Nostalgic memories of Grays's local history
Share your own memories of Grays 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 21 - 30 of 42 in total
I wasn't born in Grays. In fact had a very disrupted childhood due to my father initially being in the army. However I spent one week at Quarry Hill Primary school at the end of the school year before moving to Grays Park School. My best friend became Maureen Snashall(now Rumble) and she emigrated to Australia in the 1960's. My father left the army and became the steward of Rook Hall Labour Club on ...see more
My memories of Grays go back to the 1940's and 1950's the war years and before the London over-spill estates Of Belhurst Park and Basildon arrived. I was born and lived at 106 Bridge Road with my parents Thomas and Hilda Gosnall and my brother John Thomas and sister Jeanette Kathleen. My parents were married on the 9th June 1934 at London Road Methodist Church which was just along the London ...see more
After my grandparents passed away the house was left to my father bill mercer.we lived at 64 Charlton street south stifford.I remember the cement works very well as I along with my friends peter Baldwin and Dave whitehead we would talk with the guys on night shift and get a warm next to the fires.we also went into a room not far from the kilns to keep warm and would come out covered in cement dust.before the ...see more
I lived in Sherfield Rd from 1950-1960. I lived a few doors down from the Bridgers, the local haulage contractor, his daughter Beryl use to ride her horse at the head of the carnival procession each year, during the procession. Pigg's Bakery use to throw tiny loaves of bread into the crowd, (no health and safety in those days). I remember Mumfords fish shop, wet and fried, my brother and I would stand ...see more
I remember Grays Beach and the swimming pool there.
Hi All, one of my memories of Grays old High Street was the café. Walking down the High Street toward the beach, on the left hand side was the cafe, it was called the Green Door and was owned by Bert Herrington. He and his wife would serve; she did a wonderful egg and chips and a big mug of tea. There was an old juke box in the cafe, well not old then of course, it was 1960 and I remember every time I ...see more
Relating to the story of Roger Pickett; I also was born in 1952 (January) and lived in Lucas Rd with my nan, Kitty Rayment, and my mum, Joyce, and family from the age of 3. So Roger, we were near neighbours! My maiden name then was Linda Banks. We lived at number 23 Lucas Road, before that we lived in Lenthall Ave, just round the corner. I have been looking at the picture posted on the site; was the big building at the ...see more
At the age of 14 my father began work as an apprentice pawnbroker for the firm W. Paines & Co. at their Strood branch on the corner of High Street, and Station Road. The firm had 3 branches. The apprenticeship lasted 5 years, followed by a period of ‘improving’. When dad had finished his 5 year apprenticeship (age 19) he went to work at the Grays shop. In 1929-1932 he was employed as an ‘improver’ for 3 years and then from ...see more
I remember Grays as if it was yesterday. After the war, going to the Open Air School up by the Oaks public house, then attending Quarry Hill School with Miss Hill and Mr Gray before the 11 plus. Passing the exam and going to the Tech which was at the end of Thurloe Walk where I lived. Joining 106 Squadron ATC for parades every Sunday morning with my best friend Bernard Watson; who I am unable to track down since ...see more
What a difficult thing it is to write down all you want to! So much in our memories ...
I am the curator of the Essex Fire Museum which is based at Grays fire station in Hogg Lane. I was born in Grays in June 1952 and lived at 41 Lucas Road with mum Violet, dad Frank and brother Colin not forgetting sister Doreen. In July 1976 I joined the Essex County Fire Brigade and served as a fireman at ...see more