Nostalgic memories of Banstead's local history

Share your own memories of Banstead 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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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

Tips & Ideas

Not sure what to write? It's easy - just think of a place that brings back a memory for you and write about:

  • How the location features in your personal history?
  • The memories this place inspires for you?
  • Stories about the community, its history and people?
  • People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
  • Has it changed over the years?
  • How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?

This week's Places

Here are some of the places people are talking about in our Share Your Memories community this week:

...and hundreds more!

Enjoy browsing more recent contributions now.

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The 164a bus used to go behind the war memorial on its return journey to Tattenham corner, and if you were sitting upstairs you could view the lovely house and garden behind the brick wall. On the way to Morden on the outward journey and on the opposite side corner stood a grocers shop and the bus always had to mount the curb to get round. We then travelled on to the roundabout near Greenacres School and Banstead Downs. then on to Sutton.
There was a pet shop/iron mongers there as well as the wool shop and sweet shop
I played here from 1970 onwards. Behind the building were the public loos. To the left of the building, and to the left of the entrance off Avenue Road was a hump, about 4 feet high with a double skin brick wall along the front. I was told it used to be a public air raid shelter? The padding pool hadn't been built then (next to the tennis courts) - that came in the mid 70s??? There was a big ...see more
My brother Alec (12) and I (11) were at Beecholme from January to December 1956 we were orphans our parents died 7 months apart in 1955. We were in myrtle cottage changed to Willow cottage by the childrens vote I choose Willow and was very excited they picked it. We had 2 house Mothers that we called Auntie. We went to school outside the home. We have mostly very good memories, but a few bad. The children I remember ...see more
I too remember the book shop. It was actually called the Ibis Library and was owned by Martin Gough. He sold a selection of records as well as books and if you wished to listen to some music before buying a record, as was then the custom, Martin had made a makeshift 'listening booth' which was actually under the stairs which led up to his flat above the shop. I bought many records there. I also remember the ...see more
My Great Uncle Reg was committed and sent to Banstead Asylum in 1920. I don't know how long he was there, but it may have only been for a few years. I believe the cause of his problems were as a result of being gassed in France during WW1. I shall go to to the LMA for any detail they may have, but if anyone can help I would appreciate it. He was such a good friend to a young boy (me) in the 1940's and ...see more
We usually came to Banstead woods in the 1950s and 60s by bus, but I remember using the train on one occasion. A little poodle dog had somehow got on to the line, and he just kept on running between the rails, so that the train had to slow down and just follow him. The guard tried to catch him but he was very elusive, but eventually the little dog ran out of puff and disappeared through the hedge. We had to laugh.
I too, remember Banstead High Street in the 1950's. I well remember the Ibis Book Shop where I bought my first record - Tommy Steel 'Singing the Blues'. Also, I remember the library was up the far end nearly opposite 'The Woolpack'; I think. Opposite the 'Victoria' pub, there was a 'coffee bar, where they played the latest tunes. Does anyone else remember this? Happy memories!
I am hoping to find any kind of information regarding a relative called Minnie Dore (nee Goodwin] who sadly died in Banstead asylum in aprox. 1918 leaving behind my grandfather and their three small sons, George, Maurice and Leonard, who were put into an institution as their father was also ill in hospital and could not take care of them. Little is known of the mother and any information about her life would be highly appreciated.
I cannot remember the exact year but it was very cold. I was a TV repair man at Raylec in the High Street and we had a call from a doctor living in a house at the Asylum. She complained that the picture on her Bush TV was very small. I could find nothing wrong with the TV and then noticed that the light from a 150W bulb in the centre of the room looked more like a 60W! I measured the ...see more