Nostalgic memories of Hawkhurst's local history
Share your own memories of Hawkhurst 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 11 in total
In 1969 my friend Nick Martin, who lived in Hawkhurst, and I, hitch-hiked across to the Taj Mahal in India.
Sadly I have lost touch with Nick and I wonder whether any of your contributors may be able to help us get back in contact again.
John Hague
I was born in Hawkhurst in 1941 went to school there from January 1947 until I got married my maiden name was Jsephine Mary HILLMAN. Ihave been married to Roger. Maynard for 57 years does anyone remember me?
On this 70th Anniversary of V E day, I remember going to the Victoria Hall with my family, friends and neighbours for a lively celebration. This was my first introduction to the Hokey Cokey, Knees up Mother Brown and the Palais Glide which young and old participated in with great enjoyment.
Pauline Sims nee Bird
I just wondered if anyone remembers any of the Johnson family from Hawkhurst, Benjamin Johnson had the Blacksmiths which is now the Garage and Albert Charles Johnson also worked there. He moved to Cranbrook in later life to live with his daughter, Alice. There were a few other brother's and sisters too.
Any information is welcomed
From Laurella
My first school was at Hawkhurst in approximately 1962. I remember it being very dark inside and possibly a rope climbing frame? I was one of 6 children, and a twin, and we lived in a part of a large house called the "Homestead" where I remember having "elevenses" every day! I suspect we were not there for very long as my parents moved us many times. I imagine "The Homestead" was demolished a long time ago.
I remember so well my first day at primary school in 1943. I was in Miss Barnes' class, there was a wooden and glass partition between that and the next door class of Miss Martin. I was terrified, the noise seemed so intense and I cried all day! From then on I found every excuse possible not to go to school but somehow shortly afterwards nothing would keep me away from school (swat) despite being scared of the ...see more
I very clearly remember Mercers School in the 1950's. My sister, Christine, & I were pupils there. We lived at Stevens Farm from 1950 -1958. I still have the books I was given by Miss Lloyd as prizes but also remember how scared I was of both of them. I have several school photos, including one of me on treacle tins at sports day!
I have several old school photos of Students who attended Mercers School in Hawkhurst if anyone is interested. They date from 1948 to about 1953. The school was run by Miss Durrant and Miss Lloyd two spinster ladies and their dog Jinx. Anyone else remember them?
It's funny you should mention the Woods Butchers, I'm living in Hawkhurst now and am only 19 but I'm friends with the daughter who owns Wood Butchers, Emily Wood. I do enjoy living in Hawkhurst, it is interesting to look at the old pictures and see what it used to look like, probably a lot nicer in my opinion. I'm not a fan of the new appliances shop on the corner where there used to be a Circle-C which then changed ...see more
I have so many happy memories of growing up in Hawkurst in the 1940s /1950s and although Hawkhurst has changed a lot over the years it's a lovely place to visit. I still remember all the shops along the colonnade and the moor. Buss the bakers at the moor and little sweet shop just round the corner and 'Pipers' the sweet shop was owned by my friend's grandparents. We used to go hop picking as well. I also ...see more