Two brothers have described their sadness after returning to the former site of a family-owned Enfield garage demolished to make way for flats.
Phil and Chris Jowitt this week recreated a photo they took outside Old Oak garage in Windmill Hill in 1953.
The brothers, now aged 72 and 75 respectively, lived at 77 Windmill Hill next to the garage for most of their childhood.
The Old Oak Motor Company was named for the old oak tree that used to stand outside, and was owned for some time by the brothers’ great-uncle, Jack Ambrose. This, Chris and Phil said, meant they often “had the run of the garage”.
The brothers said: “Before 1955 there was an extensive orchard behind the garage with a network of rock-lined, cinder paths winding through colourful flowers and a profusion of fruit trees.
“We remember many days sitting high up in the apple trees scoffing as many apples as humanly possible.
“This was a wonderful environment to grow up in and it was a shame when, eventually, the demands of the garage led to the flattening of much of the orchard for a lorry park.”
Now, not just the orchard, but also the garage that once stood in front of it has been demolished.
The site has been earmarked for redevelopment – plans for 49 flats have been submitted to Enfield Council.
The brothers said: “It is sad to see that the Old Oak Motor Company…has finally been demolished.
“It is very strange to see an empty space where so many memories are focused.”
They said that they would have lasting memories of the wonderful cars “with running boards, huge headlamps and semaphore indicators” that they used to see at the garage.
The two brothers were also fond of treating the old cars that “had driven their final mile” as “playthings”.
The brothers both went to Chace Boys’ School and both got married in Enfield.
Phil now lives in Essex and Chris lives in Hertfordshire but they said they still had “wonderful” memories of the area.
In recent years, Phil has fulfilled his ambition to write an adventure story for young adults.
The book, partially inspired by memories of the Old Oak Garage, is set in the 1950s and called Honk Tonk & Curly.
It is available on Amazon with a paperback edition priced at £6.99. The book can also be purchased directly from Phil via email - Philipjow@btinternet.com
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