Genealogy Chat

Everyone, thanks for your private mails. I am really looking forward to receiving more info, especially that piccy of Manzies, Pat. Brilliant peeps, do all keep in touch.

The thing I cant help thinking about when I look at these pictures of slums and poor devils living in them, is a couple of years ago, one of my sons went to work in London and he rented a house overlooking the quay at Surrey Quays, backing on lower road. There are now marinas, trendy wine bars and boat clubs where these poor sods used to slave.

Hi Tony, I have the surname Sterry, which my family married into. I also know Valentine's place very well, my father lived behind it, although it is no longer there.

Hi Tony, scanned the book but although there are a few little shops shown can only read one, Mitchell and Sons? Ive just found a big centre photo of Ainstey Street, where my dad grew up. It looks horrific. He does tell tales about the bed bugs crawling up the walls there and now Ive seen the pics I can see he isnt exaggerating. Well worth the money!

Heather, I have sent you a message. Jean

I havent read it all yet Tony, just been looking through the photos, want to hang out the pleasure! Ive just emailed the archives for two further copies for my dad (91 this year) and my auntie (80). It has the road I was born in, Rouel Road, which is lovely and the infant school my sister went to. If you want, I can give you the list of books and pamphlets Southwark sent me to have a look at. I will have a quick scan for your shops in a second and contact you direct if I find anything! By the way, the Manzies in Woolwich is no longer that name, but last year I went with one of my sons to the Woolwich Arsenal museum and I went in and, to his disgust, sat there absolutely relishing pie, mash and liquor. It was better than caviar and champagne to me. He wouldnt touch it, just sat with a coke! Kids dont know they are born now days. I was like a kid with a xmas pressie this morning. Hubby getting fed up with me shouting "oh, look Hays Wharf" "Oh look Albion Road"!!

Hi Heather,Would your book have any info on the Sterry grocery shops .My G/Granfather owned 2 one in East Lane Walworth they lived in Valentine Place Bermondsey.I can remember a Menzies at Woolwich i think.Just curious Regards Tony.

Just thought Id let all those who contacted me about Southwark Archives - My book arrived this morning and its brilliant! It has two pics of my Nan and lots and lots of photos of streets I walked down as a kid. It even mentions Manzies the pie and mash shop where mum would leave us with 4d each to get a bowl of mash and liquor while she went to meet dad off the docks. Brilliant for anyone who knew the place as a child. I have ordered another two for rellies and I shall be looking at the others on offer now!