Wisbech

Napier Terrace

I was born in Wisbech in 1937 in Ramnoth Road, we moved to Napier Terrace on the canal until after the war when we moved to Wales. I have fond memories of living in Napier Terrace, we lived in the last house, No 37. My father was in ARP when a bomb fell on the cinema. A lasting memory was when I learned to ride a bike, I fell into the canal. We had an allotment and I remember a Mr Peachey who had only one leg, and Mr Tash the coalman. I worked for Ashworths the newsagent on the bridge. I used to meet the train and get the papers. Happy days.
If anyone has any photos of Napier Terrace ...read more here
Contributed by martin kirby

The Canal.

In the 40s and 50s the canal was only filled to the level shown in the photograph from time to time. I lived in a house on the right of the photo and went to St Peter's School, shown by the side of the canal, half way up the picture on the left, and contained in the triangle. It was demolished prior to the canal being filled to create Churchill Road. This was an important site during winter for us local boys. Council workmen would shovel snow from the town and tip it on the canal bank. Snow meant ice and we were able to toboggan down the bank onto the frozen water. Don't forget ...read more here
Contributed by DJ Carrington

The Harbour Line.

Look carefully between the first two trees on the left of the photograph. In the gap with the house in the background you will see a horizontal dark line which follows to the right. This is the railway line called the Harbour Line which operated until about 1967. The engine was driven by Mr Charlie Rands, who lived in Elm Road. In the main I remember it carrying timber from English Brothers, although it would have carried perhaps produce to and from Smedleys. It was only separated from the park by a post and wire fence.
Contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist

The Hope Inn

I think it was 1949/50, I remember living along the canal side, Trafalgar Row it was called, over the other side from the Hope Inn.  Somehow I think it was further up than Somerfield almost opposite the Empire.  Most of my family used this pub as their social outlet for weekends, remember no TV, bingo or much else then.  I remember the landlord and landlady a Mr. and Mrs. Firth and they had a son I think he was called Trevor.  I never did see inside the pub, I used to have to play in their yard or sometimes I would be able to sit in the kitchen when it was colder. I can't quite see my house from this photograph ...read more here
Contributed by Sandra Ireland

Familiar faces.

On the left on his father's cycle is Malcolm French, an old friend. No doubt he is returning to the office of J Bellamy, Accountants, North Brink, where he was at that time articled. He worked in the town as an accountant during his working life.
Contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist

English Brothers.

The opened sided storage sheds were owned by English Brothers.
Contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist

My family and I are convinced I am the man walking next to the man in the jacket and tie who appears to have his arm around a child. The Austin A40 pick up truck in the foreground behind the telephone box could be the one I owned at about that time.
Contributed by Mr John A Woolley