Nostalgic memories of Braintree's local history
Share your own memories of Braintree 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 21 - 30 of 33 in total
I recall receiving a Coronation Commemoration Mug, in my nursery school in June 1953. I was 5 at the time. My father was a resident Doctor in St. Michaels Hospital in Braintree. Does anyone know the name of the school ? One came out the main hospital gates, and turned left down the street. St Francis does ring a bell.
The young lad on the front row of this picture, holding his hand to his face [centre of road] was my husband's Uncle Will. William Ambrose lived at Woodfield Road, Braintree but died in Gaza during WW1 age 21. http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=649343 His name is recorded on the War Memorial at the Braintree Public Gardens.
I attended Manor Street School from 1943-1949 ish. I also lived at No17 Manor Street shown as one of the white cottages seen virtually joined to the school wall during those years. It's exactly opposite the entrance to the Bus Park.
Can anyone help me with where the school air raid shelters were built for use by the children and staff?
My memory tells me they were built just inside the front wall area, one in ...see more
I remember you, Paul Smith from Chapel Hill School and High School. I also remember you going to New Zealand. I see John Mews occasionally in the White Hart at Braintree having morning coffee so I shall ask him if he remembers you. John also worked at Crittalls all his life. Doug Kemp went into the RAF and when he retired he didn't come back to Braintree. Barry Wassell also moved away and sadly he died a few years ago.
I remember the brush works in Manor Street very well. My grandmother's brother worked there, his name was Arthur Rayner. I had a hand brush from Sun Brush Works and used it for many years.
The wall on the left in the photo is Manor Street School which I attended from about 1953 until 1959. I am still in touch with Rod Gray. Does anyone else remember me or Rod from that time?
The Headmistress was Miss Jarvis who was always accompanied by her Dachsund dog!
My mum Eileen Ardern, nee Clark, was born at 59 Notley Road, Braintree in 1925. She married my dad Roy in 1944 and shortly afterwards moved north to Altrincham in Cheshire. She would dearly love to hear from Peggy Potter (age 84), from East Street, Braintree. Peg worked at Courtaulds and her father worked at Crittalls. Later he moved to Chelmsford. Also she would like news of Len Wisbey who lived at Rifle Hill. ...see more
My father had his hand brush making business in Manor St. My Grandfather started the business in 1918 above horse stables that lay behind the Sun Public House. Because of this he called it "The Sunbrush Works". They later moved to premises in Manor St. I wonder if anyone remembers buying any brushes from them. Sadly the small factory was closed in 1971 when dad retired.
I'm sorry to hear of Malcolm's death - I had tried to get in touch with him for many years. Do you have any more memories of early(for me) Braintree days. I seem to have lost touch with all those that I knew.
I lived in Cressing Road, went to Chapel Hill Primary School and then to Braintree County High School. I left there in 1952 when my father was transferred by Crittall Metal Windows, to Dunedin, New Zealand. I remember the 750th Anniversary celebrations in 1949 and had always said I would like to return for the 800th Anniversary, but I couldn't make it. I would love to hear from some old friends of my early school ...see more