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Last updated 7/03/2013 Q:459:Does any body remember the kingfisher bar and grill in London road I have very fond memories of meeting friends in there and the mulberry tree in bentalls when bentalls was a great store it had real class not like it is today Michelle a Kingston born and bred. Q:458: Hi can any one remember what the burger bar in London road was called in the 70s it was quite large and you could walk in from London road and the market side. Q:457:Did anyone go to, or know anything about the Gatehouse School in 1967? Q:456 I was born in Kingston in 1949. As a kid I used to hop off school (The Mount junior school and then Fitzgeorge County Secondary School) and hang around Bentalls, Bradey's Arcade, or go fishing a lot down the end of the alleyway next to the tannery, close to the bridge.... I still remember the smell from the tannery! I spent a lot of time playing along the banks of the Thames. I remember 'Turk's Boat Yard' very well as, more or less on the opposite bank, close to the Sea Cadets building, my father had his little boat moored. I believe it was a 2nd WW landing craft converted into a small house boat and he lived there permanently. His name was Alfred Rowe and he was quite a character and very well known in most of the local pubs. I think that he spent a lot of time in the 'Row Barge'... I would love to know if anyone remembers him or his boat. I have tried in vain to find photos of that area by the Sea Cadets and the rowing club from the 1950s, just in case my father's boat could be seen in the background, but no luck at all so far. A:456: Yes I was at Fitzgeorge 1955-1959. Ray Broadfield Q:455 Went to that new art shop you have advertised on your site called Art opposite Wilkinsons. Good stock and nice layout. Only went in for some glue and was tempted to pick up a book and other bits to the tune of £50. But stood at the checkout for so long, I just gave up. Good side was that I saved £45 buying stuff I didn't need. Nice girl on till was too new to shout at gossiping male manager to open another till. They'll need to get that sorted if they want to survive. Jaykay Q:454 My name is Caitie, I'm 21 and am looking to join a girl's football team in the area. I can't find anything on your site and was just wondering if anybody knows of any football teams in or around Kingston for girls my age. I understand if there isn't, but if you could perhaps suggest anywhere that might have one, it would be greatly appreciated. I am not part of the university and have recently finished at Kingston College, so I couldn't join those teams. Reply via editor@kingstononline.co.uk Q: 453: Anyone, George and Dragon Public House Kingston Hill Surrey A 453: I was in children's home in Kingston in 1973 (ish) - I was there from the age of 3- 5 with my sister Caroline. I thought the home was called Dempster Nursery but I can find no evidence of it online- It looked very similar to Warren House from my memories - Can you help me? Was this the same chilren's home under a different name.I have fond memories of my time there and would love to trace some of the other children that were my friends there. Q:462: My father walter george lightfoot, did his apprenticeship at hadleys kingston back in 1937-19401sh, he will be 90 on oct 6th, i am doing a this is your life red book, and need to gather as much information, photos, press cuttings regarding any thing of him, does any one know where i might get this information, Q:461 I recently retraced the evacuation steps I had taken as a small boy from Kingston railway station to Rochdale in Lancashire during World War 2. The trip took four hours by road which was quite an improvement on the original steam train journey of 24 hours. Turning the clock back sixty years was a wonderful and once in a lifetime experience. I would be very pleased to hear from any my long lost school friends,or families who travelled to Rochdale or Littleborough in Lancashire all those years ago.
A:445: I worked at Bentalls for a while but never heard of any ghosts there, though who knows... Does anyone remember the old vicarage frontage that used to be built into it? There were old buildings over the road too, one with a fire mark, demolished when the car park was built. Yep Bentalls was an interesting place to work, had passageways through the walls and you could come out from a door with mirror on and make people jump! Galleries you could survey the stationery department from too. A few lovely art deco grills set into the walls, bet they've gone now. Manned lifts. I remember the homeware department in the 60's, bean bags and very expensive fibre optic table lamps. As kids we used to enjoy running the wrong way up the escalator til we got told off. Graduated to being a fan of the Dolphin and Southampton pubs, happy days! A:294: Have only just seen this site. I also remember Rivermead Primary School and Miss Evelyn Weller (and Mr Finch who preceded her). I left when the school closed but would be interested to hear from anyone who was around at the same time. I remember particularly Leonie & Linda, also Steve, Derek, Richard... I lived in Dysart Avenue. Q; 294: I went to Rivermead primary school with my sister Elizabeth between 1957 to 1961. I also remember Miss Weller, I think she was the headteacher, I also remember Mrs Barretto.When I left in 1961, building work had already started on the new wing that would house the Rivermead secondary school. I was friends with a boy called Jimmy, he was also known as Sox. I think there was a girl called Linda Wheatley. I hope someone else can recall more. Robert Loewenthal (fred)Q460: Does anyone remember a school called Fitzgeorge county secondary in
Norbiton i was there from 1955-1959. Q459: Does any one remember berni inns in the market place or la lampara down the rd from new policestation in 1966 onwards I would be interested to hear from anyone michaelturner8@hotmail.com Q458: I'm trying to find out more about a private RC school near Norbiton Station, called St Adrians and later St Hughs. Does anyone know anyone else who went there?
Thanks, Jon, Aberdeen Q457: Someone got me tickets for We are Three Sisters at the Rose last night. I wasn't that keen but I have to give credit where due. It was an enthralling performance. The Chekov bit was lost on me but it didn't matter. I felt I was there for the birth of Wuthering Heights. Particularly liked Charlotte Bronte (Sophia Di Martino). Transfixed. Q456: Does anyone remember the name of a small restaurant in Fife Road about 1973-ish, It was about 6-8 buildings down on the right hand side, in the direction of Bentalls? It did up-market burgers and bistro food as I recall. Thanks A456: I do remember a Burger Restaurant along that side of
the road I used to use about 1975 onwards for a few years.It was only
a couple of shops along,where the Nepalese Restaurant is now.
I wouldn't call it a Bistro type place.It was more of a hippy type
'60's place where you had background music playing and the owner
would let you play your own cassettes or records if he liked the
music himself. Very casual and laid back place.Wouldn't get through
health and safety and hygeine laws these days. To use the toilets
,you would have to walk through the back yard where I remember
there were sacks of spuds and other bits and pieces around.They used
to make their own burgers and proper home made chips.Used to go there
regular on a Saturday afternoon after the pubs shut at 2.30 p.m.
and have a great meal and plenty of drunken chat.The owner was a
tall,big guy who had one or two big dogs that were like Golden Retrievers
but seemed a lot bigger to me.He always seemed to be taking them
for a walk around Kingston. Him and his missus were around Kingston
for a few years and the place just closed down and they disappeared.I
must admit I don't remember the name of the place and it may be a
differant place altogether.....................Tony Fowler Q456: Yes that’s sounds more correct. I was about
15-16 and it was one of my first restaurant experiences - it probably
felt up-market at that age, but on reflection the hippy ambience
is coming back to me! Thank
A:460:In answer to your correspondents question Q460 the shop in question may have been Trotters / tel. 01483 454668 Q:455: big johns still going,i think hes retired now A290: My father was born in the above old
premises in 1899 where the family ran a boat builders. Q449: I hear an air raid type of siren every
tuesday at 9am when I'm near the river in Kingston. It sounds like
it comes from the Hampton side of the river. Does anyone know what
it is? Q:460: wonder if you can help me please. I am trying
to locate a shop that used to be in Kingston in 2006, it was a shop
that stocked children's wear and there was a lovely children's hair
salon. It was on Thames Street not far from Halford, I know they
moved to Guildford but I cannot remember the name and I need to contact
them to purchase a gift. A:460:In answer to your correspondents question Q460 the shop in question may have been Trotters / tel. 01483 454668 Q:459: I would just like to bring to your
attention the unpleasant attitude of some of your staff
at the Portsmouth Road Kingston Branch of PizzaExpress.
Q457: My now deceased grandfather remembers
going to a school in your area. He remembered wearing a hat with
3 fish on it. According to his father's military papers that have
a date of March 1918, my grandfather and his mother lived at 14 St.
