Recent Memories

Reconnecting with our shared local history.

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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Tips & Ideas

Not sure what to write? It's easy - just think of a place that brings back a memory for you and write about:

  • How the location features in your personal history?
  • The memories this place inspires for you?
  • Stories about the community, its history and people?
  • People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
  • Has it changed over the years?
  • How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?

This week's Places

Here are some of the places people are talking about in our Share Your Memories community this week:

...and hundreds more!

Enjoy browsing more recent contributions now.

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Displaying Memories 641 - 720 of 36556 in total

Throughout the 1970s I worked as the Saturday Boy for Walter White , the greengrocers in Station Road. Everyone knew his shop because of the large wooden banana which hung in the front window . I understand that this was an advertising prop given to traders by Fyffes bananas after the war but Mr White had kept this novelty which became a trademark of his business.Incidentally, Mr White ...see more
I was stationed at Lakenheath from 1965 until 1968. I was a member of the 1979th Communications Squadron. While there, I was on the base softball team. We were realy good and won the UK Championship three consecutive years. Our pitcher was Glen Lambdin and he was real fast. Great times! We playd in the USAFE championships in Germany, but did not do well there. Glen was a crew chief on ine of the F100s that were ...see more
I was nerina lowther b1942 left school no exams 1958 but aged 50 got two hons degrees. Home flat above dry cleaners 29a coldharbour lane. Used to play in extensive bombed buildings. Recall early lessons in air raid shelter. Toilets open air near entrance. Actually remember dairy farm in coldhsrbour lane en route school. Miss Marriott infant teacher. Sec mod friend Hazel. Whole town worked ...see more
I lived in Glanville Drive, a residential road off Upminster Road about 100 yards to the west of Wingletye Lane, for the first part of my life from 1947 so I knew the area well. The building on the corner of Wingletye Lane and Upminster Road is 'Dury Falls', a Grade II Listed Building which I remember was being used as offices in the 1960s. The strip of land planted with bushes on the ...see more
Brought up in the Square I have happy memories of playing in Daresbury Firs. The blue bells were always marvellous in the spring! I used to help my stepdad (Roy Forster) collect leaf mould for his vegetable garden each year and carry the bags back to our garden. (This was WAY before the by-pass.) Every now and again the men would be called out to build fire-breaks if the bracken caught fire. ...see more
My mother (Clare Dawson) lived in the thatched cottage shown in the photo in about 1912. Her mother (Ms Dawson) was a teacher at the school. My mother was born in Foxwist Lane, her father spent most of his spare time at the Plough Inn.
Mum used to go courting with my Dad i Rossi's. I was born in Doncaster in 1974 and i have very fond memories of visiting relatives in Consett in the 1980's xx
My mum grew up on Green Street, Leadgate. She has fond memories of living there. Telling me how she was always late for school despite living so close and working at the Roxy as an usherette. She also remember's a friend from school called Sheila xx
I went to Trevalyan School approx 1967….. Had an amazing English teacher, can’t remember her name, but she taught English so well. Pat Dean was in my class..( would love to hear from you Pat ). Susan Clay, you were a year older than me. I used to go round with your sister Cheryl. ( would love to hear from you both too ). We lived in Calvery close. Windsor Barracks. Kathy Smith, Gillian Perry and Marilyn ...see more
I was born in Tredegar, South Wales in April 1941. My mother had been evacuated to that small welsh town when she fell pregnant with me in 1940. We lived with her parents. My dad was away doing War things. We moved back to London when I was 5 years old in 1946. We had a basement flat in Rucklidge Avenue. It had concrete floors and no carpets - bloody freezing! One of my most vivid memories of that time was ...see more
The newly named Pioneer Christian Youth Hostel, (open to all faiths) was situated 197O in the flat (apartment) accommodation basement of the old Methodist Church. The hostel was served by newly installed propane gas supply, the money was raised by volunteers and friends of the hostel.. A generous peppercorn annual rent of ten pounds, was authorized by the then local ...see more
My great grandparent lived her from at least 1939 to 1949 William Henry Clarke and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Francis
I lived in New Malden until my early 20s. We lived in Connaught Road, Number 20 and then Number 21. Our final home was The Bungalow 164 Kingston Road. My mother was a keen gardener and we used to have masses of daffodils. My sister and I were great animal lovers and once held a garden party for the BUAV when Annette Mills with Muffin the Mule graced uswith her presence. We used have Christmas dinner at The Fountain ...see more
