Jonathan, I actually know the young lady who's parents owned the Royal China, her parents went back to China and the father died the mother is still alive. The daughter goes out to visit. There is a son as well who keep an eye on the building. What they intend to do with it I don't know. Upstairs used to be a Synagogue. They also owned other properties near the bus garage. I've lived here a long time, when we had the blackouts in the early 70's my son was in a pushchair, I was in a small Tesco that used to be near the Spotted Horse all the lights went out and I had to get my son home in the pitch black. I went into my road and saw the candles in the Royal China. I walked in I said I was worried going home with my son, they sat me down and gave my son some prawn crackers, and I sat there and luckily the lights came back on after a while. They did know me, as their daughter was only a bit older than my son. Perhaps someone will put a curse on you Jonathan, then the park will be so packed there won't be room for you.
Barbara Stevens ● 1858d