Andrews Square, Surbiton, Surrey. Would anyone be able to tell me
the name of the school he might have attended?
Thanks for your assistance, Q456: I am looking for information about a residential children's home in either Lovelace Gardens or Lovelace Road, Surbiton. If anyone knows the name, or was even one of the children `staying` there, I would love to hear from you. My nephew was there in the 1970's and I am getting a book together for his upcoming 40th birthday. Many thanks Annie Ref: 425: i remember Bentalls it was like
a carnival at Christmas and
i well remember jiminy jingles Ref: 425: I certainly do remember Bentalls Parade even though I must have been quite young at the time. Crowds used to line the roads as the floats travelled from Ham (I think) through Kingston to Bentalls itself. Wasn't it a pre-Christmas event bringing Father Christmas to his Grotto? Does anyone else remember Jiminy Jingle? He was a big Christmassy figure who they placed on the platform above the doors on the corner of Bentalls. Ref: Q455 In the 1960s- whimpys bar was a very popular place to hang out for teenagers ,also remember the three fishes pub.And of course the Dolphin which was a great place for entertainment ,locals could get on stage and sing. The Kingston hotel also a public bar .I lost contact with a friend from those days John Farley who came from Ireland to find work in that area as many did in the 60s he lived in Richmond rd in digs,would be in his late 60s, would be nice to hear from him if hes still around the area. Ref: 455: big johns still going,i think hes retired nowRef.Q 454. I used to be a regular of The Row Barge when
Andy and his boss used to use it usually at lunchtimes. Andy was
a young guy who worked at a jewellers in Kingston. Think it was James
Walker in Clarence St. or in the Market Place where the flower stall
still is.It was in the days of Sam and Eileen who were the best landlord
and landlady of the Row Barge pub in all the days I used it.Sam had
got Andy to do a cartoon of ''Rowbarge Rat'' which I think
was way before Roland Rat came on the scene.I think about once a
week ,Andy would do a comic strip about him that would either be
pinned up in the pub or printed on sheets of paper and customers
could pick one up and read and keep it. It was roughly around 1975-76
period as I remember wearing the ''Rowbarge Rat'' t-shirt in the
hot summer of '76 and a young lady wanted me to take it off .She wanted
her mate to take a picture of her wearing it on top of
her bikini. I gladly obliged. Sam got loads of t-shirts printed and
sold them in the pub. I think we even used them in friendly football
matches and other social events that Sam and Eileen organized.When
the pub closed down,some of the regulars still used The Outrigger
with good old Roy Stringer and the one opposite Bentalls I think
was called The Two Brewers. Sadly both now long gone as well
as Roy. Over the years people lose contact and I dunno whatever happened
to Andy. I think he wanted to be a professional cartoonist so he
may be out there somewhere in cartoonland.I still have my t-shirt
somewhere ,but it will take a bit of digging out 'cos I haven't
got a clue where it is. I am in Spain quite a lot and it is back
with a load of old clobber including flares etc. in my mums
place back in Kingston. Hope
this helps you and if anyone sees my post it may trigger off some
memories. My e-mail is tony.fowler3@btinternet.com Q453 I worked at a residential childrens'
home in about 1965 on Kingston Hill
called, I think, Warren House, looking after children from birth
to 5 years
whose parents couldn't look after them.
I was 18 and became very fond of a little Nigerian boy called Fami
Oladele,
I think, and when he was taken back to Nigeria I left the home but
I have
always promised myself I would do my best to find out how well he
survived.
I would love to hear from anyone who remembers anything at all about
this
home. A 453: I was in children's home in Kingston in 1973 (ish) - I was there from the age of 3- 5 with my sister Caroline. I thought the home was called Dempster Nursery but I can find no evidence of it online- It looked very similar to Warren House from my memories - Can you help me? Was this the same chilren's home under a different name.I have fond memories of my time there and would love to trace some of the other children that were my friends there. A453: I lived in the residential nursery known as Warren Gate
on Kingston Hill. I remember Mrs. D. Jacobs the Matron and her
daughter Judith, also a nurse known as Sally, Freda (known as Freddy)
and cook Bridget. My name is Jean and my daughter is called Kim. I
may have left before you but I remember lots of faces of children
not so much their names I know that sounds dreadful but I was preoccupied
with studies at the time. S450: have to tell you we had a wonderful set meal on the Thai on the thames, never eaten Thai before and with the expert advise of the lovely staff we had a brilliant meal and tried to return after our theatre trip the next day unfortunately it was after closing time.... well done to them and there are a credit to kingston. please put my comments where they will be seen i am not a good person on the internet but feel other travellers to your area would enjoy a similar experience. thank you Thai on Thames hope to visit you again if and when we come that way again. sue johnston of northampton Q449: I hear an air raid type of siren every
tuesday at 9am when I'm near the river in Kingston. It sounds like
it comes from the Hampton side of the river. Does anyone know what
it is? Q448: Saw a fantastic exhibition in Kingston Museum today of William Hogarth engraving of Rake's progress and others. The pictures were explained in easy to follow notes. I Just went in for a look and stayed an hour. Loved it. Thanks K Museum. Q447: Hi there.
I'm relatively new to the Kingston are and I'm struggling to find
an indoor soft play place to take my 3 year old daughter. We go
to climbers and creepers at Kew but on a rainy day it's a very
soggy walk across Kew gardens to get to it! Can you advise anywhere
else? Q446: I was born in a nursing home, later flats, on Avenue Elmers, down near the river; lived at my grandparents for a short time in Avenue South (Surbiton), then moved to The Ridings (Berrylands area) from 1950 or so until I came to Canada in 1972. Lots of the usual happy childhood memories and early schooldays – not so much my years at Tiffin Grammar!!! Greetings from BC.Chris Nice Q445: Re Q290 In brief - we lived in Kingston in 1992-93. In the summer of 1993, when my wife was pregnant and expecting our daughter, we were in Bentalls and she had an inexplicable encounter, in broad daylight, inside the store, that we have only ever been able to explain as being a ghost. It wasn't frightening, but unnerved her enough that we asked staff in the store at the time if anyone there had seen anything similar or perhaps if one of the shop assistants had died. We would be interested to know if anyone else has since seen or encountered something similar. A:445: I worked at Bentalls for a while but never heard of any ghosts there, though who knows... Does anyone remember the old vicarage frontage that used to be built into it? There were old buildings over the road too, one with a fire mark, demolished when the car park was built. Yep Bentalls was an interesting place to work, had passageways through the walls and you could come out from a door with mirror on and make people jump! Galleries you could survey the stationery department from too. A few lovely art deco grills set into the walls, bet they've gone now. Manned lifts. I remember the homeware department in the 60's, bean bags and very expensive fibre optic table lamps. As kids we used to enjoy running the wrong way up the escalator til we got told off. Graduated to being a fan of the Dolphin and Southampton pubs, happy days! Q444: I am writing the History of Hollyfield School and would welcome memories from ex-pupils, parents, staff etc that could be published particularly for the 1937 to 1980 period. I recently retired from the school after 30 years and would be grateful for any contributions either written or photographic to be sent to dave_forward@btinternet.com (note there is an underscore after dave). Dave Forward Q443: Can anyone tell me anything about the house boat just down from the bridge, in the late 50's early 60's which was once an RAF whaleback rescue launch? Q442:Reading your site during my lunch break today, I was interested to read your paragraph about the old Surbiton Lagoon and Coronation Baths both of which you report were closed to fund the Kingfisher. As a former Surbiton resident and a regular user of both the above during the 1960s and 70s, you might be interested to know that I heard (but not confirmed) that one of the reasons why Coronation Baths closed was because the glass roof above bath one (Coronation Hall) was unsafe and in danger of falling down. Originally made unsafe by the vibration from bombing in WW2. Q441:There is a new wallpaper and fabrics shop opening which is just up from Pizza Express on Prtsmouth Rd. Zena, Surbiton Q440: I see that Patisserie Valerie is opening up where the olive oil shop was in the market place in Kingston. What with Ghost and Whistles, can it get any better in Kigston? N. Kingston Q439:I noticed some interest in this hospital. My wife was
borne there in the late1940’s. If anyone can email me a picture,
it would be a nice surprise to present to her. We are now living
in Canada. Regards RT Q438: We have lived in Surbiton for 12 years and never been to Raven's Ait but went over today as the Eco people who are occupying it were having some kind of open day. Quite interesting. They haven't wrecked it at all and they want to keep it 'for the people' as they say it belongs to the people and not the council. They want to turn it into a community place for children and environmental events. We thought it sounded like a good idea. A:438: It was already used by the community. The Sea Scouts and other youth organisations. Why not give it to the cubs, scouts, brownies, guides to use as a meeting and training headquaters? A:438: Nothing succeeds on the island. It is hard to insure because of flooding. Why not give it over to environmentalists? It sounds like they are taking care of it. The council don't care as they can't make money from it. A:438: I agree it should be used for something else other than weddings but don't know if this is the answer. The island has novelty value but it is not very big and health and safety would have a big part in anything done on there. A:438: It never occurred to me that the land belonged to the people. I thought it was a man made island, purpose built but it has it's roots back in the 1200. I think we should be grateful to these eco warriors. It makes me feel guilty that most of us don't question this stuff when there are people like them sticking their necks out and making a difference. Q437: Caversham road residents have you had enough ?. noise, uncontrolled traffic, school runs,badly ignored council management ? also may i suggest i dislike the term "student" as it implies some degree of intelligence which as we all know is sadly lacking in our once proud location.Q436: in 1957 i met a girl, jean oliver, who lived on church rd., kingston upon thames. she had at least one sister and perhaps a brother. at the time, she worked for the telephone exchange in kingston. i lost contact with her in 1958. does anyone remember the family or know the whereabouts of jean? if antone has any info, please write me at: kwpier@yahoo.com thanks, k. pierce A435: I would not choose to live in the
middle of kingston. I was subjected to people urinating outside my
front window, fights, broken glass,strangers banging on your windows
and people using the bins at the back for their toilets.Not to mention
the noise sometimes till six in the morning. Thank goodness I moved..
