Nostalgic memories of Swanley's local history
Share your own memories of Swanley 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 1 - 10 of 16 in total
I was 7years old when we had this snow fall which closed White Oak school for a least 2months. I remember the snow drifts right up to the living room window .Apparently Swanley hardly see's snow anymore. I now live in Hampshire. My name then was Wendy Seabrook. remember me ?
I was born In swanley lane in 1944 and my dad was a part time fireman at swanley fire station. Does anyone out there have any details of the old fire station number 1 which used to be beside the old lullingstone castle by the traffic lights.
If my memory serves me right Mr Dawes of station road was the driver. Any info will help.
My name is Phil Kincaid, born in 1962.
I attended Swanley Comp for most of the seventies and it was a brilliant school. It suited me down to the ground. The teachers there encouraged individuality and nurtured my artistic nature. The visual and performing arts - being such an important part of me - were dominant at the school. The headmaster, Dr Henry, played Cor Anglais in the school windband and orchestra. Every year we ...see more
My parents were Gerald and Phyllis Smith, we lived in Goldsel Road from about 1939/40, having moved from 'Crescent Gardens'. My father worked at Philip Ladds Nurseries, which was owned and run by his uncle Philip. My father suffered from MS and in those days, with not much known by the medical profession, there was very little help for him, he managed to work only occasionally when having a good day when his ...see more
Albert Cant was my maternal grandfather. Other members of my family associated with the company were my father, Sidney Ladds and my aunt, Jo Ladds. My father ceased his association well before closure but my aunt continued until her retirement, which was towards the end of the era. As a child and young adult I well remember the acres of glasshouses at the Swanley site. Also some association with a much ...see more
My family lived in Montague Road, we were at No.9. At No.1 was my uncle, Alf and aunt Jess Keatch, No.3 my aunt Rose and uncle Tom (when he left the navy). At No.7 was my aunt Doll and my cousin Roy and Jean Parrott, until 1962 when we move to Manchester.
My Nan and Grandad owned and ran the Sugarloaf cafe or I believe some people called it the Cognac. My grandad was known as Birt because of his long surname of Birtwistle. I believe the youngsters and bikers used to meet many a time in the cafe which I believe was located at the corner of the parade by the Corona cinema (the bug hutch). Would love to hear from anybody that has any memories of his place.
I am asking for some help of Swanley. There was a foot bridge built - I'm not sure what year. It was London bound end, just at now the Rainbow Inn chinese. I, as a child, loved that bridge, I think it was built for school children to cross from one side to the other. I at the time was at Birchwood junior school and had to cross the bridge. I so would like to see a picture of it, I've serched but no joy. It was ...see more
Hello, Does anyone remember Phillip Ladd's nursery on Goldsel Rd? I worked there 1955 to 1961, was in the boilerhouse in the winter and outside in the summer! Frank Weatherby was the Foreman, remember Len Christmas he came from Swaffam, Norfolk, and Tom Broad, they lived in Swanley. They both also worked in the boiler house. Also Albert Cant, I think he lived in Crockenhill. So many memories.
I think the party was in 1952, I was four years old at the time, but remember it. My name was Angela Montague then, and I lived at 56 Crescent Gardens, later it was changed to Cedar Close. I wonder if there is anybody out there who may recall me? I live now in the USA.