Nostalgic memories of Dorking's local history

Share your own memories of Dorking 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 20 in total

I am trying to find out about my Tickner ancestors who lived in Dorking in the 1700s. In the 1970s a cousin remembers seeing a plaque on a building in the high street that read , 'Thomas Ticker coachbuilder ' and there was a date in the 1700's he can't remember what it was exactly. This plaque referred to my ancestor. Where has this plaque gone? Does anyone ...see more
Great looking at the old photos of Dorking town . I remember many of the old shops and some pubs from when I was younger, think my favourite at that time was track and groove at the top end of west street and the chippy opposite. I remember the old Tesco and the market entrance ,there used to be a guy there preaching the bible cant remember his name, also going back way before my time does anyone know what was in the high street before boots was there?
My father, Harry Day, was gardener at the house when the Case family lived there. As a small child I remember the huge Christmas Tree in the palatial hall. The beautiful cedar tree in the middle of the lawn and the old potting shed.
I was wondering if anyone out there remembers the bakery in capel Surrey ?Were the last owners called Christmas or was there another owner after them ? I've lived in capel all my life ,56 years. Steve redford
I run the Dorking Halls Antiques Fair which, this year, (2016), celebrates its '40th Anniversary'! As part of the celebrations I researched the fairs history, its relevance within the community, the venue it has inhabited over the last four decades; 'Dorking Halls', & collated stories of the fair from past visitors / stallholders. It has been an enlightening exercise exploring how the antiques ...see more
I grew up in Dorking. I lived with my parents in Stane House right next to the St Martins Church. I married my first husband Michael Rowswell on the 30th March 1963. We had two boys Adrian and Julian. Unfortunately the marriage ended after 13 years together. During our married life we lived at Strood Green Betchworth. Michael still lives in the Dorking area but I remarried and moved to Kent with my boys. We had a ...see more
I remember visiting Milton Court many times in the late 60`s and early 70`s as a young employee of National Employers Life, UNUMs predecessors. There were many mysterious stories about Milton Court, partly, I believe, as a result of it being owned at one time by the author Denis Wheatley. The names of many of my colleagues at the time come flooding back, Jack Shaljean, Arthur Hounsome, Gordon Webster, John Burton, Derek ...see more
Hi my name is Avril nee Watts. I was born on Jan 4th 1957 to Jean Olive Watts. Fathers name John Bayliss. I was adopted and would love to know obout my biological family, siblings ect. If anyone can shine a light on this please send a message. Thankyou Avril Armstrong lives in Canada.
The first house on the left of this picture was my home from 1942, when I was born in the hospital across the road, until 1960. Next door was Miss Colvins Antiques Shop and on the other side was Barrington House that was on the corner of Barrington Road and the Horsham road.
I remember going from St Pauls school to this pool for swimming lessons. I would also swim there in the holidays. I was afraid of the slide but would jump from the high diving board. I never did learn to dive.