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The Francis Frith Collection Francis Frith

An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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  4. Memories

Nostalgic memories of Ayr's local history

Share your own memories of Ayr 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.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Add Your Memory for Ayr

Displaying Memories 21 - 27 of 27 in total

Dear Or Dear House
I am attempting to trace my grandfather. I cannot find his birth place, but third child registered as born at either Dear - Deer or Dean House - Monkton - Prestwick. Can anyone provide any information?
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Added 02 February 2011

Does Anyone Remember The Rag And Bone Men?
Does anyone remember the rag and bone men that used to come round the scheme looking for old rags etc? I was so desperate to own a red balloon, nothing was to stand in my way, but where would I get enough good quality rags from? Being a wee lassie and not really understanding,that you shouldn't take your mums best towels, and sheets got me into hot water. My poor wee mum had to chase the rag ...see more
Ayr, Wallace Tower and High Street 1900
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Added 01 October 2010

Buying Sixpence Worth Of Stale Buns
I remember as a wee girl going with my brother Donald to buy sixpence worth of stale buns. I don't remember the bakers but it was behind Boots the Chemist. It was always a treat if your mum had a spare sixpence and told you to go and purchase some buns. The temptation was always too much and the buns were often scoffed long before we got home. I remember we would disappear for hours in the summer ...see more
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Added 10 September 2010

Dalmilling Primary School
In the 1960s, I remember watching Dalmilling Primary being built from my Ganny's window, my first day there when I was about eight and meeting all the new pals, school sports that I was useless at, egg and spoon was torture and getting into trouble for holding it down with my thumb, skinned knees from doing the sack race, scrap books, beds, drawn with those chalk ornaments I won at Cadonna's Shows, frying pan ...see more
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Added 27 August 2010

The Mid Fifties
I recall my pals and I going to Ayr harbour and picking up the herring and mackerel, which dropped off the baskets when the boats were unloaded, and selling them round the nieghbours' houses. Herring were 1 old penny and mackerel 2 old pennies. Today (2008) a herring costs £1 each! 240 times dearer. We would make dens up Craigie Woods and sleep out. No dangers then. My wee sister aged 4 walked to High Street from ...see more
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Added 06 October 2008

Fish Chips
Having fish & chips from the Vesta Cafe on the New Road, they were the best. Playing the puggy at Favali's in the New Road. Playing down at the Newton Shore.  Skating at Ayr Ice Rink. Climbing the fence and getting into the dog track from Elmbank Street on Sunday morning to pick up anything of value the drunks had dropped the night before at the races, usually money. Working for Cowan the Butcher as a delivery boy and ...see more
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Added 26 August 2007

Holiday Memories
Happily walking along Ayr beach with an ice cream from the Wellington Cafe, paddling in the sea with my parents! Eating wonderful fish and chips on a windy day. Getting breakfast rolls from one of the many bakers to take back to my aunt's. Going skating at the ice rink with my cousins.
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Added 04 January 2007