Recent Memories
Reconnecting with our shared local history.
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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Stories about the community, its history and people?
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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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Has it changed over the years?
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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!
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Displaying Memories 16161 - 16240 of 36864 in total
I lived on Whitehouse Way from 1960-65 and attended Enfield College of Technology. My regular pub was the Cherry Tree and I used to take the young Sunday school teacher there for a drink after matins until the deacon found out. What I didn't know then is that my family had lived in Southgate and area for at least 3 hundred years. My g.g.grandfather (1810-1854) was the blacksmith at Chase Side. I ...see more
I was born on Eaton Road, my parents were Phil and Elsie Meadows. We played in the bomb craters and our milk was delivered by horse and wagon. We moved to Mill Hill when we learned our houses were being torn down. My dad's whole family lived on this road - good old days.
Moved due to circumstances to Douglas West from Lanark to a two roomed terraced miners cottage without a bathroom. The small kitchen had a toilet off it, the living room still had the bed recesses and there was a connecting door to the front room where my sister and I slept and had a bath in front of the fire. We soon moved to Douglas View Terrace (larger semi detached homes) where we had a two ...see more
My life has always been based around The Bull as I was born there in 1965 and stayed there till September 1982 as my dad was the landlord. We left there when he sadly passed away, but still today I have people tell me about their memories of him and how The Bull has never been the same since the day we left. Nearly all our old regulars still use The Bull and every time I go in there I always get ...see more
I loved saving the gollys from the jam jars to send them away and get a badge back
We moved to Swffryd from Six Bells where we lived with my grandparents. My family; Thomas Griffiths (Dad,) Iris Griffiths (Mam,) and myself Gareth Griffiths moved into a brand new built 2 bedroom flat in 19A Bron-y-Bryn (now Gordon Avenue). It was an upstairs flat and we had the luxury of an inside toilet (heaven). My first real memories of Swffryd were the big school, not much fun but we had to go. I went home ...see more
My grandparents lived at Norburn Drive and I spent many a school holiday there. I remember the huge back garden and my grandad growing runner beans and cucumbers. Would love to know how the house looks now.
My name is Sam Burrow I was born in Hartland in 1936 - the family moved to Clovelly in 1939 and lived in Home Lodge. My father, J A Burrow, was the estate foreman. My mother, Florrie, was the school cook throughout the war years preparing meals for not only village children but also the many who had been evacuated from London and Plymouth. After the war she managed the tea rooms at the car park for ...see more
I bought this photo a few years ago, as this is the village my mum grew up in. On opening the photo when I gave it to her, she recognised herself and her sister, plus a friend from the village. I had no idea this was my mum when I bought it for her. Made the gift extra special
Hi, can anyone remember me? I was at the school from 1962 until 1965, I joined the Pony Club to avoid Sunday hikes. I was in Tyne dorm and I remember Mr Burrage was a teacher in the dorm.
Does anyone have any information regarding the history of No 93 High Road, Benfleet - currently Nicky's Nails, previously Golden Travel - I would like to know what the property was used for prior to 1970 and its occupants.
I am Arthur Bridge's stepdaugher and first came to the Manor when I was 7yrs old, back in the 60's and lived there until I was 31. I have a photo of the building when it was a private house and I knew who lived there. I can tell you loads about the place.
I am now 73 but still remember my time in the Boy's Home at Biggleswade. I cannot remember how old I was, possibly around 6 to 9. I remember it well because I and a few others ran away from the home because we were being bullied by an older boy by the name of (if my memory serves me correct) Richardson. We raided the larder before sneaking off instead of going to the local school. We hid up in a bailed type haystack ...see more
Does anyone remember Heads Fruit & Veg shop near Welling Corner?
