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Godwin Road, Hangleton

Photo:Godwin Road

Godwin Road

Living here in the 1950s
by Carol de Rose

I only signed up to the site a couple of days ago, so imagine my amazement when one of the first 'additions' I came across was for Godwin Road, which is the road I grew up in.I moved there in about 1955 when I was 9, but lived further up the hill at no. 83, near the junction with Martin Road. My parents continued to live there until the mid 70s when my dad died and my mum moved to a flat in Portland Road.

So many memories
I have so many memories of Godwin Road - our neighbours were the Perrins on one side and the Wisdens on the other. I remember walking to Portland Road school every day, including there and back again at lunchtime. I remember Jim the co-op milkman with his pull along milkfloat . I remember the somewhat primitive hot water system with the copper in the bathroom that had to be lit. This was eventually replaced by a back boiler in the living room, but you still had to light the fire to get hot water.

Sweltering in the summer
The house was sweltering in the summer- but we made do with baths and wash day just once a week! The bathroom was downstairs next door to the kitchen, contravening all today's building regulations, I imagine.

My dad was well known
My surname in those days was Wade and my dad was quite well known in the area - he had a dog (Winnie the Wonder dog) who did tricks (allegedly) and 'performed' for school parties and OAP clubs. Dad also did Dickensian character impersonations. I knew someone at the bottom end of the road, but can't remember the number. Her name was Linda and we eventually went to the girls' grammar school together.

When I have time I'll put some photos on the site, which may be of interest to your correspondent from Canada. I was also interested to read about St Helens Church as I got married there in 1969.

Sent to the website mailing-list on 06/08/2002 in response to the publication of Lesley's memories of Godwin Road
This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments:

From about 1935 to 1939 my family and me lived at 29 Godwin Road. My Dad was in the Royal Navy but he lost his life in the sinking of the Royal Oak on October 14th 1939. There was a loss of 833 lives on this ship. My Mum's name was Violet and I had a brother Peter and a brother David. When we left in 1939 we moved to Old Shoreham Road on the corner of Olive Road. If anyone remembers me and my family from this time - I would really like to hear from you.

By Wally Kersey (23/10/2006)

I grew up at No 12 Godwin Rd from 1946 until going to sea in 1961. It was immediately opposite No 29 and I remember as a small boy hearing about a man who was lost in the 'Royal Oak'. The family after you would have been Mr and Mrs Geal, their daughter Barbara and foster son Peter. All since moved on or passed away. With regard to Carol's comment, there was a girl called Linda Dunstan who also lived opposite at No 27. She went to Hove County Grammar School. I was at Portland Rd from 1954 - 1957 then the Knoll Secondary. Now retired and living in the beautiful Province of New Brunswick, Canada.

By Ian Wallis (17/05/2007)

I also grew up in Godwin Road. From 1964 living at number 85 (I think). Only to house swap up the road to 119. We moved out in 1980. My maiden name is Wilkins. How amazing! I remember Mr and Mrs Wade as a little girl, they always gave us ginger biscuits! They were lovely!

By Elizabeth Henty (04/06/2007)

Oh gosh, the memories come flooding back. I grew up in Hangleton Road, I went to the Knoll First School, Portland Road, then Knoll Girl's School.
Most of my school friends and best friends lived in Godwin Road and surrounding roads.
Linda Friend, Ann Ellis, Diane Houghton,Veronica Harwood and many more. Does anyone else remember me or them? I would love to hear from you. I now live in Cornwall. Happy days.

By Janet Dove nee Cattermull (07/11/2008)

Hi Wally, I remember the kersey family I lived at no 37 Godwin Road, we also moved to old Shoreham Road, we where about 3 doors from the top of Olive Road.

By Malcolm Citrone (28/11/2008)

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