The Francis Frith Collection.
You are here:

Dorney memories

Here are memories of Dorney and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Dorney or a Dorney photo.

Picking Wild Violets

My friend Jean and I used to pick wild violets in the wood just along the towpath on the right hand side of this picture.  The wood was a carpet of yellow celandines in Spring and the scent from the wild violets was reward in itself.  We lived in Dorney Reach so most of our childhood was spent by the river Thames.  Further back from this picture on the other side of the riverbank was Monkey Island Hotel.  

Bell Ringing

The Church c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

The is the church I was baptised in. As I child I used to go bell ringing here (St James the Less).  We used to climb up the very narrow stairwell being very careful not to slip. Every week we used to practise. There were six bells and I used to ring No.4.  Our teacher would stress to us not to break the stay as it was very expensive to replace so I always felt nervous ringing the bell. Goodness knows what it must have sounded like when we were learning as all of Dorney Reach and Dorney village would have heard.

Sunday Afternoons by The River

We used to visit Dorney Reach a lot when I was a child as it was one of our favourite Sunday afternoon walks.

We used to park and then walk down to the river passing the church on the way. The path was always shady and cool even in the hottest summer weather.

Memories of Berkshire

Royal Canadian Hospital Taplow

Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I first knew the hospital when I was admitted there in 1956. It was a beautiful building. I have seen photos online of how it had been left to go to ruin. I have also heard it was going to be demolished for a housing estate. I find it quite sad that a building that has done so much could be just dismissed. I'm sure it could have been put to a worthy cause. When I was in the hospital I do remember one nurse - STAFF NURSE MARSDEN. I look forward to anyone else remembering this place. Sue.

My Local Hospital

Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

This is the hospital that my first child was born in.  The year was 1968 and you had to stay in for approximately 10 days. I was also born in this hospital in 1949. The building was very imposing and the staff were wonderful. The matron was very strict and as soon as she came onto the ward the nurses would be in awe of her.

Canadian Red Cross Hospital

Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I was born here in 1949, then both my children. The first in 1967 and the next in 1971. The maternity unit was around to the left in a seperate building. They were very strict about visiting times etc. The staff were great though. The hospital was also the centre for Childhood Rhumatoid Arthritis. The hospital has been knocked down and replaced with a closed gate housing estate.

Born And Raised Here

Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I remember this hospital, being born here. My mother told me it was a lovely summer's day until the day was drawing on and it turned windy and cloudy and a nasty thunderstorm. My mother had not a clue what to call me so the nurse who had delivered me said my mother 'Gail', so that's how I was named. My parents stayed there for a while and moved to High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. My mother fell pregnant again the following year and had my brother born at the Wycombe Shrubbery. It was a shame tht the Taplow Canadian War Memorial Hospital shut down as I wanted my son to be born there. I wished I could have taken a photo of this hosital before they pulled it down and find the nurse who helped me being born.


Taplow Canadian War Memorial Hospital

Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I would to hear anyone who was born in this hospital the same time as me in July 6th 1956, and any nurses and doctors etc that got me delivered. Please write to me by post.
Mrs Gail J Gray
17, Gunthorpe Road
MARLOW,
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
SL7-1UH
England
My mother was called Mrs Diana Pitwell and my father  was called Mr Walter Pitwell.

Memorybank total

We're very pleased and excited by your response so far to our "Share your Memories" community.

You've shared 28,862 memories of 5,949 towns & villages across the UK - keep them coming!

Browse memories button

Find Memories

Simply search for your favourite places to read others' memories and share your own.

Start by searching for your favourite places

Tips & Ideas

Not sure what to write?
It's easy - just think of an important place in your life and ask yourself:

How does it feature in your personal history?

What are your best memories of this place?

How has it changed over the years?

How does it feel, seeing these old photos of your favourite place?

Do you remember stories about the local community, its history and people?

Start now!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the orange "Add your Memory" icon to begin.

Your memories

To jump straight to the memories you have added already to the Community, click here

I Remember When...

I Remember When

This stunning compilation highlights some of the best stories selected from the thousands contributed here on the Frith website. The result is an absorbing chronicle of British life from the Second World War to the mid 1960s.

A colourful treasure trove of memories, "I Remember When" is an irresistible mix of personal stories and recollections that affectionately reveal the detail of everyday life in Britain.

Learn more button Save 25% on I Remember When when you order now!
Home > Explore your past > Dorney > Memories of Dorney

© Copyright 1998-2012 Frith Content Inc. All rights reserved.