My grandmother Selina Lucy Tank Hotten fell pregnant at the age of 18 years. Her father, Charles Henry Hotten was a gardener and felt he would lose his job if anyone found out about this. Selina was sent to a workhouse to have her baby, she named her Lucy Hotten, she was born in 1902. I believe that this is the workhouse that she may have been sent to. Selina never told her parents who the father was. Henry ...see more
My grandmother lived in Clayton West and my four cousins and I often slept over. Her surname was Sleaford but I have no memory of the actual address. I have just very clear memories of the worn stone steps into the cellar and the bedroom we cousins shared, which was accessed via a short ladder from the stairs going upstairs, the door being set high in the wall. The room was tucked under the eaves - I don't suppose it ...see more
Does anybody know of a family called Dewar who lived in Drumchapel. The person I am looking for is my half brother, his name is Neil Joseph Cooke. His mother was called Josie Dewar, she married my father in 1972 in Kingston upon Thames. She worked at the time in the Druidshead, Kingston upon Thames. I remember she also had a brother called Gorden. Thanks
We lived at Moss Cottage, remember it had no electricity - only paraffin lamps. Have never been able to find out where this cottage was? At weekends we used to go to Dunoon, Rothesay, Millport, and Campbelltown on the Ferryies. My father was a gardener working in a garden owned by a mother and daughter(?) We were there for about a year.
I lived in The Rectory in 1974/1975 along with a few Americans. I would love to hear from anyone who lived there during that time.I loved the village, so pretty & peaceful.
I went to this school in 1966 when I was 7 years old. I lived just across the road in Milford Lodge, were my mum and dad still live. I remember Mr Pontin being the Headmaster. My mum used to be the cleaner and my dad used to light the boiler for the heating at the school. The school was knocked down and old people's flats were built on the site. The church is still there and still very active - not much has ...see more
I moved to Horton Heath when I was 7 with my brother and parents. We lived in Burnetts Fields and it was just a cul de sac of about 28 houses and was known as Burnetts Gardens, the surrounding area were fields. The next house down Burnetts Lane was about a quarter of a mile.
Chapel Drove had five or six cottages and you could walk half a mile down Firtree Lane before you came to the first farm. Happy Days.
My dad was Eddie Cattell who ran Ye Original Pharmacy at 104 Leicester Road opposite Sandhurst Street School.
We lived at the shop before moving to 41 Fairstone Hill when the houses there were built.
I went to Sandhurst Street, then Langmoor, then Gartree and finally Beauchamp and run a reunion for anyone who went to those schools in the late 50s, and the 60s twice a year. Contact me if you are interested.
I ...see more
I lived in Woodland Close throughout my childhood and started at Kingsbury Green Primary School in 1959. The classrooms were brightly painted, and the smells of plasticine, paints, crayons, pink (carbolic) soap and school dinners pervaded everything. The pathways via Old Kenton lane and Slough Lane seemed endless, and I used to pick up acorn cups on my way into the classroom. Mrs. Wren was the Head Teacher at ...see more
I lived in Glyn-Llan (Penny McKay) 1 of 6 girls. I loved spending my summer days down the Dimbath, building dams so we could swim and build forts. We would take a picnic and off we'd go all day and our parents never worried about us and they knew we'd return when we were hungry. I also loved picking blackberries and going to the bluebell woods. I went to school in Nantymoel and took the Stanton buses. I also loved going ...see more
Me and my mum moved to Basildon in 1958 and my mum was highly delighted when she was awarded a council house after our grotty flat in London. I was very happy there when I was young, as there were fields to roam, ponds to fish and lots of open space. I went to Woodlands Girls School between 1964-69 and was happy there. It would be nice to know what happened to my old friends, I only keep in touch with one ...see more
I lived and worked in Wincanton for about 3 years. I stayed in a pub called The Nog Inn, run by a great bloke with the name of Paul Allard. The memories I have are of a friendly town with lots of history. I keep meaning to visit when I'm down that way but never seem to get the chance. As I was in my twenties when I stayed there, I had a great time and met lots of wonderful people who I still remember to this day. ...see more
I was a pupil at the Gravesend Technical School for Girls and remember walking along from Pelham Road to have our school lunches at the Boys School, housed in the Technical Institute - sausage and mash and some puddings with custard. Was at the school when it moved out to Wombwell Hall. Remember Mrs Pike (she had lost her pilot husband during the war) who taught us Pitmans Shorthand, which I went on to teach at our ...see more
My family moved to Arundel Drive when I was a baby. Like most of the houses we had a shared drive where you couldn't access the garage. I remember this caused a lot of problems with the neighbours. Have just returned from a reminiscing trip having not been back there for 40 years. What a shame South Harrow has been so neglected over the years - very sad. Does anyone remember the play area in Alexandra Park and ...see more
I still have fond memories of walking home from Amherst Primary School during the late fifties & early sixties. At the Shoreham Lane junction with Bradbourne Vale was a footpath which led down to the Darent....ideal for walking our dog and fishing for roach at weekends. I can vaguely remember a derelict brickyard in that area with what appeared to be a railway spur line.....did this belong to Marley Tiles or originate from earlier times? I would be grateful for any further info.
