Nostalgic memories of Croydon's local history

Share your own memories of Croydon 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 211 - 220 of 242 in total

Theses photos have certainly brought back so many memories, how great to see it all as remembered, but to bring it all back correctly - the mind changes things! I loved Kennards - the smell and the sounds of that arcade will always live with me, I remember getting to the top  of the arcade and hearing the jingling of the ponies' bells and feeling so excited - also the beautiful smell of the Indian shop - I don't think I ...see more
I too remember the town hall and library and the damage done during a wartime bombing raid. The repairs took a long time to do but were so good it was impossible to see where the damage had been done. The reference library was second to none and it helped my brother and I pass our exams.
I was born in Mayday Hospital, lived in Croydon in 1952 with my family and Aunty Cis (Bassett) in the Waldrons and I remember playing in the spinney opposite the house. I remember the house being very big but then I was young. The last time I visited my aunty there I think was around 1965 and I hid because I didn't want to go home, which then was Darlington, Co. Durham. My dad was Bill Eaton. I was very pleased to see the old photos of Croydon, my birth place. It is very special.
William Reddington owned or ran a shop in croydon around 1945-7 then emigrated to Canada. Does anyone remember the name of the shop ir him? He was my grandfather but I don't know much more about him than that. I think it may have been a paint shop or something like that.
Boys were not allowed to cycle on the school premises so I had to walk this leafy lane twice daily. I was scooting my bike homeward towards the Wellesley Road entrance one afternoon, expecting to hear a prefectorial shout ordering me to walk, when an air gun pellet struck me painfully between the shoulders. Looking round I saw a group of embarrassed sixth-formers seeking to dissociate themselves from a red-capped ...see more
I remember many very happy hours in the wonderful library. Besides the books the wonderful architectural details, the grand staircase and all the lovely dark rich  wood everywhere. The new library may have more space and all the modern facilities but by comparison it is soul-less and cold.
I remember attending concerts here between 1969-1974; especially 'Buddy Rich and his Orchestra'. The best of these being the year that Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Lane were in the audience and we ended up with 'extra time' and a wonderful impromptu encore .. what a memorable evening.
The 18+ social group used to hold meetings here. Previously they used to be held in rooms in the Blue Anchor nearby.
I remember attending the Registry Office which was part of Taberner House to notify a death of a family member. Also to get married.
Between year 1962-65 I seem to remember that the Denning Hall was used on at least one occasion for Lanfranc Girls's Prize Giving Ceremony. I also think the Fairfield Hall may have been used as a venue. I remember one year receiving prizes from Mrs Godfrey Talbot. I was a member of the school choir which would perform during the course of the evening ceremony.