Memories of West End Project

WEVS’ Project of the Year for 2026 is to actively record long-time residents’ memories of West End from the past. We think it’s important to record people’s recollections and stories before they are lost forever. What was it like to live in West End in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and later? ‘Memories of West End’ will be developed in conjunction with WEVS’ established History Project.

You have much to tell, and so much lies in the ordinary details of day-to-day life, rather than just the big events. These records will become priceless for the families concerned, as well as being invaluable in the History Project collection. It is the memories and records of ordinary citizens that lie at the heart of local history.

Michael Underwood and Guy Consterdine are leading this project. Please contact us at historyproject@wevs.org.uk

How you can help

We would be glad to hear from residents who would like their memories of West End recorded. Contact us, and we will set things up.

Alternatively, we encourage members to write down their stories themselves, and let us add the result to our collection. We can assist as needed.

If you have any queries or contributions, then please contact historyproject@wevs.org.uk.

Cynthia Johnson

Cynthia Johnson, born in 1936, grew up in Halebourne Lane, West End. More than half
a century later, in May 1989 and August-September 1991, she wrote a memoir, giving it
the title ‘Memories of a child living at Halebourne Lane during and after the 1939-45
Second World War’.

West End Village Society is grateful to Cynthia’s younger sister Liz Fox for giving us, in
2026, the memoir for inclusion here.

The text below is Cynthia’s own words. When she refers to things as they are ‘now’
she means as they were in 1991.

Cynthia Johnson – Memories of a child living at Halebourne Lane during and after the 1939-45
Second World War

Richard Devonshire

Richard Devonshire discussed his memories with Mike Underwood and Guy Consterdine on 8 September 2026. The conversation was recorded. This document is an edited summary of the discussion.

Sadly, Richard passed away unexpectedly on 14 October 2026, before he had the opportunity to add his final comments and corrections. We publish the memoir here with the permission of his family. Our thanks and thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

Richard Devonshire – a regular sight in and around West End

Stella Pasley

Stella Pasley discussed her memories with Mike Underwood and Guy Consterdine on 30 June 2026, and her daughters Jill and Christine were present. The conversation was recorded. This document is an edited summary of the discussion.

Stella Pasley – 91 years in West End