John looks at a photograph of Gwydir Street residents celebrating VE Day, which him and his family participated in. Image courtesy Gwydir Street Friends, 2024.
John – Gwydir Street
John in conversation with Ella
Both John and Ella have grown up on Gwydir Street and became friends after connecting during the coronavirus pandemic.
John was a child during World War II and remembers the VE Day street party as well as many shops, pubs, cinemas and other businesses that were much loved by residents.
On the occasion of his 88th birthday, John enjoys some cake with Ella and shares his memories.
Gwydir Street from 1936
John talks about how his family came to rent the house he lives in on Gwydir Street.
1946 Gas Bill, 3 Grafton Street
First electrical appliance
John talks about the first electrical appliance in their house – the radio.
A group of Children in front of a wireless set listening to BBC radio in 1939. Image: bbc.co.uk – © copyright 1951 BBC
The Bath House
John talks about going to the Bath House.
Gwydir Street baths, (MoC36/69)
The Kinema aka. the “fleapit”
The Kinema. Courtesy of Cambridgeshire Collection
Childhood games
Playing in the snow-covered washing line area, 1964. Courtesy Robert Webb.
John remembers the air raid shelter on the street and the Dethridge family living at number 60 who used to feed their vegetable scraps to his father’s pigs.
Air raid shelter on Gwydir Street in the 1940’s. Image courtesy of George Dethridge & Jo Edkins.
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