new malden A:294: Hi there, I was reading with interest the comments about the rivermead/tudor schools, I attended and left in 83'84 and was in 3rd year when it amalgamated with Bonner hill and reminded me of old friends that I am no longer in contact with. Is anyone out there that was in my year? I would love to reach out, I now live in the USA and have not been back in 12 years. I am assuming that everyone left Kingston for pastures new. New York USA: Andy O'Shea Q434: Any ideas on how to stop the squirrels eating away at the brown bins? North Kingston A434: I compost peeings, teabags etc and there isn't much food waste left when you do that so we just use that small brown bin, with the bag in it. keep it in the kitchen and transfer it to the big brown bin on collection day. A434: Our 2009 Annual Urban Squirrel Convention has the new brown bins on the agenda. Won't be long before we work out a way to open using the handle mechanism and won't need to nibble the lid. President Bush USA (Urban Squirrel Association). Q433: Am I alone in liking the new recycling system? It is a lot to remember but it is about the only thing, apart from the credit crunch, which stops me wasting food. As I can't stand having old food hanging about, I'm much more careful about what I buy and throw out. And the cardboard recycling is excellent. (Surbiton) Q432:My relatives, the Beans, used to operate
the Victoria Tavern at 28 Victoria Terrace in 1881. Is it still there?
Canada Q430: We are thinking of moving to Kingston and want to know whether it is a safe place to live. My husband will need to commute into central London every day and I would be very interested to know how good the train service to Waterloo is and whether it is safe to travel on it at all hours. Thanks for any advice. Victoria A:430: Kingston is great but Surbiton has a better
and faster rail connection to Waterloo. You are close to Kingston
amenities without the inflated house prices and school places problems. Q278: Surbiton Lagoon. (Raeburn Avenue) Q429: Does anyone remember Cinderellas night
club in Kingston around the 1980,s. I have fond memories of meeting
my Husband there for the first time, even though it was so many years
ago, it still seems so clear.Thank you. Ireland Q428:can anyone remembers hadleys spectical factory in surbition or kingston or harts boat yard in kingston. A428: I used to clean hadleys spectical
factory when i was in my teens and saving up to get married i needed
extra money i worked at british home stores in the day and hadleys
in the evening. leighton buzzard Q427: hi can anyone remember my mum who went to hollyfield school her name was maureen kelly she worked at hadleys glasses factory and also my dad who worked at harts boat yard. castleford west yorkshire: tracy corbett Q426: Can anyone remember my mum and dad
getting married at emmanuel churh they where the 1st people to get
married their which is maureen kelly and brian kent they have been
married for 50 years in october 11th.castleford west yorkshire:
tracy corbett Q425: The question Does anyone remember
Bentalls Parade? I sure do I rode a Lambretta made to look like a
Tropical Island Q424:Talking with my mother today she asked
me the name of the Tea Dancing place which was located on the right
just before the bridge. I thought Zeeta but it seems I am wrong.
this would be during the mid to late fifties and maybe into the sixties A424:(See also 400) What a suprise to see the Outrigger and me mentioned. I had many mad, crazy happy times working there with Eva and getting Roy 'Captain Carruthers'to go to bed with his hot chocolate after a hard day of vodka and apolinaris!Yes,Johnny Please affectionately known as the Windsor Pig,Charlie wellie (he always wore them)Dave the garage (in Water lane) Peter Littlt Belinda (his boat)all the other boat guys. Caroline (skinny) Is it Keith the lorry or Keith I spy in Totnes Devon? Oh can't forget Noble and Nero the alsations. John Du Gay, Twinkle, Linda and Greg from the White Hart. Many, many more characters. Happy days. Brenda Bangor N Ireland A424: ME AND MY MATES USED DRINK IN THE OUTRIGGER
THROUGHOUT THE LATE 1970S AND INTO THE LATE 1980S. THERE WAS ME TONY,
GLEN, BRENDAN, FIONA, HELEN, ELSA, AND BONNIE. WHAT A BRILLIENT PLACE
ROY USE THROUGH US ALL OVER THE PLACE DOING HIS STUNT MAN BIT. NON
LOCALS WERE PETREIFIED AS WE FLEW OVER TABLES. SOME TIMES WE EVEN
POURED OUR OWN BEER WHEN FRANK OR BRENDA COULD NOT BE BOTHERED TO
SERVE! OTHER TIMES WE HAD GREAT AFTER HOURS SESSIONS AND CRASHED
THERE! GREAT CHARCTERS TOO. OUR BUNCH WERE THE YOUNGEST IN THOSE
DAYS BUT THE PUB WAS A GOOD MIX OF ALL AGES AND NUTTERS INCLUDING
THE TURKS BOAT YARD CREW. ROY HAD TWO ALSATIANS, I THINK IT WAS NOBLE
AND NERO. THAT WAS THE DAYS WHEN KINGSTON HAD REAL CHARACTERS AND
REAL ENGLISH AND BRITS IN IT. UP FROM THE OUTRIGGER WAS THE OLD ROWBARGE
(NOT THE NEW RUBBISH ONE THAT HAS SHUT)A REAL PUB LIKE THE OUTRIGGER.
IN BETWEEN THEM BEFORE JOHN LEWIS WAS BUILT THEIR WAS A HUGE OPEN
SPACE CAR PARK. BLIMEY DID YOU FEEL HOW COLD IT WAS WHEN THE WIND
CAME OF THE THAMES. A424:LEFT A POST EARLIER CONCERNING THE GOOD OLD
OUTRIGGER. ABOUT ME (COL) TONY, FOINA, ELSA AND GLEN AND OUR YEARS
AT THE PUB.IF ANYONE REMMERS US PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. A424: I read with interest the comment re the Outrigger.
