Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Whitethorn Morris dance at the Dunstable Folk Festival

Whitethorn Morris danced here at various town centre sites and pubs along with St Albans Morris Men, Caddington Blues and Bedfordshire Lace.

It was all in support of the Dunstable Folk Festival which was organised by Dunstable Town Council. A surprisingly enjoyable day was had by all!

Remembering my aunt and uncle - Nellie and Nobby Clarke

I have fond memories of Dunstable from when I was 9 years old, going to the market on a Friday with my mum and Aunt Nellie. The market was held to the right of the picture.

Orange rolling

Orange rolling, Good Friday afternoon up the 'orange pit'. There used to be crowds of people all chasing little oranges down the hill. Never quite sure what you did if you caught one, I'm sure it wouldn't have been fit to eat!

Is this peculiar to Dunstable? I know of cheese rolling, where they chase a double gloucester cheese down... [more]

Memories of the Civic

My first memory of the Civic was that awesome ceiling, seen for the very first time at a do hosted by the then new Evening Post newspaper, for all the delivery boys & girls. Probably not long after the hall opened. The entertainment was none other than the Bonzo Dog Doo-dah Band.

Next, the heady days of the 70's when... [more]

Luton Photographic Memories

This view looks north towards the cross-roads; the London- Holyhead telegraph poles are in situ. Urchins, horses and carts dominate the carriageway. London Central Meat Company have large premises on the left, representing the beginnings of the chain store movement into the area. Shop blinds sweep across the pavement, and the shadows show that it is quite a sunny day.

Luton Photographic Memories

The Grammar School opened in 1888. The headmaster, L C Thring, and the school were very much part of the community, and traditional features like founders' day and speech day were important local events. Those were the days before political correctness and school marketing. Schools like this were not afraid to teach character.

Luton Photographic Memories

The church is viewed from the meadows. It was built from the more resistant lower chalk or clunch stone, which is better known for its contribution to the cement industry. The priory held several estates in central Bedfordshire.