John continues his reminiscences of walking down Cottonmill Lane in the 1940s and 1950s. he walks over the river and past the allotments, which were always flooded in the winter. His father had an allotment and would send John to… More about ‘A walk down Cottonmill Lane 2 – John Buckingham’»
Category: Timeline
A walk down Cottonmill Lane 1 – John Buckingham
John, born 1943, recalls what Cottonmill Lane was like when he was a lad. This part of the story starts at the top of the lane coming from Old London Road. he recalls the old carpenter’s shop at the top,… More about ‘A walk down Cottonmill Lane 1 – John Buckingham’»
The youth club in Leyland Avenue – John Buckingham
John Buckingham recounts the history of the building and the use of the St Albans Boys Club, known as the youth club, behind Leyland Avenue. It was built on an area of land which was used by the local children… More about ‘The youth club in Leyland Avenue – John Buckingham’»
Playing in the river – John Buckingham
John talks of playing and fishing in the river near New Barnes Mill and describes the area as it was in the 1940s and 1950s. He also recalls fishing out an ammunition belt while fishing for crayfish in the river… More about ‘Playing in the river – John Buckingham’»
Roy Buckingham, RAF pilot – John Buckingham
John Buckingham’s cousin Roy, was a pilot with the RAF during the war. He was a brave man and had an interesting flying career which included helping spies and dropping supplies for the Resistance workers in France and Norway. He… More about ‘Roy Buckingham, RAF pilot – John Buckingham’»
From Durham via Changi Jail to Sopwell – Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards’ father, Bill, came from Durham. Rather than going down the coal mines, he joined the army. His troop ship was diverted to Singapore and he was captured by the Japanese and taken to Changi jail where he remained… More about ‘From Durham via Changi Jail to Sopwell – Rob Edwards’»
Childhood memories – Rob Edwards
Rob used to play in the Nunnery open space and remembers Pearce’s scrap yard. He and his brother took newspapers to their yard in Albert Street where he would be rewarded with a toy windmill or maybe a few pennies.… More about ‘Childhood memories – Rob Edwards’»
Cottonmill Club and the King Offa – Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards was a member of the original Cottonmill Club. It was a large building with a dance hall and a bar and it was open seven days a week. He recalls listening to local bands there. At that time, the… More about ‘Cottonmill Club and the King Offa – Rob Edwards’»
Memories of schooldays and work – Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards has fond memories of going to St Peter’s primary school. Here he recalls getting into mischief in the river on the way to school, school dinners, the layout of the classrooms and playtime. He talks about his education… More about ‘Memories of schooldays and work – Rob Edwards’»
Living in Berners Drive – Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards was born in 1950 at 12 Berners Drive, in one of the prefabs. Eventually, when the family grew they moved into a council house exactly opposite at number 55. Rob describes where the prefabs were and talks about… More about ‘Living in Berners Drive – Rob Edwards’»
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