I along with John Upton and Jim used to belt out of Bentalls Staff
entrance, across Wood Street and down the lane to the Outrigger where
we we would drink far to much bitter and await the grand entrance
of the landlord and his wife. A424: I lived above the Outrigger along with a
collection of other flotsam & jetsam. Very happy days. Q420: Does anyone know the name of the department store that was in the market place? I'm going back to my student days 1970-73 A420: The department store in the market place was Cheesemans. It's now Borders (book shop) part of the Charter Quay development and the old staircase (Elizabethan I think) is listed, so it's still being used! A420: The dept store was called F W HIDE & SONS:
Finchley: Rob (fred) Q419: Does anyone know it there are any
shopsin Kingston for beading/jewelry making items? Q418: Does any one know of a shop in kingston that specialise in whisky ? A418: Yes there is a shop call vom fass within bentalls department store lower ground floor. A418: vom fass shop has good selection of aged
balsam vinegar i got from them a 25 years vinegar from Modena Italy A417: Screwed up residents might take tickets off just to make tings worse for people who have the cheek to park in their street. Kingston. A417: This happened to me in Kingston. Where did you park? I think that the Kingston Guildhall are gangsters. How else can they justify taking such a large amount of money from someone with out any back up. They don't have to show their paperwork they can just say yeh well we put a ticket on your car and its not our fault if someone removes it end of.It just so happens that they then get £100 off you instead of £50 with out any effort or comeback and they get away wit it. I just can't see how that can be right. It has got to be a scam. Q416: Does anyone know about the planned
extension to the tube to cater for richmond, twickenham, teddington
and kingston? Q415: I used a very good painter/decorator
recently, he works in Kingston-upon-Thames & surrounding
areas. Q414: My Mother was in a Church of England Mother and Baby Home in Kingston in 1937 when I was born. I don't know where it was/is. Does anyone know anything about it, please? Ref: 414: I remember my mother telling me of a mother and baby home (either next door or a few houses away) to where she and her parents lived in Richmond Park Road - no 54. That would have been in the early 1940s. Don't know if this would be what you were looking for but it was nearby St Luke's church, so possibly was run by Church of England.Ref: 414 I think I was born there
too in 1954. I
dont know anything about it either but would like to know if you
find anything out. Q413: does anyone remember the bentalls christmas prosession it used to march through kingston a few weeks before christmas and it did'nt matter what the weather was like kids turned out in there thousands to watch father christmas come to town. leighton buzzard Q412: Hi does anyone have pictures of what
was i believe the Liverpool arms pub which is now a block of flats
above carphonewarehouse next to Asda and the Church on the corner
of London and Cambridge rd? Would really like to get some history
on it too But really would love to see the old building that stood
there: Jo A: 410 the pub was the liverpool arms. Berrylands A: 409: It doesn't smell all the time - depends on the weather and wind direction. I lived close to Surbiton Hill Park Road and maybe it was bad 4 or 5 times in the 3 years I was there. I wouldn't let it stop you moving there. A: Chris from fairfield if you ARE seriously considering
moving please let me know! I'd love to live on the Fairfield! Anna,
Tolworth A:408 my mom is now 80 she was deputy matron at
dempster during the early 60s she does remember a child named Denise. Q:407: 3 on a Sunday morning is supposed
to be the quietest time of the week for traffic. So how come there
is so much traffic all along the London Road at this time? The
noise from the road is getting so intolerable that I am seriously
considering moving so I am not so near it (I live near Fairfield). Chris, Kingston Q: 404: I am looking for my uncle GEOFFREY POWELL he lived and lectured in Kingston upon Thames, he had three daughters Alison, Helen and Stella and is the brother of DONALD POWELL who lived in Cheadle, Cheshire. Essex G. Johnstone A:403:If you don't mind giving the piano away for
free, you can offer it on Kingston Freecycle. You put an 'ad'
on the site, then replies come into your private e-mail address and
you choose the one you consider the most deserving. The recipient
will usually arrange to collect the item from you. A:404: Love this website! very funny! Always wanted
to learn the piano, not sure if I've got enough space. A book club
would be great too! Oh yeah, everyone knows that Villers Rd smells,
so does Dickerage Lane ( much worse in the summer PHEW!) Q:401: 'Gassing the pigeons in Kingston' what a fantastic idea. We could make it into an annual festival like Pamplona's Running of the bulls. And for added entertainment we can capture the old ladies who think they are being kind throwing shedloads of white bread on to the streets and put them into stocks in the market place. (Norbiton) A:401: That is an illinformed and wreckless comment. White bread can often have vitamins added to it making it quite a healthy choice for our beaky friends. Q:400: Does anyone remember the following pubs
in Kinston & have stories to tell on them - A: 400 What a suprise to see the Outrigger and
me mentioned. I had many mad, crazy happy times working there with
Eva and getting Roy 'Captain Carruthers'to go to bed with his hot
chocolate after a hard day of vodka and apolinaris!Yes,Johnny Please
affectionately known as the Windsor Pig,Charlie wellie (he always
wore them)Dave the garage (in Water lane) Peter Littlt Belinda (his
boat)all the other boat guys. Caroline (skinny) Is it Keith the lorry
or Keith I spy in Totnes Devon? Oh can't forget Noble and Nero the
alsations. John Du Gay, Twinkle, Linda and Greg from the White Hart.
Many, many more characters. Happy days. Brenda Bangor N Ireland A: 400 With regard to the various requests from
people remembering the Outrigger pub,here's some of the charactors
who used to drink there-- George and Tony(the Bear), driving instructors
who worked for BSM--Ernie Russel,Bill Scrivens,Nick Hart,Keith Mountain,Len
Hazeldene all skippers who worked for Turks---Monty,a digger driver---Johnny
Please,a dredgerman---Dodgy Reg,who did a bit of anything, and the
lovely Irish Brenda who worked for many years behind the ba: Keith
Now in Totnes, S.Devon A:400: To number
400, I remember all the pubs you mentioned, who are you? F.
West Q:399: I am currently putting together a family history. One of my children was born at Bearstead Memorial Hospital in 1963. I have been trying to get a picture of the place on the net and have found absolutely none. Can anyone also help me with a picture PLEASE. I cant get there to take one as I live in Western Australia. A picture of around the 1960 would be nice, but later will be great also. Thanks for your help: Colin Perth, Western Australia A:399: I think I have a photo of the Bearsted Memorial
Hospital somewhere (I was born there). If you haven't got one
yet, I'll try and find it and send it to you if I can have your address.
Farnborough, Hampshire L Hartop A. 398. The Malden & Coombe Estates Successors
have been a concern for some years. A good number of New Malden
residents have raised this with the Council, Councillors and the
police. The Council was following up with them whether they had the
right to enforce the covenants, but I don't know where these efforts
got to. Try speaking with your Councillor to see what progress
there has been - enough residents are affected by this to justify
the Council taking up the case rather than everyone having to do
this individually. If you don't pay for the approval, M&CES
won't chase you up, but I have heard rumours that there may be problems
later when you come to sell. I am no expert, but I would be
surprised if the covenants were enforceable by M&CES, as they
have no obvious beneficial interest in seeing them enforced. A:397: When you're up against the whole country,
does it matter? This is one of the boroughs where the Greenwich Agreement
works against us residents. The reality is that these girls would
get A stars even if they taught themselves from home. I also resent
my council tax contributing to the education of girls form Portsmouth
and Scotland. This agreement desperately needs a review particularly
as stopping the school run is a priority. A. I remember "filthy Paul". He was a
great unshaven character, he used to ride an old triumph motorcycle,wearing
an even older leather jacket and suck his thumb (not at the same
time)His 2nd home was a black 1950s Rieley that was parked near the
old Gridley Miskins site. His 3rd home was the Copper Kettle cafe
in Hampton Wick. An oily establishment run by a nice Irish lady.This
was all back in late 60s, I moved way back last century My older
brother went to Hollyfield School he remembers uncle Eric,although
he did,nt know him. My misspentyouth was mainly the Fishes and the
Jolly Brewers. Finchley, Fred (rob) Q:394 Does anyone know a cleaner in the Kingston
area? A:393 I live near the sewage works and also went to kingston uni which is very close and never noticed anything. Q391: Does anyone know a female builder
called Jane, who has a building company in the area, possibly
nearer Worcester Park. She was so kind to my mother in
the Royal Marsden hospital, but I don't have any contact no/address
for her. Tadworth A390: I'd go for Surbiton. You can get a bit more for your money and the trains are much better. You can walk to Kingston in 20 mins depending where you are or get the bus. Q389: Would it not be a great deal simpler
to contact the local history room -based at the North Kingston
Centre on the Richmond Road for details of Kingston past, what
the area was like, old photographs, when childrens' homes were
opened or closed... etc. They have all the local history records
and also qualified and very helpful staff- go and find out- look
at a few local history books or old newspapers... they will help
you, why bother scratching around on the internet... ? A388: adam toomey is now living in northern
spain , he sings occasionally but earns a living as a builder.
