Bishopsford Road On Derby Day

Chuck Out Your Mouldies

By Ken Whiteman

 It was always a dangerous road to cross, even in the early days, and we were always warned to be careful when we went fishing at the Beddington ponds. But it was particularly busy on Epsom race days. Big cars, full of the hoi-polloi, raced back to London. Our vantage point was where Middleton Road met Bishopsford Road. Both sides of the main road were crowded with kids shouting at every car as it passed, “Chuck out your mouldies.” And the punters would throw out all their small change, generally copper ha’pennies and pennies. Kids scampered after them, more conscious of the other rival children than the cars. There were accidents and the police discouraged the practice.

We weren’t allowed to take part but on Derby Day Mum took us up to see the King and Queen on their return from the races. The crowds were bigger with more adults present but it was still “Chuck out your mouldies” at every passing car. We all waited patiently, asking if each big limousine was the one. Finally, a big car carrying a small flag flashed past – and that was that. I never did see a recognisable face – and they never did chuck out their mouldies.

From this vantage point (it must have been before many houses were built on the Carshalton side of the road) I once saw the big Bonfire-night fireworks display at the Crystal Palace, miles away. Even more memorable were the crowds on the night that the Crystal Palace burned down.