My mother was born 29th of March 1909 in hut no.8 Pontllan.llangyfelach.R. D. .Her father was a railway blacksmith so I can only assume it was a rail line camp for the great western railway during construction to the coal mines around that area.I believe she went to school at pontlliw along with her sister. She had eight stepbrothers I understand all coalminers. My mothers birth name was Doris May Evans and ...see more
My name was Sandra Goodfellow when I was born at home in Erbistock in 1954. I lived on Twining hill. I had a very happy childhood there with my three siblings, Mum and Dad. I started Erbistock school in 1957. It was a cosy, two classroom school with coal fire heating. Mrs Parry ( head mistress ) and Mrs Roberts were the two teachers. There were only 32 children in the whole school. I remember story time with ...see more
The Church at Kilinian during the 18th and 19th century, if not earlier, was a Celtic Presbyterian Church where my ancestors, the Patterson and McClean families worshipped, conducted baptisms, weddings and funerals. The residents I have traced go back to John Patterson, father to Donald who was father to Neil who was father to Angus who was ...see more
Not really a memory but my grandparents spent their honeymoon at Hotel le Gouffre in July 1900. Thanks for the picture. DF
The Black Bull used to be owned by a Mrs George and was known as The Avenue Tea Rooms I vaguely remember my father Albert (Fred) Sheppard helping painting the Tea Rooms prior to becoming The Black Bull soon after the War. Paul Sheppard
My dad Ronald Peel was born in Wheatley Hill in 1932. He had very happy memories as a child growing up there He sadly passed January 28th 2022 I have done a lot of family research on my dads family since I last posted on this site finding out most of his family history. Only thing I couldn’t find out is how Hannah Robson was connected to our family? My grandmother was Frances E Peel nee Robson grt grandmother ...see more
Does anybody remember a young man called William Kenneth Stephens who worked at the Scafell Hotel about 1959/60?
I was there from 1969 to 1972 I remember going to school just over the road from the boys house were I stayed and if you were good you could go home at weekends if not you had to go to church on a Sunday I can only remember a few of the girls back then one was Lesley Potts and Caroline rivers I can't remember some of the boys back then but I do remember a young boy who passed away there it was very sad then but I always ...see more
Hi everyone I went to Fornethy in the late 70s I went there twice and most of the teachers were brilliant only for a wee old grumpy one don’t know her name she would always be knitting and took the knitting classes I also remember the outings, showers baths and getting the cod liver oil my dorm was called ESK I remember even making little statue of Paddington bear and painting it and bringing it home Susan
My great grandparents lived at Birdhurst House - now demolished - and although I have family images from the garden, I have never seen a photo or painting of the house itself. Does anyone know where I might find one?
I went to Tregenna in about 1953 and just wondering if anyone else remembers being there and can share the times we had there? Anthony Joseph
I was there around that time as well. I remember Mr and Mrs braband he was the maintenance man. I worked with him whilst there. I was in Wake to start with and then in founders after wake closed then went back when I was coming up to leave. I remember the staff you have mentioned and remember putting on 2 plays there with Vic. Do you remember when Bill Ownens visited the school?. It would be great to share some more memories
I was brought up in gwehelog no usk very poor and I can ember vividly very hungry most of the time oh and ice inside the windows I was so cold yet we had coal or rather wood from our local fields we used to call it top woods bottom woods when I say we I mean I had three brothers who I certainly looked up to at times. I would like to add I how have one brother left he lives in nz too far for ...see more
I'm Teresa Shackell/Torrington I remember very well my nana used to work washing the dishes and I used to go regularly over to the three salmons hotel and help her she was in her 90s then she never gave up her little job as long as I can remember she was quite a character can anyone out there remember a Mrs Harriet AnnDavies I was her granddaughter she lived over the bridge in the little cottages
I was about 5 when my mum and dad moved us to Sandiacre from Nth Wingfield around 1955, we Loved our new council house in Coronation Avenue, my grandma and grandad lived in the first house on the corner of Coronation Avenue and Derby Rd, the entrance to the new estate, my brother George was born not long after we moved there, and we loved playing up Stony Clouds when he grew up a bit, ...see more
Me and my family lived here, my parents ran the local taxi service, called Jackson's Taxis, 23 Huntingdon St,nearby was Bartletts the butcher, and Miss Skipper had a real old fashioned sweet shop in East St, I have plenty of happy memories growing up in St Neots. It is really nice to view all the old photos.
