There’s been a few blogs sitting in the London Shoes vaults for a few weeks, that have been completed but not yet published, which Shoes’ needs to get ‘out there’……..and this is one of them.
A couple of weeks back my London Shoes set off in the direction of Acton in West London, for the purpose of locating a particular road – and telling its interesting story. On top of that, there was also a personal reason for visiting the location in question.
So – this blog article is entitled: –
“Churchfield Road-London W3 – it’s music connections & a bit of ancestry”
Churchfield Road is quite simply a street in the town of Acton that runs to the north of, and parallel to Acton High Street.
Churchfield Road was first laid out in the mid to late 1800’s when the Great Western Railway reached out to West London – Acton Central station opening in 1853. Before that Acton was basically a rural area on the outskirts of central London.
By the early 1900’s electric trams replaced horse driven trams and stopped at various locations in Acton, which itself was growing at a rapid pace, both residentially and industry wise.
Down at the eastern end of Churchfield Road sits Acton Central station – of the London Overground line network. The rail line cuts right through the middle of Churchfield Road – and a level crossing is in place to control the road traffic at the times when trains are passing through – a very rare sight for a busy London street.
Churchfield Road is mainly made up of ground floor commercial retail properties with living accommodation above.
Throughout the past decade there has been big changes to the businesses operating from the Churchfield Road ‘shops’ – gone are the old style retail businesses, and – like most high streets – in have come coffee shops / estate agents / restaurants and supermarket ‘express’ outlets.
In 1913 the now massive supermarket chain ‘Waitrose’ opened only their 2nd outlet at 65 Churchfield Road – when the company was known as Waite–Rose & Taylor.
Fast forward several decades to the early 1970’s – both interestingly and surprisingly – Churchfield Road was one of the filming location for some of the early ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ street sketches. I don’t know why the ‘Pythons’ chose Churchfield Road as a backdrop to some of their filming – but they did – and even today this area of Acton is often referred to as ‘Pythonland’.
Also in the 1970’s (& very early 1980’s) – Newburgh Road – a turning at the western end of Churchfield Road – was the filming location of the entrance to the ‘Winchester Club’ in the 3rd series of the extremely brilliantly entertaining and popular programme “Minder” – staring the late greats George Cole & Dennis Waterman – a prog that is still being re-run on tv today.
The other string that Churchfield Road has to its bow – is that it has a fascinating connection to popular music.
The popular 1960’s pop star Adam Faith was born ‘Terry Nelhams-Wright’ on the 23rd June 1940 – at the family home at no.4 Churchfield Road East–Acton London W3. His Dad was a coach driver and his Mum a cleaner.
Apparently, Adam Faith wasn’t aware until later in life when he applied for a passport and had to produce a copy of his birth certificate, that his surname was double barreled ‘Wright’ as his mum wasn’t divorced from her first husband until 1953.
Upon leaving school his first full-time job was an apprentice silk screen printer, but he had always dabbled in music, and was a member of ‘The Worried Men’ skiffle group – who regularly played at the now famous 2 I’s Coffee Bar in Soho–London – where most of Britain’s early rock n roll stars, like Cliff Richard etc – started their careers.
It wasn’t long before Adam Faith was approached to appear on the popular ‘Six Five Special’ tv – the ‘Top of the Pops’ of its day (eg the late 1950’s).
Adam Faith soon became a solo artists and held the record of being the first British artist to have 7 consecutive Top 5 hit records – that included 2 consecutive No.1’s in “What do you want” (1959) and “Poor Me” (1960) – releasing 20 singles in total including big hits like ‘Someone Elses Baby’ – a hit that perfectly emphasised Adam Faith’s unique pronunciation of certain words, like ‘Bayee-bee’.
He soon became a massive star – a teen idol to rival to the ever popular ‘Cliff Richard’ – and was constantly touring and was in big demand – even appearing on the prestigious ‘Royal Variety Show’.
