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 11 - 20 of 35 in total
After I passed the 11 plus in about 1952, I went to grammar school in Whyteleafe. We used to go by bus to Reedham Orphanage to use their indoor swimming pool. I remember that although it was indoor, at least I think it was, it still had leaves in the water. I actually learned to swim in that pool.
We lived at 18 The Bridle Road (off Foxley Lane) for many years. Attended Collingwood Boys' School (Wallington) - great school for punishments; Woodcote Secondary (like a holiday camp after Collingwood) and Purley Grammar School (Old Coulsdon - now demolished?). Remember walking home in the evenings after school with Whitmore, whose father was producer of Blue Peter at that time. We both had wonderful ...see more
I grew up in Kenley Oak Cottages, Little Roke Road. I went to Roke Primary and Senior School. I was also a member of the St James youth club which met on Wednesday evenings and once a month had a Saturday night event. I remember Grimes the bakers (we could get yesterday's cakes for a couple of pennys, and Marge's sweet shop where my grandma would buy me a candy stick for 1 penny. Long hot summers....! We used ...see more
I remember walking from Roke Primary School to swimming lessons at Reedham Orphanage. The pool did not look very inviting, I only went a couple of times.
I lived here from 1965 through to the end of the seventies. The council offices are on the left, just out of view and before the fire station. Old Lodge Lane is on the right. You can see the roof of the Orchid Ballroom building on the left, behind the fire station. I used to sit and look from my bedroom window at a long row of pigeons that would sit on the roof when it was raining. The buildings in the distance on ...see more
I was a projectionist at this cinema in the 1950s and found it a great job. Does anybody out there recall working there in those years as I would like to get in touch.
Me and Robin Webb's girl friend walking back to South Croydon Secondary after a disagreement about a girl. Can't remember her name, we was on the largo field behind the school. Circa 1964.
My dad was the manager of Elliotts Shoe Shop in Purley from 1949- 1952, after he was demobbed from active service in the War. We lived above the shop in one of the flats. I would love to see any pics that may be available of the shop and the alley way behind the shops. I remember shopping with my mum, using coupons, as rationing was still in effect. On Sundays we would walk up a hill to a park.
I lived near the top of Downscourt Rd, my back garden exiting in St James Rd. Every day I would walk up and down that hill to Roke Primary and later around the local area delivering newspapers for 'Scobles' the newsagent on Godstone Rd. I was a choirister at St.James Church and Mr Warner the choirmaster had a rolled up newspaper called the 'Bonker' which he would tap us with if we misbehaved (not ...see more
I joined the staff as a house mother. I slept in the dormitory with the children. The children appeared happy and settled. There was a famous athlete who used to train in the grounds? Pirie, also a great dance hall near by with a wonderful resident band. I enjoyed my work but I wanted to travel. To work in Hong Kong.