Nostalgic memories of Croydon's local history
Share your own memories of Croydon 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 121 - 130 of 242 in total
I wonder if anyone remembers the Paradigm Brigade (PB) and the youth club in Northwood Road Thornton Heath?
I joined the brigade which was run by "Cap" (Mr Atwell) in the 50's, and like so many other boys and girls in the area, had a great time with them up to the time my family moved from Thornton Heath to Shirley. After this I lost contact with everyone, except Doug Atwell, who sadly passed away several years ago.
My memories are relating to the mid 1950`s & 1960`s: smelling the ground coffee and Broomfields Bakers, C&A store, a boutique called `Bus Stop` and Martin Fords in the high street, where I bought my first leather coat. I have lots of memories of the old Croydon, especially going swimming in the baths in Scarbrooke Rd. It had two baths, a large and a small. Cost of 6 old pence a session. After, we ...see more
I remember having a donkey ride at the back of Kennards, by the arcade, which was a real treat for me. Also having my ears pierced in the arcade and you could smell the incense from the indian shop. Going to Surrey Street market on a Saturday with my mum to get shopping of fruit & veg. A stallholder used to shout out, "Rhubarb, Rhubarb` I mean bloodshot celery". Another crying out "Don`t forget your ...see more
I remember the donkeys in Kennard's Arcade, I had my ears pierced in the little shop in the arcade.
I remember my first job in Croydon, it was at Grants. Back in 1966. Just finished school and thought I was so grown up. I liked working there, did not stay long went on to London. Croydon sure has changed these past 40+ years. But it will always be the same in my memories. Not been there since 1970. Maybe some day I'll make it back for a visit.
Ah! Croydon, I lived in Croydon from 1956, but before that, used to visit my nan who lived in Wallington and was treated to a Kennards trip - and yes they did have pony rides and a wonderful arcade with a clock that struck bells. Grants was the posh shop and had a balcony tea room. I think there was another shop opposite but cannot remember the name. Such a shame about Allders going, is the Alms Houses stll there? I ...see more
If my memory serves me well (now that is a song from way back) I used to wait for the 197 bus outside the Town Hall, Croydon, to take me into Addiscombe where I attended Davidson Road Secondary School. With my friend Michelle Allen, we travelled from Shirley on the bus but can not remember the number of that particular bus, it waited on Shrublands Estate for people to board.
I met my husband of 41 years back in the 60's, I lived in Shirley, a very new housing estate then, called Shrublands. We used to ride around Croydon and Norbury on his scooter and often visited the Tarentella coffee bar near Pollards Hill on the main road through Thornton Heath to Norbury. My husband's mother worked part time in Miss Shears wool shop, on the main road. We also met friends in the Wimpey Bar, Norbury near the Norbury Hotel, my husband lived in Goston Gardens.
I was born in 1947, and can remember at 5 years old going on the horse rides with me sister, we got photos too.
I was born in 1950, and only left when I married in 1973. I remember the donkey rides in Kennard Arcade in the 50's - they had little bells on their harnesses and for sixpence you could have a ride which seemed like for ever but was probably only a few minutes long. Then into the little zoo with monkeys, and I seem to remember there was a bridge going over from one side of the arcade to the other. ...see more