Memories of Church Steet Market

Growing up in the area

By Linda Thompson

I lived in the area from 1947 until 1970 when I got married.  My family lived in Whitfield House, on the corner of Salisbury Street and Broadley Street ) owned by St Marylebone Housing Association.  I have many happy memories of that time – it was a very friendly place to grow up where everyone seemed to know everyone else.  Church Street Market was a great place to spend Saturdays – so many shops and stalls selling everything you could possibly think of.  The fruit and veg stalls were always bursting with fresh produce.  I used to go shopping every week with my Mum and help her carry back the shopping.  I particularly remember Jordans where I bought many things for my first home when I first got married.  It was a sad day when it closed.

The Met ( Metropolitan Music Hall ) in Edgware Road was a great place to visit too.  I remember climbing up the tile lined walled steps to the top and sitting on the large tiered stepped rows watching lots of variety acts with my Mum.  It was so exciting.  We would sometimes go around the stage door after the show to see the many stars.

I remember Church Street Library being built – my Mum was the cleaner there.  Unfortunately she passed away a couple of years ago (aged 90).  I also think about the Doctors in Church Street where the Doctor remembered the whole family and would ask how they all were every time you visited.

I have fond memories of the hall next to the Four Feathers Youth Club where lots of TV and pop stars used to rehearse.  We used to hang around by the door to get their autographs.  Some that I still have are Cherry Wainer (used to play the electric organ, I think), Pat Coombs, David Whitfield, Una Stubbs (Dairy Box), Freddie Frinton, Libby Morris, Jeremy Lloyd and Alan Fell.  I also have the autograph of Lee from the Dallas Boys when they were involved in a car crash on the corner of Salisbury Street and Broadley Street .

I attended the nursery on the other corner of Salisbury Street and Broadley Street .  We used to have a photo of the Shah of Persia and his wife with my young cousin, Frank, when they visited the area (unfortunately this has been mislaid).  This must have been about 60 years ago.

I also attended Cosway Street Primary School , Christ Church School , Regents Park Secondary School and Sarah Siddons School in Paddington Green.  Many happy memories.