he has lived there for 5 years with his partner and child. A386: Nice of Tolworth tower Police to announce their presence shame there were names to go with the announcement. Q385: Could anyone let me know of any book groups/
clubs local to the area that I could join? Kingston Q384: Hi, just a quick note of thanks. I recently had a girls get together at my house to catch up and relax with all my friends. I found a beauty company listed on this called Aurora beauty who come to your house for beauty treatments. My friends and I were totally blown away by the massages and pedicures we had and how nice and professional the girls were. Thank you Kingston on line for helping me find them!!! Kingston, Sarah Q383: Dear long lived residents of Kingston. In
about 1973 (when i was three years old), I was put into
a childrens home in Kingston (as far as i know). It was
called Dempster Nursery and there was a childrens park near by
and an old church (we used to go to sunday service there). I
can't find any reference to this childrens home - It was in the
most beautiful house with lovely gardens and a cellar. Does
anyone remember it? I'm beginnig to think my childhood
memories are not real. I would love to see the old place
(if it hasn't been knocked down). I would be very grateful
for an addres if anyone does remember it. If anyone reading
this was there (staff or child)in the early 70's that would be
better still - please get in touch. Thankyou in anticipation. Janey (Hookwood,
Surrey) A383:My Mom is now 80. She used to be deputy
matron at Dempsterin the early 60s. Her collegue was staff nurse
there too and remembers the place and children well. If you want
to know more, she is willing to contact you. OLDBURY WEST
MIDLANDS Q382: Where can I find the areas
affected by the odour from the Berrylands sewage? A382 Well I moved to Australia in the early 80's and I can't smell it from here! Q381: I have heard about a history
tour of Kingston, but rumour has it there is a ghost tour too.
Does anyone know anything about this and who to get in touch
with? Kingston Q378: Am I the only one who is fed up with
irresponsible cyclists? If a car or motorcycle were to ride
on the pavement or travel without lights at night or ignore traffic
signals, stop lines and one way streets they would soon be stopped
and fined, however these rules don't seem to apply to cyclists. Any
cyclist will tell you he or she has just as much right to the road.
I disagree. Until cyclists pay Road Tax and carry Third Party insurance
they don't have any right to the road. Surbiton A378: cyclists shouldn't ride on the pavement when
there are pedestrians nearby, but the reason they do it is because
of fear of irresponsible car and van drivers. When was the last time
you saw a car driver kileld or injured by a bicycle? Car drivers
- I speak as one myself - should be grateful for cyclists choosing
to take the risk and reducing the number of cars on the road. Q377:Any pictures/information old or new about Regent House hawks road would be greatly appreciated. Our family owned the store under L. White from approx. 1930's - 1957 then we moved to Canada. It was located on the corner of Hawks Road & Bonnerhill Road. This was my birthplace. My email is; m.theo-winst@hotmail.com Thank you so much: Canada Q375: Hi Kingston residents, I am from Australia
and have found in the 1881 census of England that my great grandfather
was the landlord of a pub called the Liverpool Arms in Richmond
Rd, Kingston on Thames. His nave was Thomas Kent. Any info on the
area, pub or family would be appreciated. His son, my grandfather
left England in the mid 1880s. Ann, Sydney
A373: Re: street sellers.They are really giving charity a bad name. I used to support Amnesty International but have stopped my subscription because I detest this selling technique so much. You can be stopped 4 times walking up and down Surbiton high street . A polite no ' thank you' can take a quick nose dive into verbal abuse when you are forced to interact with some cheesy, spotty youth who can't make it to drama school. A373: Think they only have to get 2 sign
ups a day to make it worth their while. Could make more if they
sell the details to fraudsters. Banks should take note and make
the people who sign up take out insurance. They are mad. Q371: TESCO at Tolworth. What do you think? Is the proposed development overall a good thing or a bad thing? Personally I object to the vice-like grip that TESCO has on trading and I don't think that having escalators and steps makes their so-called 'green bridge' very accessible. Their bridge is not like other green bridges in this country which are actually very wide and green because they have grass and trees on them. They were fined £25,000 last year for 5 breaches of food safety at New Malden so I don't trust TESCO. Kingston A371: They need something there which will bring the area up not drag it down to the depths of the Tesco near New Malden. It just seems to have brought a desolate and depressing feel to the area. The colours, the depressed staff, the dirty interiors and the lack of traffic flow. They don't give a damn. Q369: Hi, I have just come across this site as have been searching for a picture of where I was born - Bearstead memorial Hospital. I was born there on 11 Dec 1957 and is there anyone out there who was born there around the same time? Newcastle upon Tyne, Kath Q369: I was in Kingston yesterday and sought out
the Bearstead Memorial Nursing Home as I was born there in August
1946. It is now called Rotary Court and is just across from the Palace
on Hampton Court Road. I spoke to a lady who said it is now a home
run by a Housing Association for elderly people made up of bedsits. Originally
from East London the Bearstead was moved out to Kingston during the
war. My family lived in the East End of London and my mother
was sent there for the birth of me her only child. How my father
visited I do not know!!!! Rosalind. South
Oxfordshire Q369:I was born at Bearstead memorial hospital
as well (23 01 65) Its now called "Rotary Court" ( Private
residential flats i believe) Can supply photo next time i drive past
it! Q366: I am sick to death of the parking arrangements I have fines of £20,000 for parking in my own street since we have 2 cars bought on HP the council have refused another permit for our second car as both cars are in my name since I got the loans. Everywhere I turn I get no help I have given up the residents actually asked for the parking control here but we did not ask for this... Kingston Q365: WARNING: Handbag thief at large in Surbiton. Several reports. This man buys a cheap drink in bars and sits near women, steals what he can. Last theft in Gordon Bennett's Maple road Monday 12 September 05. He is late 40s balding with a jowly, saggy face. Q364: I am looking to buy a house in Elmbridge Avenue. Is there a sewage smell there? Q363: Hi Kingston, I'm from Australia and
in tracing family history wondered if anyone is descended from
my great grandparents Mary Anne Wright and George Lewendon who
would have married in the late 1800's. They had several children
one of whom was my grandmother Daisy Lewendon who married Frank
Beach. They later migrated to Australia {early 1900's}. I have
a photo of a pageant at Kingston-on Thames taken in June 1917.
Would this be the same festival that is held on September 10? It
shows people marching along a street with horses and carts etc.
with people lining the street. Cris Australia Q361. Yes, the Kingston Cycling Campaign www.kingstoncycling.org.uk sounds
just like the sort of sociable cycling group you are looking for.
See also Q308. They run sociable rindes on a couple of Sundays each
month and some weekday evenings in the summer. The distance is tailored
to the ability of people who turn up. Ride date info: http://pages.britishlibrary.net/rjames/kcc/Rides.html Q:356: If there are any Southern Africans
looking for a taste of home, there is a South African shop - Bizzi
B's opened on Surbiton Road that has the most amazing biltong/droewors
and boerewors to die for. I know where I'm shopping for my barbeque. Q:353: Greetings, Q352:CAR PARKING SPACE offered., Central
Kingston location. Permit valid until end of the year. A:351 I am also looking for any information
on the Cambridge Asylum which was on Cambridge Road, Norbiton.
