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Your Memories

Here is your opportunity to read other people's memories of White City and add your own! Just use the form at the bottom of this page to send us your memories.

Please note: If you would like photos to be put up please send me your email address. I will contact you with details.

As some people have requested to have their email addresses included in their messages, I'm quite happy to post them up within your messages but please be aware it might mean an increase in spam.

Hello Kenneth 70, we talk about Wormholt Park school do you remember Mr Birchinof who was making a shine to a gorgeous female teacher whose name I can't recall. Every one was happy to hold a conversation with her in the playground. I still hold fond memories of those days when the London auxilery fire brigade had the whole of the ground floor as a depot and we were all limited to one playground which also contained the British restaurant which meant it was open to the public.

In those days the cane was always held in Totter Davis's classroom and it was never spared - what a thought in this day of political correctness. I was none the worse for the odd beating.

John L, 78

John Leggett, I remember now, you were on same floor as me. Also on our floor I remember the Larges and the Rackhams. There was a Dog called Tiger and your dog Nigger.

To the Blaxland mob, I was a school friend of David Mohamed, and I knew a girl I think from Blaxland, her name is Joan? Poxon! I knew the Elsies very well, Jimmy was a good friend. Voilet Greenaway I knew her from our schooldays.

It was well known in the White City that the Champlain and Grey house boys ruled.

They were tough times, but I do have happy memories of those days so long ago. Cheers and God bless.

George Alderman, 70

My family and I moved to 117 Phipps House in 1939. My parents were Lottie and Arthur Hicks and there were four children, Dennis now 77, Joyce 75, Doreen 74 and myself 71. Most of the things Fiona Bruce has said, I remember very well. I also remember the muffin man coming around on Sunday as well as Sailor Jack Johnson selling his shell fish. Also the man with his horse and cart selling vinegar and block salt and he would weight out however much you wanted. We moved to 32 Hargreaves House in 1948 and moved again to Baird House in 1951, where I lived until I got married in 1956.

I had a very happy childhood growing up in the White City even though there was a war on and all the railings were taken away and things were pretty tough. Does anyone remember the pig swill vans coming around to empty the bins.

I have been married 52 years to Rick who came from Holland Park and have three children, eight grandchildren and soon to be a great grandma.

Another thing I remember clearly is the Fish and Chip van that used to be opposite Hargreaves House a couple of times a week. Boy did those chips taste good and we all used to congregate outside the telephone box near the chip van.

I remember Mick Carter the porter and if I am right, I think he covered a couple of blocks of flats. He looked after everthing so well and was pretty strict, but all the kids respected him.

During the air raids we would go down the shelters that lay between the u-bend shape of Phipps House. I can remember when I was four going down from the top floor and going in the shelters. I never liked the smell of them, but we had a lot of fun in ours with people playing the accordian and having a good old sing-song.

Some of the people I remember well in Phipps House are Grace, Georgina and John Leach, Brenda Bishop, The Turners, Dickie and Sheila Vines and the rest of their crew. Mrs Vines looked after me for a while while my mum worked in the munitions factory at Park Royal. The Hood family on the ground floor. The Cox's on the top floor alongside us, The Ross's next door. My best pal, June Saunders lived below us on the 4th floor and her brother Dennis and my brother were pals too. We stayed in touch until her death about 10 years ago at the age of 61. The Greens lived next door to them and the Rose's next. Also Margaret and David Boulter on the 2nd Floor In Hargreaves I remember the Davis's, Vi, Chas and I can't remember the other ones and June and John Allen on the top floor. I remember the Elsey family in the block opposite to Phipps and bumped into Maureen in Uxbridge last year.

I went to Ellerslie Road Primary School when I returned from evacuation and then on to North Hammersmith Secondary School for Girls along with my two sisters. My brother went to Bryony Road Central.

Fiona Bruce and I had many of the same friends and went around quite a lot together and I was also friendly with Maureen Watts.

I have only just found out about this site from Fiona and have found everything so interesting although I can't put faces to some of the names. I think I have waffled on enough for now, but would love to get in touch with anyone who knows me.

To Jeanne Reed,
I Loved all your photographs shown, but wondered whether the boy on the right hand side of the four boys in bathing suits was Dickie Vines? Do you know his name?

To Joe, 70
I remember the prefabs very well and used to walk past them every day on my way to school. If I remember rightly there was a lady that lived in one of them that gave birth to either two or three sets of twins which was some kind of a record and she was featured in the local papers. Do you remember her? I just loved the prefabs and always wanted to live in one but unfortunately I never did.

June Guainiere (nee Hicks), 71

Our family (Bruce) came down from Scotland in February 1947. We lived at 109, Blaxland House, which was on the top balcony. Our neighbours were the "Catlins" and the "Wyatts", further along the balcony lived the "Mohameds" who had a son called David, and at the end of the balcony lived the "Poxons". My name is Fiona Rush (nee Bruce), but was known as "Flo". I was ten when we came to the White City; I had two sisters, Olive and Mary, and one brother Eric who was in the Royal Navy.

I went to Ellerslie Rd. School with the girl next door Pat Catlin, and was teased because of my Scottish accent. My teacher was called Miss Sayers and was very nice. My sister Mary, who was three years older than me, went to North Hammersmith School for girls with Jean Wyatt who lived at no 111.

I eventually went to North Mammersmith School for Girls, and became friendly with a girl called June Hicks who lived opposite in Hargreaves House. June also had two sisters and one brother. I recently met up with June through friends re-united, so we had lots to talk about.

My memories of White City are looking over the balcony at the barrow boys selling cherries or apples, and my elder sister Olive rushing down to buy some. I also remember the man on his bicycle selling sherbert (lemonade powder), but best of all the Walls ice cream man on his bike. Later came Tonie's Italian ice cream, I can still remember the music he played.

I remember how we use to queue up on hot summer days to get into Blomfontein swimming baths, where I learnt to swim using a rubber ring. I remember walking along the Westway to go to the library, and to meet up with school friends who lived near East Acton, Anne Birch and Janet Walker (I think). Sometimes we would go to the pictures at the Savoy in East Acton.

I remember getting the 105 bus to Shepherds Bush, and the 72 to Hammersmith.

I can remember Shepherds Bush market where we would go on a Saturday to browse.

I can remember playing cricket in the streets with some boys; I can only remember a couple of their names though, Ronnie Sharpe, who we called Sarcy, and Dennis Devine, I introduced Dennis to another school friend of mine called Maureen Watts who lived near Shepherds Bush. They later got married.

When I was about 15 or 16, I became friendly with a chap called Cyril (Ticker) May, who also lived in Blaxland House and was a reserve player for Queens Park Rangers, he took me to see Frank Sinatra when he came over, how lucky was I!!

I remember being friendly with a girl from Phipps House whose father was a coalman; I think her name was Bella Taylor.

One day the Rush family moved into 87 Blaxland House, there were two boys and three girls, John, Frank Sandy, Joan and Sheila; their parents were John and Ivy. I ended up marrying John, and we had two lovely children, Paul and Lorna.

Unfortunately John and I are now divorced, but remain good friends.

I hope someone can remember me; I lived at the White City for 20 years until John and I moved to Tring in Buckinghamshire.

Fiona, 71

John L, Many thanks for the kind words about my father Mick Carter, porter of Champlain. He definetly was no nonsense and stood even less from me. :)

Terry, 70

Early on in the war on the corner of Uxbridge Road and Shepherds Bush Green a cinema was bombed and damaged. The current film at that time was THE TAWNY PIPPIT and it was on display for over five years in giant letters. I still do not know what it was all about but it became a landmark.

When we talk about the bombing of Blaxland I am not sure if I spelt it right but that was VII the German rocket, there was no warning from them. A second one landed on a pair of houses just behind East Acton Odeon on the road to Acton Town, there was a bus right opposite and the driver killed. I was on the scene within a couple of minutes, we could do nothing for him but cuddle him til he passed. What a strange way of life, to be recounting, you never knew what fate had in store from day to day. I cant be the only one to have witnessed these events. Best of luck to you all.

John L, 78

I lived in Havelock Close from 1939 to 1954. We lived just a cross the road oppposite Blaxland where the doodle bug dropped. Its just great to read all the letters and smashing memories.

As kids we loved the street parties. Does anybody remember the fire on the dump? Lime Grove film studios had explosives stolen. Jackie May from Blaxland was seriously injured when he attempted to push an explosive onto the fire - suddenly it exploded!

I remember every Saturday going to the pictures in Shepherds Bush singing We are the White City Boys! Just great great memories.

Does anybody remember 'IVY'the colourful Fruit and Veg man? He use to sing 'Just like the ivy on the old garden wall' Anybody from Havelock Close remember 'Peanut' and 'Dolly Fidget'? Most of the neighbours were frightened of 'Peanut' because he use to come home drunk and he acted very scary. However one night he come and stared through the window of our scullery. My dad was sitting down having a fry up. Instead of going out to Peanut my dad stood up against the window with a saucepan on his head. Peanut was terrified and bolted!!

Ken, 72

My memories of Victory in Europe was a party which lasted 4 days. It was held in front of the chute in Gray House. Piano and lots of very talented people who suddenly came out of the woodwork, the whole thing surprised us all and it was kept going in relays.

John L, 78

Hi John L, 78 of Champlain House.
What memories you stirred at the mention of Totter Davis and Jockey Smythe at Wormholt School, did you go to Old Oak School for wood work, the teacher had a hook on one arm (nickname hookey) and of course I knew Ron Broadbridge and all the others you mentioned. About the dump, did you sort the debris when the land mine exploded on the bank next door to the Telegraph pub by the bush green, we had pounds. My mum and I were in the shelter, it had all the debris on it when the doodle bug dropped on Blaxland House.

That's all for now, I lived at 24 Blaxland House and left school in 1945, all the best to you Ken Sharpe.

Kenneth, 77

To George, my dog's name was nigger. It's nice to know he was remembered. You must have been 5 doors away from me but it is the age gap which probably affects my memory. I am in contact with the Moony's, are there any others from the wartime days. I will confirm the bombed rubble built to the height of the flats which was their way of storing it. Many thanks for your help.

John L, 78

I must say Mick Carter was the finest porter around, he stood no nonsense from anyone, what a joy to have him about. I lived in 29 Champlain house from 1941-53 lots of very good memories; Bobby Wigley, Albert Gadsen, Tod Culerton, Jean-Eileen Palmer, Joyce Gray, Ronnie Rroadbridge and many more such joy to read the comments. I went to school under the reign of Totter Davis and Jockey Smythe they were their knicknames.

