Part Two
Parks past
London-RIP reader Mick Brotzel remembers some north London playgrounds
Finsbury village
Finsbury Park was a regular playground. Remember the model village next to the lake? The trainspotting platform adjacent to the cinders pitches was always crowded with spotters looking out for the 'streaks' (Mallards) from Kings Cross. The American Gardens, now defunct, was often used by a gang from my street to play (to us a grown-up version) of hide and seek. How times have changed: I could not imagine a mixed group of children aged between six and 12 being able to run free in an area full of trees and bushes and to stay there until early evening.
On your bike!
Remember Downhills Park miniature road system? As a kid you could pay a penny and hire a bike to ride around the road system, which had traffic lights and crossings and various traffic signs. I do not believe I was neglected as a child - far from it - but in the 40s and 50s I was free to roam in a way children are surely not allowed to do today.
Wallabies and deer
As a youngster I spent a great deal of time in Clissold Park. There was an enclosed field (over the river from the "White House") which used to contain wallabies and deer. When I recalled this later, no one in my immediate family believed that this could be right, especially when I told them that the actual fence, although about five foot high consisted of just a few horizontal bars, which as a boy I could squeeze though or easily climb over. At this time, the New River actually flowed through the park. Can anyone else verify my story?
