The Francis Frith Collection.
You are here:

Filton memories

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

Early Days in Filton

Although originally from Manchester my parents were living in Filton when I was born in Cheltenham in December 1941. My father, like the majority of men in that area worked at what was then the BAC. He worked at the Rodney Works as a sheet-metal worker and fitter. We lived in Mackie Road and I attended Shields Road School betwen 1946 and 1953 when I went on to Thornbury Grammar School before going to Teacher Training College in 1960.

I vaguely remember the last months of the war but have very clear memories of the parties held on both VE and VJ Day. The first was held at the top of our road in nearby Shellard Road, which at that time was adjacent fields and farm land whilst the latter was held in Station Road which is now a busy dual carriage way. Most of the children at the VJ party were in fancy dress with myself dressed as a gypsy. My skirt was made out of an old... Read more

Growing up in Filton

I was born in Plymouth of Welsh parents, there was no work in Newport Wales when my Father got out of the Navy, so, we moved to my Grandparents house in 50 Wallscourt Rd Filton, until our house 13 Canberra Grove Filton became available. My Father along with my Grandfather worked for the BAC, my Dad was a Blacksmith, I remember sometimes on summer nights walking up to meet him from work. I remember my first visit to get my hair cut at the hairdresser's above the corner shop in Filton (sweet & newsagents) I remember running up the road at night in the winter to the off licence with the pretty pink lights to buy my Dad's senior service fags. I remember endless summer days over the railway lines near are house or up the playing fields near my Nan's. I remember running past St Peters grave yard (up the hill) some nights, if I was alone I would be scared stiff. I remember walking... Read more

Memories of Avon

Horfield Old Boys

Does any one remember me? My name is Robert Cox. I lived at 47 Sheridan Road right next to the lane that went down to the tip (now built on). I went to Upper Horfield School and I still remember my first day at the school in Miss Heap's class, the music teacher was Mrs Greenslade. I can still recall the smell of freshly picked flowers in their vases at the school in the spring. My next door neighbour on one side was Mrs Smith and on the other side of the lane was Mrs Brown. It was in Mrs Brown's garden that I used to go and pick mint for the Sunday dinner as the bottom of her garden adjoining the tip was full of the stuff. I believe her son visited some times and they had a poodle. I spent most of my time then playing with the Hanhams who lived two doors up, Les and Mike, the parents were called John and Barbara who were good friends with my... Read more

Patchway

I grew up here from 1972-98 then moved to Cornwall. I have great memories of living in Patchway and go back to see friends about twice a year.
Andy.

Elmlea in 1976

Elmlea Primary School c1965
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I used to teach at Elmlea from the mid 1970s to 1984 and have a photo I took from virtually the same viewpoint in 1976 - in colour! A group of about 8 of us -teachers, classroom assistants and secretary from that era (Mr Hills was the Head) still meet twice a year and remember our days working there very fondly.   

Frenchay Hospital, Bristol - Built by The American Army

Frenchay Hospital in Bristol was built by the American Army during the Second World War. Frenchay Hospital is a large hospital situated in Frenchay, South Gloucestershire, on the (NE) outskirts of Bristol, England. The hospital, situated in the grounds of a Georgian mansion, Frenchay Park, started life as a TB hospital (Frenchay Park Sanatorium) in 1921, when Bristol Corporation acquired the land. In 1931, five purpose-built buildings were constructed to extend the hospital beyond the original house. Concerns about the possibility of heavy bombing casualties led to the hospital being greatly expanded between 1938 and early 1942. Although Bristol was severely bombed, the new facilities remained unused. When US forces arrived in 1942, the city handed the new hospital facilities over to the Americans, as a sort of reverse Lend-Lease. Further expansion to the facilities occurred in late 1942. Initially, the Americans used the hospital mainly as training facility for their medical staff. After D-Day, however, the hospital was used in earnest, the processing of casualties becoming a very slick... Read more

Memories of Blaise

Blaise Castle c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

During the fifties my friends and I spent many an hour in the woods and playing around the castle, during our school holidays we would be up there from dawn till dusk a few sandwiches and a bottle of water, those were the days. Many of the old photos bring back memories. My sister and I had to go to Henbury church for Sunday School, the photo of Hallen Road shows the old police station, I can't remember it as a police station but I did go there each week when I was in the Air Cadets, we used to keep the old 303 rifles in the old cells locked away.
One of the first schools I attended was at old Manor House opposite the church. In those days we had open coal fires in the class room. I think our teacher was called Mr Arther, I remember he was ginger with a beard, a very caring teacher. From there it was Henbury juniors, off of Marmion Crescent. I remember... Read more

Memorybank total

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

You've shared 28,873 memories of 5,950 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 > Filton > Memories of Filton

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