Nostalgic memories of Staines's local history
Share your own memories of Staines 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 28 in total
Does anyone remember this wonderful old house. I stayed there in the early 80s, I had known the family from earlier days but my memory of staying there has lived with me to this day. There was a character that was associated with the family Max Kemp. He was one of the sons, I think the others were Walter & Derek. The family originally lived I think in Henley on Thames until ...see more
My family lived in commercial road . there was river opposite and field full i think wheat?
as young person i had play in back yard as swans kept coming over the garden brick wall. we lived for some time. at the very end of the long road there was sweetshop . in town center there was bridge and near by selling fresh fish on the day. i got lost while visiting and found myself in large building police sign outside till i ...see more
This memory has been posted by The Francis Frith Collection on behalf of John Craig.
I was born in Staines in 1937 and lived there until I joined the RAF in 1955 and following that moved to Cornwall. My father owned a garage business (Craigs Garage) on Laleham Rd, Staines from the 1920's until the 50's. I would like for anyone who lived in Staines and attended The Matthew Arnold School to get in touch. I would ...see more
Eight months after I had my first baby Nadia Kersey-Brown, I went to live with my parents Clifford and Kay McLaglen at "Lock Ahoy" over-looking the Lock. I stayed from April 1967 until Jan 1968 and helped with the garden and cooking until my husband signed up at Fartown in Huddersfield now the Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Club. My father loved the River Thames and went fishing ...see more
In the early 1980's I would visit a small bar called I believe, Henry's Bar, near Staines Bridge. Two old guy's, perhaps in their 80's, played Jazz; one played double bass, one played piano (I think) - they were great. I was told that they were big stars way back, perhaps in the 1930's. I would love to know who they were so I can search for some of their recordings. If anyone could tell me I would be most grateful.
We lived in Penton Road and my brother and I went to Hygeia House School, sadly gone now. We used to walk down the tow path to the Lock. Once my brother (4 years older than me) dared me to walk across the wall below the weir! I still have nightmares - I couldn't swim, but somehow I waded across without slipping to my death! My brother also worked during the summer holidays helping the lock keeper, running to open and close the sluice gates.
My fond memory is of my father's furniture shop in Thames Street, S & E Oliver Ltd. Every morning dad and I would display furniture on the shop forecourt and I would do deliveries and window displays. My dad, Mr Barry, was a courteous gentleman who gave the best customer service ever and he taught me his skills which I still use to this day. Does anyone remember him?
I lived in Church Street, Staines, which ran down to the river. I was there from 1965 till 1986. I used to swim in the river up to Staines Bridge and back. Some days would go for a drink in the Bells. You would meet your local vicar who was Sam Kimble, he was a good friend to most people. It was a very pleasent place to live. I worked at Petters, it was a big factory.
I remember Johnson & Clarks. My friend Rose and I used to go in and 'choose' stuff we would have in our houses when we grew up! Also, going into the booths to listen to the latest music through headphones. We also used to go to Kennards on a Saturday morning for a drink and roll and butter to watch the models walk up and down the cafeteria holding the name of the designer on a card. We thought we were sooo ...see more
We were married at St Mary's on Christmas Eve 1967, and had our reception at the Phoenix. I had lived in Staines from 1945 until getting married. I went to Shortwood common school, Kingston Road, and Matthew Arnold. We lived for a short time at George Street then Rosefield Road. Over the years though all the family moved away, we used to meet up for family get to-gethers at The Swan Hotel. I have wonderful ...see more