I worked at Laneswood, Mortimer West End 1964/65 when it was a children's home run by Berkshire County Council. I was told that Queen Wilhelmina stayed there when she first came to England from the Netherlands in 1940 and was there for some time.
My mother had the above sweetshop in Great Bridge. We used to sell one penny bottles of pop to the children who were going to the Palace Cinema on Saturday. The shop was open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and only closed on Christmas Day about 12 noon for us to have our Christmas dinner. We opened again about 6 p.m. for people to collect their ice cream Christmas cakes.
Many, many, happy memories of holidays in a cottage on the Warren located next door to old Tynans (sorry if not spelt right) bakery. Waking up to the smell of pies and bread, while being sent to the stand pipe on the old dusty main road for the water. Waiting for the call of the calor gas truck, the excitement of the weeeeooooop from the loud speaker on its roof then CALLLLLOR GAS CALLLING....CALLORRRR GAS ...see more
I was at Homefieds 1964/66 and l remember Nigel. l also remember going to Rose Lane school with the strong smell of the brewery next door. l recall getting the cane by Mr Morgan the Headmaster on more than one occasion. And I can recall some of my classmates: Paul Owens, Christine, Julie, Denise, Robert and Terrence. l often wonder what became of them. I also have nothing but fond memories of my chilhood in Biggleswade.
Hi it's Ian Richards (Richie) just come onto this site to my amusement. I loved everyday at Bank Hall and all my mates that were there. Ashy, Any Renwick, Carl Myers, Phil Astridge, Coxy and all the other boys that I can't remember. Remember when we used to give all the housemothers cuddles and we used to snuggle into their tits, and when it came to classes we were all in the woods and no one could find us smoking. Mr Lucas, Mr Lowery, Mr Denver and the one and only Kevin ingenious Brennan.
I remember going to Wood's Fish & Chip shop on our way home from Mascalls School and getting 4d (old pennies) of chips and eating them whilst walking to catch the train to Marden.
Does anyone know where the Piggery was behind Mascalls?? I think it was in Chantlers Hill and may have been owned by the Smitherman's. I often walk round that lane but cannot find it. I seem to remember the waste from the school dinners was collected by them.
My name is Jean, trying to trace memories of my father, Sidney Rawlins - son of Charles and Emmy Rawlins and his brothers Roland and Gilbert and their sister Lucy.
I was born in 1931 at Mount Vernon N.H in nearby East Retford. My father was a charge warder at Rampton State Institution. Woodbeck was the exclusive housing estate for staff working at the State Institution.
We were allocated a Staff House at number 44 Woodbeck.
I remember particularly the war years 1939 -`45 and as I found out later, we were on the direct bombing line for the German Bombers attacking the ...see more
My family lived in a house that I thought was in the devils punchbowl in Hindhead. We lived there late 60's early 70's. I could be mistaken as I was only 7 years old.
I believe it was called Hill Lodge. It was off a main road and I remember a large garden before it became nature.
My parents then moved to Germany and I attended The Grove school in Hindhead.
If anybody knows where Hill Lodge ...see more
My dad was the manager of Elliotts Shoe Shop in Purley from 1949- 1952, after he was demobbed from active service in the War. We lived above the shop in one of the flats. I would love to see any pics that may be available of the shop and the alley way behind the shops. I remember shopping with my mum, using coupons, as rationing was still in effect. On Sundays we would walk up a hill to a park.
