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Winifred was born in South London in 1912 and went on to become a professional painter. Now living in Brightlingsea, Essex, Winifred knidly donated her picture to the Cockney Museum in 2001. Here by kind permission, are Winifred's wonderfully colourful memories of a bygone era . . . . .

"During the 1914-18 war I was living in Stockwell, South London. The suburb was on the direct route from central London to Epsom race course. As soon as peace was restored - the costermongers of London lost no time in pursuing their favourite pastime and at the first opportunity were attending the Derby.

They were a wonderful sight - with women dressed in their colourful dresses and large ostrich feather-trimmed hats - with their men in their dark suits and caps, bright mufflers brown boots - making a suitable backdrop to the children and women folk. Both sexes glittered with pearlies and gold chains. The transport was by donkey cart - pony traps and large carriages. The animals all beautifully groomed and decorated with brass, ribbons and paper flowers.

Each night as the revellers returned from Epsom, they were greeted by the locals from each district that they passed through - and no matter what - they were still in exubriant spirits, standing on their carts - still singing and dancing. The animals all seemed to know their way home.

These scenes were a delight to the people of Stockwell as they stood by the roadside to wave them home on every night of Derby week.

The very poor hildren of the district - who in those days were often barefooted - shouted at them as they passed - 'chick out yer mouldies' - and theywere never disappointed when the costermongers showered them with their loose change. To the horror of many of us bystanders these children dived under the very wheels of the carts, risking their lives for the sake of the 'mouldies'.

Both my parents were born within the sound of Bow Bells - I just missed being so - having been born in Camberwell. My paternal grandfather came from Rotherhythe and worked as a river man until he was pressed ganged by the Royal Navy and sent off to Hong Kong - from where he did not return home for seven years. By that time he had earned a great reputation as a ship's cook - which made him decide to stay with the Royal Navy. He was later given the honour of working for Trinity House, completing a ggod number of years patrolling the River Thames.

My maternal great-grandfather was a Master Weaver - plying his trade in Bethnal Green.

I shall never forget the thrill I felt when the first one of my aunts took me to buy greengrocery for my grandmother down 'The Cut' in Waterloo. I loved the colour of the flowers, fruit and vegetables - and the noise of the stallholders as they 'hollered' the praise of their wares. I was delighted to hear the good natured banter which went on between the costermongers and the ordinary London housewives. I didn't realise at the time that the saucy language of the tradesmen was part of their sales talk - well understood by the housewives who loved every minute of it - and also wished to get good value for their money.

I did not realise at the time that these costermongers would be the same people that I would later glimpse in Walworth dancing in the street dressed in their finery after a day at the races.Although in those days the ordinary Londoners and the costermongers didn't socialise, the markets have always been regarded as an important part of the London scene.

Something else that left an impression on me from those times was the way in which the Cockneys showed great compassion to the down and outs - no matter who they were. They also had a great affection and care towards their donkeys, regarding them - so I was told - as the most important part of their families.

I always hoped to own a donkey - but the nearest I have come is to send small denations to three adopted donkeys; now in the care of Donkey Rescue Centres.

It is now over 60 years since I ceased to live in London, but I visited fairly regularly up until the 1960's as my father worked there up until then. A few years ago i visited London again when I went to the Chelsea Flower Show as a 90 year old Birthday Treat.

I think that now I have seen London for the last time, but that does not mean that I shall ever forget it or the exciting London markets of my childhood. Unfortunately during the last few years I have been registered as partly sighted.

I know that the wonderful Pearly Kings and Queens 'put in' a great deal of good work for charities which is much appreciated. I know that the world has changed a great deal during my lifetime - but I hope that these people who were so unique when they first descended on London, have still retained there identity and zest for life.

When on rare occasions I have heard the Cockney costermongers hollering in praise of their wares, my heart has leapt up in the memory of the first time I heard it proclaiming down 'The Cut'.

With best wishes for your future,

Yours Sincerely

Wiifred Roberts"