He became very successful very quickly, and the money came rolling in – to the extent that he was able to move away from Churchfield Road–Acton at the age of 20, buying a place near Hampton Court in very expensive leafy Surrey for £6k – moving all his family in with him.
Adam Faith had his last hit in 1963 by which time the ‘Merseybeat’ sound (which included groups like the ‘Beatles’) was taking over the British music scene (& the World).
Because he had been so successful on stage and on TV, agents saw him as potentially good ‘actor’ material – and he was sent away to have drama lessons.
He played a number of bit part roles on stage in repertory and tv productions – but in 1971 his fortunes changed when he landed the lead role in a new TV series “Budgie” – in which he starred alongside the charismatic Scottish actor ‘Iain Cuthbertson’.
Adam Faith played the role of petty thief ‘Ron Bird’ (nicknamed ‘Budgie’) – an ex-convict, proper London jack-the-lad – ducking and diving through life, undertaking numerous activities, in and around the Soho district of London – just to make a bit of money – all of which failed miserably.
Iain Cuthbertson played the role of ‘Charlie Endell’ – a small-time Soho underworld gangster, who often recruited Budgie to ‘do a job’ for him.
The tv series ‘Budgie’ was a massive success and made Adam Faith a household name again – and as a result, a 2nd series was commissioned in 1972.
The programme was so successful, a 3rd series was commissioned for 1973 – but Adam Faith was seriously injured in a horrific car crash, and was ‘out-of-the-game’ for a long time in recovery, and as a result the 3rd series never went ahead.
Still dabbling in music – Adam Faith became manager of an unknown solo artist by the name of ‘Leo Sayer’ – co-producing his 1973 debut album ‘Silverbird’ – that contained the hit single “The show must go on”. He also co-produced the Who’s Roger Daltry debut solo album ‘Daltry’ that contained a version of the Leo Sayer song ‘Giving it all away’ – which became a big hit.
In 1974 Adam Faith was approached to play the role of David Essex manager in the now legendary film ‘Stardust’ – a role in which he was nominated for a BAFTA.
In 1980 Adam Faith starred with Roger Daltry in the controversial film for the time ‘McVicar’.
By the late 80’s Adam Faith had become a ‘financial advisor’ and was instrumental in starting up the ‘Money Channel’ on tv – but unfortunately, he was not a success at this and ended up being declared bankrupt – with debts exceeding £30M.
Adam Faith had some serious heart surgery done on him in 1986 – and sadly, on 7th March 2003 aged just 62 – he died of a massive heart attack.
At the entrance of Acton Park in Churchfield Road-Acton – directly opposite the house where he used to live with his parents – there stands a commemorative plaque – dedicated to‘Terry Nelhams’ /’Adam Faith’ – one of Churchfield Road’s most famous sons.
The singer songwriter/performer ‘Leo Sayer’ was discovered and managed by the late Adam Faith (of Churchfield Road) in the early 1970’s – a partnership that lasted until 1985. Leo Sayer later sued Faith for misappropriated income – a claim that was settled out of court to the sum of £650K.
Anyway – in 1983 Leo Sayer released the hit single “Orchard Road” – a song about a guy phoning his girlfriend from a phone box, pleading with her to allow him to visit her at her place in Orchard Road.
However – what a lot of people don’t know is that the song was actually written as ‘Churchfield Road’ – because at that time, Leo Sayer and his first wife Janice had separated after 7yrs of marriage – and she had moved into a flat in Churchfield Road–Acton, and the song was all about his attempts to get back with.
By the late 1990’s one of my all-time heroes, the legendary Eastender songwriter “Lionel Bart” (he who wrote the songs for Oliver…..plus many other works) had seen a change of fortune in his life, and had moved into a flat that was situated above 33/35a Churchfield Road–Acton.
Apparently, he was a very friendly and sociable guy and would often stroll down the street and stop for a chat with the shopkeepers in Churchfield Road.
