Comments about the new Book 'The Early Years Continued'

Syd and Joy,

We received your marvellous book creation yesterday.
Impressive readable address on the envelope was appreciated by our postmen we are sure.
I have not read in depth every page or item, but will do as the opportunity arises.
We today in the midst of our preparation for a trip to Russia next week.....
However, we must first offer our appreciation for all that you have done in collecting and putting all this material together in an accessible and readable form.
We did not appreciate that you assemble all the book items yourselves and then print out on your home system.
That is an incredible service to provide all of us past pupils at Eastcote Lane.
We especially appreciate the dynamic nature of the publication, including worthy past students comments and any other material as it becomes available.
We will in perhaps during August and after further reading will offer our comments and ideas.
One personal note.
Regarding the incredible panoramic photo taken in 1950, you have at the book front of the school senior boys. I first had to work out when I was at Eastcote Lane during the time the photo was taken. I worked out I started at infants school in 1942 and went onto Acton Tech in 1951. Are you in the photo Syd? I found myself on the extreme left of the photo, second from the left in the fourth row..... ............ ........... WE are honoured to know and truly appreciate all that you have done for our benefit. Thank you Syd and Joy. I was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex and we moved to South Harrow in 1940 to avoid the anticipated invasion.
My grandfather went to work in the South Harrow gas works - I appreciate the pictures in the book. My father went in the army in 1940 and was taken prisoner of war, escaping at least twice and being caught again. He had to be in convalescence for a long time after the war ended. Amazing how your book has started to spring all these long lost memories back again. Thank you again.
God Bless you both for a job well done,
Thomas & Mary Cripps

Hi Syd,

Received the book today, it is obvious that you and Joy have spent a considerable time in its production and made an excellent job of it.
My congratulations to you.
Just browsing through it brings back memories of so long ago, particularly those cold wet air raid shelters! I can't recall the caption I put on the younger photo of me but I would have been about 9 years of age at the time, circa 1940.
Thanks again, great book,
Derek (16/04/09)

Dear Syd,
The book arrived yesterday, safe and sound. I was away on business and got back late last night otherwise I would have replied sooner.
Goodness, what a labour of love that book must have been, I am so glad I caught up with it before you finish publication.
Dipping into the school log and the letters is going to be fascinating and I am sure the memories will come flooding back.
Best Wishes
John Argust. (received 22/01/09)

John Dupont in a telephone conversation 16/01/09

Hello Syd I received my book today thank you very much, that was quick, I thought it would be weeks not the next day. I must say it is very professional, did you print this all yourself. When you said it was a homemade book I certainly did not expect anything that this standard is. I was a Printer in my working life so I know what I am talking about.

hi there thank you very much for the book it came this morning I would say its very good but i HAV'NT had a look in yet my Mum has taken it she loves it,she left Eastcote Lane School 1944 and hasn't stopped going on about it keeps ringing me blaa blaa she lived in Hamilton Crescent as a child her name was Betty Alderman she said to tell you the book is excellent ,thanks again
regards lynne

Hello Syd,
The book arrived today and I am amazed at the contents.
It really is very good, and I am so pleased to have a signed copy.
Warm regards
Tony Hulls

Dear Syd
Got it got it. very pleased indeed with it..... you've done it again. I'm only sorry I didn't put my e-mail address at the bottom. A couple of old Eastcote Laners obviously lived near me, including you at 154 Walton Ave - my god I was at 135. Then again, I was evacuated during the war, but remember being at the school in the infants for a time (I was born 1937) and that awful teacher in the Juniors, Mr Ulyatt, but most of my memories are of the Seniors. I'm not surprised a lot of girls married Americans, what with the base on the fields. My friend and I certainly went out with a few in the mid-50's. We thought they sounded and looked so glamorous, but truth was most of them were either good ole farm boys from the South or lads from inner city places. We never got to meet the officers!
So three cheers for Syd and Joy and dear old Eastcote Lane School.
Luv Jude

Syd,
Many thanks for the book which I received today.
As at this moment I have not looked too deeply into it, but it looks extremely good,
Well done Syd, what I have seen so far was GREAT,
and I am sure both you and Joy spent a hell of a lot of time doing it
Cliff

Book arrived this a.m. Tuesday. Very professional looking and I look forward to dipping into it. Well done for undertaking such a task.
Regards
Beatrice

Dear Syd & Joy,
Thanks for the Book and all the hard work it must have entailed.
Val Jones

Hello Syd,
I received your book this morning and am finding it a fascinating read.
Many Thanks,
Take care.
Barry

Hello Again Syd
Thank you once again really love the book Regards Joan