Radford

I think you are spot on, Helen. I can think of at least four black pads and there are probably several more. The one near The Slough was also called The Burning Path because of the sulphurous smoke rising from smouldering slag. Many of the black pads had blue enamel signs warning cyclists to dismount at the risk of a forty shillings fine.

Yes, I can imagine something like the Chain Gardens, that could easily have been called a black pad.

I see they have demolished St Nicholas Church today. Very sad. I have not been much of a church goer in later life but as a young girl I used to go there as I liked the singing and have attended a few weddings there.

Hello Anne, I stand with you on that, our memories are precious to us.

Anne it is sad to know the Church has been demolished. I was a bridesmaid once at a friend's wedding. Also a couple of Christmas midnight services. All in my happy memories box. Does anyone know what will take its place ?

I think it is going to be a care home.

Anne, they do say the older population is growing so perhaps the 'needs is must'. I love the bed I have, I don't want to end up in a strange one. !

I was surprised about the decision to sell St Nicholas and then for it to be demolished, I was forced in the fifties to go there to Sunday School, and I hated every minute of it !I I even got away with pulling a sicky some days lol. Even so it's sad to see it go.

My dad's funeral service was held there because the priest was Royal Marine chaplain. As a result, my mum chose to have her service there too. Didn't go down well with the more Catholic members of our family. Also, I remember going to see films there with lots of other kids sitting on rows of benches. must have been 6 or 7.