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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  • How the location features in your personal history?
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  • 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!

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Displaying Memories 22161 - 22240 of 36890 in total

We moved to Southend during 1944 and stayed there for about a year till May 1945. A group of boys who lived in Cheltenham Avenue, off York Road and myself decided to take a boat to the boating lake where Adventure Land is now As we were walking along the front prom when we were approached by a photographer who asked us to play on the newly opened beach, this was in April 44. We played ...see more
When six years old I remember very well going from Church Gresley to Swad (Swadlincote always shortened to Swad by locals) with my beloved grandfather to purchase a spade from the hardware department of Salts. I still have that spade, the blade is a lot smaller now due to years of use by my grandfather and myself and is no longer used, it is polished and on display along with the garden ...see more
Seedley, Salford 6 God, how this page is bringing back memories! I'm a demob baby! Mind you, a lot of men coming back from the war celebrated the that's why the baby boom happened! Although born in Old Trafford, my first home was 1, Scales Street, Seedley, Salford 6. We were the corner shop, far, far smaller than anything you'd get today. We had a small tap room where dad kept the cigarettes ...see more
Wasn't this at one time a butchers and then later became the Ironmongers owned by the Cordingley family? I am talking about the early 1900's and am not quite old enough to remember that.
My name is Andrew Simon, The grandson of Richard Simon. He was the Barber in Headless Cross for some 35 years. Next door at 100a was my aunt, and she ran the wool shop.
The building jutting out into Castle Hill on the left upper of this picture is no. 17 and was my Great Uncle Luther Paxton's plumbers shop. The shop was on the ground floor and he and his wife, Amy lived on the upper two floors. They were visited at this address in 1948 by Luther's sister-in-law (from Wisconsin), Elsa Paxton, following the death of Luther's brother George in 1945. She wrote a diary during ...see more
I believe the house on the left behind the hedge is the Court. The Kleboe family lived here I think.
My grandfather Herbert Allen owned that building for a while - around 1920's I think - it was run for him by Denis Eaton. Dennis eventually became his son in law - he married Sylvia the 2nd youngest of 5 Allen girls - who only passed away about 4 years ago now. It was I thought called The Granary before it was turned into a house - could be wrong. My Aunt always referred to it as The Granary when talking about ...see more
I remember spending many hours at the lido with my sister and my friends, and the memory of buying cups of hot bovril from the hut, warming up and enjoying it so much. And the endless hours of fun spent there.
A big hello, to all at who attended Taxal, at this time. BIG LOVE Brendan Shortt :-)
We went fishing to Dogdyke on the River Witham in 1964.
My younger twin brother Roger seems to have memories of his "Uncle Tom" of which I am unaware. My "Uncle Tom" was a Hants and Dorset bus conductor/driver. After Gore Road Elementary School finished for the day and my mother to be rid of squabbling kids in her hairdressing business office, would give us three-pence each to go home on the bus, and told us to make sure "Tom" put us off the bus at our stop. I remember ...see more
Hello Everyone, I think it was 1961/2 "A Celebration of Flight " was held at RAf Upavon , with Prince Philip as the Royal Visitor to open the event . The old Hangars at RAFUpavon, the oldest RAF Camp, held the brothers Wright flying machine, which sailed across the English Channel, 100yrs before. I was only a small child of 7yrs , so would welcome any additional ...see more
I remember my first day at school as being just awful. After the initial shock I then enjoyed being at school. At that time we lived near Amble Junction. I also remember prior to starting school I slipped on the ice and broke my right femur. Apart from some mishaps I enjoyed that time of my life.
I lived at 61, COVENTRY RD, PAILTON and went to this school. My best friend was Christine Bakewel that lived at No. 34. My Dad died in our house when I was 2 weeks off 11 and he is buried in the church in Monks Kirby. It wasn't until recently that I found his grave. I remember we had to get the bus from Monks Kirby to Pailton and once there was an accident between 2 buses and 1 passenger on ...see more
This is to find any one who aattended Mexborough Technical college in 1952.I was there to study nursing,along with my friends Shelia Higgs and Eileen Syms.I have one photograph of my class with our teachter Mr Williams.It would be lovely to be in touch with any one from that time.If anyone has any information you can e.mail on korkeezkit@yahoo.com Audrey MacDonald [Howard]
My great-grand parents were head gardener and house keeper at Brambridge House in its hey day, my great uncles also worked as footman, and gardeners and planted the original beginnings of what is now Brambridge Nurseries and Garden Centre. My grandmother and her siblings were born in the gardens house. After the house closed down my great-grandparents took over the Dog and Crook pub from around 1900 - 1915 and ...see more
Hursley was the family home of the Wild family from the 1700s till quite recently. My great-great-grandfather was the master blacksmith at the village forge which is still there today, and is buried in Hursley church yard along with quite a few of my ancestors.
