AN author and historian who grew up in Hillfields in the 1960s and 70s has written a book remembering his formative years.
Larry Bennett was born in 1959 and lived in Maple Avenue, attending Hillfields School and QEH before studying marine radio and electronics at Brunel Technical College and leaving for Somerset in 1980, to embark on a career in radio communications.
Since retiring in 2019 he has written a number of books on radio and local history. His latest is a 64-page booklet, Growing up in Hillfields, recalling his formative years in the area. In it, Larry remembers his schooldays, when he was known as Lawrence, going to cub scouts, the youth club at the old community centre and many events from the time.
The booklet includes pictures taken locally by his parents, Ken and Barbara, class photos from his time at Hillfields School and a selection provided by the son of teacher John Baulch.
They appear alongside pictures Larry has taken of the area today, to show how it has changed.
Larry said: “There must be many readers who lived in the Hillfields area during the 1960s and 1970s, and remember those halcyon days of fifty years ago.
“The streets were kept clean, the hedges and lawns manicured, and everyone knew each other.”
Larry says the booklet includes memories of class teachers – some more fondly remembered than others – school plays, playground games, coach trips to Barton Hill Swimming Baths and the annual sports day at Forest Road Playing Fields.
Memories of friends and neighbours, long-gone shops, railway stations, clubs and entertainment including Saturday mornings at the Vandyck cinema – now a pub – are included, alongside visits to the local doctors and dentist, and from the school nit nurse.
Larry also remembers games of marbles, ‘knock down ginger’ and all-day football matches down the ‘Rec’ as well as playing football and cricket on the ‘Green’, which was banned.
“The youth club at the community centre was probably the most fondly-remembered highlight for many of a certain generation.”
Growing up in Hillfields has already sold most of its original print run of 300 but can be reprinted. It is available directly from Larry for £5 plus postage and packing. For more details visit www.larrybennett.co.uk or email info@larrybennett.co.uk