Mention was made of the army stores I lived next to them in Champlain house. We all had a revolver or pistol, the security was lax, the area was covered in prophelactics, to the embarassment of the local mothers we thought we had found a supply of balloons. But it was all clean fun. So many who lived there were all good pals. I am trying to find how to use IT I hope this all makes sense! Best wishes.

John L, 78

I didnt live in White City, but lived in the Askew Road area and went to Christopher Wren. I went to Christopher Wren School from 72-78 and was in Gibbons (Blue House). I can surprisingly remember a lot about the school, but the thing that sticks in my mind the most, was the sheer size of the place and the fact that as a first year, we had to wait right until everyone else had eaten before we could eat.

I remember that my first teacher was a lady called Miss Glossop. She was half French on her mother's side and taught us French as well as English. The teachers that I remember from the time that I was there are as follows: Miss Glossop, Miss Bub (or Dub), Mr Harrison, Mr Middleton, Mr Johns (Maths), The enigmatic Mr Toms, Mr Gordon (Stewart Gordon, Chemistry Teacher and Year Master), Mr Williams (Bowler), Mr Williams (The welsh one!), Mr Hooton (Head Master), Mr Carter (Deputy Head), Mr Phillips (later deputy head and was an ex-policeman), Mr Redaway (English Teacher), Mr Stoddard (brilliant American Man), Mr Sookoo (Biology Teacher, don't mess with him), Mr Fotheringham (Science Teacher), Could never forget Mr Powell (John Powell, PE teacher and sometimes Biology Teacher), Mr Rouse (PE Teacher and sometimes Maths Teacher), Mr Kidna (PE Teacher), Mr Bartlett (PE Teacher, very good at Basketball), Mr Ryder (History Teacher), Mr Beasley (Woodwork), Mr Scanlon (Metal Work), Mr Phillips (Physics Teacher), Mr Rutt (Tim Rutt or Beethoven, Maths and Science teacher), there are loads more. As for class mates, for some strange reason, I still remember the names of the majority of my class mates becaue I can remember the register that was read out every morning (Sad I know!). I was in A3 and the names were as follows: Jeffry Alan, Paul Ashby, Steven Barrs (Maggot), Harold Bridgeman (Now Deceased), John Carr (Big John), Paul Davis (Dogsy Davis), Francis Doyle (Pat Doya), Cliff Edwards, Shola Faponle, Jeffry Franklin (Bones), Stuart Freeth, Dave Gibbs, Julian Hall (Me), Clifford Harris (Bomber Harris), Francis Herera (Chive), Anthony Hunt, Carlton Hunter (Muttley), John Jenkins, Jack Kilgallon (Mad Jack), Mark Lovel, Peter Lunnice, Paul Merron, Robert Murray (Jock), Thats all I can remember. There were around 30 of us in the class so that is the majority of them.

And yes, The open air pool on Bloemfontein Road (Blom, as we called it), was always freezing, even on a hot day.

As for the School, there is surprisingly little archive info about Christopher Wren School which is a shame, given how famous and infamous the school was. I have even searched for a picture of the school blazer badge / emblem, which was a picture / crest of the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral I think. I also remember that 4th and 5th years had a slightly different badge with a red stripe on the breast pocket of the blazer.

Julian, 47

Anyone out there have any information about what became of Christopher Wren school, Bloemfontein Road. Opened in 1956, joined with Hammersmith county girls, 1982 then it all goes blank. Reopened as Phoenix school in 1995. Buildings still there at present 10.06.08 but apparently unoccupied. Any info please to keithrpanther@aol.com  thanks.

Keith, 64

John Leggett, I remember watching you tinkering with your motorbike. You lived on the ground floor? You had a dog called Tiger which used to terrify me? I lived in 34 Champlain on the first floor. I am George Alderman, I had two elder brothers Pat and Tom. I am in touch with Jimmy Mac, who lived at 85. I went to see him in Essex last April. I live in Poole in Dorset. When me and Jim were reminiscing, We remembered you.

George, 70

We were moved into White City during the war after our block of flats was bombed, and we moved into Champlain House. Can anyone remember us, there was me, John Leggett (now 79) my brother Maurice and sister Margaret, and my mum and dad.

John, 79

I lived in Lawrence Close with 4 brothers + 3sisters, was delivery boy for Ernie + Mrs Payne, later worked for him full time. He was tough but she was a darling I loved her mugs of tea. As a lad they took me and another lad to see Buddy Holly + the Crickets at the Gaumont Hammersmith live. Used to do Saturday mornings, Savoy East Acton. Saw Elvis in Jailhouse Rock, the Bowry Boys. Had fist kiss. Remember Jacks cafe. Bunking over the wall at W/C stadium playing in the Chinese jungle as it was called before the BBC studio was built. What about the paper stand on the steps to Westway. We used to all meet and hang around the red telephone box outside Laurence House all aged 13-15. Remember Chritsopher Wren. Ellerslie Rd. Repairing a jackdaw's leg and keeping it safe on the top balcony outside our flat until my mother told me it must go. I kept throwing it off the balcony but it kept flying back until I shut the front door, it was gone! But 6 weeks later it came back as if to say thank you, never to be seen again, I still think of that bird. Nice memories.

Tony, 65

I attended Christopher Wren 57-64 although I lived on Fulham High Street. Yes I remember Leslie Chatterton who looked like the late actor Julian Orchard. Chatterton killed himself by jumping off Hammersmith Bridge. Can anyone remember the smogs that used to cause much disruption with the buses going home and also the London Transport strikes that meant some of us actually walking to school before we were allowed to use our bikes.

Michael, 62

Joe 52's reference to being a shoeboy for Paynes shoe repair shop reminded me when I too was a shoeboy. This was in 1957 and I had got a new bike 'the Hercules - Aston Tourist' for Xmas, complete with saddle bags, yellow oil cape, leggings, and cap, and gauntlets with luminous wrist guards. I thought myself the bees knees. Soon I was after getting a shoeround with Mr Payne as he paid a pound a week if you had bike as well as the commission which I think was a shilling in the pound and you got tips.

My Mum was against it as it meant knocking on doors and being out at night sometimes but Dad thought it was okay provided I did my homework, and was not out too late, so I got a job and pocket money. My dad said to me to always say "thank you" even if people did not want any shoes repairing and when you delivered the shoes and got any tips, people will remember you next time and maybe give you as tip, also he said keep a note book as to what I collected (as a check on Mrs Payne's tallyings, and also to know who gave you a tip). This seemed to work as I did well each week. Mr Payne invariably was gruff, which considering he had been at his bench all day I now realise to be understandable, his hands were blackened and knarled, he a was short. Mrs Payne was taller and more kindly but her hands too were blackened by handling the shoes. She would give us a block of flats or a street to do plus a hessian sack and off we would go knocking on doors asking "any shoe repairs?". We covered the whole estate, Wormwood estate, Bentinck Road and Westway. We chalk to mark the soles with the requirement ' S / H / 1/4 ' which would be 'Sole and Heel with a Blakey 1/4 Tip' sometimes it may be just a stick-a soles (SAS) which is a lightweight 'Phillips' pre-shaped rubber sole stuck with impact adhesive. There came a time when I didn't agree with Mrs Payne's tallying at the end of the week and got out my book to justify, and we agreed with my reckoning . I never had to contest again, so my Dad told me well.

Sometimes if we, as boys, were doing well on the block or street we were doing we would skip the rest and go off to Jack's cafe and play the juke box and have drink (Tizer , Lemonade, etc). Mrs Payne knew we weren't doing all the street or block numbers as she could see that the numbers would stop ascending to the maximum.

The Paynes were on a winner, they lived in Blomfontein Road so were council tenants like us, they were the only 'snobs' (shoe repairers) around and I'm sure that they knew exactly how many flats were in block or houses in a street, as Mrs Payne would remind us every now and then to do whole block - this time. They had two shops, the other was over towards Bramley Road - North Ken. and sometimes when there was too much work at the WCE shop shoes were taken over to Bramley Road. This was done using the heavy trade bike which had a basket on the front. The first time I used it I made the mistake of riding up the slope of Blomfontein Road to the Westway traffic lights and also coming back through the entrance slope at Ellensborough House up by the park. Next time it was via the side entrance besides the park into Stadium Road, then there was only the shallow rise up to Jack's and down the slope to North Pole Road and they could not be avoided.

When I left school at fifteen and started a job I finished doing the shoe round. The money I spent on records, a Grundig tape recorder, cinema and being able to buy presents at Xmas and I had just over a one hundred pounds in the Post Office book. I hope that the Paynes had a good retirement somewhere as they worked hard at their shops.

The tape recorder? well I belonged to Hammersmith Record Library and so I recorded all my old jazz favourites like King Oliver, Jack Teagarden, Muggsy Spanier, Bix Biederbek , Paul Whiteman, Hoagy Carmichael, Red Nichols, The Count, and latterly Humphrey Littleton, and Chris Barber.

Ha! such happy days on the WCE. Thanks Joe 52, I had forgotten these things.

Peter, 63

Hello, I was at Christopher Wren School mid 60s - 70, I was with, John Sinfield, Hughy Reed etc. Mr Rickman was my Art teacher, Mr Hooton was Head Teacher, there was Mr Powell, Cocup, Josty who married then was Antrobus, Mr Carter, Mr Wall, German, Mr Walker, Mr Rushdon, Mr Pamely, Mr Toms etc. I had a great time at school. Let me know your thoughts, Cheers.

Tony Farrington, 53

Attended Christopher Wren from 1963 to 1968 and used the open air swimming pool round the corner in Blomfontein Road, lined up on the edge, and if you didn't jump into the icy water you were helped with a size eleven slipper from the PE master - oh what fun! Wouldn't be allowed today (of course), would be infringing the little chaps human rights or something LOL.

Anonymous

Hi Carole, I think that I knew your brothers Ronnie and Billy, they were both friends of my brothers Harold and Gerald Sharpe (sadly now both passed away). Are you the same Carole who I and Jack had a cup of tea with in the cab office a little while ago? If so it’s nice to see you pop up again.

All the best to you.

Ken, 77

Hi, sorry I have not uploaded my pics yet, I will do it very soon. Does anyone here know if harriout is related to me, does anyone on here remember Grey House and my brothers Ronnie and Billy. Hope to get a response.

Carole Worley, 62

My parents Stan and Bette Tozer moved to 13 Blaxland House in May 1940. Dad was an engineer over at Latimer Road. I was born early morning 14 August 1944, I had an older brother Tony of 7 years and a sister Muriel of 10 years. 9 days later the Fly bomb struck Blaxland House at 4-45 am 23 August. We were lucky as number 13 was just off-centre of the V damage at ground level. 14 were killed, 4 were hospitalised my father being one, 96 treated at the first aid post. My sister recalls standing at the door crying out that her daddy was hurt. With dad in hospital Mum and the children were relocated in Stockport - Manchester till dad recovered. After moving around a bit we are all back at Blaxland House in February 1946 this time at number 10.

