Nostalgic memories of Oldham's local history

Share your own memories of Oldham 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 31 - 36 of 36 in total

From John Moloney; john@moloney.com I was moved to Oldham as an evacuee from Stretford in 1941 to live at 395 Featherstall Road North. The house was occupied by my great-great aunt, Ellen Farrow, and her son Fred and his wife Maggie. When I arrived I was full of impetigo (at least that's what I was told). I was literally scrubbed from head to toe, then bandaged, over an ointment on the sores. ...see more
I was born in Oldham in 1944, we moved into a house in Smith Square just off Huddersfield Road in 1948 and stayed there till 1959. This house had no back door, no electric and no hot water. It was a tough life but the people were great. I have some fond memories of this place and if anyone has a photo of Smith Square I would love a copy, it would be greatly appreciated. My email is: frankhartley1@sky.com
I have found a letter from Mary Ann Balshaw (possibly Ada Mary Ann) written from British School, Patricroft in 1882 - I believe she was the sister of my grandfather. He disappeared without a trace in about 1928. The parents were Adam Balshaw and Mary Ann (nee Wilson). If anyone knows of this family I would love to hear about it. June Bartlett
I was evacuated to Oldham in the early 1940s when London was getting blitzed and was taken in by Sarah and Levi Allen of 8 Bell Street, what a lovely couple. Just a one up one down on the corner of Blanche Street so they had the top and I had the bottom, and there was a beautiful Golden Retriever as well, we all got along famously. The outhouse was around the corner to Blanche Street,under the arch which led to the rear of 8 ...see more
Born in 1951 and living in Oldham all my life, I often wonder if the best and kindest teacher ever is still alive. Her name was Mrs Walker from St Hilda's junior school. Mr F J Howker was the headmaster at the time and was also a rugby referee. Good memories from almost fifty years ago.
I remember seeing the Queen when she visited Oldham - I was born there in 1950.