High Street c1955, Dunstable
High Street c1955, Dunstable Ref: D69005
Memories of High Street c1955, Dunstable
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.
Dunstable & local memories
Read and share memories of Dunstable and Bedfordshire inspired by Frith photos.
Downside Est
I also lived in Sundown Avenue from 1944 until 1964 when I married. I remember the area before the Downside Est., was built. It was all farm land and very lovely it was too.
I certainly remember this scene very well as I spent a lot of time either running to catch the bus or running home again - didn't seem to walk much then!!
My mother left Sundown Avenue in 1970, after my father died. They had lived there since their marriage in 1938. I certainly have very fond memories of the days when I grew up there.
Grove House Gardens
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. There were pony rides and Costins Coaches had a very small coach that used to give rides - all very exciting. If I remember correctly I think the fete was held to benefit the pensioners of the town. But to us youngsters it was a wonderful day out.
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!
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 a hill in Leckhampton (near Cheltenham) but haven't come across anything else similar elsewhere.
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 the Civic was one of the best venues for what has come to be called Classic Rock. We just called it rock then. Any band worth their salt played here along with one or two that weren't. Some names that come to mind are Pink Floyd, The Who, Wishbone Ash, Deep Purple, Quo ... the list goes on. I should write a book :)
I understand the site is now an Adsa. Ho hum, Dunstable is what Dunstable does.
Living Around The Corner
I used to live in Sundown Ave, just around the corner from these shops. My friend Michelle lived to the right of the bus. My Mum used to work in the sweet shop at the end of the parade to the right. There was a supermarket on the far left with a chemist next door. I remember buying my Mum some rather stinky Yardley perfume there for her birthday one year for about 1/6d I went to school at Downside CP which you could get to by walking down the road to the right of the photo. People I remember living near theses shops are, Michelle Loggie, Steven Johnson, Michael Lithgo, Tim Francis, ELizabeth Graham, Angela Farrow, Janice Read, Bev Simpkins, Cecilia Atkins...and many more I am sure.,..
My Lovely Family, Bill Joan And Paul Harris
This was the year my son Kevin was born, we all used to go here usually on a Saturday. Paul has just died , he was so special to all his family. While he was in hospital he opened his eyes and said 'I have just been to Dunstable'. He used to work at Waterlows printing factory now long gone so did dad Bill Harris. Remembering them all with much love also Nobby and Nellie clarke, Cyril and Alice Collier.
Family Connections.
The gentleman in the foreground of the Quadrant in the dark suit is my father Albert (Bert) Brandon a local business man. He opened a fruit and flower shop at 12 Albion Street which was previously his mother's shop and sold haberdashery and household linens. Then, before his retirement, he started The Princes School of Motoring. He is waiting for my mother to come out of the bakers and she is possibly the lady carrying her purchase coming out of the shop. Strangely he is standing where he had a garden, a very large area where we played as children, before the Quadrant was built.