I have recently located a Census for 1891 for the asylum and located
my Gt Gt Gt Gt Grandmother- so the building was still there in
1891 ! (I also have a date of 1853 but suspect that was when it
was built.) Would appreciate a photo of the building or any other
info about this. Any ideas where the local cemetry would be for
these old residents ? Q:350: hi, i'm a student coming from the midlands, derby. To study at the university, what is the city like? in terms of safety at night, shops during the day, and general people and places to keep clear from, thank you. Derby, Derbyshire Q350: anyone complaining about crime at night is exagerrating wildly. I've lived here for three years and the centre's fine! A bit rowdy sometimes with the clubs but I generally like the life and energy they bring. Until they built the Rotunda the town was creepily dead at night. In fact, Kingston Borough is just about the safest place in London you can live. It's a regional centre with very good mainstream shopping, reasonable transport and loads of middle-class graduates who work in office jobs in SW London or central London, plus some lower-middle class areas and a couple of sink estates. The arterial roads divide the housing enclaves: you'll work out the "nice" places to live pretty quickly. In facilities it's much the same as Reading, and has a similar demographic to Oxford and Cambridge or the posher areas of any big city: North Kingston is probably the best area but not as nice as The Park in Nottingham. The town's main problem is it's so *dull* culturally. There's no theatre (though the Rose is gradually coming to life), no rep cinema, little theatres or any other arts venue except the odd tiny museum or gallery, very little live music, and the so-called arts festivals are almost exclusively focused on music, especially classical. The central library is tiny for the size and wealth of the area. Even the central post office is a disgusting always-crowded add-on to a convenience store. Most of the town has been hollowed-out of any character in favour of chain stores and night-clubs. As a university town it's a dead loss: there's almost none of the coffee shops, interesting book shops, video stores, arts venues and other places to hang out that I associate with a proper dynamic town-and-gown environment and active intellectual sub-cultures. If however you just want a decent university for classes and some social life, and are prepared to travel into central London or not-as-sophisticated-as-it-likes-to-think Richmond for your culture, you'll be fine. Tony, Central Kingston A: Kinston is a good place to be a student. It isn't a city though. Lovely riverside. Good town centre. Some good pubs doing cheap deals. You have to watch yourself at night just like anywhere. A: Once the shops shut in Kingston, the town turns into a very sinister place. There really needs to be something done about the gang culture that hangs outside of Burger King and MacDonalds. These youths were the ones responsible for the stabbing in Kingston two years ago, which resulted in a South African Barnman being slit from top to bottom and left fighting for his life. This is not LA, but for the young it is becoming a no go area where street muggings and threats of violence are rife. Last weekend 15th January 2005 a young man was stabbed casually in the back outside Burger King by a gang of youths. What is happening to Kingston? We need more police patroling after 5.30p.m and these gangs need to be taken off the streets. Q:348: Can anyone recommend a good painter and decorator to work on a house in fairfield in kingston? A:348 I know a painter/decorator & I can say
he is very good & reliable& he charges less than most other
painter/decorators. You can contact him at : Q348: Answer. I used a very reliable local painter
and decorator in Kingston recently. His number is 07931547781 A.347 The present police station was opened
in 1968. Finchley: Rob (fred) Q:346: Hello i work in laser quest in kingston and have seen and heard many random things going on in my work place. i have heard about chalky and many stories linked with his death and things that have happened. can anyone tell me more about 'chalky' please. laser quest is part of the old empire cinema located in clarence street in kingston. we have a ladder which i believe chalky hung himself from. is this true? Q:345: Can anyone provide photos of the Lido at Teddington about 1960-70'S. Thanks. Q:341:I know that it was demolished some years ago, but does anyone remember the Outrigger pub, in Water Lane, and the liscensee, Roy Stringer?: Totnes, W . Country Q:341 Sadly Roy Died at the end of july and
his ashes were scattered on the 27th oct in 3 different spots all
of which roy would have wanted A:341. This was a picture after it was too
late.
Q:340: Controlled Parking Zones for residential roads - are they working for you? Residents who don't own a car but who have partners/friends visiting every weekend have to manage on visitors tickets and these are restricted to 10 books of tickets a year amounting to just 50 days parking for the princely sum of £100. North Kingston A:340 I live near Kingston Uni and until
the introduction of Resident Permits the parking situation was almost
impossible - the entire road was occupied with students cars Monday
to Friday and shoppers on Saturday and Sunday. The priority here
has to be residents rather than their guests. Kingston Q:339 Could anyone recommnend a good cleaner in the North Kingston Area - nr Sainsbury and Esporta? |
| Q:337Hi there. Can anyone remember a Nursing Home in Matham Road in New Malden in the 1930's. I discovered, on my Mum's birth Certificate, that she was born there in 1937 - and I can't find any record of it now??. Thanks Claire Hampton Hill . |
Q:334: My mother was placed in a children's home in Tedington in the early 1930's. I believe this particular one was in Connaught Road. I am searching for any surviving records for this home, but so far no luck. |
Q:334: I would like to ask why there aren't more under 18's night every week. People under 18 do like to go out to nightclubs aswell. Q334: I expect there aren't any under-18s nights because a) it's
probably illegal or too risky under "health and safety" rules,
b) the clubs won't make as much money because they won't be able
to sell alcohol, c) if there are any fights or general misbehaviour
outside, the clubs will be accused of "corrupting our children".
It's not worth their while. Kingston |
Q:333:Does anybody know of a nursing home/maternity home very near to Hampton Court Palace. My partner was born there in 1963. She jokes that she was actually born in Hampton Court itself but I suspect it was close by. Does this home still exist. Any details would be welcome. Thanks A:333 I was also born in in 1963 in Bearstead Maternity
Home and so was my brother in 1968. It was a Jewish home but they
fed the mums black pudding for breakfast! A:333: Bearstead Maternity Hospital was situated on the main Hampton Road. Now a block of flats I believe. One of my daughters was born there in 1965 A:333: Bearsted Memorial Hospital, my brother
and I were also born here. If you leave the roundabout by the Palace
on the Hampton Court Road, it is along on your left hand side before
you reach the Royal Mews. It shut down many years ago. |
Q:330: I'm from sunny old australia (which is raining at the moment) and I'm researching my family history. My late, great grandmother migrated to Australia from Kingston-on-Thames and looking through her records a lot of places have great significance to our family. She was born somewhere in Franklin Road, her parents got married while living at 177 Canbury Park Road and her mother was born at 105 Canbury Park Road. If anyone has any pictures or information about these places, how they are now or regarding the family (Voller and Williams) it would be GREATLY appreciated. My email address is ozrockchick@yahoo.com.au. |
Q:328: What do people think of the Comic "SAM" that appears in The Surrey Comet? A:328 - The 'Sam' Cartoon strip in The Comet. I think it's not at
all good. They just aren't funny. T (8th December 2004) was particularly
obscure and unfunny. It's pretty difficult to even read the text.
However,
"Off Centre" by Dan Eales is consistently amusing. |
| Q:327: Hi every one. I used to live in kingston about 20 years ago. I went back two years ago to visit my family.I think its changed a lot. People seam to be in a hurry and seam stressed out. Relax, chill out and slow down a bit and enjoy life. This is not a trial run. |
| Q:326: Any body visiting this site that went to Richard Chalonor School in New Malden during 1966 and 1970. It would be great to here from you. |
Q:325:Am I the only resident in Berrylands who hates the smell of the sewage works? Being next to such a large residential area as Berrylands, I believe it would be of interest to everyone to have the site removed and put in a more appropriate area. i.e away from large housing estates. I am sure we could make better use of the site in the light of todays living and environment. Does anyone else agree? A325: I live in the Roystons, and the stench from sewage is aweful!