I lived at 20 Brassington Street. I was born in 1962 and went to Trafford Road School. I would love to hear from someone who maybe lived in our street, or was in Miss Anderson's class. Happy memories of Salford back then, my nanna lived in Robert Hall Street.
Are there any pupils out there who went to Canada Road Primary School. Walmer, Deal. Kent, U.K. in the War years of 1941 to '45? The Headmaster's name was Mr Morris, and his favourite saying was: 'Open your books to page 43, and I don't want to hear another word out of you'. He then promptly nodded off to sleep, whilst we threw out 'nibbed' pens into the wooden ceiling, or tried dipping the hair of the girl ...see more
In 1941 when I was 10 years old we lost our home in the Plymouth blitz. Having been to Crackington before the war on holiday and staying at Baypark Farm (Mr and Mrs Coombs) we arranged to go there again. Living as holiday guests for any length of time was unsustainable so we very very fortunate to be able to share a bungalow with a wonderful couple (Mr and Mrs Henry Knight). Mr Knight was the local ...see more
This lovely fountain has been around for years, but some things have disappeared. Does anyone know what happened to the lovely black clock that was in Royal Square?
I am not from Redditch but my hubby is...I moved here in 1985 is this what the market place looked like before the Kingfisher Centre took over and made this a walkway? I just can't imagine it!
Wow so many happy memories in Osterley. Why do things have to change, those were the good old days and I sure miss 'em. Wendy Banfield
My goodness! Just where I grew up. I lived in Osterley Avenue and this looks like Osterley before the great West Road cut Thornbury Road in half!
Nice to see your name again Mike. I well remember the New Inn as it was where my dad had a garage for his car when we lived at Bank cottages and later Fessey Road. There were then 4 pubs in the village; New Inn, White Lion, The Bell, and the Rose & Crown. We moved on from the village in the early 60's and I now live in Market Harborough.
I too, remember Mrs Thomas's sweet shop (where you could get a penny lolly 'Yum Yum!') also Mrs Baileys wool shop, Ramsons Indian haberdashery shop, La Strada restaurant, Mrs Thomas in the Chemist, Mr Hales hardware store, United Dairies then changed to Alliance. The Delicatessen, Unwins the Off-Licence, Platts food shop, Junes hairdressers, a Bakery shop, and somewhere there was a Butchers shop, Oh ...see more
In the late 1950's I spent much time down here watching the shipping. First I would go to the Library in Culver Street to look at the Lloyds News sheet to see which boats were arriving or leaving. I would also look the ships up in Lloyds Register to find out the details of the ships.
I remember the smalles of petrol being unloaded and the slightly obnoxious smell from the works on the quayside, making Fire ...see more
I remember in my 1st year at the Royal Grammar School (1955), I was selected to read the 1st lesson at the school Carol Service at the Town Hall. Also the borough organist was Leonard Simpson who was also organist and choir master at St Mary at the Walls Church where I was a chorister in the late 50's. I also remember coming to a dance here with my parents who were involved in the organisation. I suspect it was the BP Guild, but not sure.
As kids we used to hang out at the shops in the evening as most my friends lived above the shops; the Alliance, Junes the hairdresser, the Launderette, and Osterley Wines off-licence. I remember Peter, Bridget, and their daughter Anne Donohue and of course their dog Whiskey. We used to sit on the wall near Unwins and chat and mess around. My friends were Gary Fisher (from Junes ...see more
I lived in Salisbury Avenue and once at St John's Green Junior School this was my route home. Playing on the walls of the assault course, amongst other escapades. Unfortunately, when I was back there in 2012 it was a building site. Infact, virtually all the barracks had disappeared and I had to find my way round with a Sat Nav!
On Sundays, my mum used to bring my brother and I here to sit around the pond and feed the ducks...we loved that. Nowadays I don't even think people are allowed to feed them...infact I'm not sure there are any ducks there anymore sadly, but it was a lovely memory of times when we could.
