Nostalgic memories of Drayton's local history
Share your own memories of Drayton 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.
Add a Memory!
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 all 9 Memories
How nice to read about Drayton. My parents moved here in 1953 and my father owned the chemists shop on the north side of Havant road opposite Lower Drayton lane. In the early 60s,I played in local groups (The Highlanders) and played at the Institute many times.No alcohol,just lemonade and crisps! Other hobbies included carting on the hill and going to the Methodist youth club. Anyone remember Benard ...see more
Cafe Monica was the best place in the world for Heather and Trevor Eastes of Solent Road School. We went there every day for our lunch carrying our big boxes of veg waste to take home to our many guinea-pigs. We'd buy lardie cake, cottage loaves and meat pie - and sometimes I'd have a Viennese Whirl - all home -made and freshly baked by Monica Baker - then we'd deliver the meat pie to our ...see more
When I saw John Cowan’s posting, my eyebrows shot upward, since it so happens that 199 Havant Road was also my first home. I was born on 7 January 1935 and we lived at The Cottage (most houses had names in those days) until my father was posted elsewhere early in wartime-1941. Because I have lived in Canada for the past 55 years, married to a Canadian, my visits to Drayton have not been as ...see more
I worked in the National Provincial Bank which was in the parade of shops in DrYton from about 1960 to 1963 when I married I particularly remember Maureen Wood who also worked there and John and Mr Mimmack who was the deputy manager with Mr Whelan the manager if anybody remembers those days would love to hear from you my maiden name was Bowyer and married Stuart Ellis.
Anyone remember the Friday night dance nights? Local Portsmouth groups use to strut their stuff in here. Always crowded and the music from the guitars was LOUD.
When the dance finished it was over to "Fishy Francis" fish and chip shop for a bag of chips and if you were old enough a pint of beer in the New Inn next door. Happy Days!
The year that this photo was taken was 1951, when we opened the cafe. It was run by my father, Wally, and my mother Monica. My sister Marilyn served in the cafe later. Previously it was a china and glass shop and before that, during the war, an antique shop run by my mother.
My parents, Ron and Mary Grant took over the New Inn at Drayton in 1957. Prior to that they had the Royal Pier Hotel at Sandown, on IOW. My sister Suzanne came over with them. I joined them the following year, as I had enrolled at the Catering College in Portsmouth and needed somewhere to live! So began a very happy period of my life.... The New Inn was a great centre for the young element of ...see more
The farthest shop on the left was owned by my grandparents and I lived there until I was 3 with my parents, Ivan and Betty Robinson. They sold prams and baby goods. My mother Evelyn Betty McTurk did her hairdressing apprenticeship in the hairdressers next door, Maison Drayton, and continued working there for some years. I remember the parade of shops as being a very busy lively place.
I was born on 6th feb 1944 at 199 Havant Road, Drayton and had a happy childhood there with my 5 sisters and parents. My father was a painter and decorator and we lived in the house until the late '50s. I believe the house is now a home for the elderly, how things have changed. I went to Portsdown school and the to the high school between Drayton and Cosham.I now live in Northern Ireland but have great memories of the area and going to the George to get my uncle his quart of mild and bitter.