known my Grandfather, Harry Cecil Woodley. Over the past two years I have undertaken extensive research into my family ancestry and although it is possible to find a wealth of information on such a subject, there are some areas you are frustratingly missing. My Dad’s side of the family travelled up from a life of Continue reading
Category: West London
The Motor-Car Smash in the Goldhawk Road, Shepherd’s Bush in 1904
The following article appeared in the Cornish & Devon Post on 24th September 1904: ‘A serious collision occurred in Shepherd’s Bush on Friday between a motor-car and two electric cars, resulting in severe injuries to three men. It appears that the motor-car, which was a heavy one, was being driven down Goldhawk Road by Mr Continue reading
London’s Supreme Talkie Theatre – The Commodore, 395 King Street, Hammersmith
Located at 395 King Street, Hammersmith, the Commodore opened its doors in September 1929. The Cinema’s monthly publication announced that for June 1934, their ‘Big Picture Parade’ would commence on the fourth with the ‘Scotland Yard Mystery’. Starring Sir Gerald du Maurier (cert. “A”), it was to run for seven days The film was described Continue reading
VJ Day – Wednesday, 15th August 1945
Today marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day in 1945. Emperor Hirohito had announced the surrender of Imperial Japan to the Allies and on the following Friday the West London Observer reported that: Celebrations commenced before midnight on Tuesday as soon as the radio announced that Japan had accepted the United Nations peace terms. All Continue reading
Drilling Outside “The Devil’s Cave” at White City in 1914
The following image and caption appeared in the Illustrated War News on 16th December 1914: ‘The Exhibition grounds at the White City at Shepherd’s Bush are no longer a haunt of light-hearted Londoners in search of amusement but are devoted to the sterner tasks of military training. Some of the large show-cases have been fitted Continue reading
‘They’re Pulling Down the Palais!’
Steve Still wrote the following article, which appeared in the local Gazette on 22nd December 2006: ‘The historic Hammersmith Palais dance hall looks set to be the latest London music venue to be demolished. The Marquee is long gone and the 2,000 capacity Astoria in Charing Cross Road, which has been sold by the owners, Continue reading
The Sounds of West London: No.2 – Warwick Avenue, Maida Vale, W9
Warwick Avenue Underground Station is on the Bakerloo Line situated between Paddington and Maida Vale. Apparently, Warrington Crescent was another name said to have been mooted prior to the station’s opening on 31stJanuary 1915. Welsh singer, Duffy, included a song written about the station on her debut studio album, ‘Rockferry’, which was released on 3rd Continue reading
Shopper 89 looks back on the Old Askew Road’
The following fascinating letter from 89-year-old Mrs S. Rumsey, appeared in the Acton Gazette on 9th September 1971: ‘Reading the Gazette which was sent to me by a friend, I was interested about Askew Road as a shopping centre. I lived in St. Elmo Road – Askew Road end – for 60 years. I remember Continue reading
Victory in Europe Day – ‘There were reports of impromptu Dancing in Ravenscourt Park’
Today marks the 75th anniversary of ‘Victory in Europe Day’. The day when Nazi Germany accepted the unconditional surrender of its armed forces. A few days later the West London Observer reportedthat: ‘A brilliant sun heralded the day, throughout, which large crowds assembled in the main thoroughfares. A wireless loudspeaker installed on the roof of Continue reading
The Sounds of West London: No.1 – Portobello Road, W11
Released in the UK on 7th October 1971, ‘Bedknobs & Broomsticks’ is a Walt Disney production set during WW2 and involves three kids who are evacuated from London. Charlie, Carrie and Paul Rawlins end up at the home of a witch, Miss Eglantine Price, who is played by Angela Lansbury. She eventually tells them that Continue reading