Nostalgic memories of Barking's local history
Share your own memories of Barking 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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Displaying Memories 71 - 80 of 111 in total
Looking at the wonderful reflections on Barking I wanted to add my memories. I was born in Aveley. I spent many happy days out in Barking. I remember getting dressed-up, packing fish paste sandwiches and spending long summer days in Barking Park. I still remember the fish and chip shop, (Pescies), we would always have rock and chips, bread and butter and a pot of tea, surrounded by wonderfully tiled walls and a ...see more
I remember Roding Avenue (No.33) with very fond memories. Those names you have mentioned are still floating about in my brain! I remember the Coronation celebration party well; I was dressed as a pilot. My mum and several other ladies sang on stage dressed as Zulu women - they sang "Dem Bones". I now live in Norfolk and several neighbours and myself are going to try and recreate those lovely memories this ...see more
Does anybody remember the window cleaner who cleaned all the shop windows at Faircross shops during the fifties and sixties? He was always immaculately turned out in clean jeans with a perfect crease to each leg and a gleaming white "T"shirt, whatever the weather. His shoes were always highly polished. I think his christian name was Les. Would love to know more about him. As I recall he was also something to do with the early management of Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. Info, anybody?.
I was born at 38 James Street, Barking on Christmas day 1965 (25/12/65.) My father was called Barrie Cook, and my mother Maggie Cook (Neè: Coe). I am very interested in finding photos of James Street at around that time, or speaking with anyone who may have known my parents. I am also very interested in finding a street plan that will show me the longitude and latitude of 38 James Street, as the houses are now gone. ...see more
I used to live with my dad in the mid 70's at 210 b Ripple Rd. Ii used to be terrified of a fair haired girl who seemed to wait for me on the landing just below the top flat where we lived, she wore victorian clothes, I felt her often in my bedroom too! Francine Hodges, nee Solomons.
My nan and grandad were Barking people, my nan was born on a fishing smack moored in the quay at barge aground area of town. My grandad was a hero of the battle of Jutland. My uncle Tig lived and died in Barking so did many of my family. My dad was in the Royal Marines and when he demobbed we came home from Germany and lived in a nissen hut in Barking Park with 3 other families, Billy Cutts was one I think, then ...see more
About 1944 my memory of Pescies starts with going to the closed-in swimming pool at the back of the now Law Court, to go there I would be running round to find jam jars from next door then change them in Sainsburys, 1p large and 1/2p small, it cost tuppence to get into the swimming pool then. When we came out if we could manage another tupence we would go round to Pescies for a bag of chips and ask them to give us some crackling. O how great it tasted.
I was born in Upney Hospital 1944, my mum and dad lived in Stratton Drive, went to Park Modern School as did my 2 older sisters and my brother. Most of my parents families lived in the same area ie on the so called 'Leftly Estate', we were considered to be upper class living there!! My best memories at that time are of Barking Park, the small train that ran at the end of the park, boating on the lake, ...see more
Sorry to one of your correspondents, males never wore hats in the shops of J.Sainsbury to my knowledge. The females wore nylon head scarves. I worked at the Barking branch for several years, are there any more of the staff still around ? I loved the Christmas's there, working with Mr Harris the super. We had the big front window open and yelled and served from it. Frank Smethins was the manager, Whip Henwood the ...see more
Thanks to all for bringing back memories. I was born at 66 Napier Road, East Ham. I moved to Essex in 1958 and later emigrated to New Zealand. I have good memories of Muddies Pie and Mash, jellied eels and whelk stalls. I still remember people I knew back then, including my best mate Mavis who I have recently reconnected with. I often wonder what happened to others like my first boyfriends Eddie Manders and Alan ...see more