My family were one of the first to move into the Kilburn Square estate, in the early part of the 1970, and stayed until 1995. I went to school at Salisbury Road School, then South Kilburn High School. All the films I saw were at the State, and I wished I took more time looking at the detail of the inside of it. I used to drink in the Coopers pub on the High Road as it was famous for being the ...see more
Hello, I was at this children's home for a few months around Christmas time around 1947-49. I am trying to put the pieces together as to why I was sent there and what it was all about, as my family never wanted to discuss this time. I remember we went to see Old Mother Riley in pantomine and there was a older girl called Connie there at the time who tried to escape at one ...see more
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.
My father worked in the fishmongers (just off this picture). When I was a child (4 in 1955) I would go to the sweet shop - on the left. There was a dairy, bakers and chemist among the local traders. I can still recall the smeall of the coal being delivered to the coal yard - Sleet & Stearn.
My daughter was Christened in the Parish Church in Holywell in 1981.
I lived in Needingworth from 1977 to 1981, to get to the Ferry Boat Inn was within walking distance. We would sit on the grass near to the river and have our drinks on a warm summer day. If I remember correctly, this was one of the oldest pubs in the country and it was haunted. The outside of the building looks the same as I remember it, it had low ceilings and dark oak beams and a good ...see more
My sister Irene hated any kind of puppet and I clearly remember her standing on the promenade screaming at our brother and I to come away. We were having fun and thought her a nuisance. It might well have been 1950, who knows?, and Peter and I may be in the photo?
Both sets of grandparents lived in Lowestoft so we were able to visit right through the war years when other people couldn't. I remember hiding under the table wearing tin hats with my maternal grandmother, brother and our uncle who must have been home on leave from the RAF whilst our parents were at the cinema and an air-raid warning sounded. A bomb fell. We wondered whether my parents had been hit and they ...see more
Our paternal grandfather loved to take us on the boating lake. I suppose it wasn't operational during WW2, so most of the memories will be of the 1950s. Perhaps, he used us as an excuse to go boating himself? The other photo of 2 young girls in 1955 could be my two younger sisters, though the older thinks she wasn't allowed to drive the boats herself.
There used to be a big sign outside the pool which displayed the temperature of the water that day. When it was our day for swimming, one of us was sent down from George Spicers school to see what the day's torture would be. The threshhold was 58 degrees F - if above, we all trooped down there. I remember a number of times the runner came back with the news it was 57! Funny that.
My Great Grandfather was the Ferryman from East Mersea to Brightlingsea, he was Horatio Charles Mole. There are many family members on the Island but somehow the ones I am in touch with cannot find the house where he lived at the time he was running the Ferry. Please can anyone help? It would be good to find the house, so we can visit and take a photo.
After leaving school I worked for one year at James Butler Electrical Engineers in Chirnside which I enjoyed. The electrician I enjoyed working with was Barry who taught me so much. I do not remember his surname. After that year I joined the Health Service and trained as a Nurse. Edward (Eddie)
We lived in The Avenue for 2.5 years just after WW2. I went to the village school, which only had 2 classes, juniors and infants. The rooms were separated by a partition that could be folded back. If I remember correctly, we would walk in crocodile to the church hall for our school lunches. My brother, born in 1942, must have started school during our time here.
I spent my childhood in Wortley, born and bred around th church of St John's the Evangelist at 35a Dixon Lane. I went to school at Upper Wortley and spent many happy hours around Wortley and "The Rec". We moved down to 200 Whitehall Road - closer to Elland Road - around 1955-56 (John Charles). Just noticed photo of community grave in St John's of 11 children killed in a fire on New Year's Day ...see more
I have a small picture hanging on my wall, which is a print of a painting by my late father Harry Russell. It depicts the view shown in the picture, but from an era slightly before. Not a lot different. I can remember the cockle shed that was there, and who can remember the orchard behind the pub, the Hoy and Helmet?? We used to climb over the wall from the graveyard and pinch carrots of all things. I vividly ...see more
On May 13th 2006 my husband and I were married in this charming villages beautiful church. My wonderful new family made all the arrangements. We hadn't had to lift a finger. Everyone in the village welcomed me as if I had been one of them all my life. I was walked through the village being escorted by Tony, the Woodchurch Morris Mens muscian. After a beautiful service our reception was across the street in ...see more
This house was built by my great- great grandfather around 1883. His name was James Burnand, founder of James Burnand and Sons, cutlery and Bowie Knife makers.
