Hi I now live in Lincolnshire and have not lived in East Dulwich for around forty years (I stumbled upon this forum). I grew-up in Dulwich (Melbourne Grove). If anyone was around in the Melbourne Grove, Chesterfield Grove area (and surrounding streets) in say 1950 to 1970 (ish) - especially if a similar age to me (60) I would be interested in making contact. I had a very good boyhood friend called Colin Elmer who lived in Bessano Street (spelling likely a bit wrong) & I'd be interested if anyone knows him at all. He had the (exact) same birthday as me (so he is 60 too). I had in-laws at 26 Chesterfield Grove (the surname Dean originally - they may have gone to Australia) and my grandmother was at 51 Chesterfield Grove (surname Smith). I lived with my mum & dad at 81 Melbourne Grove (surname Smith - unfortunately ...) my surname is a little different these days. I went to school at St. John's & St. Clements in North Cross Road. I remember having school dinners at The Epiphany Hall in a street near Bessano Street (can't recall street name). I remember going to (I think) the first Dulwich supermarket in Lordship LAne called Victor Value by the zebra crossing in Lordship Lane near Nortn Cross Road. My Dad's "locals" were The Palmerston (then The Lord Palmerston), The Cherry Treen, The Magdala, The Clock House (but that was later on as the pub was originally an off licence only I think). His favourite was up the hill (Sydenham Hill way) "The Dulwich Wood House". My Dad went to school at Grove Vale School (so did my uncle an Arthur Miles) - but they would have been there in probably the 1920/30's perhaps. I also attended Kingsdale School for a while (better forgotten ... yuk) I passed my 11+ but as I was "a naughty boy" I couldn't get into either Alleyn's or D.C. - so ended-up going to a host of schools in South London (and even Hertfordshire). I used to enjoy train-spotting as a boy at ED station and at Sydenham Hill station (old C.P. high level or was it low level line now gone). Also as a boy would visit Horniman's museum a lot - hopefully still there. As a teenager The Upland Tavern was where you hung out (for bands etc.). The police station was almost opposite the pub rather annoyingly so you couldn't get completely plastered in case. Any 'lead' or interested parties gratefully received! Thanks! I very much enjoyed looking around 'the site' - brought back some sometimes lump-in-the-throat memories. I am just about all cleaned out of anyone associated with me these days that has ANY knowledge of South London (all SL rellies now deceased). wilderness