As a child I lived at 63 St. Peter’s Avenue which was the only house on that block next shop being blessed dry cleaning the opticians and then the church all of which were demolished and boots chemist and the car park occupy this space now I also remember the fruit and veg shop dysons butchers Nancy youngs hairdressers Mitchell cake shop and Kay’s stork house to name but a few But have no pictures of these places but I ...see more
I was born at Easton Hall in July 1944. My father was away at sea in the Royal Navy and my mother told me that the residents of Eaton Hall had moved into the servants' quarters to let the Hall be used as as a maternity home for service wives. Our family lived nearby in Retford.
I grew up at 120, Costons Lane, next to the Co-Op Dairy. I remember they still had horses pulling the carts until conversion to hand-pulled electric Milk Floats in the 50's. I went to Oldfield Infants, taken on the 92 Bus. I remember the Headmistress, Miss Mackintosh: teachers Mrs. Crumpsall and Miss Keightly ( who seemed about 75!) In 1947, I went to Coston's Junior Boys when Mr. Blount was Head. First year was Mrs. ...see more
I, Allen Rix, was born and grew up in Jersey Marine from 1933 to 1951 when I left to join the RAF. Living through World War 2 was hard for a lot of people but for us it was a gat time, even though we had to endure the bombing of Swansea. We had the sea and beach close by, the Tennant Canal to fish and walk along, three hills to climb and the golf course to follow. We were all fit as fleas and thought nothing of ...see more
My grandfather, Cecil Carter and wife Winnifred Carter were owners of a fish and game shop during the second world war. I would like to know the street name and the name of the shop. The shop was located in Reigate. The fish was loaded onto trains and brought to Reigate and then delivered on carts to the shop. Does anyone out there have photos of the shop? If someone can help me, I would greatly appreciate the assistance.
to have good memories of baughurst my parents both worked at AWRE we moved there when I was one and we left the area in 1970 when I was 15 We lived at 50 long grove and I also went to hurst school I now live in new Zealand If anyone remembers me don’t hesitate to contact me be great to see what happens to all the people my age Used to love catching the bus on Rainy days to tadley burnham copse junior ...see more
I shouldn't say as I think where we played in the woods is private property and as been split from the old bowling green and tennis courts with a main road but we called it the canian woods where we would make a rope swing which swung out into the large canian hole amazing also play hide and seek, doby help um and knock down chestnuts and conkers with a stick
Sandy banks in strelley village is a place in the 70s where we would build rope swings and camp
I used to love playing on this park when I was a kid in the 70s because of the coppers hat and caterpillar seesaw don't see rides like that anymore but we had so much fun
Does anybody remember the modern two storey Motel that overlooked the estuary in the 1960s? It was elevated with the car park below. I am sure it has long gone and been heavily redeveloped in the passing years but I have fond memories of my stay there as a teenager. I would love to know anything about it’s fate and especially it’s name when I stayed there. Kings bridge Motel maybe??!! Any comments would be so lovely. Linda Walker
I lived in this house from 1951 to 1961 with my Parents and Brother mum did Bed and Breakfast and Dad was market gardener the photo you have was taken by my father who did all the renovations on the property my Dad maid the gates and the name over the gate the porch and the driveway if anyone remembers me from this time would be glad to get in touch
I have a photo of my great-grandfather walking down Broadway. I'm unable to make out anything elso on my photo. He vacationed in Sheerness in Blue Town during the 1930's. I'd like to know the name of the steeple that is across from the Royal hotel. I've seen it in a few photos but I don't see it on modern maps. Donna Webb