It is at his flat in Churchfield Road that Lionel Bart composed one of his last pieces of work – an advert for the Abbey National Building Society called “Happy Endings (Give yourself a pinch)” – a tuneful little kids tune which was released as a single in 1989. The advert can still be viewed on YouTube.
Sadly in 1999 – the amazing Lionel Bart died from cancer at his Churchfield Road home – at the age of 68.
The other aspect of Churchfield Road’s history – is personal to me – because if you venture westwards down Churchfield Road, and turn into Grove Road – and then take the first turning on the right – you will enter a a cul-de-sac that is “Grove Place” – where no.14 Grove Place just happens to be part of my ancestral roots.
14 Grove Place was my maternal grandparents’ home – where my Mum – Aunts / Uncles / plus 2 of my cousins all lived and were brought up – and it’s a place I would visit many times throughout my childhood and well into my teens.
I don’t know when my maternal grandparents John & Alice Church began renting 14 Grove Place, but I do know it must have been well before WW2 as I have a family photo of my Great Grandma, my Nan, my Aunts and my Uncle John as a baby – all posing outside the family home in or around 1940 – as my Mum Gladys looks to be roughly 10yrs old and my lovely Aunty Ivy (who is still around today) would have been about 8yrs old.
Another observation of this old family photo that makes me pinpoint the year it was taken, to be around 1940 – is that the iron railings at the front of the house, are still in situ. Iron railings throughout London were requisitioned by the Government in 1943 – to be taken away and melted down to aid the War Effort – so the photo must have been taken before that.
As a young child I would travel with my Mum via public transport – all the way from our family home in Ilford, in the east of London – across to Shepherds Bush station in the west of London – and from Shepherds Bush we would jump on a bus up the Uxbridge Road to Acton Vale – and then hop off at Grove Road, before walking up to my grandmother Alice’s house in Grove Place. (my grandfather John died in 1958 when I was just 1yr old).
In those days it was a horrendous journey – but in today’s world it would have been so much simpler and a hell of a lot quicker – because with the introduction of the Elizabeth Line – you can now travel direct from Ilford to Acton Main Line station – then a simple 10min stroll down to Churchfield Road, and on to Grove Place.
On my revisit to 14 Grove Place off the Churchfield Road, I naturally stopped to take a few photos of the old homestead – so that I could show them to my Auntie Ivy (who was in the family photo) who is now in her early 90’s and still going strong.
Rather annoyingly, a couple of tradesmen’s cars were parked right outside no.14 Grove Place making it a bit of a challenge to take decent photos of the front of the house.
As I was photographing the house, the current occupier of the property suddenly emerged from the front door looking a little bit angry, asking me what I was doing taking photos of his house.
In fairness to the gentleman, it was a valid question – I would have acted in the same way – so I explained to him that the house was, many years ago, occupied by my grandparents and that my Mum and all my Aunts & Uncles all lived there and were brought up there – I also pointed out to him that my Mum & Dad actually held their wedding reception in his front room.
I also explained to him that my Dad was once lodged next door at no.16 where he rented a room –
and that he ended up becoming friendly with my Mum – they then courted – got married and created me – and the rest is history.
The present occupier loved listening to my story about the past history of his house – and gave me a big hug along with his full blessing for me to take as many photos as I wanted – so all’s well that ends well.
At the end of the Grove Place cul-de-sac was, and still is – the St. Mary’s Burial Ground – a small graveyard that used to be part of a church that once stood there. Running alongside the burial ground is a narrow pathway that leads up into Churchfield Road. At the end of that pathway today, there stands an estate agents – that was once the ‘Mechanics Arms’ pub.
The ‘Mechanics Arms’ in Churchfield Road first opened in 1889 and over the years became a very popular local pub.
However – it was very rarely referred to as the ‘Mechanics Arms’ as it was nicknamed locally as ‘The Diggers’ because of its close proximity to the graveyard next to it.
The ‘Diggers’ was my family’s ‘local’ – where my Grandad/Uncles & Aunts and their friends would all drink. The original pub building is still standing and looking at it today (its an estate agents) its blatantly obvious that it was once a pub.
