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 131 - 140 of 242 in total
Anyone out there know the Barham family? They lived in Goodwin Road, Waddon. Dad was a fireman. The kids were Audrey, Alan and Sidney.
I remember the lovely old donkeys that gave rides to children in the 1950's. There were usually more than two of them and they walked along the back of the old Kennards store. I had a ride on them.
There was an arcade that ran from the front to the back of the store, and it was lined with little shops. One one them did piercing of ears.
Also along the road at the back was the Swap Shop - a ...see more
Does anyone remember the swimming pool and cornfield at Purley Way, Waddon. I used to live in Goodwin Road. I also remember the orchard behind the cornfields where we rode our track bikes. I'm 72 years old now. Happy days....
The coffee bar at South Croydon with 'steps' was known as the Chalet Swiss. So called, as it resembled a typical Swiss wooden building. It was one of only a few places 'teenagers' could meet. Another was the Tarantella on the A23 towards Norbury.
Although I was born in Newcastle on Tyne, I came to Croydon when I was nine - about 1958. My maiden name was Fawley, and my parents (Ron and Irene) had a sweet and general shop at 6 Wandle Road. It was near the swimming pool in Scarbrook Road, and a lot of trade came from there after swimming (do you remember how hungry you were after swimming?) The shop used to advertise what was on at The Grand Theatre, and ...see more
I was bought to live in Croydon when I was about 5/6yrs and my parents actually ran the newsagents James and Horner (if my memory serves). I remember living next door to a furrier, and only just having found this site my memories are very happy ones. I do remember visiting the Davis Theatre to see "Swan Lake" with my mum; also do a photography shoot for Jack Setty Furrier which I think was also opposite..
I have very fond memories of Croydon, especially Reeves Corner which has now been destroyed. I was born on Fairholme Road in 1974, but moved to Wallington when I was three. But we shopped in Croydon most Saturdays, catching the 157 or the 154 to the bus garage. I was wondering if anyone knew what business A.E Pearce on Surrey Street, next to Ye old dog and Bull, was?
I also used to work in the ...see more
I well remember this crash, I had just walked past where the crash happened to buy bread for my mother. I was only seven years old, but ii will always be on my mind, because ten years later my first job after leaving school was to become a signal box boy at South Croydon signal box.
I purchased my first vehicle at Dees in 1959. I was twenty four and really wanted a car but the prices were high for used vehicles and the registration fees also. I went to Dees with my friend Graham (we met while working at Mullard in Mitcham) and one of the the employees told us they had some used vans for sale. In those days the registration fees for vans was a lot lower than a regular ...see more
Was there really a live donkey in Kennards Arcade at some point? Was that just a childhood dream I had?
One highlight of my childhood was going to one of the big department stores with my grandmother and mother. Ladies dressed in black played violins while we ate coffee and cake. For a few brief hours we were rich, had a huge house and all the other things I once thought made life fun. I cannot remember if it was ...see more