I lived in Heaton Avenue from when I was 2 to when I was 14. I had the good luck to be part of the first pupils to go to Broxhill in the 60's when it was first built, we were at Harrowfield's huts at the start of the school year in the September because Broxhill wasn't finished. When you walked into the school you could still smell the fresh wood, paint and newness, the assembly hall and lunch area ...see more
I lived in Bubwith from August 1949 until January 1961 when my family moved to York following the sale of the family grocery business. The shop was located directly opposite the end of The Intake on the main village street and is now a whitewashed, family home. The Maltby family had traded from this building for several generations. Strangely, in 1945 my father, Edward Maltby married Nora Whitaker who was the ...see more
Does anyone remember Shiphay Preparatory School (also referred to as The Lilacs). I was a pupil there from 1958 to 1960. Have been trying to locate the school room, which was in an outbuilding in the grounds of a house called “The Lilacs”. The house was not far from the Devon Dumpling pub, and we used to walk to the Church hall to have our lunch. Packed lunch, sitting in a row of single desks, in total ...see more
Looking on the Henley Census Info site, I found a reference to Frewins Cottages and Frewins Row. Frewin is my mother's maiden name and the family seem to have been in Henley for over 200 years. Being an unusual surname, they have been easy to track down but does anyone know where Frewins Cottages and Frewins Row were? Peter Francis
Hi, My grandad George Ringwood had a tailoring business at Tally Ho Corner when I was very young. He made my school uniform for me when I moved up to senior school in 1962. S5adly, our family drifted apart due to mum and dad divorcing when I was 8 years old and I didn't see my London grandparents again after the age of 11. I remember Grandad's 'factory' was above the shops at Tally Ho Corner. Does anyone remember ...see more
I lived in Gregory road from1953-1071 well remember the greyhound track and norward farm diaries. Used to come out of George tomlinsons school and dash into the woodyarc and grab as much wood as be could grab before we got caught.
I am now 89 but I was only 7 when I was collected from the pavement at the end of Yeo Vale Rd in 1940. I was given shelter at number 41 Carrington Terrace the home of Mr. & Mrs. Gear and their daughter Mary. They were wonderful to both me and my sister Phyllis and I had always kept in touch until Mary died aged 91 last year. All our lives we had regarded each other as brother and sister. I have so ...see more
My name is Alan Jones, I am from Llandybie having been born at 4 Angel Terrace. This tiny terraced house between the Ivy Bush and the Church was locally known as "Ty John Jew". My Grandfather ran the "Red Cow" for many years. My Great Grand parents lived in a cottage called "Felin Bwlch" near the lime kilns in Pentregwenlais. Whilst researching my great grand parents I came across a lane called Rue Guy ...see more
I lived in Derwent Ave and went Grimsdyke School .I remember Mrs Swan im sure she was a Dinner lady had a son called Nigel .Im trying to remember the head teacher she was a lady was in Miss Forsyth??I should remember i was outside her office often enough🤣🤣 I was rather naughty whilst living in Hatch End.I remember the Launderette used to sit in there alot as teens as it was nice and warm .I remember Dels, go in ...see more
My name is Christine Worsley née Heard, My parents moved to Horndon on the Hill in 1949-1950 when they got married and lived in bungalow called 'Wingfield' on North Hill, which I think is towards the bottom of North Hill. I was born in that bungalow in 1952 and I would love to find out where it is or was. I am coming to Horndon on the Hill in April 2022 and would love to locate it. As I am ...see more
I was in stowlangtoft hall with my brother Dominic Attard my sister Maria Attard my name is Rita, I believe I was only 6months old my brother was about 6/ 7 my sister about 3/4 years old ,I do remember having a sleep in the afternoon and playing in the big garden,a small bridge that went over the small stream I think we left when my brother reached a certain age..we were moved to Hornchurch cottage homes. My ...see more
I remember Alison crook Fred Clarke Alison Clark the crystals and Frank my name was Chris Trinder the home wasn't to bad apart from the staff.