Standing outside this old pub building as it is today – I couldn’t help thinking to myself how much I would love to travel back in time and be able to join my family in there for a few beers and perhaps a song or two. Who knows, perhaps they were all looking down on me as I stood next to what was once the entrance to the ‘Diggers’…..I’d like to think so.
Now – very uncharacteristically for Shoes, I didn’t finish this blog trip with a few jars in a local ‘battle cruiser’ (boozer), because from my perspective, if there was no ‘Diggers’ then there was no contest.
However – what I did do was visit a local café in Churchfield Road that situated directly opposite the old ‘Diggers’ pub building – where I enjoyed a very tasty plate of scrambled eggs on toast washed down with a mug of tea.
So – that’s my little ‘Churchfield Road’ adventure – some might say just a normal London Street, but its certainly one that can certainly tell a tale or two – hope you enjoyed it and its accompanying photos.
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See below the full gallery of photos taken to accompany this blog topic
Churchfield Road – quite simply a street in Acton-London W3, that runs to the north of, and parallel to Acton High Street
Churchfield Road was first laid out in the mid to late 1800’s when the Great Western Railway reached out to West London – Acton Central station opening in 1853. Before that Acton was basically a rural area on the outskirts of central London.
A mural on the side of a building in Churchfield Road – Acton W3
In the mid 1800’s the Great Western Railway reached out to West London. Acton Central station in Churchfield Road – opened in 1853.
At the eastern end of Churchfield Road is Acton Central – a station on the London Overground line network
Acton Central station – in Churchfield Road
The rail line cuts right through the middle of Churchfield Road – and a level crossing is in place to control the road traffic at the times when trains are passing through – a very rare sight for a busy London street.
The view from the rail line crossing Churchfield Road – looking northwards
Me – & my mate Pete (my accomplice for the day) – on the level crossing in Churchfield Road
Although there are some residential houses at its eastern end – Churchfield Road is mainly made up of ground floor commercial retail properties with living accommodation above.
In 1913 the now massive supermarket chain ‘Waitrose’ opened only their 2nd outlet at 65 Churchfield Road – when the company was known as Waite–Rose & Taylor.
In the early 1970’s – Churchfield Road (and other sites in Acton) – was the filming location for some of the early ‘Monty Python’ street sketches. Even today this area of Acton is often referred to as ‘Pythonland’.
Throughout the past decade there has been big changes to the businesses operating from the Churchfield Road ‘shops’ – gone are the old style retail businesses, and – like most high streets – in have come coffee shops / estate agents / restaurants and supermarket ‘express’ outlets.
Also in the 1970’s (& very early 1980’s) – Newburgh Road – (a turning off of the western end of Churchfield Road) – was the filming location of the entrance to the ‘Winchester Club’ in the 3rd series of the extremely brilliantly entertaining and popular programme “Minder”.
An old photo from the late 1970’s of the popular tv series ‘Minder’ being filmed in Newburgh Road-at the western end of Churchfield Road
For series 3 of Minder – Newburgh Road was the filming location of the entrance to Minder’s ‘Winchester Club’ – where Arthur & Terry would drink.
The location in Newburgh Road as it is today (2024) – that was once the filming location for the entrance to the Winchester Club in the ‘Minder’ tv series.
Although there are some residential houses at its eastern and western ends – Churchfield Road is mainly made up of ground floor commercial retail properties with living accommodation above.
The popular 1960’s pop star Adam Faith was born ‘Terry Nelhams-Wright’ on the 23rd June 1940 – at the family home at no.4 Churchfield Road East-Acton London W3.
Adam Faith was a member of ‘The Worried Men’ skiffle group – who regularly played at the now famous 2 I’s Coffee Bar in Soho-London – where most of Britain’s early pop stars started out.
Adam Faith was up there with the likes of Cliff Richard in terms of popularity – both having built up big followings of fans at the 2 I’s Coffee Bar in Soho
The 2 I’s Coffee Bar in Soho London W1 as it is today – still in situ but very much a tourist attraction.
