Nostalgic memories of Ilford's local history

Share your own memories of Ilford 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.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 48 in total

My name is don barton, I worked and lived in ilford.I worked in Ron’s music shop pioneer market . With joe dormer Bob bell allan sword. And Stan.it was the best time ever .if only I could turn back the clock.80 yrs old in June.
Does anyone remember Mario's restaurant in Cranbrook Road. Opposite Valentine's? park
I was an apprentice Shopfitter that worked on C & A Modes in early 1960, it was a freezing time with frosts and cold winds whistling through the arcade of showcases at the front of the shop. The Shopfitting Co was namely the famous, Parnall and sons ltd of Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol. This company stopped trading after a factory fire in about 1991. While working in Ilford i spent a couple ...see more
any one remember the the time when Mr Night ran the pool and Mrs Night was in the office We would buy our season tickets on April the first and did one width just say we had been in.so many happy hours spent there with friends only leaving when it was time to close. getting old now and love to remember the old times anyone still out there?
I was 19 when the fire happened and engaged to be marred my wife to be Joan and I would spend hours in the store mostly looking at the furniture we could not afford ( but one could dream) we lived at Barkingside and could see the smoke rising from there. almost in tears at the waste of all that great furniture. any friends still around from that time? went to Dane 51 -55 ish
The name of the ladies fashion shop on Ilford Broadway was Maison Riche. I know this because I lived next door in the Red Lion from 1957 to 1968 Nick Cook
I lived in Ilford Lane when this happened. We heard fire appliances going past most of the night as I believe they were bringing in water tankers from as far as Tilbury. I remember reading that fire watchers were called out to nearby buildings for the first time since the war. The 691 and 693 trolleybus routes ran past our house. I know they were disrupted but I still got to school although I can't remember if it ...see more
I was born down Roman Road Ilford sadly as long ado as 1947 but life in Ilford was good. Went to Mount Secondary School but left at the age of 14 and started work as a jnr legal secretary in a firm in Cranbrook Road. It was so great then could get on a train and be in Liverpool Street in 20 mins an shop till we dropped. I started going to the Palais at 17 and loved it. It wa the place to go for a good night out. ...see more
If anyone is interested in the history of Harrison Gibson's late 50's early 60's I may be able to help with a few names etc, Alan Macer
I remember like it was yesterday, I went to Highlands school from1961/ 1968, my name is Paul Cahn, my best friend was Jeff Lobel, we are still best mates today, some 50 odd years later.