Perfect Love. I distinctly remember one part of the talk given by Rev Watson when he warned us that marriage was not going to be ‘all moonlight and roses’. When I left the bungalow with Dad to drive to the church in the taxi the neighbours were all lined up in the street, and they were there with many friends after the service to see us leave the church. Tony was looking a bit bleary eyed, because he had been so nervous he had drunk more than was good for him on his stag night at The Coal Exchange pub near the quay on the Gosport Road, and was not feeling so good. I was not at all nervous, in fact I enjoyed every minute.

We had a reception for eighty guests at the Fareham Assembly Hall. The meal was ham salad and fruit trifle and a three tier cake, the only alcohol served was a glass of sherry for the toast, cost was approximately £80 for 80 guests. The reception was done by a firm of caterers from Waterlooville (Broadlands Catering). My ‘going away’ outfit was a straight fitted navy blue dress with a short bolero style navy and white dog tooth check jacket, a white ‘boater’ hat and white shoes, gloves and bag. I felt very smart. We had a taxi to Eastleigh where we caught our flight to St Helier, Jersey. We flew British European Airways and the tickets cost us £8.18.0 each. We stayed at the Norfolk Hotel in St Helier, in a room with a view of the kitchens. We thought we were very up market as we had en suite facilities (toilet and shower in a sort of cupboard and a sink in our room.)

Our first home together was at Peel Road Gosport in a flat over a doctor’s surgery – My Father’s cousin was receptionist there, although we didn’t know that at the time we took out the lease. It gave us a lot of pleasure to put out all our wedding presents. The flat was furnished of course. It was the usual procedure in those days to rent furnished accommodation. Mum and Dad had given us a beautiful lilac eiderdown and candlewick bedspread. The bedspread had a lovely floral design and the bedroom looked very luxurious when it was on the bed, we were very proud of it. We lived here for about four months enjoying our first Christmas together. We then moved to a flat in Linden Grove Gosport which was next door to the flat that our friends lived in.

In 1961 Tony learnt to drive, he passed his test on the second attempt and we bought our first car off his Father, an Austin Ruby. We kept it for a while, even travelling to Devon in it then we bought a Wolsely. (Like the old police cars)

All this time, I continued to work at Cambridge Barracks, it being easier to commute to Portsmouth from Gosport. After I became pregnant in 1961, we moved to a Naval Hiring flat in The Crescent Alverstoke, an imposing address but it was a basement flat which flooded when it rained. True to form my Mother was not pleased when I became pregnant, she said I was too young, it was too soon, in fact I began to feel I should be ashamed of the fact, almost as though I wasn’t married, but we were thrilled with the news. I left Cambridge Barracks in October 1961 and our first child, a girl was born on 16 November. In those days you were more likely to go into a nursing home to have your baby, unless there were complications when you would be sent to a hospital, few people had their babies at home then. She had a mass of very dark hair which was later to go fair and then brown, and with her blue eyes and sallow skin was the image of her Father. I was in the nursing home for 10 days as was normal then, the babies were kept separately in the nursery and only brought to Mums for feeding. Most of us breast fed our babies for a few months at least. Before we left the nursing home we were taught how to bath the babies and dress them. We moved just after Christmas to a house (another hiring) in Queen Street, Gosport. And we had a back garden. The pram was my pride and joy, a tall coach built grey and white Marmet with large wheels and beautifully sprung.

Life as a Naval wife was comfortable, the pay was good and in spring 1962 we bought a two bedroom bungalow in Blackbrook Road Fareham, it cost £2,450. We had to sell our car, the Wolsely, to raise the deposit. In those days we didn’t have fitted carpets but carpet squares on dark brown Marley tiles which had to be dusted and polished. The kitchen was all Marley tiles. We had a fridge but no washing machine or freezer, dishwashers were only heard of in America. We had no central heating or airing cupboard. All the washing was hand washed or boiled in a Baby Burco, It was then dried on the line. That included terry towelling nappies, in the winter the washing would often be frozen stiff, all weird shapes hanging on the line. Mum bought us a spin drier to make up for not paying for the wedding, that made life a little easier, especially in 1963 which was a bad winter with a lot of snow. Sheets and collarless Naval shirts and the loose collars would be collected at the door by a mobile laundry van and would be returned the following week washed, starched and ironed. Milk and bread were paid for by plastic tokens pre paid for from the milkman and baker and delivered to the door. Groceries were ordered at the Co-op and delivered free. We always seemed to have enough money, managed to buy another car and didn’t go without anything. As a Naval wife I had an allotment book, so that I could survive financially when or if Tony was away. My allotment was eleven shillings and sixpence a week. From this I was able to buy food and put money by for the gas and electricity, and the rates. I used to have an oblong tin divided into small compartments, each week I would divide my money into these compartments so that we had enough to pay the bills when they came.