I can't even stay in my house. I understand sewage by law can burn
methane for only 6 days per year. They are, therefore, breaking the
law. They have said that excess smell is due to methane burner breaking
down! A:325: I live the other side of the sewage works from Berrylands (by Kingston Road) and you're right, it does smell. Given that the works are supposed to be disused, I cannot understand why this is - does anyone know ? A:325: Unless you are in your 90's , the sewage works were there when you bought your house if you don't want to live near a sewage works why buy a house near one and then complain about it ? A:325: Thanks for such a constructive answer ! I take it then you don't know the answer to the question I posed, namely how come a disused sewage works still smells ? Also, does anyone know the latest on the planning application submitted to build student flats on the site ? A:325 The answer is simply that the sewage works isn't disused. On the north side of Lower Marsh Lane you can see that Thames Water are active there. It's where the contents of your toilet go for processing. On the south side of the Lane the site is disused. Ham |
Q:324: Why do
the people around here think the way to mark a special occasion
is to set off the loudest fireworks imaginable in the least sociable
hours? It is like...ooh the Tesco home delivery has arrived lets
have a pyrotechnic extravaganza, how about 7pm, no 1am then locals
might think it's a terrorist attack. A: That is an interesting point about the alarms in Surbiton. I live close to the centre and in the last few months alarms have been sounding day and night. It is torture and we should all get together and report offenders to the police. People or shops/offices who regularly offend should get fined. |
| Q:322: I am Jan Schiere, a Dutch citizen. My father, also named Jan Schiere, owned a company named Ebora Propellers in Kingston-on Thames during the first worldwar. The address was: Surbiton Park Terrace, Phone Kingston 672, Cable-address Ebora, Kingston. The company was a contractor to the Admiralty & War Office. This information comes from an advertising I still have in my posession. I also own one of the wooden propellers, produced in 1913. As my father died when I was a child I have not very much information about his life. It seems Ebora stands for Efficency by our rotating airfoils. Later he founded Ebora Clocks and, back in Holland, Ebora Radio. Now my son has an industrial automation company named Ebora. I would be very gratefull to learn more about the propeller company. Do you know more, please contact me. Thanks in advance! Arnhem, The Netherlands |
| Q:321 My name is Jack Martin and i lived in Kingston as a child.I attended Kingston Council school during the 39-45 war.I have many fond memories and of course some bad ones.I live in the USA,have done for 25 years.I retired from the Royal Regt in 73 having served 23 years.I recently visited playing the part of a tourist,camera on my shoulder,talk about nostalga.I went to my old school,took pictures and the i went to my old church.St Lukes down Gibbon rd.I felt so good.I thought it would have been great to have met my old pals.John Wells,Peter Atwood and the Little brothers but alas it wasnt to be.I even visited the Pub the Royal Oak,changed but the same name.I lived at 19 Gibbon rd.The only problem i had was in talking to local people,they were not very friendly which disturbed me.I asked a number of shops if they had a local Tel Directory,i wanted to see if any of my old buddies were listed but i got a negative response.It goes without saying that i had a problem parking,but what the hell thats the same in every nice town.There were lots of changes,some good some bad.Then there is sure to be in 55 years since i lived there.I will visit again God Willing,and i do hope i will meet some helpfull people who will help me to find my old friends. Jack Martin Virginia USA |
Q:320 We have just moved to Kingston and neighbours have mentioned that there are plans to extend the District line out to Kingston from either Richmond or Wimbledon. Anyone shed any further light on if this is true and if so, timescales? A:320: Haven't heard of that but there has been a request, which
is under consideration, for the north London line. It runs from Richmond
to East London via north London and it may be extended from Richmond
to Twickenham and Kingston. A:320. I am sorry to disappoint both recent contributors to Kingston-on-line.
It is unlikely that either LT/LUL will extend the District Line to
Kingston from either RIchmond or Wimbledon or that the North London
Heavy Rail route will be extended. Cost, Engineering complications,
Richmond Park, the Thames,land availibility, ridership and lack of
track space on the existing Kingston heavy rail loop are cited. Q315: Hi all. Can somebody help me out. When i was 4 i was placed in a childrens home in Teddington. I attended Hampton Wickes Infants School (the one near the railway line) and at age 7 moved to the Junior boys School over the Library. Does anybody know the name of this School as my memory is very bad these days. Also Does anyone know of a D. Rivers who would be about 58-60 and who was also brought up in a Childrens Home. A315 : Ty for your help you obviously were in the Home. If you are David Rivers I would really like to contact you as you were like an older brother to me when I was first placed in the Home under the care of Miss Drinkwater back in 1954. My name is Charles Bailey and I now live in Mitcham Surrey with my wife and we have 3 sons and a 7 month old grandson. If you are David you might remember me as I fell down the stairs whilst in the Home and shortly afterwards started to have Epileptic fits which remain with me to this day. Yes it's true we did go to the Salvation Army in Teddington and I do remeber that you played the cornet ( very well as I remember ) and so did I but being smaller not so well as you. Please contact me on: chasbailey@hotmail.co.uk Q315: In response to Mr.D.Rivers is probably David Rivers who lives
in Twickenham now. The home was probably in King Edwards grove and
other residents were E.Wilbraham and a girl called June..? Many of
the children attended the Teddington salvation Army Q:308 Does anyone know of a social cycle club in the area. Not a racing club - just around 20 miles? (Ham) A:308 There's the Kingston Cycling Campaign. They have rides 2 or 3 times a month. The rides are easy paced, and simply for fun (no banner waving!) See www.kingstoncycling.org.uk |
| People |
Q:294: Can anyone tell me what happened to the old Rivermead boys School in Richmond Road? I was there between 1969 and 1972 but I can't find any mention of it anywhere now. If anyone is interested there is a good site at FriendsReunited.co.uk where you can try and find old school friends etc. Andrew Hall A:294:Have only just seen this site. I also remember Rivermead Primary School and Miss Evelyn Weller (and Mr Finch who preceded her). I left when the school closed but would be interested to hear from anyone who was around at the same time. I remember particularly Leonie & Linda, also Steve, Derek, Richard... I lived in Dysart Avenue. A:294: Hi there, I was reading with interest the comments
about the rivermead/tudor schools, I attended and left in 83'84 and
was in 3rd year when it amalgamated with Bonner hill and reminded
me of old friends that I am no longer in contact with. Is anyone
out there that was in my year? I would love to reach out, I now live
in the USA and have not been back in 12 years. I am assuming that
everyone left Kingston for pastures new. New York USA: Andy O'Shea A:294: Rivermead school became Tudor School in 1980, which I attended. Decision was made in about 1985 to close it down and move Tiffin Girls Grammar school into the facilities. Tudor was the only non-selective school in N. Kingston; Tiffins take the majority of pupils from out of the area.So many local kids had to go out of the borough.Now with more housing in the N.Kingston area, I would expect the lack of a school to be even more obvious, But then the council of the time saw fit to cater for the few rather than the many. (Gideon Soames, Kingston) A 294; I atttended rivermead when it was a primary school from 1957
to 1961, when the foundations were being dug for the new ill fated
south facing wing extention. does anyone remember Miss Weller, the
head teacher.: Finchley: rob A:294:l was at Rivermead Boys School from 1963 to 1969 and
would like to hear from anybody who was there then.l now live in
sunny Portugal.My name is Mickey Dunne. Portugal |
Q:293: Does anyone have an old Rivermead/tudor school tie and blazer? I lost mine a while ago and would like to replace them. Darren T, Twickenham Q293: Yes- I've still got my old Rivermead tie somewhere complete with a spot or two of custard on it! No way am I going to give it away or sell it. Its good to find some contact and reference to Rivermead. I was there from 1963 until 1969. It was a great school (not for results but plenty of laughs!). Pity to see the pictures of the building ablaze (reference Tiffin Girls Schools which now has the building). A:293: Yea I still have my Rivermead tie & blazer (1963-69). I wouldn't part with it though - sorry. It's time there was an Old Rivermead Society. Worcester Park. Steve DD |
| Q287: Check out Richmonds policy to put all disabled under 65's on the srap heap. http://www.disabilityuk.com/socialcare/ |
| Q:321 My name is Jack Martin and i lived in Kingston as a child.I attended Kingston Council school during the 39-45 war.I have many fond memories and of course some bad ones.I live in the USA,have done for 25 years.I retired from the Royal Regt in 73 having served 23 years.I recently visited playing the part of a tourist,camera on my shoulder,talk about nostalga.I went to my old school,took pictures and the i went to my old church.St Lukes down Gibbon rd.I felt so good.I thought it would have been great to have met my old pals.John Wells,Peter Atwood and the Little brothers but alas it wasnt to be.I even visited the Pub the Royal Oak,changed but the same name.I lived at 19 Gibbon rd.The only problem i had was in talking to local people,they were not very friendly which disturbed me.I asked a number of shops if they had a local Tel Directory,i wanted to see if any of my old buddies were listed but i got a negative response.It goes without saying that i had a problem parking,but what the hell thats the same in every nice town.There were lots of changes,some good some bad.Then there is sure to be in 55 years since i lived there.I will visit again God Willing,and i do hope i will meet some helpfull people who will help me to find my old friends. Jack Martin Virginia USA |
| Historical Kingston |
Q262:I've heard that there is
a tunnel from Hampton Court Palace to Kingston. If it's true, do
the public have access to it? Response Re if there is tunnel leading from kingston to hampton court i believe there is the entrance to the tunnel would have been in the basement of kingston hospital but sadly have been blocked of for along time. But apparantly if you could access this tunnel it does lead to hampton court. i hope this helps you. Vicky Response The Coombe Conduit does indeed
have a conduit house on Coombe Hill (near Cheyne Walk). Bus 57 from
Kingston drops you very near it. It can be viewed by appointment
or on one of the open days each year. It supplied water to Hampton
Court Palace from a spring somewhere near Coombe Hill in its day.