We are surrounded by the Paines above us, the Porter's above them, the Goodfellow's next to the Paine's, the Palmer's next to them, the Quinn's, elsewhere were the Poxon's and O'Donague's. Apart from the Paine's whose sons were my brother's age these families provided all my freinds and playmates. The White City estate in the 50's and early 60's was just great. there were few cars, we played football, cricket in the street, marbles in the gutter, shooting arrows over the roofs to land on the greens the other side.

Making trolley's and scooters, The trolleys we would take to Horsenden Hill at Perivale, on the 105 bus. The scooters had ball bearing wheels and did they make a racket on the pavements, also the skates which annoyed the mums as we skated around balconies. The lamp posts remember were octagonal so ideal as wickets for cricket. we played hand tennis over wire fences that divided the forecourts from the pavements. The fences were made of thin tubed ex-war stretchers which had a woven wire mesh which was good for unpicking. At the entrance to Bentinck House and Lawrence Close stood the red telephone box from which I eventually made all my mid week calls to my girlfriend (wife) who lived in Greenford years later. There, every Sunday afternoon, would draw up Sailor Jack Johnson in his dark blue van with shell fish galore , my Dad out there dead quick to weigh in his hand the best crab and return with Whelks, Cockles and Shrimps. Also there was the Muffin Man ringing his bell, on foot with a platter on the head. Tony Bros. came daily in his ice cream van and yes he was Italian.

The breadman pulled a huge cart with 4'-0" (1220 mm) diameter wheels, The dust lorry, pulled by one horse, sometimes two, had roll shutters and the men would open the dust shoot doors and fork out the rubbish/dust into the cart. No health and safety in those days. The United Daries milk float was horse drawn and it seemed to choose to drop its personal deliverance just outside our door on occasions. Later on the Battery driven float would replace the horse.

Football and cricket matches were always being played in the roads but by the time I was 14 /15 we were driven off by the advent of the car. But we still had the CAGE as we called it over toward South Africa Road it was a triangular area with high mesh fences, but it was very much possessed by the lads in that part of the estate, otherwise there was the Bentinck School and there in the evenings there was a youth group and once we finish with football, no floodlights, we would go inside and stand watching the girls dancing to Bill Haley, Elvis, Bobby Vee etc. The High School Hop was my favourite.

My earliest memory of Blaxland was the high wire fencing that still partitioned off the re-construction of Blaxland's damage. it was necessary to cut back the structure to sound material, and as other contributors know you can still see the new brick line. I don't know where it is on the Auckland side but on our side it's between 10 and 11. And there was Mrs Wyatt, on the top floor at 111, every week she leave her rent with my Mother to pay the rentman and I would receive 3d. The tally man would arrive periodically in a black custom made van with coach work aluminium strips on the outside, inside would be racks of clothes for the ladies.

I started at Wormholt Infants School when just 5. My first teacher being Miss Williams, my abiding memory being that we sung All Things Bright And Beautiful every morming, and that Miss Williams would paint your nails brown if you bit them. It was poster paint of course. Next I was at Canberra School when 7, I was always the youngest in class, my birthday being in August, and I just loved being there. We had Miss Knight, Miss Short, Mr Long, Mr Stewert (he was great, taught us all about the British Empire, Romans, and Saxons) and there was Mr Wyatt, he seemed somehow special why I don't know but on the day David Poxon and I left we were both crying saying goodbye to him. Mrs Richardson was the Headmistress, a large woman always wearing a blue fulsome tunic or dress. The school song was Waltzing Matilda, remember everything about the White City is British Empire. Dave Poxon went to North Hammersmith School and I went to Addison Gardens at Blyth Road, we hardly ever saw each other again. From there I became an engineer like my Dad.

Those bonfires we had at Guy Fawkes were the best, there was always competition to biuld the biggest/highest, everything went into them and if it could not be carried down the stairways it was sometimes heaved over the balcony. There would at least three along the Western Avenue and two/three on the dump between the Smuts and The Our Lady of Fatima Church. If you didn't bunk off school that day, to help finish the biulding, you got home from school sharpish to try and set light to the oppositions best efforts. Chasing girls with 'Bangers' stuck into drawn out bed spings, and roasting spuds in the dying embers was the thing. My dad always came home that evening with a box of fireworks. He was an auxiliary fireman during the war and was very conscious of the dangers when lighting so I never got chance to light them, but once the show was over I was away to the bonfires and all good fun.

Saturday morning pictures at the Savoy was the week's highlight. Flash Gordon almost died each week only to be recovered the next. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Hoppy, Gabby Hayes, Keystone Cops, Looney Tunes etc, what fun we had and it was re-enacted when we came out.

Later when I was 17 I joined the Court School of Dancing which was accessed at the side of the Savoy Cinema, the long room was full of chandeliers and glass, and just glowed. There I met my Sweet Sixteen - Dorothy.

As children, on the White City Estate, we had freedom and adventure, okay so not everyone was in good heart but there was community and people helped each other.

I last visited WCE in 2005 and met some good people at the Fatima Centre, and very much hope the children still enjoy some freedom and have adventure as we did.

Peter, 63

I want to thank Lila (Proyer) for her latest photo, yes I surely recognize her now. I have been trying to correspond with Jack Baxter but we seem to have problems. I will let you know that we will be in England from May 13th to June 12th. Hopefully we can meet up with as many of the old cycle speedway fans as possible. I have so many happy memories of the White City but of course some are fading. No, Ken Sharpe your e-mail never came through. jeanne_reed@hotmail.com

Jeanne Wilman (Reed), 75

My old man says all the time what a crack the White City was in the sixties, he lived at Canning House, I wonder if anyone remembers him and his family (Peter, Martin, John, Eddie, Alice, Dinah O'Brien) it would be nice to hear some tales!

Paul O'Brien, 35

Hello young Alan Manning.
I knew all the manning family, and I am in touch with Fred (chunky) Manning often. I knew a family member had passed away because I am in touch with some ex city chaps (Wally Sharp) he lived at 22 Blaxland and Gordon Kearns, I think they may have been at his funeral. Fred of course was a great friend of my brother Harold who passed away last year and Fred was at his funeral. That's all for now young Alan, kind regards to you and yours, all the best to you.

Ken Sharpe, 77

How sad it is to hear Ted Manning has passed away. I can't remember which one Teddy was, time has eroded the old grey cells, but I knew all the Manning boys quite well in the 1940s. It was only a couple of months ago that I had a long chat with Chunky. My condolences go to all of the manning family.

Alan it would be nice if you had a photo that you could put on this site of all brothers and sisters taken in their early years.

Do you know were the Manning family was when the bomb fell on Blaxland?

Jack, 76

My dad has just passed away, he told me many stories, his name was Ted Albert Manning his family lived in White City, a George, Ted, Fred, Sid, Jeff, May, Enid, Eilieen, Eddie Manning. My dad was 78.

Alan Manning, 52

I lived on Ellerslie Road and went to Ellerslie Infant and Junior School also Hammersmith County. A number of my friends lived on White City Estate all of which sadly I have lost touch with as I moved out of the area in 1981.

I remember the swimming pool at Lime Grove and also the Blom...its funny for all the swimming lessons I had I never did learn how to swim :) My memories at Ellerslie school are a bit vague. I remember a dinner lady Mrs Carter she was a lovely lady and a teacher by the name of Mrs Jadhave (I have probably spelt it wrong) but I never did like her and ask for the Headmistress Mrs Mahon at the time what can I say. The names of people I can remember at Ellerslie who use to make me laugh were Jennifer; Brenda; Mark; Cecil; Elenor; Gillian; Brendon and Christine. I remember the girls toilets outside in the playground at Ellerslie and the hard tissue paper but when I found out there was an inside toilet with soft paper there was no stopping me sneaking in (smile) I think it may have been the teachers loo but I never got caught.

I do remember going to the Adventure Playground in White City a couple of times but gave up only because I like to stay grounded and do not like heights!!

My time at Hammersmith County was fun!! - I remember my Religious Teacher Mrs DeSilva; the Deputy Head Mr Tees he use to make me laugh when he got angry - it was so hard to keep a straight face :) My English Teacher Mrs Romano and of course the boys at Christopher Wren next door made going to school a scream.

I am making plans to emigrate in 2009 but before I do leave I am planning to return to my old stomping ground to see how much the borough has moved on. I have heard White City has changed; Ellerslie School no longer exists and as for Hammersmith County its name has changed nevertheless I need to see the old place one more time before I leave.

Helen, 45

What memories this is bringing back!
We lived in Canning House for a short while in what must be between 1947 - 50ish? I think it was Number 33 on the 3rd floor.
I remember the dark laundry rooms, with their clothes lines and old driers. Also the waste chutes down to the bins below.
Mum bought me a brand new bike for a shilling a week, off the Provident man! He used to go round the estate on his motorbike and sidecar collecting. And sometimes he'd let me ride in the sidecar!!
I recall racing our bikes round the blocks of sheds in the courtyard below. And being knackered by the time I'd humped that heavy bike back up all those flights of stairs!
I remember some shops round in Blomfontein Road. And was it somewhere off there, we had our Bricklaying and Woodwork lessons?
I remember being allowed to get to school late in Fulham Palace Road because mum was working and I had to take my younger sister to Ellerslie Road School. Then I used to wander down Shepherds Bush Market and get the bus from Goldhawk Road, was it? About the only thing I remember about that North Hammersmith part of the school, was a really miserable old French teacher. He'd make us just sit there and read a text book in complete silence for the whole lesson! God help if you wanted to sneeze even! I never did learn any French!
Later I must have moved to Old Oak school in Mellitus Street, East Acton, where one of my mates was Jim Mac. Others I think were Dennis Robins and George(?). I think My form teacher was a Mr Fulton. There was a Games master who used to delight in giving you one across the hand with a blackboard pointer if you were late more than twice. He'd do it with a huge grin on his face! Then there was a Mr Watson the maths teacher who we would sidetrack into spending the lesson telling us about his wartime experiences. I still cant do algebra!!! And wos' a logarithm?
After White City, we moved to Council House in Henchman Street by East Acton Station.