Does anyone have any memories of the Greengrocers at 247 High Rd from 1963-1971?
Does anyone have any memories of Family Brown who lived in Elmfield Road until 1954? The parents were Percy & Winifred (nee Gover) who had 3 daughters: Winifred, Doris & Joyce and 1 son: Reginald.
Doze any one remember hassobury school hazel end when miss camp was head of school miss Williams miss evans miss Dollier miss Dunlop back 1969 lovely school can any one remember the school
I went to Orchard Road School too and lived in Well Street. I was just looking for old photos when I came across this site and memories.
From Machen junior mixed to Bassaleg in 1959 ( I think) this reminds me of being 'initiated' by being chucked down the bank. fond memories of my stay there but not of the then headmaster-Penry-Reese- He was hopeless. Other teachers made a huge impression on my life to come, like Miss Mainwaring (or Mannering) in English and 'Carrots' who was lovely and had red hair. POD( Percy Olwyn Davies) teaching french was not ...see more
I remember as a child riding through the bridleways to get to the forge to have our horses shod. The farriers didn't have the ability to come out and shoe your horse then so you had to take the horse to the forge !!! We had great fun eating our lunches whilst waiting for the farrier to shoe.
Max Michaelis lived in Tandridge Court and was well known for breeding Shire Horses. He had Brook Farm built in 1903 to actually house his stallions and breeding stock. He also held agricultural shows on his land for the local community - flowers, fruit and vegetables as well as stock and horses. He had a very successful showing career with his horses
I was born in a maternity home in Ditchling in January 1946. I never knew its name. My mum told me she was in the home for three weeks and that Vera Lynn had her daughter in the same maternity home around the same time. Can anyone tell me the name of the maternity home? I would like to visit the place when next in the area.
I have discovered that this hotel, Hotel Atlanta, Tintagel, was owned by my 2nd cousin twice removed on my maternal side of the family circ. 1950's/1960's. Mr Cyril and Mrs Grace Ayles are my ancestors. I discovered they owned this place from their probate listing. I found a newspaper report that Grace died from a long illness, but what I cannot find is a newspaper report of how Cyril died. ...see more
I attended Chatsworth and then Twickenham County ,was a member of Hounslow swimming club . As Hounslow Baths were closed in the winter months the club used Heston Baths and we always stopped at Rossi’s in Lampton Road on the way home. The best ice cream in the world. I too remember Edmunds but was there a shop called Abernathys that sold sports wear? I remember a hairdressers in Bell Rd ...see more
When my father got a job in Bristol after the war we moved to Bristol from Leeds but there was very little housing available. After a year of living with a family ‘in digs’ as it was called then, we were allocated a council flat in a beautiful Manor House at the bottom of Park Hill just off the green in Shirehampton. I have wonderful memories of being in the fabulous garden there all day with ...see more
My mum told me she came to Peartree Farm Askham Bryan. She was an Ellwood from Batley. she described a hanging ham in the kitchen, her discovery of her allergy to mushrooms and playing in the fields here about. I have no idea which relative she stayed with and am struggling to find a connection to her family tree. I distinctly remember her showing us this farm on a trip back from the yorks E coast. We lived ...see more
My husband and I were visiting the UK in 2019 and checking out areas ancestors had lived in. One of these was Corfe Castle, specifically Ower Farm. When we arrived in Corfe we noticed the visitor center, went in and I asked if there was a historian present. The gal at the desk asked me why I wanted to know, so I pulled out my genealogy information and showed it to her. She became rather excited and asked if she could ...see more
I was then Sandra Niven so remember very well Hazel Tomlins Fiona Patterson and Tokumba Audifferen. Mrs Hutton was the Head and her son Graham ran the office he had a stand offish wife and a quiet son that was terrifieď of us girls 👧 🙄
In my school days I used to go to the bakery with my school pal George. It was owned by Mr Rhodes, George's father. Helping to make all the bread-cakes-pork pies, Mr Rhodes would put a pork belly joint in the oven for our breakfast. Can taste it now, with fresh baked bread and proper butter. This was because we started at 6am, school came a sorry second. I would have been 14/15 years old then. The ovens where coke fired, ...see more
Does anyone have any information about the Laverick family from Hardy street Crook,my grandfather Alfred lived there with his mother Rachel,father Christopher and brothers Fred and Norman.Alfred was married at st Catherine’s church.We would love to try and trace our family history.
