The Canyon
Before the Playscheme
By Ann Whitaker
We moved to Stevenage in Nov 1951 into the Monkswood area when there were no roads, shops or schools. The best playground for all us London kids was the canyon which is on the far side of Fairlands Valley. At that time it was a real adventure playground long before Health and Safety stepped in and we all had a grand time climbing up the hills and slidding down on our bums. Many a smack was dealt to us for having no backsides in our jeans. Some how we all survived though.