Sheila's story

My name is Sheila White. I'm 92 years old. My parents were living in Aubrey House when I was born. 

We remained there until we were the first to be moved out, which is when we were moved into Jenningsbury, about 19 years ago now. 

My mother was born in very, very rural Suffolk and in those days girls were sent out into sort of domestic service something and my mother ended up with a doctor in Holsey Street in Chelsea. One of his patients was the niece of William Sutton, and the doctor was retiring at the same time that my parents were about to marry. 

And the doctor asked his patient, the niece, was there any chance of her getting a flat for his Katie in Sutton buildings as she was about to get married and was looking for a home. So that was how many parents came in.

It was home. It was cosy, very cosy, and had everything. I mean we had an indoor toilet, we had a bath, it was gas lighting everywhere in Chelsea. We had a big range which you did your cooking on the top and the oven and everything. 

Seeing that light above the door and knowing my mother was there, it was that feeling that you were loved. I had very, very good parents. Everybody looked out for one another, and they helped one another too. We were very much a community. 

You were proud of your flat, you were proud of your flat, and you kept it spot on.  I saw life, all parts of life. But I felt settled and home and everywhere’s got memories for me all the way around. So although I'm on my own now, I'm not as lonely as what I might be if I was somewhere else. It's always been home, and how many people can say they've felt home? 

Now that's my story. So please folks, give yours because I'm sure you've got some interesting things that you can say.