Adam Faith soon became a solo artists and held the record of being the first British artist to have 7 consecutive Top 5 hit records – that included 2 consecutive No.1’s in “What do you want” (1959) and “Poor Me” (1960) – releasing 20 singles in total.
Because he had been so successful on stage and on TV, agents saw him as potentially good ‘actor’ material. In 1971 he landed the lead role in a new TV series “Budgie” – in which he starred alongside the charismatic Scottish actor ‘Iain Cuthbertson’.
In the hit 1970’s tv series ‘Budgie’ – Adam Faith played the role of petty criminal ‘Ron Bird’ (nicknamed ‘Budgie’)–an ex-convict, and proper London jack-the-lad – ducking and diving through life, undertaking numerous activities, in and around the Soho district of London. Iain Cuthbertson played the role of ‘Charlie Endell’ – a small-time Soho underworld gangster, who often recruited Budgie to ‘do a job’ for him.
In 1974 Adam Faith was approached to play the role of David Essex manager in the now legendary film ‘Stardust’ – a role in which he was nominated for a BAFTA.
A still of David Essex and Adam Faith from the 1974 smash hit film ‘Stardust’
At the entrance of Acton Park in Churchfield Road-Acton – directly opposite the house where he used to live with his parents – there stands a commemorative plaque – dedicated to‘Terry Nelhams’ /’Adam Faith’ – one of Churchfield Road’s most famous sons.
The Adam Faith memorial at the Churchfield Road entrance to Acton Park
A close-up of the Adam Faith commemorative plaque situated at the Churchfield Road entrance to Acton Park
Me – alongside the Adam Faith memorial at the Churchfield Road entrance to Acton Park
The singer songwriter/performer ‘Leo Sayer’ was discovered and managed by the late Adam Faith (of Churchfield Road) in the early 1970’s – a partnership that lasted until 1985.
In 1983 Leo Sayer released the hit single “Orchard Road” – a song about a guy phoning his girlfriend from a phone box, pleading with her to allow him to visit her at her place in Orchard Road.
The 1983 Leo Sayer hit ‘Orchard Road’ was actually written as ‘Churchfield Road’ – because at that time, Leo Sayer and his first wife Janice had separated after 7yrs of marriage – and she had moved into a flat in Churchfield Road-Acton, and the song was all about his attempts to get back with her.
By the late 1990’s the legendary songwriter “Lionel Bart” (he who wrote the songs for Oliver…..plus many other works) had seen a change in his fortunes – and was living in a flat that was situated above 33/35a Churchfield Road-Acton.
The late great ‘Lionel Bart’ – lived the ‘high life’ – was declared bankrupt and by the late 1990’s was living in a flat in Churchfield Road-Acton-London W3
As seen from the Churchfield Road pavement – Lionel Bart’s flat at 33/35a Churchfield Road
It is at his flat in Churchfield Road that Lionel Bart composed one of his last pieces of work – an advert for the Abbey National Building Society called “Happy Endings (Give yourself a pinch)”
”Happy Endings (Give yourself a pinch) – one of the late great Lionel Bart’s last recordings.
Me – outside the late Lionel Bart’s flat at 33/35a Churchfield Road-Acton W3 – where sadly in 1999, he died of cancer aged 68.
Churchfield Road also shares a bit of personal history for me. If you venture into Grove Road (a turning off Churchfield Road), then take the first turning on the right – you will enter a cul-de-sac called “Grove Place”–where no.14 Grove Place just happens to be my ancestral home.
Just off of Churchfield Road, is ‘Grove Place’ – and no.14 Grove Place was once my maternal ‘family’ home.
14 Grove Place was my maternal grandparents’ home – where my Mum – Aunts / Uncles / plus 2 of my cousins all lived and were brought up – and it’s a place I would visit many times throughout my childhood and well into my late teens.