John (Tub), 70

Hi Lila, Ken from Blaxland, thanks for the info re Bert Taylor and Mavis I am only at Oxhey so I will try to make connect with her. I am in regular contact with Jack and Rene Baxter and between the three of us we reckon the other girl on the bike with you could be Billy Gordon"s sister.
Come on all you white city silver surfers and you Jack, Rene and Tony Baxter lets have some more of your memories.
Lila, I am also in contact with Wally Sharpe who lived at no. 22 beneath your flat via Gordon Kearns who is on this web page.
Well that's all for now. Regards to your family Lila, and Gordon we will see you in June.

Ken, 76

Hello Ken, I remember Godfrey and Ken Wyatt who lived on the first floor in Auckland house. Bert Taylor died of TB but his stepsister Mavis lives at Headstone Lane, Harrow.

Lila, 74

Hello Ken, I knew Mavis, Bert Taylor's sister. She lived in Whittlesea Road, Headstone Lane, Harrow.  She married a policeman, she was also in the police. I lived in the next road to her 5 years ago.

Lila, 74

Use to live in 66 Havelock Close (across the road from Blaxland House) me and bruv Mick (51) still close still QPR fanatics. Use to know Eamonn Breet, Johnny Rown and his brother Mick, the Hambi’s, Roy Bedminster, Louis Gargan, Kevin Mcgrath, went to Canberra then onto Wren, was in Gibbons (blue) class loved it all in those days, great childhood, great life, great friends, great memories! If you know me surely a name like Bednarcuk is unforgettable.

John Bednarczuk, 44

Went to Christopher Wren school from 56 -59 when I left to emigrate to Africa with my parents, was in class 2je Mr Ellis's class and teachers Mr Powell and and Carter.

Jim, 64

Don't know how I survived this school, I have a wonderful life now, the arts saved me, am happy that I have made contact with a fabulous old friend from this school, who is also an artist. I must say that I don't blame all the teachers, it was, I guess the 70s when white, working class and us black immigrants were all expected to fail. I now have a successful career and two wonderful children who are thriving in good state schools, thanks to my resillence and good fortune!

Leila, 51

Heya, this is Sevgi!
I used to live in white city in the 80s, in 104 Champain house. If anyone can remember we were the Turkish family living in white city, I had 6 sisters and 1 brother some of them I can name which some people might remember Hatty, Sengul, Sev. I used to go to Hammersmith county Wren school, starting the exact year when the two schools (girls & boys) joined together 1983 and graduated in 1988.
Anyway I was going to ask if anyone knows the whereabouts of Michelle Truman and how I can get in contact. If anyone remembers me or if Michelle sees this please contact me, it'll be nice to see some old faces. sevgi_karatay07@hotmail.co.uk

Sevgi, 37

Hi it's Ken again of Blaxland House, Hi young Steve Godfrey, there used to be a Kenny Godfrey I went to school with, he lived in Auckland house in the centre part of the block, his age now would be about 75-ish.

To all the White City silver surfers out there I am still trying to find Ron (nutty) Woods, Bert Taylor, Knobby Wheeler and Bert Taylor's step sisters (June, Mavis and May) please help me trace them if you can.

Just who is the young girl in the photo with Lila on their bikes, and if my old mate Jack Baxter is reading this how about some more of your memories (come on Jack).

Steve if Kenny Godfrey is a relation please let me know. That's all for now, all the best to you all.

Ken, 76

My name is Steve Godfrey I used to live in Hudson Close frome 62-92, used to go to the dogs at white city still have greyhounds at Wimbledon. I have a twin called Dave. I would like to hear from any person out there that knows us, we had a great time all them years ago. Please get in touch.

Steve, 56

I'm not sure what year it was but my mum talks about it sometimes. A little girl called Aileen died in a bonfire when her father put petrol on a bonfire. Does anyone know her last name. Also does anyone know Tracy Williams?

Steph, 12

To Frances Jones.
I am Lila and my sister Eileen was married to Harold Barry, she had two children Janet and Christopher. They lived in Percy Road, W12. Maybe she is the Janet Barry you are looking for. I haven't got an email address.

Lila, 74

Hello Lila Proyer. My wife Eileen was very pleased to hear that Eileen and Eve in Canada remembered the family from Hammersmith. Eve would probably remember my brother Ron, who lived in Hudson Close. I was a great friend of your older brother Billy who, unfortunately died very young. I am talking 1940 - 1945. There was Billy - Bert and Wally Sharpe who, lived below the Proyers in Blaxland House, Harry Smith who lived in Blaxland also, plus a few others. We were all about 5 years older and, as you now know, 5 years at that age was a lifetime. Lovely to speak with you all. Bye.

gordon.kearns@tesco.net, 80

Lila Proyer, outside blaxland house, who is the younger girl?

Lila, 74

Hello Gordon. I sent a copy of your letter to my sister Eileen and Eve in Canada. Eileen remembers your family shop and parents but she can't remember you, was quite a while ago!
I'm still hearing stories of my family that I don't remember, I was the second youngest.

Lila, 74

Went to Ellerslie in mid fifties. Same class as Shaun Sheehan, Pat Gilchrist, Terry Harrison etc. Remember bunking in Rangers via Loftus Road playing football in new park, playing on the estate. I lived Brook Green. Great times messing about down Shepherds Bush market, getting autographs at BBC. Not all happy days but we did have some laughs.

John, 57

I lived in Adelaide Grove with my parents and my sister Leah. Went to Ellerslie Road School and also Hammersmith County which I left in 1961. I had a few friends who lived on the White City Estate. Also learnt to swim at Bloemfontein Swimming baths. Have managed to find some old friends on Friends Reunited but still searching for Janet Barry and Mick Kerwin. Now retired and live outside Colchester, Essex. If anyone would like to email me the address is frances_nicholls@hotmail.com would love to hear from you.

Frances Jones, 61

To Jimmy Mac, George and anyone else from Champlain House, I have to agree that we had the biggest and best bonfire in the White City.
My name is Terry Carter lived in Champlain House. My Dad was a porter on the Estate, Mick Carter. He was hurt when Blaxland House got hit in the Blitz and suffered a stroke years later as a result of his injuries.
My son Doug came across this site and I would love to hear from any of you who may remember me.
I am now living in Michigan, USA and I want to thank all of you, especially those who were my childhood friends, for writing all the wonderful memories. I do hope to make contact with some of you as I can be reached at: ragalaxy@peoplepc.com

Terry, 70

I use to live in White City Estate (Bentinck House) from 1960 - 1973.
I attended Canberra Primary School and then went onto Hammersmith County (Comprehensive) School. I had some good times at Hammersmtih County special the last year of school. I use to organise dance performance and some of the boys from Christopher Wren was involved. I also use to go swimming at Blomfontein Road only in the Summer.  Would love to hear from anyone who may know me. Surname use to be Dystant. I have two brothers who went to Christopher Wren (Fred and Errol).

Constance, 52

Hi Jean Wilman (Reed)
Nice to see you pop up on this site, yes of course we can arrange to meet up when you come over. I have spoken to Jack Baxter he also said we should meet up and renew old friendships and talk over old times. If you can let us know your plans and we can work something out.
I have sent you an email, did you get it OK. Kind regards to you and all your family.
Ken and Doris Sharpe X

Ken, 76

I have nothing but nasty and unpleasant memories of my time at Wren school. It was hell on earth for 5 years and I left when I turned 15 as soon as I could. Racist faculty and even worse class mates, I truly hated that place and bear the scars to this day. I now live in the States and have done so for the past 25 years. Fortunately my career has gone well in spite of this so I am grateful for that and to this day remain a staunch and loyal Brentford supporter [as am I, Ed.].

Jim, 58

So sorry to hear of the passing of Gerald Sharpe. I have tried to contact many of our old friends but with no luck. Lily and I are coming to London in May and with luck we hope to meet up with some of you, i.e. Ken Sharpe, Lila Proyer, Rene and Jack Baxter. Can we meet somewhere?
Regards to all. jeanne_reed@hotmail.com

Jeanne Wilman (Reed), 75

For all the residents of White City, Take a look at the site "you tube" for White City part 1, (there are 5 parts in total by Pete Townsend of "The Who"). It brings back nostalgic memories of White city flats, shops and the pubs.....

Jacqui, 42

I went to Hammersmith county school had a good time there, lived in Hasting House and made some good friends that I would love to see now like Sandra McCormick and Vivien Smythe.

Brenda, 56

Just a quickie for the Proyer Family. My wife Eileen, was a Walsh before marriage. Her mother was Lizzie Walsh better known as Lizzie Gregory of the Fruit and veg Gregory's. Jim's Grandson, Jimmy eventually owned Q.P.R.

Eileen remembers when you all lived in Marriot St. off The King Street, before you moved to The White City, her Grandad had a Fruit and Veg shop in School St, right opposite Waterside School gates, next to the school gate was Eddie's Sweet Shop. Just thought that Eileen and Jeanne would have memories of those days. Love to you all. Gordon and Eileen.

Gordon, 80

We used to live in one in one of the prefabs on Australia Road, we moved there in 1946, seems long ago now. Does anybody remember them.

Jim, 70

Hi Gordon[80]ex Hudson Close.
Nice to see silver surfers of White City popping up. Of course I knew the other Sharp family at 22 very well, I tried to email you at the email address on your piece but it came back to me as faulty. My wife and I go to the south coast 2 or 3 times a year - which town do you live in? I am in touch with lots of old childhood friends via this site, it brings back so many happy memories. That's all for now more soon.

Ken, 76

I must be one of the oldest contributers to these very enjoyable letters. My family moved into 19 Hudson Close in September 1939, just before the war began. Dad had already been called up into the Army, which left Mum, Ron, Peggy, myself and Joan. There is only Joan and myself left. I live on the South Coast in Sussex and, Joan and her family all live in Adelaide, South Australia. We speak to each other every month. Many of the letters refer to the Sharpe family who I believe, lived in N0.24 Blaxland House. My friends were the other Sharps, who lived at No.22, Bert, Wally and Ronnie who was much younger. Bert is still alive and lives in Mitcham where, he still drives his London Cab. Wally and his wife Rene, live just up the road from my wife Eileen and Myself, we can't get rid of them! The Proyer Family are mentioned quite often, John has penned a very good article. I can remember when he was born. One of my closest friends was Billy, the second eldest, Eileen was the eldest. She was very attractive and always had plenty of fellas hanging around. Mr Proyer worked at The Cosy Corner fish and chip shop in The King Street. He always had lovely bikes. He once had a top of the range Chrome Bicycle from Hoods Cycle shop in Fulham Palace Road. He eventually ended up with a Rudge Auto Bike. Like many of us in those days, we put our ages up to get a driving licence, tests were not around then, you just got a Provisional Licence. Billy got a job, driving for The Excel Sausage and Pie company who worked out of Shirland Road, Maida Vale. I used to take days off work to go out with him, he taught me how to drive. I then got my own licence and got a job driving for George Cohen the 600 Group out of Wood Lane.I could go on for hours. It's been lovely reminiscing, would love to hear from anyone from 1939 to 1946. gordon.kearns@tesco.net

Gordon, 80

My nan (Smith family) lived on the White City estate, Hudson Close. My mum was bombed out. In the late 50s and early 60s I thought the White City estate, was great. Went to Hammersmith County 62-69. Compared to today’s schools the facilities and education was great. Have many happy memories of the estate, ie bonfire night, running races around the White City stadium, and the Royal Tattoo. Trained in the blom - yes it was cold but great in the summer, can still hear the noise of the turnstiles, entry only threepenny bit - clack clack clack clack clack! Mum was a life guard there. Mrs Norman dispensed hot bovril on chilly days from the cafe and ice creams in the summer. I and many of my friends became teachers.

