Moving to Crawley New Town from Twickenham in an upstairs flat over a shop was WONDERFUL. In those days we actually had a choice of three 3 bedroom houses in Pound Hill, the area chosen by hubby who had to travel daily to work, till “our turn”.

Taking son Andrew, 5 years old and daughter Deborah 1 year old. Living in Arundel Close, found we had wonderful neighbours with young children, and so near shops, school and doctors. Didn’t need to use the bus, pushed the pram into Town.

Within a few years, had 3 more daughters and twin boys. As they all got older “the woods” over the River Mole, was the best place to play.

Then one day walking in the woods, we found a ‘hole’ big enough for a child to fall in, reporting it, was fenced off, the beginning of Maidenbower.

One tree, still there today, we have a photo of Linda, the tomboy, sitting up in it.

Winters in those days brought more snow and summers not as hot as we have now.

Pound Hill school very convenient and all got on well there and Hazelwick – where we now have a great grandson attending.

Being Grandad and Gran living in a 4-bedroom house (we had to move to Spring Plat). Yes, we were able to buy it, family all left etc, etc. We decided to move to Lancing – and a bungalow. Hubby didn’t think there would ever be another place as good as Crawley – he missed it, but God knows what is best for us as we commit our lives to Him, and we enjoy visits when they come to the seaside.

Wasn’t sure really what you were hoping to hear about Crawley but we still have three of our offspring living there with their families.

(Brian and Rita Burton)