Nostalgic memories of Bournemouth's local history

Share your own memories of Bournemouth 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 28 in total

we moved to Montgomery ave in 1949 I remember when long rd estate was being built, we used to follow the Barber Green machine around because of the brilliant finiish of the tarmac roads.they were ideal for our roller skates. anyway to cut a long story short we were skating down hill and all the lads crouched down (I presumed for more speed) I crouched down and my cycling cape went under the skate wheels ...see more
I remember staying at The House Beautiful in the 1950’s and to me it was not a good experience and has left its mark on me all my life. I was sent there on two occasions by Social Services as my mother was recovering from an operation and no one in the family would look after me. One occasion was over Christmas when I was joined by my brother. we were given lots of presents even taken to a local family ...see more
This was my first school, back in 1965. I think we had maroon blazers. I did well to start with, my older brothers had taught me to read & write - but I was the last person in the class to be able to tie my own shoelaces! I remember winning a couple of 'Biggles' books for being top in the class in my first year. A teacher had found me reading one during a lunch break in the school library. ...see more
My first job was at the Royal Bath Hotel in 1956 where I learnt all aspects of Office Work for 2 and half years. Boss was called Mr Dagley, and there were 12 of us in the Office. I was a very nervous 16 year old having just left Parkstone Grammar School for girls, and my first job!!! The first day, I was assigned to help the wages clerk, and was asked to tot up the columns of figures - no problem, as ...see more
Does anyone remember When the mansions Bath Road Hill Was Temporary accommodation For those Waiting for a Council House. My parents were housed there with my Brothers and sister. The metropolitan hotel and Fortes Then Bomb site and would not look out of place in some parts of the world today.
When Dad had the motorbike and sidecar it was okay for day trips, but when we went for the fortnight summer holiday the bike could not carry us and the suitcases, so we had to go by other means. To get to Bournemouth we had to get the local bus to, I think, Paddington Station, then the train to Bournemouth. Apparently my Dad had an Aunt and Uncle who had a Bed and Breakfast lodging house. We were ...see more
My name was Avril Collyer, I grew up on Montgomery Ave, East Howe and went to Kingsleigh School, had great childhood memories of Bournemouth. Dancing at Chelsea Village and eating at the Wimpy bar. Love to hear from anyone from my past.
My mother,Margaret Newell was employed at the Mount Pleasant Post Office HQ, London. In 1940 she was moved to Bournemouth where I believe the Forces Postal Service had been headquartered. Mail was sorted here for the Allied Forces serving around the world. She remembered seeing a Dog Fight over the sea and the large number of Empire and American troops. I read that on 23 ...see more
One of my memories of Bournemouth in the 60's was its ice-skating rink where we used to go from school on Saturday afternoons. Bournemouth was a very smart place with good quality individual shops. It was always a treat to go shopping there from Weymouth and later Dorchester with my mother. We used to park in the multi-storey car park in a back street near the centre and buy our school uniform from Daniel Neales ...see more
Re the person referred to in the title; George Alfred Bennett. About the 1888's he got a job as a waiter, wages 8 shillings per week and he had to buy his own dress suit. Within a fortnight he had learn't to carve meat, and fold serviettes in a dozen different ways. Whilst there, the hotel had Mary Rose and the German Reeds to stay. Has anyone got any more info about the Hotel in that era, who was Mary Rose and the German Reeds ??