Childhood Memories of Chandler’s Ford

1956:  I was 12 years old when we moved to Chandlers Ford. We lived at 112 Winchester Road, Mr. & Mrs. Humphries lived at 110; Mr. Humphries was a retired Policeman. The Hillier’s and the Biddlecombe’s also lived in the same row of houses.  Opposite the Kings Court fish and chip shop there were woods, I attended North End Secondary Modern School so I would walk through the woods and the fields to reach Oakmount Road and continue to Leigh Road. The woods “disappeared” to make way for the Church.

Our back garden was very long with Lilac and Apple trees; sadly Waitrose took away half of the garden. The green grocers on Oakmount Road (my sister and husband owned/lived there with their two daughters), demolished to accommodate Waitrose.

A few of the things I rememberand loved most: The Lakes down Hiltingbury Road.  Brownhill Road and the Halfway Inn car park as they were good for roller skating. Hursley was a nice bicycle ride on a summers evening. I would often hop on a train at Chandlers Ford railway station and go to Eastleigh or Southampton.

Taking walks, seeing farm animals and the peace and quiet of the country, life was good.

I have family living in Chandlers Ford and I still get updates on the changes taking place, I know most of the fields are gone and houses are in their place, however I like to think it is still peaceful and quiet.

In 1962 I left my childhood behind and immigrated to the United States. I have so many good memories of Chandlers Ford I cannot possibly describe them all in this article.

Author:  Toni Byrnes nee (Pauline) Saunders

www.chandlersford.org.uk