Sue, 56

I never lived on the White City Estate but I lived in Stanlake Road and used to go to the park by the BBC to play tennis. Went to Our Lady of Fatima Church and got married there. My reception was held in the General Smutts - is it still there? I used to work with a girl called Helen McNamara at Key Employment on Shepherds Bush Green, she lived in Hastings House. I also was an avid QPR supporter and used to go to all of their home games - they were the days of good old Rodney and Phil who used to frequent the local bookies and pubs as I recall!

Linda, 51

Hi Brian Smith, I knew the Binnie family very well. I went school with Den, in fact we were in the same class at Wormholt Park school. We lived opposite at 24 Blaxland House, and he and I worked together at the Cumberland hotel at Marble Arch. I tried to email you but it came back as a faulty address. More later.

Kind regards to you all.

Ken, 76

Thanks for info re Gerald - yes our condolences are with you and the family. Look forward to more chatter and news soon. Regards Lily and Jeanne

Lily Morley (Wilman), 76

Hi Brian and Muriel (nee Binnie)
I knew your mum and dad and Dennis and Bob very well. In fact Den and i went to the the same school and were in the same class (Wormholt Park school) we lived opposite your flat at 24 Blaxland House.

Nice to see old friends names keep popping up. Let's see some more memories from our childhood days from anybody who lived in the White City from about 1938 to the early sixties all the best to you all.

Ken, 76

I used to live in Mackay House in South Africa Road with my family (Bob (d.), Albert, Les, Robert, Margaret, Ann, Sheila and Rose (aka Mick)and our mum Louisa (d.1990). I married Muriel Binnie who attended Bentworth Road School (66), who lived in Auckland House - sister of Beryl and Bob (d. 1984) and Den (d. 1989). Muriel's parents were Alex and Amelia Binnie. We now live in Chelmsford, Essex - It would be lovely to hear from anyone. Muriel would love to hear from Jackie Young. Brian would love to hear from his bestman Peter Smith. We got married on 29.07.1961. We still go to see QPR on occasion.

Please send any correspondence to djsmithmanford@hotmail.com

Brian Smith, 69

Hi Gang, It's Jack from 75 Blaxland (1939-1949), I am afraid I have got to start this piece with some bad news, Ken Sharpe has ask me to let you all know that on the night of 3-1-08 his brother Gerald was killed in a car accident. I am sure you are all with me in sending to him and his family our condolences.

I have not been very active this last few weeks, but I am sure I will be back shortly with plenty to say.

Jack, 75

I lived there when I was seven, I went to Livingstone infants/juniors. Some happy memories of the area before I moved.

Roger, 57

I attended Sir Christopher Wren School in the late 60s early 70s and was there when Hammersmith County school joined us for the first time as a mixed 6th form. I remember the odd mix of old and new school buildings and getting punished by the ex- Wasps PE teacher Mr Powell as he systematically 'slippered' his way through the whole assembly of our year's intake for one boy's unadmitted transgression. I remember the enigmatic Mr Tomms sitting cross-legged on a desk teaching us history during a maths lesson and threatening to reward bad behaviour with 'a Mars Bar' which he ceremoniously handed out to the suspended boy as he left the premises. I remember Paul 'eggy' Cook and Steve Jones before they gained noteriety as part of the Sex Pistols. I remember the bitter rivalry with the local Grammar School, St Clement Danes and the fights we had on the bridge between the Westway and Du Cane Road. I also remember Wormholt Youth Club which kept us off the streets in the evening whilst we honed our mini-snooker, table tennis and girl pulling skills!

Norman, 51

I lived in Mitchell House from 1948 to 1962. I went to Bentworth Primary School, North Hammersmith Secondary Modern Boys School (AKA Norf Ham) The annexe at Norland Road, Mellitus Street and Fulham Palace Road until it changed to Christopher Wren.

Played football for Hammersmith District in Junior school and for West London in SM.

Len, 65

Hello Lily, sorry I’ve kept you waiting so long. Thanks for your message and yes I do remember fruit picking at Chivers. Do you remember the 2 French boys we met. Lots of fun.

These are the girls we met at Chivers (I’m 2nd from the right) And the other picture of you on the bike was taken at Olympia.

The picture of the 2 Spivs are Sid Rouse and Peter Balldock.

Lily I’d like to talk or write direct to you, so if you want you could send a number or address to Sav to pass on to me.

From Tony (Rene's Son), 55

I don't know much about the White City but wondered if anyone remembered Lord Alexander running at the White City. That would have been long before he became Earl Alexander. So I guess sometime between the two world wars. He was supposed to have run at an all services (Army/Navy/RAF) event. Anyone know anything about that? My father was supposed to have run against him but can't find out if this story is true. If anyone has any memories of this, please e-mail me direct. tony.brennan@ns.sympatico.ca

Hope to visit the area one day

Regards
Tony Brennan,
White Hill, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Tony, 61

I have memories of riding on a cycle speedway track similar to the one in the action photos. Could anyone tell me if it was the Beaver Lane, Hammersmith.

Bill, 76

Born and bred in Shepherds Bush, off the Uxbridge Road, I first went To Ellerslie Road School. I remember the bully headmaster Mr Evans and my favourite teacher Miss Fox. Leaving there I went to Christopher Wren school, which was boys only at that time. I remember teachers such as Cocup, Massey, Tannich, Leighton, Chard and Jefferson. And, to us impressionable teenagers, the sexy Miss Josty. Friends included Colin Levy, Colin Carlow, George Zoumidoo and Colin Jackson. By the time I reached the 5th year there were some mixed classes with girls from Hammersmith County. I participated in the mixed hockey classes. For one term we were allowed to go unsupervised to Queensway for ice skating. I think there were about 5 or 6 of us that went and we never got back for fourth period maths. I left 1966/67.

Peter, 58

Hello Jean Proyer (Cozens) what a lovely suprise to see your name pop up. I remember snotty and his toffee carrots etc. and the coal dump as you say we had to keep warm. Your Jim, Jack Baxter, and my self (Ken Sharpe) and a few others, used to collect rags from the dump, half fill a sack with the rags, put in a couple of house bricks, fill the sack with more rags and sell them to the rag and bone man and then run when we got paid before he tipped out the sack. I knew Fred of course.

Well done Jean your piece has brought back a lot of happy memories for me of our childhood. That's all for now, regards to you and your family, all the best.

p. s. to the young man ALAN LEONARD, as you can read from this web site the white city estate was a very close community in those far of years. So keep reading and let us know what it is like now, all the best to you.

Ken Sharpe, 76

Hello, Jean Proyer [Cozens] joining in via my son.
I have memories of delivering papers in the evening around the blocks of white city even walking over debris on balconies after a raid. Does anyone remember "snotty violet" coming round with his cart or van with toffee apples/carrots sometimes covered in coconut and buying different coloured sherbet or something like it? And what about the man with twopence a pint of "vinegar salt a penny a lump" and who knows where it all came from?

After bombings and noisy nights we used to go down "the blom" to pick up tarry logs off the road and then go over the dump with our choppers and make firewood and sell it around the flats. What about the load of coal that was fenced in everyone raided it via the oak tree, had to keep warm somehow! What about Hargraves House when it was bombed. My husband Fred Cozens who lived there can remember stories about that. Is there any of his old mates still out there [Frankie Davis /Jimmy Wyatt /Eddie Kennet /Alf Stacy /Eddie Bond]?

The chrome bike, jack, i think was my dad's but we all used to borrow it when he was out. If i recall he bought it in a shop just off Hammersmith Broadway it lasted years.

I remember taking my mum's laundry down to xl laundry in a pram near the gas works - sometimes bring coke back then collect it in the afternoon wet, on the way back we would pass the print works and ask the printers if we could have any comics which they would pass through the railings doing that journey so many times we took the barrage balloons for granted.

JACK your dad worked at a glass place in the city didnt he and you had these sort of marbles, a game that was very popular! Also we played rounders and EVERYONE joined in. What about Mr and Mrs Eldridge, that man in the suit and hat we used to knock on their door and buy 1p of sweets [oh joy]. I lived opposite them when I moved from Oxhey to Headstone Lane in a prefab and Rene, Frances and Jack lived there too.

All these comments have stirred loads of memories I remember a lot of you. Keep them coming.

Afterthought: the ride home in the black maria is another story [we were innocent!].

Jean, 77

I am new to the estate, just wanted to see what white city was like before I was born.

Alan Leonard, 20

Hi to all the White City Homesteaders and all friends around Blaxland House. What a great picture of the bombed out corner of Blaxland. I will never forget the impact and sadness that was caused. I do like to remember the good times we all had in our youth, like going to the Saturday morning Odeon Club, travelling around with the Racers cycle team and some of us going to Wembley to see the Motor cycle teams. The big VE party that was a huge success, we were all allowed to stay up late that night. Do you remember the army barracks that was down by the White City Stadium where we would go down and ask for bread pudding from the cooks. Most times we got it and it tasted great. The prisoners would make us rings and crosses out of wood, they were all so young. Guy Fawkes night was another big hit for getting money to have fireworks and to sit around the big Bon Fires, oh those were the days. Take care friends. Oh, and a very big thank you to the ones who run this site.

Jeanne Reed (Wilman), 75

I attended Ellersie Road Primary School up to 1958 and Christopher Wren School from 1958 to 1962. I was in 3E, 4E and 5E, most of memories of school were good, except English, one teacher insisted that we learnt a long poem and had to recite it, I had no memory for that, I can't even remember songs never mind poetry, the other odd lesson was Science and Mr Bacon (I think) we had the U test and if you could not answer the question you went to then end of the U an odd way of doing a test, it was stopped after we complained, I left school and worked with Rosser & Russell as an apprentice pipe fitter welder. I lived in Galloway Road at the time.

