Nostalgic memories of Axminster's local history

Share your own memories of Axminster 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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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying all 6 Memories

I attended the school I had a brilliant time I was the 1965 school boy shot put champion and east Devon champion . I was a bit of a wild boy Robert Hildred
My sister Carole and I both attended Axminster County secondary school, we left for Australia in July 1964. Carole and I will be remembered for the different skin we had. It has been diagnosed by specialists in Australia as Ichtyosis CIE. I have memories of friends who's names were Madeline Darke from Millway Rise and especially Jill Anning from Kilmington. Mrs Stock who taught craft. Mr Vickery.
My family owned the Cosy Cafe on Lyme Road in the 1950s. I did not start working their until 1957 as I was still at school until then, but I still remember a lot of the customers who use to come in for their cups of tea. John Goddard the school caretaker, Charlie Pengelly, who owned the ironmonger's opposite, Wyndham Welsh the local character, who used to raise thousands of pounds for charity, Johnny Betts and ...see more
I have some rather bad memories of school years spent at this school, because I was a rather shy and insecure child so I tended to be the victim of the school bullies. One I remember very vividly was a Maureen Ashby, I also remember a Miss Wallis as the domestic science teacher, who used to make me feel very nervous and clumsy because I was left handed. I work in a school now and love all the ...see more
In the years of rationing, my mum used to remove the sweet coupons from her ration book so that we didn't spend all our pocket money on sweets. About halfway down Castle Hill, on the left, was Dukes shop. All I was interested in were the sweets, though he also sold tea, sugar and a variety of other less interesting items. I used always follow an adult into the shop, who would ...see more
I was born in Axminster and having failed my eleven-plus exam (fortunately) I went to the secondary modern school where Mr Tolchard was headmaster (known affectionately as Herby). My favourite teacher was Mr Hayman, our maths teacher, who was brilliant at flicking chalk at anyone whispering during his classes - the chalk always found its mark. He was better known to me and my fellow ...see more