LONDON HISTORY Downham 1986 - Part 1

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The film 'Downham - A Home In The Country', shows Downham In 1986, 30 years ago, where the older generation talk of the towns earlier time when they first arrived. Many of those interviewed seemed to have moved to Downham from Deptford, and used words like 'Paradise', 'Heaven', 'A New World' to described their early experience of coming to their new home. At that time (they probably arrived there in the 1920s and 1930s) it was very much a countryside destination.

[@arieslaynes4426]

Born in Bromley Hospital in 1951. Raised in Downham. Lived in Oldstead Road. Loved the swings at Forster Park. Was an attendant lady in those days, keeping us safe! Learnt to swim at Downham Baths with Mr Brazier. Well remembered days.

[@lerpack455]

July 2023. We lived near the Garden Gate pub 60~73 ( now a MacDonalds ). After some year l decided to do a nostalgic visit. While at Buckingham Place Park entrance taking in the scenes, l was approached by a woman of the night who was there waiting for business. How times have changed.

[@douggraves4482]

I remember back in the 70's, Keith Chegwin rocking up to Downham Boys Club in a Rolls Royce, wearing a cream flared suit with matching platform shoes, he was there to give out the prizes!

[@valerieinga9401]

Such s fantastic place to grow up.iin ,50"s

[@jimpaterson9635]

Lived on woodbank road, very happy childhood there. Fond memories of downham swimming baths too

[@timcoakley5498]

I never lived on the Estate but my primary school and secondary school were there so most of my friends were from Downham Estate and I spent most of my time there in the 1970s. I loved it, it was a brilliant place to hang out. I remember Pat who used to run the boys club in Valeswood rd, he was such a kind man. The only downside was getting beaten up by the Mallory boys who were much tougher than us, eventually I befriended one of their top boys so and from then on my friends and I were left alone.😊

[@southlondon63]

I brought my first house in Keedonwood Road Downham about 1987. Always felt at home in Downham and it had a nice feel about it,not sure what’s it like now

[@southlondon63]

Andrewshadowy l have a mate who has moved to Goudhurst Road and says it isn’t like as good as it used to be when his mum lived there

[@jackwingrove4773]

I know that roas

[@jackwingrove4773]

Roaf

[@jackwingrove4773]

Road

[@Ben-xf1ym]

Changed abit lol still alright. Alot of people would say different

[@DDandrums]

Hearing what the residents had to say would have been interesting.

[@SJFH1]

I was a social worker for 35 years, and my first job was with the London Borough of Lewisham, my patch being the Downham Estate! Many happy memories of working there from 1976, particularly with the older people, some of whom were actually born in the 1800's!!

[@Ben-xf1ym]

Changed now even up to the 90s early 2000s was a decent place. Always been trouble tbh but loved going to my nans house on pendragon

[@SJFH1]

@Ashley Hyne Yes, hadn't thought of that!

[@SJFH1]

@Area Drill I was a very good one (woman actually!) Educated the older people who had never seen a black person into receiving care from the first black carers who, incidentally, were the best!

[@sarac.3259]

@@SJFH1 Good for you - really important work - I bet you could write a book. Our family friend Joan was a health visitor for years in Downham - now in her 90s so probably a lot older, but I wonder if your paths ever crossed?

[@SJFH1]

@@sarac.3259 Yes i would have been about 25 years younger! Happy memories though!

[@GMT439]

£450 for a house is incredible. You can't even get a 10 year old car for that price today.

[@valerieinga9401]

I grew up in Glennbow road, I remember the Splendid cinema now sadly s garage

[@douggraves4482]

I learnt to swim in Downham Baths.

[@barriegilbert1315]

The BP garage is the site of the SPLENDID cinema

[@madhukhatwani3811]

Hi, I will appreciate, if can somebody please share their opinion about launcelot road downham?

[@valerieinga9401]

We were the baby boomers so many children to play with, the play centre came to the field in Glenbow road to organised rounders

[@carladams8691]

Was never the same after the Saxon was razed.

[@Sonnyblack100]

See the 3 crack dealers at 1:15