Nostalgic memories of Purley's local history
Share your own memories of Purley 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 35 in total
From 1959 to 1963 I went to school at Whyteleafe County Primary, Maple Road, whence the older boys and girls were taken by (very old) coaches to Reedham's pool for swimming lessons. It was a bit odd, because we never saw any of the pupils or staff actually attending that school. It was all very mysterious, and although I lived only a mile away from it, all my friends and I only knew that children were sent ...see more
I spent my childhood living in one of these cottages on the waterworks gated property in Purley. I walked to school under the railway bridge that crossed the road to the left as I walked out the gate. We called them "The Purley Gates" due to their location and as a reference to the biblical "Peary Gates". I remember a nursing sister who walked under the bridge going in the opposite direction on her ...see more
That's my Mum pushing my younger sister, Rosie, into the newsagents. We lived in Northwood Avenue from when the house was built in 1958 until the early 80s - although I still drive through Purley on a regular basis. A couple of doors away from the newsagents was a fish and chip shop which was an occasional treat for us. The photo may be a black and white but her skirt was orange, yellow and white paired with a white ...see more
Not sure why, but this popped into my head this morning. We lived in Purley from 1962 to 1964, having arrived from Canada. After 1964 we moved to Bournemouth (now in Dorset, then In Hants).
What suddenly popped into my head this morning was that I was trying to remember the name of the school that I attended. I think that it was located at the top of the High Street where it ...see more
The Crittendons was my families place. My great uncle was Bobby Crittendon. My mum used to sit under the bar after school & eat her supper there. She still lives in Purley. As do we, her 3 children.
I was a child in the 1960's living in Waterworks Cottages (now a large Tesco). My schools were Tower Hill Nursery (I think) and Margaret Roper.
As the cottages no longer exist, I wondered if anyone had memories or photos of them? I have a hazy memory that they were detached or semi-detached, with an outside toilet and a Rayburn for heating. I also recall the steam trains dispensing their soot on Monday's washing, to chagrin of 'Renie', next door!
I lived in 106 Whytecliffe Road from 1968. We bought the house for £5200. I went to work at VW Motors at Purley Way just up the road. Use to have Chinese at the restaurant downstairs.
I worked in the typing pool as Deputy Supervisor with amazing girls......we had laughs and fun. I remember Carol, Sandra, Shirley, Barbara, Brenda, Dawn, Pat, Linda, Lesley, Lynn etc. later I worked for John Ogden as ...see more
I lived at 50 Foxley Lane, Purley with my parents and brother from the late 40's until 1960 when we moved to Harrow, Middlesex. My Dad worked in London and commuted each day.
I remember catching the bus to Wallington and attending Collingwood Girls school where my friend and I were the trusted ones to wash up in Mrs Hollis's house. From there we went to Purley County and my brother to the Boys school.
I often cycled ...see more
I was born in Purely hospital in 1960 and lived in Grasmere rd until 1979.
I remember going to ballet lessons somewhere upstairs near the top of Russell Hill rd, and creche was in the church hall on Brighton rd near to the hospital (and next to the gas board shop which sold cookers etc). Also Tufty club, which may have been near the station. There was a little toy shop just before the railway bridge on Godstone rd, ...see more
My brother and I were sent to Reedham School in 1954. We were there for two years, probably the worst two years of my life, despite being put into care at the age of five and continuing until sixteen. I was known as Mathews 2 or RS 100. Reedham was situated on a hill surrounded by magnificent fields. We were not allowed onto those fields but were restricted to a small tarmac playground. God help any boy leaving that ...see more