My memory often takes me back to the early 50’s when l was a pupil at Saltburn High School but earlier than that l recall being taken to the cafe at Saltburn pier which had Lloyd loom chairs and glass topped tables.It all seemed very posh to me. I lived in Redcar with my aunt and uncle and when my Father was able , he came from Leicester to see me. The special treat was a visit to Saltburn pier for a knickerbocker glory. It is now a lifetime away but the memories linger on!
Im hoping that local residents from the late 40s onwards can help. I remember travelling with my family late 1950s to vistit some relations who lived in March, in train carrages bolted together. My memories are vague but they were jolted today as I was looking for information on a cousin of my father and found someone with the same name who died in Cambridgeshire. The carrages were in what I would describe as a ...see more
1 was a pupil at common road infants approx. 1954 to 1956. We had recently moved from South Elmsall, the area was strange and I knew no-one, my parents bought the corner ship on Currieville at the end of Carlton Street, it was directly opposite to the one owned by 'HINKS'. if anyone remembers it, Hi! It wasn't a particularly happy time at school as I never really felt integrated until I hit Mrs Smeaton's class, she ...see more
My brother and I used to spend Saturday mornings at the cinema in the 1960's. 6d for the bus from the clock tower to the cinema and 6d entrance. 2 hours of Flash Gordon and the Lone Ranger and others I can't now remember. :)
I lived at 12 Grange Park Road from 1956-1971. Whilst there, once a month we used to use the Public Baths across the road, as we only had an outside toilet, and normal bath night at home consisted of a strip wash in the galvanised washing tub. I was also a member of the swimming club there in the 60's.
I was born at Inshriach in 1949. My dad worked at the sawmill so we would lived in one of the houses there. My older brother went to school in Lagganlia. He has memories from then but unfortunately I don’t . I have been back but can’t pinpoint where I was born. I would love any information on the area. Moira Martin ( birth name Grant)
I worked there in the 80s best job i ever had.i used to work in Poly Sheathing nights and days. Great bunch of people i can remember big Stan Batchford catching me smoking hahaha. He was a good man old school very fair who didnt suffer fools gladly.
My mother, Betty Cronin, was the head teacher at Dunsfold School from around 1951 to 1958 and I lived in the schoolhouse with her and my sister Susan during this period. Both my sister and I went to school in Guildford which involved a two-bus journey there and back each day. I have many memories of life in the village during this time, too many to mention in detail. However, among those that stand ...see more
I vividly remember what my dear dad told me about the time he was an inpatient at Black Notley when he had TB of his hip in the early 30’s. He told me there was a star in the middle of the floor of the ward and if you were naughty (he was 6-7 years old) your bed was wheeled onto the star where there wasn’t a roof and left there regardless of the weather. He also told of the times he woke up with snow on the end of his bed.
My grandfather, Jim Kenchington, bought St. Catherines in 1961. It is the first house (partial) on the right, next door to Lasts Butchers. It was in a very sorry state when he bought it (for £900!) There was an article in the local newspaper The Journal on April 7, 1961 when he uncovered the original doorway from the 1300s with the dragons carved in the lintel. "Dragons Return to Botesdale" was the headline! Basil Brown, ...see more
I am 86 but still remember the time at Farley Croft during WWII. My siblings and I were evacuated to Westerham in 1939. Around 1942/46 my sisters Rose, Sylvia and I were taken from the billet we were in and put in Farley Croft which was being used as a children's hospital. We were treated well. The nurses were so kind and taught us how to play card games. It had been a private house and there was still a big ...see more