Nostalgic memories of Hooley's local history

Share your own memories of Hooley 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 all 7 Memories

Vividly remember my paper round from Fords Newsagents Along the Brighton Road then up Dean lane in1958/59 Cold mornings made a warmish area in the doorway with the papers which were delivered at 4,30 am,It was hardwork at that age A big round, Then back to Clover Hill before going to Woodcote School on the 414 bus.Everything has changed now the M25 is open onto A23
Our family lived in The Fruit Shop (the shop currently sells doors) between 1958-’64. Mum and Dad served customers with the support of Mrs Garner,a rotund jolly lady who lived in Star Lane. Dad could often be seen delivering ‘Pink Parrafin’ to houses in Hooley, Netherne and Chipstead in his little green van. Adjoining our shop to our right was the chemist. Mrs Porter the pharmacist was a ...see more
My grandparents (Mr and Mrs Riches) owned the cosy corner cafe on the Brighton Road and we lived at 93 Brighton Road. I've been told it is now a Costa Coffee or something like that. The last time I went there is was a Happy Eater and one of the waitresses remembered my Mum and Aunt (Girlie). I too remember going to the boat swings and cafe but didn't remember where they were so it was good to find out. I remember ...see more
My great-great-grandfather George (or could be James) Jackson lived in Star Lane Cottages. Apparently the Jacksons had been Hooley people for many years. He kept sheep for a butcher on Farthing Down, Croydon - I can remember going to Farthing Down with Dad as a child where there were boat swings and a cafe - I am not sure if it belonged to my family or if it was a friend of Dad. My great-great-grandmother, ...see more
Hooley Hospital, although near Hooley, was in fact Netherne Hospital for the mentally ill. Those patients allowed out frequented the Hooley shops, The Star public house (long gone due to road widening) and village jumble sales. The hospital site is now an up market housing estate and renamed Netherne -on the- Hill. Roger Wakeling
I moved to Hooley in March 1950 at the age of one month. (6 years before my sister Cheryl, (see other memory comments) was born. in addition to her comments, we had the full range of shops: from the garage (left) Peat and Townsends: grocers; Fords: newsagent / post office; "Camile": Ladies hairdressers; the Hooley Cafe; Porters: chemist / haberdashery; The Fruit Shop: greengrocers; Lee's: Baker and Confectioner (later ...see more
I was born in Hooley, so I am an original "Hooligan"!! My family lived in Brighton Road, Hooley, about 300 yds to the left of this photo, in fact my mother still does. My first Saturday job was in the newsagents, Fords, which is the second shop along. Mr Merritt had the butchers shop at the end of the parade. How it has changed!! Cheryl Holdway (nee Wakeling)