Comments on: At Minto Place, Bethnal Green

By: Cherub

Cherub — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:24:19 +0000

The reference to the pawn shop makes me think of my paternal grandmother in Northern Ireland. My grandparents had a big family but little money so my granny would pawn grandad’s best suit on a Monday and redeem it on Saturday so he had it for church on Sunday.

By: Pauline

Pauline — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:27:30 +0000

Loved the memoir and like Frances who commented I too can remember so much of the detail even though I was brought up in the 50s and 60s. I hope Billy Reading continues to write and send more items to the GA for publication

By: Annie S

Annie S — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:16:17 +0000

What a lovely memoir.
I wonder if her Grandfather was an outworker for Freed Ballet Shoes in Hackney?

By: Frances Christine Bevan

Frances Christine Bevan — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:06:35 +0000

What a beautifully written and evocative memoire. Although I grew up in the 50s and 60s there was much in this piece with which I could identify. What a wonderful book this would make. Are there any more instalments to follow GA?

By: ANDY STROWMAN

ANDY STROWMAN — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:25:07 +0000

Memories evoke .
The beautiful beginning photo and the mention of horse drawn transport makes me remember my own views from my head .

By: qp924

qp924 — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 03:52:29 +0000

The detail of hand-sewn ballet shoes dangling from their laces is a vivid glimpse into a lost craft—much like the gentle touch in a good ASMR session, you can almost hear the soft leather and hammering. For more on that soothing side of sound, check out https://freeasmr.net.