My husband's great-grandfather was the Rayner on the shop in the photo. We like the name so much that both our eldest son and eldest granddaughter have Rayner as their middle name. We are hoping to keep the tradition going. If anyone knows any more about the Rayners I would be please to know.
This is my Dad's memory and my search for anyone who may have a copy of the photograph explained in the information he gave me which follows. I would love to get a copy as a surprise gift for him, can anyone help me please? Here is the memory:- This is the true story. It was the 'Festival Of Britain' year 1951, (the previous one being 1851 Crystal Palace etc., but I don't ...see more
My memory of living in Brongest, I lived on farm called Blaenarthen, my most memory living there was hot summers we used to have, and hay making, when everyone would help with getting the hay in. I also had grandparents living on farm near by at Pengelli Brongest, it was great having grandparents living by. I used go down to see them regularly. My other memory I have is it was round between 1972-1974 on ...see more
I used to work at Wembley Stadium for Leslie Reynolds.
Before the 1944 Education Act most children attended schools up to the age of 14 years then they left to seek employment unless they had been fortunate to secure a free place at a Grammar or Technical School where they would continue their education until 16 years of age. St Botolph's, like many schools had been founded by the local church community as had the local Catholic School ...see more
I used to live at Brockley Hall, I had my first born son John at Brockley, followed by four more children, I have the most wonderful memories at Brockley, walking through the gardens, It is a beautiful place, so many precious memories..  xx
My father was born and raised on Holmscroft Street. He left in 1950. I have been and know that his segment of Holmscroft Street has been torn down. Does anyone know if this school was anywhere near Holmscroft Street? Does it still exist?
I was at Orchard Portman School in 1952 I would like to hear from others who were there at the same time. When did it close. Lesley Manning
I attended Pippins the Shute prep school in 1946, we used to go to Shute school occasionally, once for a May Day play when I had to carry a doll. we swam in the river in Axminster and went on the train to Lyme Regis on a Sunday. Can anyone tell me when Shute School closed? Lesley Manning
This boating lake has been my favorite fun thing to do when my parents took me to Lowestoft for our annual holidays. We stayed with a Mrs Hutchins who ran a small but perfect boarding-house. We always stayed with her and her little dog. Our little dog Nan came everywhere with us and on holiday was no exception. She meant everything ot us all and loved to chase her tennis ball and fetch it from the surf ...see more
I used to live just off Commercial Road on Gibson Street in the 1950s. The houses were very basic with a living room, a bedroom, attic and cellar. We shared a toilet with another family which was at the end of the terrace. I went to Pellon Lane junior school, and I played on what we localy called the 'back lane' which consisted of a smallholding belonging to Mr Clayton, he kept chickens (which I ...see more
My grandfather George Morgan was a colliery blacksmith, he died in an accident at work in October 1938. My grandmother's name was Hannah, she died in 1919. In the 1911 census they lived in 94 Margam Street, Cymmer. My grandfather had three brothers, John, Thomas, Francis, and a sister Alice. He died before I was born so I have not got a lot to go on. If anyone know how I could get any information or old photos, I would be very grateful.
Good days at the Lyndale nipping out to the Hare and Hounds for a pint, also the town hall pub. Yes, fantastic nights there from about 1961-1964, I saw Herman's Hermits, Dave Berry ect, had some good times there, I wish they could come back. I went to Broadway (which later became the Court School of Dancing), saw the Hollies and other great stars of the day. I wish we were all 18 again.
I am trying to remember old schoolmates, Greham Humpries, Carol Taylor, Frank Birch (and sister), Julie wood ect. There were not many in the school but we had good times. I remember carrying coke in from the yard. I remember the teachers Mrs Williams, Miss Hibbert, Miss Humphries. We did PE in the assembly room/classroom. Does anyone else remember these times? If so could they get in touch please. ...see more
We all went to stop on a farm near Landgrick Road in the year 1965 for one week of fishing, we all came from Pinxton and South Normanton, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, catching loads of fish, bream, tench, pike, perch and eels. On the map it said Toft Tunnel, it was near a stone bridge, fishing on the North Forty foot bank and the fishing was great.