My parents managed the sweet shop - Kents - opposite the Blom Swimming Pool, not fond memories of that pool, it was always cold, and a 9am swimming lesson in May was not the best way to learn how to swim. My mates and I used to go to Lime Grove swimming baths.

I suspect like me a lot of boys have moved all over the country, I moved to the West Country in 1971 and moved up to Scotland two years ago, my next planned move is in three years time when I retire to the south west of France.

Reading the comments etc on this site certainly brought back memories, mostly good ones.

Peter, 61

Hi Carole Worley, nice to see your response. Look forward to seeing pics. No, I live in Essex, not Oxhey.

Jim Mac, 70

Carole, I am a bit disappointed that you have not answered my query. At the moment it seems to be all Blaxland House. Come on you other flats, let's have some of your memories.

Seeing the photo of the damage to Blaxland House, I remember going to see the damage the next day. We of course did not realise the full impact of what had happened, all we wanted was some shrapnel. I remember looking at Blaxland House some years later and you can see the different colour of the bricks used to rebuild it.

George, 70

BLAXLAND HOUSE
04:04 5th Aug 1944
This must bring back some memories.
Mum (Rene) thinks the last member of the 4 competitors is my Dad's old friend Siddy Rouse.

This picture was taken in 2000 on Rene's 70th birthday. L to R is Gerald Sharpe, Rene, Ken Sharpe and Wally Jowers

Jeanne, your piece and photos of white city racers are absolutely brilliant, what memories they brought back for me. Les and Sid Rouse are no longer with us, Les was taken at such an early age but what a sportsman, he excelled in every sport he took part in. I recognize some of the lads in the photos and your sister Lily. Has anybody any knowledge of Maurice Pardy,the Parr bros (Jack and Arthur) and their sister Anne. Jeanne, I spoke to Mary and Joan Nichols a couple of weeks ago - were they suprised when they picked up the phone and we had a long chat about old times and old friends! That's all for now. So come on you silver surfers keep the memories coming.

Ken, 76

I have managed to get hold of two pictures which I will put on asap. Jimmy Mac do you live in South Oxhey? Also to Alan as Worley is an uncommon name, could we be related?

Carole, 62

These pics were taken around 1947-8, we had a lot of fun those days. Hopefully, we can get some names to the pictures.

Jeanne Reed nee (Wilman)

Crash Up

Ken Sharpe, Lily Wilman, Bevan

Les getting straight

We are winning

What a team! L. Wilman, J. Bevan, Sid, no name, no name, K Sharpe, Bevan, John.


White City


Barry Wilman

Hello White City. I come from the close-knit Baxter family. I've been reading all these wonderful stories. They bring back strong memories of my lovely Nan and Grandad, Gus and Dora Baxter.

Me and my brother Christopher both inherited the Q.P.R. bug. Jack and my dad Stan Mackerness would regularly drag us down to Loftus Road, standing in the cold and rain, on terraces that were made out of railway sleepers.

I have some great pictures that I've got stashed away and as soon as I learn how to put them on the site I will. (please see the not above, Ed.) I know my mum wants me to add a few lines, so as soon as she sorts herself out I'll do that too.

Tony (Rene's Son), 55

A very big hello to Lily and Jeanne Wilman, what a nice suprise to see your names pop up,I hope you are all well and your families as well.

Jeanne in answer to your question the members of the white city team were Les, myself, Ken, Sid Rouse, John Bevan and his brother, Jack Zetta, the names of all the others escape me at the moment but when I recall them I will let you know. Sid Rouse passed away some time ago.

Jeanne, Jack has sent you 3 emails and not had a reply did you get them, so I will send you one soon.

Hi Kevin yes I remember the bowling green in Wormholt Park, we all from Blaxland used to bunk in the pool and although the water was very cold we still had a lot of fun.

Jeanne and Lily, do you remember the roller scating hockey matches we used to have in Blomfontein Road, the surface was so smooth and very few cars about in those days.

I will close now but I would like to give a big vote of thanks to the person who looks after this web page for helping us to relive some of our memories and getting in touch with old friends again, many thanks.

Ken Sharpe, 76

Hi Rene, Jean has passed on info re this site. Have read through all the letters and oh! what memories they provoked. I have sent Jean some photos of you (and me) taken when we went fruit picking for Chivers in Cambridge. I am not very good on the computer but will try and draft out some stories of those "good old days". I will be in touch again soon. Lily Wilman (Morley - New Zealand)

Lily, 76

A messege to Carol Worley. George and I knew your brother Billy well also knew Ronnie. We would hope you return to this page and hopefully give us some more information. Thanks.

Jimmy Mac, 70

I have found some photos of the White City Racers, my brother Leslie was the captain. I can reconise Ken Sharpe, John Bevan and his brother, Sid?, more faces but names allude me. Les at the Pool with John Bevan and two other boys. Barry my youngest brother taken at the end of Auckland House. How do I post them? Jack Baxter has my e-mail address if any of you would like it. After reading all the letters it has brought back many happy memories. The Bon fires over the dump, the melting of lead, then some sad looking at the dead at the pool, we saw it all. I would stand on the balcony waiting for the planes to come and bomb us. We went to see where the first V2 rocket fell, cannot remember the streets but could go there. Sometimes we would walk to school thru the allotments across from Auckland House, scrump a few carrots or spuds for our camp at the dump. Who remembers going to Denham Woods to pick Bluebells? We would come home with arm loads. Happy Days.

Jeanne Wilman (Reed), 75

Remember the tennis courts at the back of Wormholt Park? You could climb it to Blom baths from there. And the Bowling Green, smooth as a snooker table. I used to bunk at break and go to Glad's Cafe!

Kevin, 43

I attended Christopher Wren late 50s early 60s. Love to hear from anyone out there who was there at the same time, share a memory or two. Forms 1G, 2B, 3A, 4A, 5A, I was in the first intake at the new School. Happy Days!

Roy, 61

Carole,
I have not seen any reply to my queries about Billy and Ronnie. I hope that they are both well! Billy was my great pal until I lost touch with him when you moved away from the flats. My mate Jimmy Mac, lived two floors above me in Champlain house he was and still is my oldest friend. Me, Jim and Billy were little tearaways getting up to all kinds of mischief.

George, 70

I have just been found by John Baxter. It has taken me a long time to read all this stuff but oh but how lovely it has all been. I had forgotton lots of the events and people mentioned.

We left Blaxland I think about 1947 or 8, moving to Roehampton. Four of us still around Pat, Lily, Me and Barry. I married and moved to Canada in 1956, we are still here. Lily lives in New Zealand, Pat in Sevenoaks, Barry near Guildford.

I remember so well the parties we had, the games of Tin Can Tommy and the one where we would drop a cotton reel from the upper flat to a person below who would tie it on the door knocker, from up stairs we would pull it and keep knocking the door and then run like the dickens. My late brother Leslie was on the cycle speedway team, what fun days they were. I will dig out some old photos and will post them later.

Lily Proyer, I remember your name well also Jean and Evelyn. Billy, your brother was a great roller skater, right? Any one heard from Joan Marsh of Auckland House, Edna Loveall, or John Bevan. I have to go now but will come back again soon.

Jeanne Wilman (Reed), 75

I can remember my dad took me and my brothers to the White City Stadium for various events. The tattoo, saw paratroopers land in the stadium, this was then held at Earls Court (royal tournament), Greyhound racing, Schoolboy internationals, QPR for a short period! Stock car racing, International Athletics and so on...I lived in St Anns Road, Harriett Worley is related to me, I also went to Holland Park School with Jimmy and spent many a happy time with them including Mary, Sid, Jim, NellBelle etc.. My brother John went to Saunders Grove School which you can see in Steptoe and Son, my dad used to go totting along with my brother Terry...lol

Alan, 53

The Worley's lived in Grey house and I lived directly opposite in Champlain house. Winkle and me were great pals, Ronnie is the same age as my elder brother Pat, he would know us three boys. I last saw Winkle Worley in 1948.

Anybody else from our flats knows me, George. My elder brother Tom passed away in 2000. As I remember, Ronnie was a bit of a tearaway (weren't we all).

Hope that all of you are very well.

George, 70

This photo was taken about 1947 at Blaxland House.

Starting top left: Pauline Renfrey, David Gorden, the girls name not known. Bottom left: Gerald Sharpe, Frances Baxter, Myself Tony Baxter, the girls name not known.

Can anyone identify themselves and the two unnamed girls.

Tony, 69

My family lived in Bentinck house from 1972-mid 90s. I remember that there were very few cars in the courtyards or on the roads. There were lots of sheds in the courtyards and old wash houses/rooms in the blocks of flats where people would have cleaned/dried their clothes. I remember the parrafin man driving around the estate wailing/singing to let people know he had arrived and residents would run down with plasic cannisters and fill up to heat there homes.

The Adventure Playground was brilliant. Very dangerous by todays standards but it seemed to be open all the time especially during the summer holidays. There were huge wooden structures and swings and slides and they had a big bonfire on Guy Fawkes night.

You could hear the music and see the glare of the floodights from the White City Stadium and hear the roar of the speedway bikes/they also hosted dog racing.

I remember the Open Air Pool on Bloemfontein Rd. When it finally closed it was used for skate boarding before it was demolished so the white City Pools could be built which was later renamed the Janet Adegoke leisure Centre.

There was also Lime Grove swimming pools opposite the BBC building in Lime Grove. Lime grove had horrible footbaths and your clothes and shoes were stored on big iron hangers.

I went to Canberra infants/juniors. We dominated the borough athletics championships.We played under the blue pillars when it rained. I also attended Christopher Wren. In the first year you went to the Annexe in Erconwald street by the scrubs and then finally on to the main site in Bloemfontein Rd when when you got to the 2nd year. It was a tough school.The forms were W R E S C H and the houses were named Gibbons/Newton/Dryden/Clarendon.

Everyone got their chips from the South Africa rd fish bar. George,a big Greek Cypriot man owned it and all the kids played pinball which evolved into space invaders. He was a scary looking man but was actually very nice. His kids bikes/prams were stored in the shop by the big windows.

When Q.P.R were playing, the White City became a huge car park and you could easily hear the roar of the crowd on the other side of the A40/Western Avenue.

There was a newsagents/sweetshop called kents along he row of shops on Bloemfontein Road. The man who owned it was a real character who would sing and keep the kids in line. There were three sides to the shop and along the middle were shelves displaying big plasic bottles of sweets which you would buy by weight and was given to you in a paper bag.

