Growing up in the 1950s
Remembering the neighbours
My home was at 126 Whitehawk Road where I lived with my grandmother and her son and two daughters: Lionel, Jean and Joan. I spent a very happy childhood at Whitehawk and have some very fond memories of those days. This thread was started by Colin Chitty who lived just a few doors away from me and I was sad to learn that Colin had died recently. I remember the Morrel family at 122; the children were Linda, Sandra and Tony. The Kirby family were next door to them where the children were all girls and included Betty, Winnie, Irene and Brenda. Then the Gunn family next where there was a girl called Deanna.
Lived opposite the school
The Hobdens were at 125 next to us ,and the sons were Bobby and Jeffery, then the Fairhalls at 127 with brother and sister Raymond and Maureen. I believe the Dorringtons were at 128. The Greens were at 129 and then the Chitty family at 130 where Colin lived with his brothers and sisters: Terry, Janice, Dennis, Stan and I believe Derek and June. The Steynings were a little further up the road with their son Dennis. I went to Whitehawk Junior School and our house was immediately opposite the school gates but this did not stop me from being late for school on several occasions.
Do you have Whitehawk memories to share? Please post a comment below
Place of my childhood has gone
I recently returned to Whitehawk and met up with some old friends; I was amazed to find them still living at the same address. Terry had become a keen gardener and their garden’s front and back look absolutely wonderful. Most of the back gardens that used to be planted out with vegetables and flowers are now full of outbuildings and sheds and all manner of paraphernalia, while the front gardens are now mainly given over to parking cars, motorbikes and caravans. Sadly the place has changed a lot, and the Whitehawk of my childhood has gone
Comments about this page
Hi Ricky, I think this photo might have been taken a bit later than 1956. I too had a very enjoyable and memorable childhood living in Whitehawk. We lived in a prefab on Wiston Close from 1947 to 1958. When my family and I emigrated to Australia the prefabs were still there. I’m not sure when they were pulled down but it was certainly later than March 1958. At the top centre to the top right of the picture I would have thought you could see some prefabs which would have still been there in 1958. The curved road at the top right I think is Danehill Rd. which had prefabs on both sides. If you,(or anyone else) has any photos of the prefabs I’d love to see them as they appear to be very scarce. Still, lovely to see the old primary school and estate. Cheers
I lived in 84 Whitehawk Road right opposite the then coach park. Us kids used to clean the coaches out for 2 bob a time and some of the mums made tea for the drivers. We could earn a pound for a day, then one day, someone stole a watch from a coach, and the cleaning stopped. Happy Days, I was friends with the Easons the Johnsons, Georgie Roberts, Eddie Kite, Ginger Pumphrey and Terry Dunk to name but a few.
Very sorry to hear of the death of Colin Chitty. I remember him from Whitehawk Junior School around 1960/62. Headmaster was Mr Robinson with teachers, Mr Hanson, Miss Potter, Miss New and Miss French.
Have just read about the passing of Colin Chitty. I was also in his class in the Juniors and sat in front of him in English. He helped me with my spelling which often got him told off. Such a nice person and we always spoke when ever we met. RIP Colin.
i am the youngest of eleven children to Ada and Douglas Harriott. We lived at 3, Fletching Road until 1954 when we moved to Australia. I was born December 1950 and my oldest sibling was born in 1930. I would like to know if there is anyone who remembers my family and if there are any photos of any of my family out there.
Hi Richard, my name is Suzanne Serejko – I am the granddaughter of Mrs Fairhall (Fairy). My brother Steve and I are the children of Maureen Fairhall and Harold Rogers who lived with Mr and Green at 128 Whitehawk Road.
I just found this page, I was born and bred in whitehawk lived at 73 fletching road up to 1951 then moved to hervey road until 1962. Great memories of growing up in a fantastic area, happy days. my name is andrew lynch (drew) and would like to hear from anyone who remembers me.
I remember you Andrew Lynch. We were in the the same class through primary school. I was born in Whitehawk in 1942 as Kathleen Harriott. I now live in South Australia. I do remember quite a few class mates names. John Eckert,Trevor Thomas,Elaine, Thomas,Ann King, Pamela Stunnel, Pamela Hunt, Carol Bligh, Jennifer Grummet, Robin Sutton, Geoffrey Sharp, David English. My best friend was Doris Barcock who I still have contact with. I loved my school days at Whitehawk. Do you remember in 4A Mr. Kibbleswhites rhino tail high up on the wall behind the pipe? Good memories of him. Wish you. Well.
Great to hear from you Kathleen, yes I do remember you and all the others you named. I have just received a photo of our school football team with Mr. Kibblewhite and Mr Taylor head master. Wonderful days, love to all in AUS. DREW.
Hi, wondered if anyone remembers Lawrence Pickering, he lived in the East Brighton Area? Would be in his mid eighties now if he is still alive.
We had contact in 1982 but have lost contact since.
There is one person that has not been mentioned in the Chitty family, my dad DAVID CHITTY……….. Who is still with us …..😊😊
Add a comment about this page