Benhilton

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H.L Daniel's motorcycle shop & Buckley's bike shop

I lived in Forest Hill in the 1960's on a road off Dartmouth Road. Two shops on the road stand out in my memory. Probably in 1965 both were still trading.
H.L. Daniel was a Norton works motorbike rider , probably in the 1930's and competed in the TT. Later he had a shop in Dartmouth road selling Nortons and there was always a big featherbed* twin and later the first Commando displayed in the window. He was an unlikely looking works motorcyclist, small, balding with pebble glasses and he wore a white coat while working in the shop.
I had a motorized push-bike with a Trojan Minimotor, 50cc which drove the rear wheel with a roller. I ...read more here
A memory of Forest Hill contributed by Graham Chivrall

Growing up in Purley

When I lived in Purley, there weren't many stores.  I can remember when Sainsbury's opened across from Purley Fountain.  There was a toy shop in the High Street called Morgan's.  I stole a whistle from there when I was not very old.  I can remember it to this day.  It was yellow plastic with one of those pea things in that made the whistling noice.  I must have taken it home but I was soon on my way back to Morgan's to return the whistle and apologise for stealing it!

We lived in Dale Road and there was a row of shops along the Godstone Road.  A greengrocer's, Mr King's the grocers, Mr Nicholls newsagents, Mr Burrough's the tobacconist and ...read more here
A memory of Purley contributed by Liz Williams

Swimming at Reedham Orphanage

I went to Whyteleafe Grammar school. At the time it was an all girls grammar school. We used to go on a coach to swim at Reedham Orphanage. I didn't know how to swim and I can remember to this day, telling Miss Edwards, the phys ed. teacher who was very strict, that I had read in a book that if you put your shoulders under the water, you would be able to swim and I asked if this was true! She said why didn't I try it and see! I can't remember if it worked. All I can remember is that it was an indoor pool but it had leaves and stuff in the ...read more here
A memory of Purley contributed by Liz Williams

Royal Family travelling through Reedham Train Station

I remember standing on the station platform to see the Royal Family pass through on the Royal Train. I have no recollection of where they were travelling to and I'm a bit hazy on the year.

We all wore our best clothes and stood waving. The train slowed down as it passed through the station. Then about 3 or 4 days later we did the same on the other side.

Myself and my two sisters, Janet and Eileen Hall were all at Reedham Orphanage. We were at Reedham from 1935 to about 1947/48.
A memory of Purley contributed by Chris Wallis