Nostalgic memories of Beckenham's local history
Share your own memories of Beckenham 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 11 - 20 of 22 in total
In the autumn of 1967, at the age of 14, my friends and I each lit a cigarette, raised ourselves to our full height, summoned up our gruffest voices, and walked up to the kiosk in the ABC to proffer our cash to gain entry to our first ever X-film (entry for 18 and over only). The film was the Dirty Dozen, and, somehow or other, we were admitted entry without question. Looking back I find it hard to believe that ...see more
Does anybody remember Muirhead Vatric fatory in Elmers End, near the railway station? I worked there in 1989 (ish) just for a short while, but my Dad worked there during the WW11. Did anybody else work there during the war who might remember my Dad - Frank Hyde? If so would love to hear.
My Uncle Dink (Thomas Younger) who was an invalid, used to make cardboard tanks and planes and used to sell these at Crystal Palace and Beckenham in 1920 and 1921. He was helped by my grandfather, Thomas Lang.
My mum worked at the Prompt Corner Coffee Bar for many years and my sister and I used to go in for our tea most days. We knew many of the regulars, but as I was pretty young most of the names escape me now.
Mum also worked as an usherette at the Regal, and we went to the cinema regularly. She also worked in the greengrocers near to the Importers Coffee Shop (not a cafe) but what it was called I don't ...see more
I remember going into the Prompt Cafe with my parents along the High Street. As a young child, I can recall seeing loads of little mats or coasters on the wall. Yes, I also remember the strong smell of the roasted coffee beans. Every Friday in the 1960s my parents had lunch in the Regal, now the Odeon, by the roundabout. My dad used to say the lunch was very cheap there. I used to ...see more
The house you can see straight ahead (was Gordon House) was the house I was brought up in. My neighbour lived above the coffee shop that you all remember, I have lovely memories of that house, of that time. It's such a different place now....
I too have wonderful memories of walking down to Beckenham High Street, from Elmers End (seemed like a million miles to a four-year-old with little legs!) and passing by the toy shop and putting in a penny to watch the train go around... then walking down past the coffee shop with its pungent odor (which smelled horrible to a little one!) and on to the end of the high street, stopping on the way at Sainsburys with the wood shavings on the floor... aahhh...good times indeed..
I was born in Beckenham Hospital - the one next to a park I believe. I grew up in Elmers End and attending Elmers End & Eden Park Preparatory School - my husband and I tried to find the school a few years back when we came over from Canada, where I've lived for the past 30+ years, for a visit...but I believe the Elmers End school is no longer there. I went to Marian Vian Secondary School which we did find and ...see more
I remember I used to put a penny in a slot on the window frame of the toy shop and watch a train go round in the window.
My parents were married in this church in 1955. I was born in Stone Park Hospital in 1957. I was also blessed in this church.
