The Francis Frith Collection.
You are here:

Little Heath memories

Here are memories of Little Heath and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Little Heath or a Little Heath photo.

 

There are no Memories posted yet for Little Heath - why not be the first!

 

Memories of Essex

Grange Farm Restaurant.

The Swimming Pool, Grange Farm Centre c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I worked in the restaurant at Grange Farm until 1957. The West Ham United football team used to come in for a meal after their training session.

Great Place Lost.

The Swimming Pool, Grange Farm Centre c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

Grange Farm was the place to go for all teens.   You could swim or just hang around with friends.  To get there we walked across the fields and over the bridge across the Roding.  Now of course this place is no more.  A great loss.

Grange Farm Swimming Pool by Carol Gook

The Swimming Pool Grange Farm Centre c1965
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I lived in nearby Abridge, and swam at Grange Farm pool around this time, with my school, Lambourne Primary in Abridge. I learnt to swim here, in the cold water. I loved this pool, it was a magical place for me, and I spent many summers splashing and swimming and then, later, posing and flirting teenage style. So sad that this lovely outdoor pool is no more. It was one of my favourite places and contributed to my love of swimming in cold water. I still swim now, outdoors every day - I am lucky to live near a big outdoor pool that has survived but I always think of those beautiful summer days at Grange Farm, gone but not forgotten.

Wonderful Memories

The Swimming Pool, Grange Farm Centre c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I visited Grange Farm on a week's holiday with my school in 1960. It was my first real holiday, away from the streets of St Helens, Lancs. We slept in what looked like barrack rooms with about a dozen bunk beds which looked like they were leftovers from the war. We also had day trips to London, and the London Zoo. This was also the first time I had seen such a big swimming pool.  It was a wonderful time. I remember the trip including transport and accomodation cost 12 pounds, included was two pounds for our 'spending money. Happy days!

West Hatch School

West Hatch School c1960
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

I lived my early years in the grounds of Great West Hatch Hospital (my father was the gardener there), next door to the school site. I can remember the school being substantially finished by the time I was 11 (1957), though my parents persuaded me (against my better judgement) not to go there for my secondary schooling. I have older memories of the land as part of Furze's farm, and helping stack sheaves of wheat at harvest time.

Memorybank total

We're very pleased and excited by your response so far to our "Share your Memories" community.

You've shared 28,875 memories of 5,951 towns & villages across the UK - keep them coming!

Browse memories button

Find Memories

Simply search for your favourite places to read others' memories and share your own.

Start by searching for your favourite places

Tips & Ideas

Not sure what to write?
It's easy - just think of an important place in your life and ask yourself:

How does it feature in your personal history?

What are your best memories of this place?

How has it changed over the years?

How does it feel, seeing these old photos of your favourite place?

Do you remember stories about the local community, its history and people?

Start now!

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

Your memories

To jump straight to the memories you have added already to the Community, click here

I Remember When...

I Remember When

This stunning compilation highlights some of the best stories selected from the thousands contributed here on the Frith website. The result is an absorbing chronicle of British life from the Second World War to the mid 1960s.

A colourful treasure trove of memories, "I Remember When" is an irresistible mix of personal stories and recollections that affectionately reveal the detail of everyday life in Britain.

Learn more button Save 25% on I Remember When when you order now!
Home > Explore your past > Little Heath > Memories of Little Heath

© Copyright 1998-2012 Frith Content Inc. All rights reserved.