In 1962 I learnt to drive in a Morris 1000, I distinctly remember my first lesson when I took the wheel for the first time, I was petrified. However, I passed my test on the second attempt.

After he had been away in the Far East for six months, and once the trials were In 1963 there was an event that shook the world; John F Kennedy President of the United States was shot while in a motor cavalcade in Dallas, he was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald who himself was shot two days later by Jack Ruby.

When our daughter was two years old we decided we would like a brother or sister for her. Sadly nothing happened and we had to wait until the end of 1967 before I got pregnant.

In 1964 Tony spent 6 months at sea on the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Eagle visiting foreign countries on an unaccompanied draft. He was on Eagle for longer than that as she was undergoing a refit in Plymouth Dockyard. They would go out on trials for two weeks then back to Plymouth, I could have driven that route blindfold as I used to drive to Buckfast every two weeks with daughter in the back to stay with his Father and spend a few days with Tony. I would drive to Devonport and meet him outside the gate, leaving the car parked along the road. When we drive that way now it is unbelievable as the traffic is horrendous, then it was very quiet.

One day HMS Eagle held a families day for the wives and families who lived in the Portsmouth area. We were picked up by tug boat at Portsmouth and taken out to meet the ship at Spit Head. It was quite nerve wracking transferring from the tug to the ship but, once on board we were able to see over the ship and then have lunch on board before being taken in to Portsmouth Dockyard to disembark. Another day we all went to Plymouth for the re-commissioning of the ship after her refit. It was quite an experience, causing a lump in the throat, to be among all the mainly young sailors singing Eternal father Strong to Save.
completed, we drove down to welcome him home at Devonport. After waiting on Plymouth Hoe to see the ship go through Plymouth Sound, the car, an MG Magnet, refused to start until a kind man started it for me on the starting handle which was too heavy for me to turn.

At the end of 1966 we had a short term foster child, Simon was fostered from birth and came to us weighing only 5 pounds. His Mother was 16, she was very fond of him and visited frequently bringing him clothes. She had been forced to put her baby up for adoption by her parents. We had him for 6 weeks when he was adopted by a couple who were to take him to Ireland and, I believe, they were to rename him Sean. Shortly after Simon was adopted I discovered I was pregnant. At this time we had another baby to foster, Patricia was about 8 months old and we had her daily for two weeks while Mum was in hospital.
daughter started school in January 1967, She was very bright and eager to learn and could already read before she started school. A few months after she started school she had measles. She was quite poorly and very miserable, she wouldn’t speak to anyone except me. Fortunately she had no long lasting problems from the disease.

Our son was born on 14 July 1967, a very welcome addition to our family after a long wait. gain I was in the nursing home for ten days. Having a 6 year old at home I had mixed feelings over this, I missed her terribly but was glad of the rest. Stephen had very dark hair and lots of it, later to go light brown, going dark when he got to his late teens, he was very much like me and my Father. In December that year we sold our bungalow for £3,850 and we moved to a 3 bedroom house in Mendips Road Fareham, a new house on a new estate which cost us £4,150. One good thing about having a second child in those days was that we then qualified for Family Allowance which was not paid for the first child. I believe the amount I received was eight shillings a week.

AnninGlos

What an excellent piece of writing and thank you for sharing this with us.
I will in the next few days write some more about my life experience as well.
Mu younger sister married a Submariner and she head to spend many months bringing up the children on their own.
Feeling very tired today, so will say goodnight to you all but will be back tomorrow.
Bridget
Spain 20.04 hrs

Greenfingers,

I know Commercial Road very well being brought up in the East End of London just off the Mile End Road, and was a nurse at The London Hospital

Also know Wickford in Essex very well as the parents of both my first husband and my second husband had Bungalows at Hullbridge.

I used to go to Southend wiith my parents and with friends when I was older, In fact I still like to go occasionally when we are in the UK just to recall all the lovely memories, have fish and chips and play some of the silly games im the different entertainment places.We stay at the Travel Lodge and also have a Curry whilst we are there.

OOOps i have been rambling again
Night night

Bridget

20.13 hrs Spain

Will be back tomorrow with some memories.

As a child born after WW1 my memories start in the 1950's, which to me was a great time to grow up

Grandson (and son) have now gone back to their home near Ludlow. I am very tired, getting over having an extra person here. Loved the company but will enjoy the rest.

