Nostalgic memories of Hillingdon's local history

Share your own memories of Hillingdon 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 all 10 Memories

I lived with my family in Windsor Avenue after 2WW. Oak Farm Primary was the school I went to which was just down the road. In 1951/52 the school had a choir, Mr. Roberts was the Head Master. I was in this choir. There was a record made and we were all given a copy. The copy I have unfortunately has got damaged. We immigrated to Australia in 1955, so I am not able to go to the school. I am hopeful that someone can tell ...see more
I lived in Hillingdon from the 1960 to 1975 before moving abroad, I came back and married in this church in 1981.(it is 2018 now and i am still married). I live in Scotland now and have not returned for many years. Hillingdon being so near the airport means that it has changed beyond recognition. I loved the small parades of shops as as i went to school at Swakeleys i loved the parade at the Master Brewer (long gone i now think).
We lived in Vine Lane Hillingdon in the 1950's. In our garden there was a gate leading into the fields where Rugby was played in the winter months; the gypsies used to camp with their horse under the old oak tree, by the pond, and as children we often walked across all those fields, now built upon, to the houses in Long Lane..... what freedom we enjoyed.
Does anyone remember the arcade just past the Savoy cinema after Vine Street. It had a cafe in the centre, a model shop, pet shop, wool shop and music shop. Just opposite was the old National Provincial Bank; renamed when the Westminster Bank took it over. My favourite shop was down by the Regal, it was called Percy's, it was a model and sweet shop. I bought all my model train stuff there. I must have made every Airfix ...see more
I was baptised in St Giles's Church in March 1943, having been born in Hoylake Crescent. My paternal grandparents also lived in Hoylake Crescent. I went to Breakspeare Primary School from 1948 to 1952 when the family moved to Cornwall. My parents were married in St. Martin's Church in Ruislip as my maternal grandparents lived in Ruislip. Our bungalow backed onto the River Pinn and in winter if often ...see more
I was an American Airman stationed in Uxbridge and lived at 169 Swakeleys Road. This was a large house owned by Lillian Conway,(Steve Conways widow) who rented rooms to eight of us Airmen. I have many pleasant memories of my stay there. We enjoyed Mrs. Conways care for us, and she was an excellent cook. We paid thirty pounds a month for two meals a day and our room. I loved the many British people we met, and it was sad leaving them when time came to return home.
Does anyone have any photos of the old garden (the old walled garden) off Long Lane at Hillindon? It was opposite the convent. I used to live there as a child prior to the building of the new houses built, I believe, in about 1970. I have wonderful fond memories of it as a child, I would love to see some photos! Please help jog my mind if you can.
I have traced a newspaper report telling of the rescue of myself and my four siblings when houses in Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon were bombed in 1943. The report tells of one of the rescuers being a Mr. Reginald White who owned the general store and post office in Ryefield Avenue. I wonder if any of Mr. White's descendants are still living in the area - if so it would be great to be ...see more
Hello Hillingdon! My Grandfather lived in Hillingdon, in the 1967-8 years in Tudor Road, Hayes End area. I was wondering if anyone out there would have known him? His name was George Charles Copley, and was working in the printing trade, at Watford in his time, but has passed on now. I would dearly like to hear from you if you remember him, or knew him as I know nothing about him. Please get in touch with me, Thank You. Joy Taylor. (nee Copley)
My family lived in Hillingdon from the beginning of ww2 until 1953 when we moved from Biggin Hill. Our first home was a top floor flat in Pinewood Ave which was not ideal for a family with 4 children and then Grandmother descended on us with her 2nd husband. Amazing to think of todays children being prepared to share a bedroom with 3 others, however when child no. 5 came along we moved to Evelyn ...see more