From: SirArgonaut069@aol.com
Date: 08/16/07 08:59:54
To: peter_w_rutt@onetel.com
Subject: Re Acton
Hello Peter,
I wrote to you recently about the tornado that hit acton back in 1954
and have just come across another article by you titled Friends Of
Brentford. I was wondering if you knew of any similar sites about East
Acton back in the 1950's as I've often thought it would be nice to try
to trace any old school friends.Anyway thank you for adding my email
to your site.
Regards Rick
From: SirArgonaut069@aol.com
Date: 21/07/07 11:06:05
To: peter_w_rutt@onetel.com
Subject: Tornado 1954
Dear Peter,
I have just come across an article by you regarding the tornado that
hit Acton back in 1954. I remember that well. My old school friend's
father was caretaker at the primary school at East Acton Lane which
overlooked the Roots sports ground and we were playing in one of the
old school buildings when it hit, i recall seeing several trees being
ripped up and a large section of wooden fence being hurled up into the
air which as an 11yr old I found to be exciting but at the same time
the feeling of being scared. I also remember seeing a motorbike bike
shop which if my memory serves me right was called Whitby's, this was
in East Acton Lane opposite Acton Park and the whole side of the
building had collapsed and several motorbikes were strewn about.
We moved from Acton back in 1957 to Hastings where i still live
but still recall that event. I hope you find this of interest.
Yours faithfully
Mr R Pelling
AN EMAIL FROM
MRS EDWINA BIDDLE
Date: 09/29/06 17:31:53
To: peter rutt
Subject: Tornado
Hi Peter, I received a very interesting phone call from my daughter Mercedes
this morning to say that she had been listening to Radio 7 and was
surprised to hear about the worst tornado of the century that hit
Gunnersbury on the 8th of December 1954. A destructive tornado hit
west and north London injuring 12 it destroyed Gunnersbury Tube Station
in West London ripping the roof off and injuring 6. A car was lifted
15' into the air at Acton. The tornado probably originated in the English
Channel off Portsmouth, and faded away in Herts around 5 30 pm.
I was very interested in the conversation that we had and it seemed so
strange having my daughter telling me about this piece of history and
myself being around 9 years old at that time and I hadn't a clue about
it I hope other readers will remember this and put a bit of light
into this subject I am sure it will be of great interest to others.
Best Regards
Janis
Now we have a New Page of information
for our fellow neighbours of Acton
on the 8th December 1954, injuring 12 people.
It destroyed Gunnesbury Tube Station in West
London, ripping the roof off and injuring 6
A car was lifted 15' into the air at Acton
The Tornado probably originated in the English
Channel, off Portsmouth and faded away in Herts
around 5.30pm. It was associated with a thunder
storm, an inch of water fell on London.
Below are pictures taken By British Pathe News
Left - General view of house in Acton Vale showing damage
Right - Side of house with wall down
Side of house showing damage - Workmen clearing away debris
Damaged Hillman Car - Workmen clearing away debris
Workmen clearing away debris - Workmen clearing away debris
Workmen clearing away debris - Workman inspecting damage
WERE YOU THERE WHEN THIS HAPPENED???
LET ME KNOW
From: SirArgonaut069@aol.com
Date: 21/07/07 11:06:05
To: peter_w_rutt@onetel.com
Subject: Tornado 1954
Dear Peter,
I have just come across an article by you regarding the tornado that
hit Acton back in 1954. I remember that well. My old school friend's
father was caretaker at the primary school at East Acton Lane which
overlooked the Roots sports ground and we were playing in one of the
old school buildings when it hit, i recall seeing several trees being
ripped up and a large section of wooden fence being hurled up into the
air which as an 11yr old I found to be exciting but at the same time
the feeling of being scared. I also remember seeing a motorbike bike
shop which if my memory serves me right was called Whitby's, this was
in East Acton Lane opposite Acton Park and the whole side of the
building had collapsed and several motorbikes were strewn about.
We moved from Acton back in 1957 to Hastings where i still live
but still recall that event. I hope you find this of interest.
Yours faithfully
Mr R Pelling
OUR 1st RESPONCE IS FROM
From: annallridgebutfoy
Date: 09/29/06 22:38:26
To: Peter. W. Rutt
Subject: Tornado
Hi Peter,
My husband and I lived at 50 Wellesley Road, and I was at home with
my 7 month old baby daughter Laura when the cyclone struck...I thought
it was a bomb! Check it out and you will see how close to Gunnersbury
Station we lived.
My baby daughter is now the grandma of the baby you have designated
"Youngest star on the website"...Sophie is the daughter of Laura's son
Anthony...it's all 'circles within circles' isn't it?
Ann
Don't forget to send your Comments
top-left corner of this page.