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 31 - 40 of 42 in total
Can anyone tell me about an orphanage in Grays during WW1? My mother was there in 1914 and I can't find any records of it except at the archives and it just listed children's names but no address. I know it was in Grays but not where when I travelled to the UK. That's all I could find.
Esmeralda, Canada
I can remember heading down to Grays Beach with a couple of friends after school in the mid 1960's and spending a few pennies for half an hour rowing on the boating lake. During the summer holidays, it was not unknown for us to climb over the railings and have a swim! We didn't hang about too long as usually the bloke in charge of the boating lake would chase us off, or else one of us might cut our foot on the rubbish on the bottom of the lake and we'd have to go home to have it cleaned up!
I remember the High St and Joys (or Joyces) on the corner - I remember in the shop they had little money boxes that ran on wires to a cashier! Very old fashioned store with little drawers with stockings and other things in I remember. I remember the old market, it was a funny sort of walk around shape, I also remember a lovely cafe milk bar called Bastiani's and opposite the lovely local baker shop, of which there ...see more
I was born at 13 Alma Place (up the small alley from Argent Street) in 1952, moving to number 6 when I was 5. When I was 9 we moved to Sherfield Road, where I lived until 1970 when we finally moved to Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, where I live with my wife Christine, who also comes from Grays, having lived in Russel Road. I attended Arther Street Infants and Junior schools, before going to Torrels until 1967. ...see more
I too, was born in Argent Street, No 85, next door to Potters Shop. Only the alleyway divided our house from them, and two doors away from The Castle. I have fond memories of growing up in the early sixties, and my adventures included playing in Bruces Wharf timber yard, the Old High Street, West Street, the back garden of The Theobalds Arms . I beliveve 'Bangor' used to run it then, and playing rounders with his ...see more
I remember with great fondness old Grays. I was born in the back bedroom of 191 London Road, Grays. My mother and father lived with my mum's mum and dad, also my brother Ronald was born there 7 years before that. London Road was a wonderful place, especially Edie Dobson's sweetshop along the road a few houses, which was situated in her front room. The smell was so wonderful when we entered the shop. Also I remember ...see more
My mum's family came from Elm Road and my grandad (nickname "Ocker" Salmon) was (I believe) fairly well known, as he had a greengrocery round that he did by horse and cart, then I believe he had a greengrocer shop round the corner from where he lived. I am not certain of the year he did this? He had a riding school some years later down past Manor Road, at the back of the train lines. I just had to visit the ...see more
I was born in Exmouth Road in 1945., Growing up in Grays was lovely, we had everything, no need to go far for anything, even shellfish was delivered on a barrow on Saturdays by Mr Going who also had a stall in the market, or you could call at his house to buy some all cooked fresh. We had a beach, a park, swimming pool and good shops in the High Street, even a dolls' hospital in the old high street ...see more
Hello, my name is John Ryan and I was resident at Grays during the fifties - I was in partnership with a long-standing schoolfriend of mine (Billy Watts). We ran the Reliance Taxis for a few years, which was situated in a lane just off Orsett Road near the War Memorium and Police Station. I remember there was a photographer who had the corner shop where we used to park the cars for fares - his name Was Jack? Does ...see more
I was born in Old Argent Street 1945 (VJ Day), only one in Grays as my old mum used to tell everyone, she was so proud of that, living in a 2 up, 2 down, mum, dad, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, overcrowded, nah, we got by. We spent summers swimming when we could find some bottles to take back to The Castle pub to get in, if not from off the coal jetty up the beach, we played football and cricket on the field by the yacht ...see more