Home and Education

I was born on 25th March 1952 in Hammersmith Hospital (West London)

When my mother was in hospital at various times

I was farmed off for a month or two, to one of my mother's sisters when I was about 3

I was also sent to various Childrens' Homes for short periods in

Broadstairs, Kent ......... Newton Abbott, Devon .......... Norwood, South London

My Family moved around a lot

• Lived at Clissold Road, Stoke Newington, London N16 until I was 3

My brother and I shared the same Pram, facing each other,

We used to lift up and throw the bottom (seats) over the side

Experienced my first flight over the pavement here!

• Lived at Queens Drive, Finsbury Park, London, N4 until I was 8

I was blistfully unaware of this being a prostitution area

• Schooled at Amber Infant/Primary, Blackstock Rd, N4

Started learning to read music and play the Descant Recorder

On Leaving Amber, teacher told me to ask at new school to carry on learning the recorder

My new teacher at princess May was Mr. Ding, when I asked him

he replied ' You've got no choice, everyone in the class learns to play!'

• Lived at Beatty Road, Stoke Newington, London, N16 until I was 11

Worked Saturday Mornings selling Brikabrak at the Waist, Dalston, E8

• Schooled at Princess May Primary, Grove Rd, N16

• Schooled at Upton House Secondary, Lower Clapton, E5

• Lived at Woodcroft, Harlow New Town, Essex until I was 14

• Schooled at Passmores Secondary, Harlow, Essex

Worked on Fun Fair during School holidays

Developed an interest in Photagraphy

• Lived at Mount Pleasant Lane, Springfield, Clapton, London, E5 until I was 16

• Schooled at Brooke House, Clapton, E5

• Started work at Smith & Sons (Anvil House) Ltd, Stoke Newington, N16

Joined Hackney Photographic Society

• Lived at Clapton Estate, Clapton. London, E5 until I left home

Started a Fan Club called the Melanie Music Society in 1972