Was a bright day this morning, so put washing out, but of course it then rained (again). Still the washing is more or less dry. Now I just need to do a lot of ironing.

Off for a lazy shower before I put my feet up for the evening.

Back tomorrow,

Tess

A quick visit just in case I do not have time later today. We know have 6 people coming around this evening, not two. OH is very good at asking people to come for lunch,, supper or drinks and nibbles.

This evening started with two people popping in for a glass of wine and some music,now 6 people as I said above, any guesses at how many more he will invite??so about to start cooking hot&spicy Popcorn, and Parmessan Popcorn, celery sticks with Roquefort will be prepared later mini jacket potatoes with sour cream and chives, angels on horse back, selection of cheeses, and raw veg. I have also been asked to make a cake so will have a look to see which quick and easy cake to cook.
Hmm wonder if I should also cook a potato dish, all thT wine etc may need something to soak it up??

It looks as if today is going to be brought and cheerful.

Will try to get back later.
Have a pleasant day everyone.

07.47 hrs Spain :-D

That should read bright and beautiful ! Sorry for the mistake.

The total number of people coming to us this evening is now 10. plus us!
Bridget

I should tell your OH that the tickets have now 'sold out' Lol!

What a small world Bridget, amazing how many times we seem to cross lives

First Memories....

We lived in Keswick in the Lake District. I took for granted the beauty of the place. Played outside a lot, despite being under school age.
Remember some of the neighbours, who were referred to as Aunty - - - - or Uncle - - - - .
Some of the neighbours ran guest houses and frequently had "visitors" staying. My older sister stated that when she grw up she wanted to be a visitor!

Also remember Mum saying that I couldn't have any more (of whatever food I was eating), because I had had my ration.
We sometimes had family members staying with us, we would walk down to the lake (Derwentwater) with them to start them on their way to a days walking.

Also had am Scottish great-aunt stay. She used to do shadow pictures on the wall, as a special treat before we went to bed.

One day my Mum went to Carlisle to get the biscuits (well, that was what my dad said), she came back a few days later with a baby boy! (but no biscuits).

This is when I started having ambitions-
To have a whisteling kettle like aunty Dolly.
To have magic teeth (that could move) like aunty Vi
To have a motorbike and side car like ------ (his name escapes me just now), who worked for the RAC.

Dad was in the army, sometimes I walked down to the Parade ground to have a nose.

The only possession I remember is a windmill, the thing on a stick that ywirled around if you blew on it or if the wind caught it.
I know that I must have had other play things, I just don't remember them.

Dad was posted to the Far East, leaving Mum behind with three young children. She would have to get everything ready to hand back to the army, (possibly at short notice) as well a look after us and get everything packed for our sea voyage.

To make things easier, she packed everything up and we moved to her brothers home in Birmingham
This meant that she caould do the "hand over" in her own time and then concentrate on us and the upcoming sea voyage.

More later.

Just posting a few notes...our daughters wedding went really well, it was a lovely day, weather just right,hotel great, registrar perfect and everything had so much meaning it wasn't what I expected at all. Daughter looked beautiful and the groom and his son didn't look too bad either !! The meal was lovely and because there was only 26 of us for the meal it was really intimate, there wasn't a dry eye in the house when the speeches were given and that included the groom. Both PH and I are really tired today, all that socialising is tiring...we met the grooms godmother and aunt and his dad again and got on really well, and I managed to wear heels for the first time in two years

they are off on their honeymoon today

Glad all went well Jan, it sounds lovely

Tess how wonderful to have had some of your childhood in the wonderful lake District. Loved your sister's ambition to be a 'visitor' when she grew up!

I thoroughly enjoyed your writing Ann and Tess, all very interesting.

Glad all went well for the wedding Greenfingers.



Val.

Nothing from Bridget for 4 days, hope she is OK.

Thanks Val, glad you enjoyed my scribbles.

Looking out of the window this morning I looked across the sea which was like glass, dark ridge of hills behind and just coming up was the sun and the sky tinged with pink, it was such a beautiful picture - I thought it would make a very nice jigsaw puzzle.

You might remember my friend and neighbour who was told there was nothing more which could be done for her - sadly she lost her battle with cancer yesterday morning. Although sad, I know she is not in such unbearable pain any more. It would be such a wonderful thing if a cure could be found for this.

On a lighter note, I am off to have my hair cut and permed this morning, I always feel better after a hair-do.

Yesterday I forgot some of washing out on the line, only saw it when I opened the back door this morning, I must say I was pleased to see it still there!

Take care.



Val.