As a teenager I spent my evenings at the youth centre at Wormholt Park School. You could play table tennis,learn about photography, play football. There was also a gym. Frank ran the gym. He was a small,strong man with blond hair and glasses. He had a great sense of humour and was very kind. He would organise competitions and sometimes girls would spectate and we would do our best to impress.

I still live locally and it seems to me that there is less for children/teenagers to do now than there was 25 years ago. Wormholt park has been neglected for 20 years. There was more apparatus to play on when i was a child than there is now. It's such a shame.

Rob, 39

Hi Carole, I am sure I have got the right Ronnie.

As it was pointed out to me by Mr Kyriacou the guy who looks after this site (and what a magnificent job he is doing, what fun he has put back into our lives) you cannot put e/m addresses down it's far to risky, but if you and anyone else who would like to join in, and take a walk down to the taxi office in the car park at about 3 o/c on tuesday the 2nd Oct you will be able to have a cup of tea with two or three of our gang. Just make yourself known to Karen, my niece.

Jack, 75

John your story was great, it brings back memories to a lot of people. Do your remember my brother Gerry (he was called Gerald when we lived Blaxland).

Who is the man in the suit in the pictures, did any of you silver surfers go to the White City reunion at Greenford about 3 years ago,it was set up by Gerry's pal Dave Whelan.

Does anyone remember Brenda Bishop, she married Knights the florist.

Joe I remember the old open pool the temp was chalked up at 70 degrees, the attendant was having a joke I think, as you say it was freezing.

Lily, Billy Gordon moved to Greenford and he had 2 daughters I believe, your brother Jim and I were best mates and although he did not know it at the time I only lived 2 miles away at Oxhey.

Hi Carole, I knew Ron very well and I can faintly remember you, I live in South Oxhey.

Well that's about all for now, keep the stories coming, I am sure there is a lot more in us all yet,

Best regards to you all.

Ken, 76

My brother is Ronnie Worley he is 74 years old living in Northwood, we moved in 1948 I think. I live in South Oxhey where I moved with my family in 1948. Ronnie has 2 aeriel photos of most of the kids that lived in the flats in the late forties, I will try to get them and put them on this site.

Carole, 62

Hello Jack, I've just read your latest input. About the map of the White City Estate, I rang Hammersmith Town Hall and a man named Rupert Burh.. sent me a copy which I sent to John, thanks for trying. Download the Map.

I enjoyed your latest input, I thought John's article would stir up some more memories.
I've also remembered gas masks, did we have them in school? If I smell wellington boots it reminds me of them.
Also barage balloons, silver floating everywhere in the sky, also searchlights flashing when it got dark.

Lila, 73

Hi John, I would just like to say a big thank you for the mind boggling piece that you submited to this site, it's going to take some time to digest it all.
My two sisters Rene and Frances and I are all in the photo of the group of children, I also recognise two or three girls. It was nice to see the picture of your mum and Mrs Sharpe.

What follows is the piece I prepared a couple of days befor your piece came on.

Hi Gang, It's Jack from Blaxland.
I have a correction to make. In my last peice I mentioned Williams - I should have said WILLMANS' (what a wally).

Carole - When i saw the name Worley, Ronnie flashed into my mind,I am sure I knew him quite well. How old would Ronnie be now?

Lila - Plans are afoot to get what you asked. When I receive them I will get in touch with Carole for your address. Be prepared for a long wait, the people I am dealing with don't understand 'HURRY UP'
By the way Lila do you or members of your family have any photo's of the flats? (I think I now have the answer to that qustion).

Here's one to get the old grey matter working. Who remembers the elderly lady who took one hour to cross the A40? Can you imagine her trying to do that today? I beleive she lived in Ellenborough.

Terry Brent. Jimmy Borat. Leslie Fisher. Jill Sibley. Jean and Lily Willman where are you now?

What about the victory party we held in Blaxland and Auckland? All the mums contributed something, they made cakes, jellies, and not forgeting the old favourites SPAM sandwich. They erected the stage opposite where Ronnie Sharpe lived. My sister Frances who was six at the time got up on the stage and sang 'She wakes me every morning when the clock strikes eight'.

Jack, 75

Click for John Proyer's Memories and Photos.

Lila, the only information I have is that Billy Gordon lived in Ruislip Manor, Middlesex. Peter I heard has passed away, but I cant find any thing out about Jean, John or David Gorden, but i remember them well. I also remember Kenny Wyatt from Auckland House.

To Carol from Grey House, I remember the Worley bros but that's all I'm afraid.

Please does anyone know of a Brian Bishop, and his sister Brenda Bishop of Phipps House. Brian would be in his late sixties or early seventies. That's all for now.

Ken, 76

The stories on this page bring back a lot of memories. Lets hope it grows with word of mouth or emails to old friends. Blaxland House have put in a lot of good stories (Champlain had the biggest "bommy"). Be nice to hear from other blocks.

Jim Mac, 70

Carole,
Winkle Worley was one of my best mates, I lived directley opposite in 34 Champlain House. I would very much like to contact Billy, he will know me and also Jimmy Mac.

George, 69

Hello Jack,
You asked how we found this site. My nephew was looking up our family name and came across this site. He told his dad who told Jean and me. I am going to photcopy all these letters and send to Eve in Canada. Eve and Jean do not have computers.

My brother John was trying to refresh his memory by remembering all the names of every block of flats on the estate, we have some blanks, is it possible to get a map?

Lila, 73

I left the estate at about the age of 3. Mum and dad had a flat in Grey House I believe. I have two brothers Ronnie and Billy Worley. Mum and dad were Win and Bill. Does any one remember them?

Carole, 62

Jack,
I am a few years younger than you, so you may be one of the boys who we used to pelt with water bombs (pee) from the top balcony of Blaxland House!! And then run like hell. Anyway, Champlain and Grey House were noted for the size of our -- bommies.

So nice to be in contact with people from so long ago. Last week I was passing through Shepherds Bush, so I thought that I would take a look at White City flats. It has changed quite a lot since our day. I spoke to an old lady who still lives there, and she said that it is terrible there now, what with gangs etc. I thought what's changed.

I saw our back window where we chucked out the guns, knives etc. that found on the arms dump. My elder brother Pat, 74, said do you remember Rubber D---, the watchman on the dump. He chased me once, but I was too nippy for him!!

A few memories for you all.

P.S. I have retired and live in Dorset, and Jimmy Mac lives in Hertfordshire.

George, 69

Hi Lila!
What a wonderful surprise. I was hoping we would get a response from you or Jean and bingo - up you pop. Let's hope we get a few more from the estate, we have only got to hear from the Williams and that will crown it. By the way, what made you look on this web site? I saw Eve at your mum's house when she came over here on holiday, that must have been over 30 years ago. Why not send her the web address, I'm sure she would like to have some sort of input.

Rene is in contact with Mary Nicolls and she comes down and stays with her for the odd week. Rene sends her regards.

George and Jim - what is your occupation? You must be a couple of comedians, you're having a laugh. The gang from Auckland and Blaxland were second to none when it came to making fires. On Victory night, you could see the flames for miles. As a matter of fact, Ken and I still go over the dump to dampen down the ashes. As I remember, the fire was on the piece of waste ground behind where they built the General Smuts. Hearing from Lila has dragged a few more memories out of the old grey matter and that's her dad's chrome bike. What a wonderful looking thing it was, they don't make them like that anymore. I wondered what happened to it?

Lila - I do remember melting lead and smashing up all the leaded lights from the bombed out churches. The windows would be worth a fortune now. As far as I can remember we took the ingots down to Ellerslie Road, there were three garages down the far end and the guy there used to weigh them and pay us.

A question for Paul - do you remember 'Baytown Pigeon'?
All the best.

Jack, 75

Hello Ken,
Just for your information Jean moved to Headstone Lane, Carmelite Road. Jim lived a few streets away in Courtenay Avenue with my mum. After she died I moved in with Jim for 5 years, when he died I moved to Epsom to be nearer my children.

Lila, 73

Hi Lila,
Loved your piece. Your brother Jim and I both worked for Mr Baker the paper man together, we used to get up early on Sundays to deliver the papers and then about 10 o'clock we would go round again and collect the money.

We would often watch the dog fights (air battles between spitfires and German fighter pilots). I can see Jim now on his chrome bike when he came home from work.

Lila, did you move to Carmilite Road, Harrow Weald? My brother Gerald will know something obout Peter Gordon they were pals, that's all for now so come on all you silver surfers from the old white city estate lets be hearing from you. All the best to you all.

Ken, 76

Most of my family delivered papers for Mr Baker, we didn't get pocket money then and had to earn it. I remember scrumping apples at Shaa Road, nice big cooking apples. I remember Mrs Sharpe sitting on the doorstep.

Although you mentioned some names, what about the Gordons, 49 Blaxland House and Godfrey and Ken Wyatt who lived in Auckland House. I remember the dump, we used to have bonfires, collect lead and melt it down, pour it into the top of a brick and make ingots.

During the war I remember watching from our balcony the German airplanes flying over and dropping bombs. What about the big gun on the scrubs Big Bertha firing all night.

That will do for now.

Lila, 73

Hi Lila,
Nice to here from you. Glad Jack and I have jogged a lot of memories that was our intention. I did know that Eve went to Canada and that my old mate Jim had passed away. Tell me, I think you moved to Headstone Lane, Carmilite Road. I think, there is only Gerald and I left now. I am in touch with Jack Baxter and his brothers and sisters.

So come on Lily lets have some of your memories. I have a lot more stories to tell,they will appear soon.

Ken Sharpe, 76

I want to give you the latest on the Proyer family. Eileen the eldest is now 81, Jim died about 7 years ago from a stroke, Jean who married Fred Cozens who lived in Hargreaves House recently moved to Yeovil, Eve, 75, moved to Canada in her 20s, John the youngest lives in Dorset and I'm Lila.

I will be writing again, you have all awoken a lot of memories!

Lila, 73

Before I begin, to Jim and George of Champlain House I would like to discuss who had the biggest bon fire over a pint some time!

Does anyone remember the party we had for the whole 13 blocks on the estate for VJ night? Also, does anyone remember George Haliday (he was known as blind George) and he lived at 75 Ellenborough House and the family moved to Hudson Close. I am in contact with one of his sons named Bill he went off the rails (he became a chelsea supporter) only kidding Billy. I also see blind George's grandchildren. Who can ever forget blind George leading people home when we had the very thick fogs, he was an unforgettable gentleman.

That's all for now, so come on write in your memories of the white city estate, there must be a few of us left, and also anyone who lived in Blaxland House or Auckland house when it was bombed out by the doodle bug.

Regards to you all.

