Comments on: A Bethnal Green Childhood

By: Dave E

Dave E — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 18:11:12 +0000

I walked to school from Broadway Mkt up Goldsmith Row into Columbia Rd and recall a sweet shop in the late 1960s, up near the Birdcage Pub, that had 6 different sized glasses so you could pay whatever you could afford from 1 up to 6 pence. 6 pence being the largest glass of fizzy drink. Then the bloke would rinse the glass in a bowl under the counter for the next kid. Imagine that now. We also at lunchtimes bought an uncut loaf,cut it in half to share with a mate, gouged out the inside and flung it to the birds, filled the cavity with chips slat n vinegar and lunch was served. JD

By: Barbara Farquhar. Nee Day

Barbara Farquhar. Nee Day — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 21:43:07 +0000

Dear Linda Wilkinson
Just thought you may be interested to know that I sat next to Tony Wilkinson at Columbia Road school. I have been perusing the history of Columbia road and have often thought of mentioning it. I think I remember that the family also owned a shop opposite the house.

By: Peter Morris

Peter Morris — Sun, 28 May 2017 00:16:18 +0000

Gorgeous writing. I grew up in Northampton and our family rituals from that time were pretty much the same, as I guess the whole country’s was at that time. Sad so much traditional, pleasant day-to-day social activity has seemingly gone forever.

By: rhonda jean

rhonda jean — Sat, 27 May 2017 23:20:00 +0000

Haven’t commented for a long time but I’m still reading after all these years. Great writing, Linda. I’ll look for the book. Thanks for featuring her, Gentle Author. We’re the same age so I could remember similar Sundays.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sat, 27 May 2017 16:12:35 +0000

This reminds me of my own childhood, mum cooking the Sunday dinner, dad up the pub, then home to eat and a sleep. Nan always came round on Sunday too. A pint of shrimps and half of winkles with bread and butter for tea, and if we were lucky a tin of fruit cocktail with evaporated milk! I can still smell the cabbage cooking and the feel of the kitchen with its steamed up windows!! Have just ordered the book, can’t wait to read it.

By: Adele

Adele — Sat, 27 May 2017 15:53:37 +0000

A very enjoyable read, beautifully written.

By: Sue

Sue — Sat, 27 May 2017 14:52:55 +0000

Lovely writing.
Sue.

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Sat, 27 May 2017 11:25:16 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, thanks for sharing Linda’s description of Sundays long past. I guess we all have “Sunday memories,” a little different but somewhat the same…

By: acadarchist

acadarchist — Sat, 27 May 2017 10:25:40 +0000

Beautiful writing. I already knew what Linda`s Nan looked like before I saw her photo, such was Linda`s descriptive skill. Lovely.

By: Sharon Morrell

Sharon Morrell — Sat, 27 May 2017 08:26:04 +0000

Absolutely wonderful writing, made me cry.