Happy boyhood memories

By Mike Seaman
Photo: Illustrative image for the 'Happy boyhood memories' page

Although I am now 62 years old, living in sunny Cornwall for the last 23 years and the last 6 running a very successful allotment site, my memories while turning the soil so often go back to my happy early years living in Watford.

Born & bred near to Watford Junction, as soon as I'd finished my paper round I'd be off 'down' the Bridle path with my duffle bag and notebook and pen overlooking 1C,  the code for Watford's engine shed, watching 40672 shunting and 47432 scurrying about, yes I still remember the numbers some 50 years later.

The friends made, the excitement of an express coming through, getting covered in smuts and smoke, and the disappointment of the time allowed being up all are vivid memories.

I worked for British rail at Melton House, Clarendon Road for around 6 years before getting married and having to remove to Bedford as the property was SO much more affordable for a mere railway clerk but continued to commute.

As an ardent supporter of the Hornets since 1958 when my Grandad used to take me along, plying me with humbugs and embarrassingly shouting advice to the referee, I still remember the team to this day, Bobby Bell, Sammy Chung, George Catleigh, etc,etc. I still look for the team's result as soon as possible on a Sat and it's a big help with the media coverage nowadays when at least I get to see the highlights but can't exactly be a regular home attender anymore.

Wherever I have lived, Watford is 'home' to me and it pleased me to see my Cornish wife (from Port Wenn, sorry Port Isaac) actually looking in estate agents windows last time I visited my home town, she liked Watford so much.

So do I, but committed to retirement on the allotment in the South West now. I could have a worse fate?

Comments about this page

I have very fond memories of Watford junction tow path and platform 9, 1955 to 1959, Caledonian, Royal Scott, Midday Scott, Mancunian, Irish Mail, also Corros, Scotts, Pats, Jubs,  Blackies. The Deltic Prinie Royals. And the shout 7s Pegged or 6 is Pegged, and a grumpy old station master Keith and Richard, still mates today

By keith adams
On 14/09/2011

Yes Keith remember it so well. The highlight for me was one wet Saturday afternoon and not much happening although 'the path' was pretty crowded being a non-school day when with a loud, long whistle the rarest to be seen Scot Black Watch (46102 I think?) hammered through going North. It was if the winning goal in a cup final had just been scored, the joy and disbelief amongst those present was fantastic. We swopped addresses to prove to those who doubted us so we could confirm each others story. Absolutely brilliant !

By Mike Seaman
On 26/10/2011

As a matter of interest, anyone remember "The Cricketers" pub on Watford Fields, the landlords were my grandparents but I was young when this place was pulled down? I do remember 'helping' Grandad Ealey with the barrels in the cellar and collecting as many different coloured beer bottle tops as I could. The pub did not have a spirit licence, only selling beer. The pub literally backed on to Benskins and the hop smell fascinated me but very little on the internet about to read about the history of this area. Love to know more.

By Mike Seaman
On 17/11/2011

Hi Mike Seaman, I have read your interesting reports. Since we are almost at the same age (65), you might remember a visit to a German football youth team in 1963 and 1965, VfB Lünen 08, in North Watford? I try to find more former players from the North Watford Youth Football Club. Perhaps you knew the club? Friendly greetings from Lünen near Dortmund / Germany Hans-Peter Bludau

By Hans-Peter Bludau/Lünen Germany
On 10/01/2012

That brings back memories. Watford Junction with my underlined Ian Allen and a pack of sandwiches, the smell of steam, the excitement when something unusual came through, or just a black 5. Later I also worked at Melton House processing accounts from some of the Welsh stations, after being in the enquiry office & booking office at the junction, then off to the railway savings bank somewhere near Euston. I suppose things have changed in the last 40 years ...

By David Norman/Adelaide Australia
On 11/04/2012

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