Ken, 76

Hi, I lived in Champlain House. As my mate George has said we had the biggest bonfire in The White City. Phippes House accross the green used to try and light our fire early but we used to keep guard. We used to go in the shelter on air raids. We thought it was great. The next day we would look for shrapnel. Cant say too much of what me and George used to get up to but it was harmless fun.

Jim, 70

I lived in Champlain house from 1939 to 1951 with my two brothers Pat and Tom (deceased). Anybody who lived there would know us three. I am in touch with one old friend who lived there then Jim Mc. It was a bad time during the war but we survived ok. To the chaps at Blaxland house, we had the biggest bon fires on guy fawkes day.

George, 69

Hi, It's Ken again from Blaxland House with more memories of the White City.

Well done Jack we liked the piece about Harold. I dont remember the bit about the fags though.

Where shall I start.
How about the party we had on VE night in the court yard of Blaxland and Auckland houses. What a night that was, because we were all about 13 to 15 years old we were only allowed one weak, small shandy, but kids being kids we soon found out how to get more.

Does anyone remember the yanks who sang the Sinatra and Ella songs, or the make-shift band that played Glenn Miller music at the party. Or the young polish fighter pilots from Hendon that were there. (We owe the young men who fought in the last war so much for the freedom we have today).

I must mention my friend Mary Nichols who lived at 46 Blaxland, I did’nt mention in my last piece (but I did have a soft spot for you Mary). Does anyone remember going up to Jack's Cafe on the corner of Westway and Wood Lane, and playing the pin table machines, or the German pow's that used to ask us go in and get fags for them. Some were so young, one we spoke to was only 17, just 3 years older than me. He had lost his right arm and eye.

Well that's all for now.

Ken, 76

WELL DONE KEN - YOUR PIECE WAS TERRIFIC!

Hi there! I am back again, it's Jack from Blaxland House, with more memories of the White City. Before I continue, I am sorry to have to tell you that we have lost another member of our gang, Harrold Sharpe who recently passed away. What stories he would have to tell us, but I hope his brother Ken will enlighten us with a few memories.

One thing I remember about Ken is that we all smoked in those days and he had a lovely cigarette case. He would buy a packet of 10 fags and only put one in the case and when you asked him for a fag, he would open his case and say, "look I have only got one left"! (Cigarettes were scarce in those days).

Harrold's family gave him a wonderful send off with many of his mates in attendance. I am sure he would have had a smile on his face if he heard some of the stories they were telling about him. I liked the one about the lady who left her case in his shop every week. I am sorry to say time catches up with us all eventually.

I do hope that some of the younger ones who may read this, find it interesting and informative. If any of your grandparents came from the White City, why not ask them to put down a few words on this site. It will certainly give us old ones some pleasure.

One place I must mention is the 'Dump'. That was an area of land inside Australia Road stretching down to Blomfontein Road. Why was it called the 'Dump'? When houses and shops were bombed, they put the rubble on lorries and brought it over to the dump, where eventually it reached the same height as the flats! I am sure there must be a few photos about. The only one I could come up with is Blaxland when it was bombed with a doodle bug. What a night that was! What sticks out in my mind is the blast, all the windows were blown out and doors came off. Thank God none of the walls came down.

There was also the time old gerry (germans) dropped a bomb on top of a milk train as it approached the walkway opposite the hospital. That was the signal for all the kids to get free milk. Thinking back, it must have been comical to watch, we swarmed all over the train with buckets, bottles, cans and anything else you could put liquid in. There was a guy I think from the Express in Wood Lane and he had a loudhailer shouting "boil the milk before you drink it".

I must mention the White City Stadium - during the war .... (I sound like Uncle Albert in Only Fools and Horses) it was used by the army to store equipment captured from the Germans, but the kids from the White City had a different idea. We decided to help ourselves, so it was once again over the fence. The prizes to get were daggers, belts and all other types of equipment. We were not angels but we did not get up to some of the things the youngsters get up to today. Mugging was not a word in our vocabulary. We could leave the door open all day and nobody would go in unless they were invited.

That's all for now, but if I get good feedback, I still have plenty more to tell you. So come on you White City golden oldies, if you lived in the flats during 1939-1950, share a few of your memories with us all.

Jack, 75

My name is Kenneth Sharpe, I lived at 24 Blaxland house with my parents and my 3 brothers Cecil, Harold and Gerald. Sadly Cecil and Harold are no longer with us.

My bro Harold and his mate Fred (chunky) Manning used to work in Jim Barrets fruit and veg shop opp the pool in Blomfontein Road. I lived in Blaxland house from 1938 till I got married in 1955 and moved to Greenford.

The things I remember most of my childhood at the City, was when all the schools closed for about 2 years because of the blitz. We had double British summer time in those years and we used to play out till 11 oclock at night. I used to sell & deliver newspapers for Mr Baker who lived in Wormholt Road. I went to Wormholt Park school. My mother used to sit on her front step in the summer time to chat to passers by. Does any one remember scrumping apples in Shaa Road, East Acton? We all used to go to QPR, they used to let us in for nothing at half time.

I read with intrest the article by Jackie Baxter (how we got in touch again after about 50 years is a story for another time). There are so many friends I can mention, Jimmy Proyer and his sisters, Eileen Nichols and her family who lived at no. 1 Auckland House, Joan and Mary Nichols who lived at 46 Blaxland House, my old mate Ron (nutty) Woods who lived in Ellingbough House, Bert Taylor and his sisters who lived on the top floor of Blaxland House badly cut by flying glass when we got bombed out, Leslie Willman and his sisters,(Les died in his teens) we formed a cycle speedway team called the White City Racers (does any one remember us). Some of the riders we had were the Bevan bros and Jackie Zetta, the team were well known locally, just a few more people ii would like mention Neddy Holt and his sisters (and you bridget), Paddy Dooley who lived in Auckland House, Terry Brent and his lovely sister, and Tony Pople who set up a White City reunion at Greenford about 3 years ago.

That's all for now. There must be some of our old friends still around or the kids so please get in touch.

Kenneth, 76

I remember Hammersmith county school for girls, the fun we used to have, walking through the park at lunch time to go and get a bag of chips. And the boys used to buy a loaf of bread rip it in half eat the bread in the middle and then fill it up with chips. I also remenber the comic JACKIE we used to buy each week.

Annette, 48

I attended the Wren from 57 - 63 I recall Percival Bacon- eccentric ( to say the least ) science teacher - also the dandy English Lit teacher Leslie Chatterton as well as Mr Massey the French teacher who never forgave me for failing my French O level GCE despite being at the exchange summer camp in France (Benais) for 5 weeks. Also can remember investing my lunch money on 2 cup cakes and a bottle of Fling instead of eating at the cafeteria - happy days...

Keith, 60

The roar of the crowd, some not too loud as they had won, the others who lost cursed. Hot nights, sudden downpour which caused the lights to burst, number six in his black and red did not win, some say it was because they put him in the box back to front! There was a posh restaurant where the filmstars sat and placed their wagers with the waiters. In the winter there was always the hot Bovril stand mixed with nippets soon made you forget just how cold it was. Yes you're right, I had gone 'to the dogs'. Story of my life, COME ON NUMBER SIX.

Paul, 72

In memory of Dora and Gus Baxter.
Our Mum and Dad.

My name is John Baxter but I was always called Jack. I lived at 75 Blaxland House with my mum, dad, brother Tony and sisters Rene and Frances from 1939-1947. This page is called MY MEMORIES - well, what memories the kids of White City must have!

I don't quite know where to start, but I must mention a few names in our gang who are no longer with us, but I am sure they will not be forgotten. There was Billy Proyer and his brother Jim. Cecil Sharpe, Freddie Palmer (he was killed when the bomb fell on Blaxland House). Leslie Willman and Gordon Rentfree. There must be others. To anyone who knew them, it's like a roll of honour. What memories! There are still a few of the old gang about, Kenny, Harold and Gerrald, brothers of Cecil. Walter (Woggie) Jowers, Danny Grimes, Ronnie Sharp - I think he lived at No.22. Leslie Gordon, Jimmy Borat, Leslie Fisher - he lived at No.73....so many memories. I must not forget to mention the girls. First and foremost was my sister Rene. I will leave others to recall their memories of her and what memories they will have. Mary (the lookout) Nicholls and her sister Joan. Jean, Eve and Lily Proyer. Jean, Pat, and Lily Willman. There was the Blitz, I don't know how we all survived that. Thank God they never hit the pie and mash shop (Cooks). Can anyone tell me what they put in the pies during the war because all the meat was rationed?

There was the time I was evacuated with my brother Tony and sisters Rene and Frances and our friend Joan Nicholls. They sent us up to Leicester but we only stayed there for one night, we came back home the next day. I might add we did not tell anyone. That's a story on it's own. We made headlines in the national press the next day. I still have the paper cuttings. I must also mention all the mums, they went out to work and didn't know what they would find when they came home.

There was no social security as far as I remember. They didn't have the luxuries the young housewives have today. I could go on and on. I must not forget my old team QPR. Defences look no further than Arthur Jefferson and Sammy Able. They would show some of today's fairies how to kick the ball clear - by the way I still have some 1946-47 programmes. Then there was the Blomfontein Road swimming pool. During the war it was used as a temporary mortuary. Anyone killed in the bombing was laid out at the pool. The council in their wisdom put up canvas sheets against the railings so people could not see what carnage was being unleashed on the people of Hammersmith. Kids will be kids so it was a leg up and over the railings, what sights we were to see! There is so much more to say, things like the "Giant's Bowl", schools, how we earned a few bob.

Jack, 75

The open air swimming pool on Blomfontein Road was just known as that. "Going over to Blom?" we used to ask our friends and then if enough money could be scraped together off we went. It was the only pool I ever knew that was shallow at both ends and deep in the middle. The water was freezing cold, the changing cubicles at the back had no locks and some no doors. The area around the pool was a scratchy concrete that grazed if you were foolish enough to sit on it or even worse fall over. At the sides were tiled areas, but these were occupied by tough kids, particularly the side that got the sun. For all this, we loved it, certainly more fun than going to the rival in Lime Grove or Lime Grave as we called it.

Susan, 47

I remember the open air baths as a young child, being held above the balcony at Canning House for a bird's eye view. To the right of Canning house was the General Smuts and around the corner was the "shops". Those in particular were Charlottes (they sold things like threads, knitting stuffs and many things besides). There was Fred's fruit and veg shop and the cafe on the corner. There was also a sweet shop (the name evades me). Happy childhood memories.

Jacqui, 42

I lived on the White City Estate from 1939 to 1947 and my abiding memories was the Doodle Bug that fell on Blaxland House, the block that I lived on. Fortunately I and my