Nostalgic memories of Watford's local history
Share your own memories of Watford 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 21 - 30 of 45 in total
Carol Collins, nee Bass. We often had the cows come in our back garden in the 1950s, they used to walk them to market.
I attended Little Green School, and they thought it would be a good idea for us to go and see the new school being built, I don't know why as we were too young to do any building lessons.
I was 6 I think, I and my sister would go to Saturday morning pictures, then, about 11.30, go to Top Rank and would disco dance the Saturdays away. I remember I would either have a cold glass of milk, because the milk machine was lit up, and you could see it in the dark of the disco, or a Panda Pops, 'It's frothy man', great advert. Then about 12.30 go up to the swimming baths that were up the top end of town, that's ...see more
I was 4 when we moved to Watford. They were just nearing completion of the subway which ran from the top end of the town to the Town Hall, and where the library is now situated, and we had 3 cinemas then, the Odeon, which had moved to the centre, next door to Le Caprise, wich was a nice little restaurant, the Empire, which was next door to the Palace Theatre, and the Carlton, which was down Market Street. They had also ...see more
We moved to Bushey in the early 1960s. My love of Top Rank came as I grew up with Waford being a big town. My dad worked on the new M1 Cox's corner, which now I understand is not there. Tthere were fields all around. We used to play in them, something "Park Avenue" was the big road, a pub called the Otter's Inn. I went to a school called "High Wood" and then on to a school that the George Michael attended - how ...see more
I was born in Watford Hospital March 1961. There is evidence that we - mum, dad and l - lived in Durban Road, and Wellington Road. I'm told one of these 'homes' was a flat in which l became proud owner of a little pink teddy - left on my pram by a neighbour, my mum says - she thinks it was a raffle prize from the local fair. I still have her to this day.
Dad Peter Simmons was born July 1925 and ...see more
I remember the Odeon being redeveloped as the Top Rank Dance Hall about 1964. We used to come over from Borehamwood during 1965 on a Thursday night which was over 18's only and Saturday nights as well. Had some great times there. Good music and atmosphere.
I am visiting Watford on Wednesday as my husband is playing bowls for Kent! My mother [ Barbara Whiter ( nee Neech) who was born in Watford, and who is 90 in April, and now living in Colchester, Essex. ] just happened to mention something of interest! While at art college she made a wooden shield with the Coat of Arms that went over the main door of the Town Hall. Does anyone know if it is still there and if not ...see more
My family moved to Watford in 1964 when I was 6-years-old. We moved down from Northumberland via the west of London. I finally moved away from Watford permanently in 1989. We lived in a flat above a shop on the busy St Albans Road in North Watford and I attended Callowland infants and junior schools. Later on, I went to Victoria Boys School in West Watford until it was burnt down in 1973 and from there to ...see more
I was taken by my parents to the Odeon Cinema in December 1939 and heard the song 'There'll always be an England' sung for the first time. Whenever I hear this song today, it takes me back to the Odeon - I was 13 at the time.
I was born in Watford in 1926 and have many many memories of Watford during the peace years of the 1930s and the war years from 1939-1945. I had an office overlooking the Pond from 1958-1983 and ...see more