Nostalgic memories of Dunstable's local history

Share your own memories of Dunstable 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 1 - 10 of 18 in total

Just to the left on the photo was a very small Tesco supermarket, it looked cheap and nasty and we avoided going in there at all costs. How things have changed! In the parade of shops on the left was a trendy gents clothes shop, Crosby's, I think. I know I spent a great deal of my hard earned cash in there. Further up on the left the road lead up to the Civic Hall. Before arriving at the hall was a record ...see more
I remember Downside Estate, Morecombe Road (I think it was Road) very well as one of my best friends Pauline lived there and we used to go down to The Greyhound pub, High Street South, on Saturday nights. She used to have some fun parties too. I haven't thought about those in years.
I remember Waitrose from my childhood, every Saturday afternoon I would come here with my parents to do the weekly shop. Then nip over to George Orts for some of their lovely pastries. Little did I realise that I would end up in the bakery trade. Down by the clock there was a large Boots Chemist to the right. There were quite a few shops in The Quadrant but I can not remember many of them.
I attended Aston school in church street. Mr cunningham was the headmaster. The school had a path up to it with cottages to the right.(now demolished ) Many happy years there, especially with mrs pratt. I failed my 11 plus and went to Brewers hill and now i have an honours degree in history from huddersfield university.. so much for the 11 plus.
Does anyone know if Plumtree Cottages are still extant in Pitsone please?
I can remember orange rolling; mum and dad used to bring us kids from Cheddington every year, can't remember how old we were... great fun as kids but could not do it now!
I was wondering if anyone had information around the year 1924 October? My Dad was born in Dunstable on October 7th 1924, but he and his parents and sister moved to Canada when my Dad was 3 years old. Any information/photos would be very much appreciated of that time. Thank you
What a wonderful building this was. My grandfather had an indoor market stall on a Wednesday and Saturday, he was known as the coin man of the Queensway Market. My grandmother worked here up to her retirement and beyond, till the age of 72, in the coffee shop on market days and also helping on the bar at other functions. I remember staying with her and she would take me with her to work and would show me round ...see more
I remember Rumbelows shop on the same side as Waitrose. The Golden Egg restaurant ? Opposite that was a bakers (Geo-ort, I think?) and a photo shop (Dormans, I think?) and Martins newsagents.
I remember Grove House Gardens very well. In the 1950's it was a beautiful park and every year a large garden fete was held there. The afternoon started with a procession from Gt. Northern Rd., down High St., South to the town and the park. There was a large lawn by the house which was turned into an arena for many different performers and bands. The rest of the park was full of various stalls and attractions. ...see more