Crown Hill And Other Memories

A Memory of Croydon.

In about 1952 appeared in the scouts gang show at Civic Hall organised by Ralph Reader. In 54 attended my final year prize giving before I left Croydon Sec Tech. Still have picture of this event which appeared in the Croydon Advertiser. I also remember well the toy shop Hamleys and many Dinky toys and Meccano kits, my parents bought for me. The Sax One Shoe at the top of the hill provided me with some super shoes; as did Horne Bros in the High St adjacent to the entrance of Whitgiift Middle School entrance. My best friend, Robin Hatton, attended this institution, went to Cambridge, then National Service in RAF training as a pilot and was killed in a Meteor fighter. Terrible loss, we had great fun and fights from about the age of 8. We both attended Waddon Juniour School. Waddon Ponds was one of our meeting places, and after many fishing trips to Edenbridge and other places we tried to stock up the ponds with the fish we caught. I have a feeling they probably didn't survive too well. I know I have drifted off the subject somewhat, but once you get started! If Phyllis Bryne who lived in the road leading to Waddon Ponds reads this, please make contact. I remember our walks and talks and catching the 407 green bus, I got off at West Croydon she went on to St Anne Convent School.