Nostalgic memories of Loughton's local history

Share your own memories of Loughton 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 11 - 20 of 34 in total

My parents, brother and I moved to Loughton in 1959. Our next door neighbours (Mr & Mrs Angel) were already retired and called Loughton 'The Village'. My mum got a job working in the sweetshop next door to the cinema (I think it was called Barber's) and I remember having a 'Jubbly' (of Lovely Jubbly fame) there. I remember them pulling down the cinema - I was playing in the back ...see more
I lived in Station Road from 1943 until about 1955, when we moved to the top of Spring Grove. The house we lived in is, and has been for some time, a dentist. I loved growing up in Loughton in Station Road. It was like being wrapped in a warm blanket! What a lovely village it was. I would encourage folks to look at the Loughton and District Historical Society website. There are lots of photos in the newsletter archive. If anyone remembers my family, drop me a line!
My husband and I lived in South Woodford for four years. We are Americans and were working with an American Mission Agency. We would visit the Chariot Restaurant in Loughton frequently and the food was delicious. We have tried to search for it, but it must have closed down. Have they renamed The Chariot, or is it non-existant?
Moved to Loughton in 1970, I was 1 year old and stayed in the same house in Spareleaze Hill till I was 19. I went to St John Fisher primary school then onto Loughton School just at the end of the High Road itself, which closed in the late 1980s, early 1990s I think, as houses/apartments are now standing there. Many friends were made through the family who eventually have moved away like ourselves. My ...see more
Hi all. We moved to Debden in 1948, and lived at the end of The Broadway, there were only a few shops open during this time, Sainsbury's, the Post Office, Woolworth's and a Cafe. The only bus service was the 254 single decker that we caught to Loughton to do our shopping, there was of course the London Transport Underground station of Debden, where everyone boarded trains for ...see more
My husband and I were married at St. Mary's on the 27th June 1959 and Rev. Wright performed the ceremony which was one of the last he performed there before he retired. I was born in Loughton attending Staples Road Infants School and Roding Road Secondary.
There used to be a youth club held inside the Brook Secondary School of an evening & live bands on Friday nights. It was fun going there & 'being in school' when not being in school.. if you know what I mean! I was a member of the youth club 5 a side female football team, I don't remember winning too many games but when we won against the Debden team, we got away rather quickly. I ...see more
If Lopping Hall was the hall behind The Crown pub, then that's where my sister and I went to Ballroom Dancing lessons. I think they cost 2 shillings and 6 pence a lesson.
My dad Len Bayford had the barbers shop in Forest Road. I was born in 1948 and he died in 1955. My brother Mike came out of the army and took over the shop.
Does anyone remember Murray's the Bakers in Loughton High Road? My mother worked there in 1950s/60s and I spent many a school holiday 'helping her'. When slightly older in the mid-late 60s, I attended a youth club, I think in Loughton Way/Valley Hill area. Does anyone remember it? If so what was it called and is the building still there?