Nostalgic memories of Acton's local history
Share your own memories of Acton and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying Memories 11 - 20 of 27 in total
I remember my friends and I would go swimming at Acton Baths and afterwards the lady in the tiny ticket office would make us a cup of Bovril with her kettle, for the grand sum of one penny. And after that? Sixpence worth of chips of course... happy days.
My parents were both brought up in the Chiswick/Bedford Park/South Acton area. I was born in 1935 and spent my early years living on the Great West Road near to the Gillette factory. During WWII I spent much time visiting my grandparents in Binns Road. I have great memories of "beach combing" with my grandad on the Thames along Chiswick reach. Any useful piece of wood would be made in to some toy or other.
I ...see more
I grew up in Creffield Road, West Acton. I went to West Acton Primary School, then onto Derwentwater, then Twyford. Good Happy times, I lived in the same house for 18 years, then as a family we moved to Bletchley, Milton Keynes. If you know me I would love to chat over the early years of my life.
My dad was known as Jack Bryant, although his real name was John. He lived in various parts of Acton with his oldest sister, Pat (who went to Lincolnshire to 'Land a Hand on the Land' during the war), Uncle Boysie (Albert), Uncle Terry, Uncle Joe and sister Sue. My nan was Fran (Bridget Frances), Pop (Albert) my granddad. My dad and his brothers went to a Catholic school in Acton Lane, near Chiswick and dad always said ...see more
I lived in Spencer Rd throughout the war years, our house was one of the look alike houses at the junction of Shakespear Rd and Spencer Rd, just over from Tuck Taylor's shop. I left in 1950 to complete my National Service and returned two years later. On my return I married and moved away. My best friends were Jimmy Winslade, who lived in Churchfild Rd and Lawson Fox who lived in Woodhurst Rd. My other good friends were the ...see more
My memories of Acton Vale estate are endless, you would play out all day and the days were long. I can remember taking back the empty lemonade bottles and then buying a jublie. Going swimming at Acton swimming baths then on the way home getting a bag of chips or a portion of crackling. What about going on an outing to the seaside; the coaches would all be outside community hall in the middle of the estate. Some mums ...see more
My parents, Jack and Doreen Bourke, were tenants of The Albion from 1946-1979. I went to St Vincent's convent in Rosemont Road. I remember Tony Bros ice cream shop as I passed it every day on my way to and from school. Best ice cream in the country without a doubt!
I also remember Doug the green grocer, Young's the bakery and Binato's fish and chip shop opposite Tony Bros. I went to school with Adrianna, their eldest daughter. Lovely memories.
Does anyone else remember Phillips the Mapmakers in Victoria Road, North Action? I started there straight from school as a trainee (cartographer). I was only there 6 months before the bright lights and higher wages of banking lured me away (fool that I was), but I remember the factory well - the clocking on and off, the room of light tables I worked in and the aged spinster in charge, the ...see more
I worked as a delivery boy, riding a bike with a holder on front for the boxes of vegetables, or large sacks of potatoes etc. I was 14/15 and still at school. I worked after school 4 to 5.30 and all day Saturday. The boss was Doug Wilkinson and his son, Colin would come in Saturdays. Colin became a noted jazz drummer, and he worked at Premier Drums in Regent Street. I bought kit off him, a Premier Olympic ...see more
I was a park keeper and gardener, I used to cut the grass in Acton. I met Sean Connery when he lived in Central Road, the house was where nuns used to live and he bought it.
