The thought of writing my memoirs had never entered my head, after all what would an ordinary bloke like me have to talk about that other people might find interesting? My mate, Laurence Payne suggested it and I immediately laughed, "It's not so silly " he said, "after all you don't stop telling stories of the Old East End and other Tales of bygone days," or as my old Dad would say 'Tales of the old iron pot'
After a week or so of contemplating the possibility, I began to talk myself into it. Some 16 year old bum-fluffed pop stars, just out of knickers (short trousers) have written their 'Life Stories' that seem to adorn the racks in Tescos and W H Smiths etc. complete with covers showing their pimply, grinning blank faces. So I told myself I've had more experiences than them, so all I've got to do is make it more interesting than they do. "No Contest!" I heard myself shouting. So here we are...
"Where are we?" I hear you cry, …well we are at the beginning of my trawl through various memories and stories of events throughout my long life. Some of these anecdotes I can remember distinctly, some a little hazy, some are memories passed down to me that I somehow think happened to me and some are downright exaggerations stretched beyond belief just to add a bit more interest to them. Sorry but there is not a prize for spotting the gilding of the lilies, but honestly they are all based on things that did happen. |
Acknowledgements.
I would like to thank my cousin Denise Cushway for supplying precious photos of Johnno, and my Cousin Jan Packer for some of the older photos and details family members passed down to her. She is compiling a family tree and has been an inspiration to me. Most of all I want to thank Laurence Payne for convincing me that I should write these tales, his enthusiasm and encouragement have given me the kick up the rear that I needed from time to time. He is also responsible for the technical and visual impact of this website, I would also like thank him for the fun that we had putting this together.
Other interesting places to visit:
leabridge.org.uk - The View From The Bridge
weird-and-wonderful-east-london
www.ilovechatsworthroad.co.uk
www.eastlondonforum.com
whatischatspalace.wordpress.com ...and their Facebook page
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