I don’t know when my maternal grandparents John & Alice Church began renting 14 Grove Place, but I do know it must have been well before WW2 as I have a family photo of my Great Grandma, my Nan, my Mum (Gladys), my Aunts and my Uncle John as a baby – all posing outside the family home in or around 1940. In this photo I believe that my late Mum Gladys (far left front row) would be about 10yrs old – and that the photo was probably taken just before she was evacuated to Cornwall.
A side view of no.14 Grove Place-Acton….just off the Churchfield Road – the home of my maternal Nan & Granddad – my Mum / Aunts & Uncles & a couple of cousins.
My maternal grandparents John & Alice Church – in the back yard of 14 Grove Place (photo probably taken in the mid 1950’s)
July 1952 – my Mum & Dad…’Gladys & Bill’- cutting the cake at their wedding reception, that was held in the front room of the family home at 14 Grove Place.
Me – outside my maternal relations family home at 14 Grove Place – with the front room in the background – where my Mum & Dad held their wedding reception in July 1952
My dad ‘Bill’ lodged next door at no.16 Grove Place where he rented a room – and he ended up becoming friendly with my Mum living next door at no.14 Grove Place – they then courted – got married – and the rest is history – and that’s how I came to be doing this blog :-))
At the end of the Grove Place cul-de-sac was, and still is – the St. Mary’s Burial Ground – a small graveyard that used to be part of a church that once stood there.
St. Mary’s Burial Ground – a small graveyard at the end of the Grove Place cul-de-sac (I dont ever remember it looking this tidy, when I was a youngster)
Running alongside the burial ground at the end of Grove Place, is a narrow pathway that leads up into Churchfield Road. A pathway I walked many times as a youngster when visiting my Nan-Aunts and Uncles at 14 Grove Place.
Me – at the Churchfield Road end of the alleyway alongside the graveyard, that leads up from Grove Place to Churchfield Road.
At the end of that pathway that runs from Grove Place up to Churchfield Road, there now stands an estate agents – this building was once the ‘Mechanics Arms’ pub.
The ‘Mechanics Arms’ in Churchfield Road first opened in 1889 and over the years became a very popular local pub.
The old ‘Mechanics Arms’ pub in Churchfield Road, was very rarely referred to as the ‘Mechanics Arms’ – it was nicknamed locally as ‘The Diggers’ because of its close proximity to the graveyard next to it. The ‘Diggers’ was my family’s ‘local’ – where my Grandad/Uncles & Aunts and their friends would all drink.
Me – outside the building in Churchfield Road, that was once the ‘Diggers’ pub (eg The ‘Mechanics Arms) – my maternal ancestors ‘family’ pub.
Standing outside this old pub building that was once the ‘Mechanics Arms’ or – more commonly known as ‘The Diggers’ – I couldn’t help thinking to myself, how much I would love to travel back in time and be able to join my family in there for a few beers and perhaps a song or two.
Uncharacteristically for Shoes, I didn’t finish this blog trip with a few jars in a local ‘battle cruiser’ (boozer), because from my perspective, if there was no ‘Diggers’ then there was no point. However – what I did do was visit a local café in Churchfield Road, directly opposite the old ‘Diggers’ pub building – where I enjoyed a very tasty plate of scrambled eggs on toast washed down with a mug of tea.
Thoroughly enjoyed that tour 👌 Thanks
Love the family story weaved into the Adam Faith story. Fantastic
Brilliant Geoff .. many thanks for the education about somewhere I’ve never been 👍🏼
Adam Faith was a client of mine when I was in the Bank. Had lunch with him a few times and my wife and I went backstage with him when he revived Alfie on stage ( approx.1992??)
Superb!
Interesting read again….
Interesting stuff, my wife loved it as her nan used to live in Churchfield Road not far from the Diggers and the family were regulars there. She remembers being left at home with her cousins as the adults enjoyed a drink or two in the 1970s…
Great read. I actually used to deliver to Clarke & co at no.33 where Lionel Bart lived. I had no idea he’d lived there, so thanks for that.
