Nostalgic memories of Balham's local history
Share your own memories of Balham 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 31 - 40 of 42 in total
When I was a child I would visit my grandparents in Mitcham. My grandfather had his own wireless and accumulator shop in Balham/Tooting area. It was a tiny shop, in a very poor area, probably only big enough for two or three people which he would lock up each night. He had a bike with a side car which he would use to deliver/return accumulators to his customers.
what a beautifull area this was back then.. its changed so much, so sad to see your birth place ruined..... Agnes Riley park so great for kids and mums n dads too , My Aunty would take me there on a Sunday morning ... it was lovely... Oh if this is progress give me the olden days every time ....
I was christened, married and my daughter was also christened in this church. It has fond memories for me.
I lived in Balham for many years, and when my Nan came to visit, her first request was a trip to a little shop near the market that sold 'old fashioned' knickers, stays, liberty bodices etc, I have fond memories of that lovely little shop sadly long gone now, but cant remember the name, can anyone help to jog my memory.
I remember living at 34 Balham High Road as a small child, with my nan, sister and some other family members - we lived above the undertakers. I recall a cafe, and my primary school was around the corner, which was called Alderbrook. My mother and her siblings also attended the same school when they were young. One of my teachers was called Mr Fuller, he also taught my uncle many years before me. Brilliant memories of time gone by.
I am trying to contact someone who lived in and around the Mayford Rd area during the 50's and remembers in particular the Coronation and the street parties circa 1953 and any photographs taken during this period. I remember fondly the shops up and down Mayford Road, there was Goffin the fishmonger, Coopers with their fruit and veg, Perkins on the corner of Gosberton Rd who sold ...see more
My Aunt & Uncle (Ella & Cecil Forbes) lived in a two bedroom flat in Park Court in Balham Park Road from 1948 & throughout the 1950s and I spent much time staying with them as my parents ran pubs in The City. Uncle Cecil worked for Mullards as an engineering draughtsman and Auntie Ella was a 'housewife'. As they were 'well off' by comparison with 'us' they owned a 9" screen TV set which we ...see more
Whilst living in Sarsfeld Road, I went to St Mary's Cof E School in Balham High Road from 1959-1965. Mr Scott was the Head Teacher and my favourite teachers were Mr Hall and Mr Jenkins.
My dad was still in the Army in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He was stationed at the Drill Hall in Atkins Road. He was also a Motorcycle Display rider. Has anyone any memories of this or any photos? Dad's name was George (Nobby) Clarke, and he was a sergeant in the Royal Signals.
We also had great Christmas parties there with a huge tree and a present for everyone.
I started at Hernville Road School when I was 5 in 1937 and when war broke out in 1939 we happened to be staying with my grandfather so I didn't get evacuated with the school. BUT prior to that, I have a vivid memory of being assembled and waiting in the school hall with an eiderdown fastened up with a leather belt with my name and number (1018) and a small suitcase. I had no gas mask because they ...see more