The lead piping that crossed the Thames at Kingston was severed by
a wood carrying barge in the 1960's so I'm told. Response: Chelsea Speleaological Society publish details of underground structures in the south east of England. There is another group who used to be called Unit 2. They might be subterranea Brittanica now. All can be found by approaching a friendly Librarian Response: Don't know about that but there is
a club you can join which gives you access to subterranean networks
in England. I think it costs around £15 a year. Does anyone
know it's name? Response: Are you perhaps referring to the water conduit which runs from Coombe to Hampton Court. I believe that the conduit room is open from time to time on Coombe Lane West. Response: Is the conduit the route Henry V111 and others used to take for a night in out in Kingston or is it an under ground waterway type of conduit. |
Q:278: I have heard people say that in the 1970s there was an open air swimming pool in Surbiton. Does anyone know where it was. We could do with a pool in Surbiton. Q278 Surbiton Lagoon. (Raeburn Avenue) Response: Surbiton Lagoon was an awesome place the be in
the summer in the 70's. The moment you got through the turnstiles
and saw that big fountain you could feel the excitement. It had huge
terraces where you could sunbathe all day, the pool was massive with
a really deep, deep end, the girls looked great in their bikinis.
Baywatch in Berrylands. I know lets knock it down and build another
really boring housing development on it. Yeah, that's much better.
Not! Massive, massive shame it was closed down. A shame on Kingston
council. I feel it is sorely missed! Response: It was called Surbiton Lido or something like that and I believe it was in the Villiers Road area. It closed in the late 1970s and had houses built in its place. Response: I thought the outdoor pool was near Berrylands. Response: The pool was called Surbiton Lagoon and was in Berrylands. There is a new housing development in its place. Response: Surbiton Lagoon was close to Reaburn Avenue. It
was a very large pool. Probably Olympic in size. It was extremely
popular during the 1930s until around the late 60s early 70s. Other
leisure pursuits became more popular and the pool fell in to disrepair.
People came from miles around. Berrylands had a good train service
in those days. |
Q282:Does anyone really know what the Coronation Hall in Surbiton was used for? I heard it was going to be a nude bathing pool but couldn't get a license. A282: It was called Kingston Baths in the mid sixties. I saw bands such as the Yardbirds, The Tornados, The Cheynes and the Zombies, Barron Knights. The Surbiton Assembly Rooms also saw some action with Georgie Fame and Alan Price . It was a rhythm and blues club.The Toby Jug at Tolworth was a also big favourite where everyone from Jethro Tull to the Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Johny Lee Hooker also played.Happy days. Wimbledon. |
Q290: Does anyone know of any interesting haunted places in Kingston? A290: My father was born in the above old premises in 1899 where
the family ran a boat builders. A290: I most certainly do. I lived on Kingston Hill in a Gardeners cottage called 'Woodlawn' in the 40's and 50's and the old cottage was definitely haunted. As a young boy I was 'woken' one night to clearly see a ghost looking over me.We had sounds of furniture moving around upstairs and on going to check, nothing had been moved. There were sounds like a radio tuned between stations, large handprints appearing on the mirror in the morning. I remember my mother telling me after one christmas she went to put a Father Christmas tree decoration back in the waredrobe with a large internal mirror and felt a hand go round her neck so she threw the decoration at my sister and asked her to put it away. Nothing was said until the next day when my sister said the same thing happened to her. I heard of several real ghost sightings, experiences years later in some of the old houses on Kingston Hill. An old peoples home had poltergeists and ghosts. I knew a woman who was a live in cook there and a poltergeist tried to suffocate her. She also saw ghosts disappear through walls. A young nurse who had just started working there was found screaming one night trying to climb the wall. I believe many of the old houses on Kingston Hill are haunted. A290: The old Moss Bros building which is where Pizza Express is now, is haunted. A woman and child were killed in a fire there once and there have been many sightings reported over the years. There were certainly sightings when it was Moss Bros. It is one of the oldest buildings in Kingston. A290: I lived in a small cottage type house in Canbury Park Road which was right next to where the old law courts used to be. That house was was haunted. There were a few sightings. We presumed that the house was built on a graveyard. A290: I believe that whole area was marsh land and never, to my knowledge, was it used for burial. A290: 82 Richmond Road is or was haunted by a poltergeist. There are details of this in a book called Mysterious Kingston by Barbara and Tracy Russell. Kingston seems big on mischievous ghosts as there are also stories about a poltergeist nicknamed 'Chalky' at the old Empire Theatre in Clarence Street. |
Q307 Can anyone tell me anything about the Kingston Empire? A:307 The Empire was the place to go in Kingston in the 40s and 50s. I saw Frankie Vaughan there when he was just starting out. A:307 I think it may have been opposite the new cinema development in Kingston. There is an old building there which has Empire still painted on it. Or is that just an old department store? (Surbiton) A:307:The Kingston Empire building still exists opposite a new nightclub called Oceana, it is a public house now called the Kings Tun. It was one of the best variety theatres in London from the 30's to the early 50's when it closed. Unfortunately the lower part of the building has been ripped out and the stage door has been bricked up but I am told that the upper parts of the building still exist in pretty much the same condition as when it closed. If you walk towards Kingston railway station from Eden Street you'll see the words EMPIRE in very large (painted out) tiling on the sidewall of the building. Phil Caldwell. Kingston upon Thames June 03. |
Q309: As a non Kingston resident, but with an interest in the History of your area, can someone tell me if London Road still exists. There used to be a factory at London Road named Celestion and then Micro Precision Products made cameras at the same factory. Can anyone give me any information about the factory when they made cameras or put me in touch with someone who knows.Please ask your friends about it particularly anyone living in Kingston around 1960. Sorry all you teenagers reading this but maybe your parents could help. I can go back to before 1950 too, when I think, there was a Tram Depot at London Road.Can anyone confirm this. Thank you to all who have troubled to read this and please try and help. Mr Basil Skinner (Newquay,Cornwall) A309: Micro Precision Products were still making cameras back in the '50's. They made a camera that was a 'copy' of the Rollieflex/cord series of 2 1/4 square twin lens reflex - a very fine camera it was too !!!. I cant recall the name of the camera at the moment, but will get back to you if it comes to mind. They may have been involved with the Corfield Periflex from about that time also. Ex-Kinstonian Tony A309: Reply to Mr Basil Skinner on Celestion London
Road Kingston. I came to Kingston in 1968. In 1976 the building was
Delta Controls. Then for a short while it was a carpet warehouse
Then it became a place what sold Second hand engineering machines.
I worked next door at Rawlplug House, now Clarendon House. The building
where Celestion was, was demolished and a new building was built
for Croner Publications which is still there. A:309: Unfortunately the only building left in London Road to do with the trams is the old power generating station, everything else is gone. I will do some research into your question re: Celestion and Micro Precision Products. You may find that the factory has now been demolished, there are a lot of very new buildings dating from the 1990's in London Road now. Check back in the next few weeks, I might have some info. Phil Caldwell Kingston upon Thames. |
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