My goodness, in 1966 my mum used to wheel me here in my pram with my brother sat on the seat at the front. A few years later in the 1970's we had many a great picnic in front of this lovely house. A great afternoon out, giving my mum a rest on the grass for a few hours whilst my brother and I tired ourselves out playing and running around. Not like now 'No Ball Games' allowed.
On holiday at the bathing pool holiday camp I met my husband to be, still together after 50 years - nothing left of pool only memories...
I knew a Michelle Wheeler of Clockhouse Lane who went to Echelford (spelling?) School 1949 - 1953. I was born in Chattern Road, Ashford in March 1942 and left Ashford Grammar at dead on 15 in 1957. Now a widower living in Gosport. My late sister, Pat Langley, was also at Ashford County but a couple of years before me. Happy days (except for the cane!)
Hello, I grew up on the Camp (and worked there) as did my mother before me. My family worked on the camp for 56 years until it was finally destroyed. I would love to hear from anyone who worked on the Camp as I am in the process of writing a book about the history of it and from the point of view of the staff. I am searching for certain photos to go into my book, particularly the Convalescent Home ...see more
I paid a visit here one rainy day in August 2012. A quaint little town where nothing much has changed apart from the motor vehicles.
This has been the Spread Eagle Pub for a long time. The road off to the left leads to Hawkley, the main road leads to the Ham Barn roundabout on the A3 London-Portsmouth, through West Liss with Liss behind the photographer.
Hi, I remember you, I was a at the school from 1970 to 1977. I hope you are well. They were great days at the school..
I came across this interesting page whilst looking for an old photo of Gowkshill for my Dad's funeral order of service. Dad, Billy Kane, lived at 2 the Crescent with his parents. When he married we stayed in Arniston, 43 Barleyknowe Crescent, the family moved to Dumfrieshire in 1950's with Dad's work in the pit's. Came back to Gowkshill in 1960, lived at 24 Stobhill Road, he worked in Bilson Glen until 1985 when he ...see more
I have just been reading the memories of a Ms Hamilton. I used to cross the bridge on the way to and from Goldsworth Junior School as I lived in Horsell. My sister and friends would stop and fish for newts or frogs - especially when tiny frogs appeared in the spring, which would make us late home - obviously we got told off for being late. I loved that bridge it has happy memories. I now live in Devon, ...see more
Sad to hear that Jackson's is closing next year. I remember going there with my mother in the 50's and 60's to get shoes and clothing. One time in particular I remember going for shoes, and after trying them on, I put my foot in a wooden contraption which was like an x-ray machine that showed if they fitted. I could not work out how such a thing worked. Does anyone else remember this or was I imagining it?
Have only good memories of Trescott. I was born there in 1948, I lived with my parents Len and Doris Croydon. My granparents lived next door in the house as you go through the water splas. I went to Tettenhall Wood School too and the people from the Park, the Stokes,t he Klepsinskys and the Helevort brothers. My dad worked for Norman Dickinson at Pool Hall farm for many years. I used to play in the brook in those days with ...see more
My nan and grandad owned Davidson's greengrocer's in Mitcham, and my mum and dad lived there with them in the 50's early 60's before moving to Cornwall, and I have very fond but distant memories of holiday's and Christmas's there as a child in the late 60's/early 70's. Unfortunately, I'm not sure of the address, but would love to know if anyone else could tell me? Was it London Road? The shops with the ...see more
I lived in Ham Close prefabs, I moved to Ham from Richmond when I was 6yrs old and went to The Orchard School. I used to go through the hedge to watch polo - Prince Philip used to play there a lot then. The polo club was right next to the Orchard. Ham and Petersham was a great place to live - the pits and Ham pond - there used to be a big bonfire guy fawkes day by the pond. My Idol, Tommy Steele, moved into Montrose house ...see more
I am researching my family, the Mumerys, who lived at 24 Elm Road and owned a bakers which was bombed out in the Blitz on Bridge Road. If anyone could tell me anything else about them I would be really grateful. My family is over from new Zealand at Christmas, and I'm going to take them round the old family sites. My Grandmother was Lillian and her bothers Ted and Tom. Their parents were Benjamin and Annie. Thanks very much
Any readers out there with memories of the North Antrim coast in the 1960s might enjoy my recently published autobiographical novel SUMMER IN THE HEART (2011, IUNIVERSE). See more details on Amazon or Facebook.It is set on the North Antrim coast - Dunseverick, White Park Bay, Ballycastle and Bushmills - in the time just before electricity arrived in the area, with a lot of descrription of local ...see more
I worked in Semtex on the banbery mixing vinyl for tiles, then left and became transport organiser for black rock haulage before emigrating to Austrailia, but have fond memories of my time there.
