Nostalgic memories of Calne's local history

Share your own memories of Calne 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 31 in total

This, I believe, was originally a coach house situated on The Strand. My mother worked here and I wonder if anyone remembers her? I cannot remember the actual dates but I know that she was definitely there in 1962 since a young man who also worked there decorated my wedding cake for me. Mum's name was Winifred Cook (Win or Winnie).
Does anyone still remember the Greenacres Approved School for girls which was on Curzon Street. I believe it is now called Springfields. I was there in the 1960s and loved Calne as it was then. Although not from the area, I have never forgotten the place.
Arrived after the August bank holiday in '62, I was 16. What a time, wine women & song - I'll never forget sleeping with WRAF in billet whilst the other 15 slept! Skiving morse class, nicking a motorbike to fetch bacon sarnies from Smokey Joe's. Of visitng Bonnie in the PBX for a warm-up, evading snoops to get in the WRAF block and passing out early to be posted to ElAdem! It really was one of the best times of my life.
I worked here when I was about 14-15, with Shelley (who is now my sister in law), Chris (can't remember his surname) and Tish (Letitia Orlandi). This was when The White Hart was owned by Giovanni Brandani or 'Johnny', as he was known. It may have been my age, but it has to be said, I had the best time!
I still vaguely remember the smell of the slaughterhouse as I held on to my mum's hand as she dragged me through town. The oppressive red stone factory still features in my nightmares...
I walked across this bridge four times every day, on my way to and from school (I used to go home for lunch). Home was Abberd Way, and the school was on the Green. I used to stop there to watch trout, and I can still recall the smell of flour from the mill. The 'pond' was actually the millrace, and a second stream joined the river at this bridge, from where it flowed south towards the Harris factory and pass under the Strand, to emerge finally next to the Town Hall.
I was six when this photo was taken. We lived in a tiny flat in Curzon Street, basically one room, and I went to school at Fintragh, a tiny private school in two rooms part way down the high street, opposite the Post Office. This traffic island was very important. I had to cross that busy road in two trips, with the island being my haven and resting place between them. The zebra crossing came later: in 1950 it was every man for himself.
George and Jo were my uncle and aunt and I spent days with them when I was young, I am 58 now but would love to get in touch with anyone who knew them. I remember the parrots well! I can be found on Facebook if anyone wants to get in touch. I would especially like to here from anyone who worked for them.
Having been a resident of Calne from 1944 to 1962, I often walked across this little bridge, mainly on the way to the recreation ground. There used to be (and possibly still is) a plaque commemorating Dr Priestley's discovery of Oxygen in this place. I believe the pond was situated just behind Harris' factory but when I last visited the town there was a supermarket there.
At one time a favourite place for picnics. Can anyone remember when the RAF lads tipped tins of paint over the white horse turning it red, white and blue?