The roundabout in Loudon Square park was one of the best - and playing Queenie O'Coco was a daily routine. The Rag and Bow Man, the fishmonger, the junk man, the yearly encampment of gypsies - who could ever forget things like this? Life was good.
I was born in my grandparents house in Loudon Square in 1949. My grandfather Michael ran a boarding house for Merchant seamen and also a green grocer. It was an exciting life and so much to like there. Even though my family worked hard from early morning until night, life was good.
My grandmother raised 13 children and did all the cleaning for the boarding house as well. My grandfather managed the boarding house and shop, along with my aunt Josey and uncle Ken. I lived there for ten years until I emmigrated to New York with my parents.
I found life to be an adventure - getting to meet people from all over the world who had lots of stories to entertain me with. I didn't know the word predjudice, everyone was equal. I attended St Cuthberts School, had my milk warmed in front of the coal fire and used outhouses at school.
your comments
Thelma Hoare
It was a privilege growing up in the bay despite the poverty. I learned so much about values and you just had to have manners! We lived in Maria, Nelson and Angelina Street next to Mark Levines shop. My dad Oliver used to sell shaved ice with toppings to die for. It's great reading other people's stories, it keeps the memories alive.
Bernadette Brown nee Laferla
In regards to Nini Laferla Austrailia ... just browsing the internet and came across these coments. Really interesting to hear about the life you had. Being my fathers elder sister it would be nice to hear more regarding growing up in the docks. Best wishes, Bernadette x
Nini Laferla, Australia
I knew your auntie Josey and mother Maureen on the Square. I still write to Josey and I was so thrilled to see your story. It brought back fond memories. Your mother and I were the very best of friends and were always popping across to each others houses. We went to school together at St Cuthberts and then on to Commercial School. We were close until she left to go New York and I eventually joined the WRENS and went to Malta. We wrote intermittently until her death. I believe it would be her anniversary today. Kind regards to all.
sparky
I remember as a teenager collecting money for St. Davids church every sunday, from all the catholics, shops,boarding houses etc, and I was never afraid, although I was carrying money in a cloth bag and men were playing dice on street corners I felt save.(not so today,I am nervous to shop in Cardiff on my own, hiding my bag under my coat, its such a shame to loose faith in people)I am glad I lived in sharing days as a child. We din`t have much, but we apprectiated what we had.