Hi Tony.
Thanks for sharing your memories of Churchfield Rd – much appreciated – and I’m glad you enjoyed reading it.
Cheers
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Another fascinating blog. I used to often see Lionel Bart when I worked in Acton in the 80s. I also remember seeing the Mechanics Arms being used as a location for Minder. 
As usual an interesting and entertaining read, also as usual, your love and knowledge of all things ‘music related’ shines through.
Lovely to learn about your family history,… loved it
Great blog – I and many others would,like you – love to go back to the days of having great uncles,aunts,family,and the lovely times spent.
Really loved this mix of local history, musical history and your own family history. Brilliant 👏
Nice one Geoff loved the Budgie series and owned a must have Budgie jacket!
This was such an interesting read! I had no idea Churchfield Road had such rich musical history. Your blog always uncovers the hidden gems of London. Thanks for sharing these fascinating stories!
Many thanks for the feedback Kai – glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers – GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Thank you, Geoff! That’s a Shoes blog of a very different kind …
Cheers Brian – yes, it was a bit different for the norm wasn’t it – a really enjoyable one to do
Geoff
(www.londonshoes.blog)
Hello Geoff,
Just read your article and enjoyed it very much.
I was born in Churchfield road in 1940 and grew up there during the war, eventually moving to Trinity way, East Acton in 1947/8.
A lovely place to grow up in and very safe. Now at 85, it brings back many fond memories.
Hi Keven,
Thank you for contacting my London Shoes website – and I’m so pleased to hear that you enjoyed my little article about Churchfield Road – I certainly enjoyed putting it together.
Hundreds of similar articles can be found within the menu of my London Shoes website – some of which you may enjoy reading.
Kind regards
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Come from 78 churchfield road (born in 1946) my fathers parents owned the shop and accomodation there used to live with my parents and mothers parents lived there as well. Visited there recently Things have changed a lot gone more up market and high street gone litery down hill
Many thanks for sharing your connections/recollections of Churchfield Road – it is very much appreciated and I am sure that future readers of my London Shoes ‘Churchfield Road’ blog article will view your comments with interest.
best wishes
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Hello Norman,
I was born in 1940 at 79, Churchfield Road, opposite the Congregational Church. Lived there until 1947/48.
Kevin.
Rather belatedly I found your blog about Churchfield Road. I found it interesting, but I must correct you on one point, and that about is the burial ground. There was never a church here, it was used as an ‘over spill’ site for St Mary’s when the churchyard became full.
There was a church further down Churchfield Road, on the corner of Spencer Road. This was the Congregational Church, which amalgamated with Acton Hill Methodist Church.
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for contacting my London Shoes – very much appreciated.
I’m glad you found my ‘Churchfield Road’ interesting – and thank you so much for clarifying the anomaly regarding the burial ground at the end of Grove Place.
Although my maternal family all resided at 14 Grove Place – I really dont know too much about the specific history of the surrounding streets – so it really good of you to highlight the St Mary’s Church aspect.
Im hoping that you will continue to follow my regular London Shoes postings.
Kind Regards
GEOFF (www.londonshoesw.blog)
I was born in churchfield road No96 in the top flat in 1954. We then moved to Grove place when I was about 15. We lived at No 20. I knew the Church family. I enjoyed reading your blog. 👍
Hi John,
Thank you for taking the trouble to contact me via my London Shoes website – really appreciate it, and I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the read and its accompanying photos.
Its really interesting to hear that you lived in Grove Place – I have only happy memories of visiting my family there.
My mum and her siblings grew up living at no.14 Grove Place – and by my calculations, from what you’ve said – my Auntie Elsie / Uncle Den – cousins Christine & Ann plus my Uncle John – would have been my Church family that were living there at the time you moved there……and beyond.
Sadly, there are only a couple of them around (living elsewhere nowadays) – what’s your family surname John, they would be really happy that someone remembers them.
Kind regards
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)