I have lived in Australia for 42 years now, But I started my married life in Mitcham, Our first home was in Glebe Court and my inlaws lived a floor above us. I loved the area around the Fair Green, I worked part time in Huttons Fish shop for 4 years also as an usherette at the Majestic Cinema. I remember all the shops mentioned in the above, also Jim Peters the optometrist, I still have the spectacle case I got my first ...see more
Hi, My name is Robyn Arkinstall and I live in Australia. I am very interested and doing research into the Arkinstall surname, worldwide.
On Friday December 11, 1868 a James/John? Arkinstall was employed at Casterton Hall as Miss Bickersteth's Footman. Miss Jane Price (19) was the Kitchen-maid, Jennett McMillan was the Cook, John Middleton was the Groom and William Rogers was the Butler. In the ...see more
This was the school I went to from 1963 until I left school in 1967. I have many fond memories of getting into trouble with a little help from friends. Mary and Wendy were two of my closest friends. My name back then was Edith Richards and I lived in Usk road on the Kenningtons estate. I was there from 1953 untill 1971 when I got married and then moved to Canada in 1973. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
This is where our family went when we where on holiday. My father came from Penzance and my auntie lived in custom house lane. This has loads of memories for me. Always walk up there when we come down from Somerset.
Although I was not born until 1957, I remember this photo as my dad owned Nork Motors and you can see some of the petrol pumps here. In the 1960's when I was a bit older I used to help Dad at the garage and fill cars with petrol and check their tyres. I too remember Hookhams and The Surrey Library where I would get my comic and sweets, although sometimes I would cross the road over to Eastgate and get sweets from Apps. There was a small Lloyds Bank, I think, as well just along here.
During the 2nd world war years 1944-1946, I lived at the Harp with the Edwards family. We were accommodating the Americans from the Wem area, and also the Land army from nearby Edstaston Hall. The Harp was a hive of activity, and a great place to be at that time. I was the guest of Mr Frank Edwards and worked as a domestic servant. & I then stayed on until June 1949,
I looked after the farm animals etc. Mr ...see more
Can anyone remember a riding school and livery in speldhurst/Langton called Cobblers Yard?It was owned by a lady called Mrs Saggers and the riding school and livery were run by a lady called Francis.So many happy memories from my time there but I cant seem to find out if its still there,what happened to it.?
I boarded at St. Catherine's from 1942 until 1948, which I believe was connected to Middlesex County Council during that time. I was 3 years old when I started, my home was in Victoria Square, Clifton and my parents were both involved with the Services. The name Cooper sounds familiar for the Principal but I cannot be sure. He was a professor at Bristol University and his wife & daughter ran ...see more
I don't remember, but I was born at this nursing home. I was the first child of Mavis and Ed Papworth, and I was born on 31st May, 1949. My brother Frank was also born at this nursing home 2 years and 9 months later. Both my brother and his family and myself and my family now live in Perth, Australia. I attended primary school at the old school, and I remember carrying desks from the old school to the new senior school (I believe it is now a middle school).
Does anyone remember the Pauline Grout Dance School in Lampton Road and have any photos etc?
I believe I was sent to Brentwood following a stay in Hither Green Fever Hospital with whooping cough. I seem to have been in a ward named Poplars 3. I have two very strong memories of that stay. I was 5 years old. First, I was encased in a 'frame' which was made of metal but thickly padded, the padding encased in thick suede leather. It went around my head at forehead height; a long straight rod went down my back to ...see more