Growing up in Galley Common was the best part of my life. Dad was the manager of the bus depot, Bunty Motors I think it was called, at the bottom of Hickman Road, I lived at 66 Hickman Road. In the summer a lot of us kids would go camping down the 'rec as we called it, another name for the recreation park. I made myself ill living on beans. In the winter we always seemed to have heavy snowfalls, ...see more
I used to walk past this church on the way to visit my grandparents in Highcliffe Road. There was a path which lead up behind the church and onto a back road to Highcliffe. My schoolfriend Jill married in this church in 1980. My great-grandfather was buried here in 1949 under the yew tree, my great-grandmother joined him in 1991 and grandfather's ashes were placed here also in 1991. There are numerous ...see more
I remember walking through here many times as child and adult. We used to walk from Sugden Avenue where I grew up and where my parents had bought a small bungalow in 1957, down to the town in bare feet! It used to take around 25 minutes to walk it. We must have been a bit wild, living in Sugden was like living in a rural area and kids were allowed more freedom in those days. The railway station is a ...see more
Just along from Halls corner past the police station on your right are two shops. One was a sweet shop run by my great grandparents - Orrock. This must have been in the 1940s as I remember my mother telling me about it. My great-grandfather died before I was born but I remember my great-grandmother as she lived to a ripe old age of 96 passing away in 1991. She seemed to me to be a matriarch and everyone gravitated ...see more
My grandparents moved to 49 Highcliffe Road in 1947. They were one of the first families to move into the new council houses. There they raised their six children, three of whom went to Beauchamps School. My mother and her sister both went to Chelmsford Grammar School after passing the 11 plus & 13 plus respectively. I remember visiting with my mum and walking from their house down to the park at the end ...see more
I rmember playing football in Elm Road, going up the donkey woods, catching newts down the bottom wood, deep snow in winter, happy days.
My mother was called Rose Brown and she had 11 brothers and sisters, not including 3 youngsters that sadly died much earlier. Mum's parents were George Henry Brown and Alice Fanny Brown (Taylor). They lived in Prospect Place.
I would say the date of this photograph is 1960 - 62. I am one of the three girls at the lower right of the photo and have a vague recollection of seeing the photographer standing on the back of a lorry? with a tripod. The other girls are my sister Hazel and a friend, Lesley. Wendy Lawday, nee COLES
I remember before they built the QE2 Hospital. As a child I would go with my brother George and friends to the fields where the hospital is now and we would play for many hours, and there were horses in the fields and a stream, there were also pigs sties with old air-raid shelters in and we spent many a hours in them as our dens. We had such great fun in those days. There were so many fields to play in. We even played with the cows until the farmer found out.
Where you lived in the prefabs is where I lived on the new estate after the prefabs were pulled down and the new estate was built in the 1960s. I was born in 1968 at 83 Martin Road on the corner of Park View and lived there till 1997, it was a lovely place to live, My mum lived there till she died in 2007. I always have happy memories of that house.
I lived on the Lower Road between Hockley and Hullbridge between 1950 and 1967. Rayleigh was our local town. Before Woolworths was built, there was a garage on the site. I think it was called the Waterloo garage. My father bought a wartime ex-army Commer utility vehicle from them (in the very early 1950s). He used this for his mobile greengrocery round around Rayleigh. There ...see more
I lived in Holly Street, North Kilbowie, I was born there 1949. My gran and grampa moved into 1 Holly Street in 1939 before the Second World War. The stories they knew about the blitz were funny as well as tragic. I lost my great-grandpa, his body was recovered without a mark on him. I now move forward to 1954, the year I started school. I attended Kilbowie Primary School, my first teacher was Mrs Temple. On ...see more
I went to Horden Cross Roads Senior School and remember the view from the Class Room. It looked over the old Pit Head and allotments and I loved it. I once did a painting of it and I wish I had that picture now as it has changed so much. We used walk from school with my friends to the corner shop and then through the allotments. My grandad and uncles all worked at the pit and it made me feel special to see it. If anyone has memories of Horden Cross Roads School I would love to here them.
When we moved to Spinkhill in 82 there were many people who had lived in the village for quite some time. Gerard Cross and his two sisters Beryl and Agnes were one family. Beryl was a teacher at Spinkhill School for many years. Gerard's dad had a horse and cart in the 40's and delivered milk on it. He also took the luggage up to Mount St Marys School for the pupils when they arrived by train at Spinkhill ...see more
I was born in 1950 and lived in Farthingstone until I was 3. There are many things I will never forget. My first haircut, with me sat on a wooden box at the bottom of someone's garden. "All things bright and beautiful" at the village church. Walking in the Joy Mead with family or friends. Looking over the garden wall at the cows in the farmyard and most of all how much I loved this peaceful, quiet village.
I lived in Morcote Road when I was a little girl, and have memories of the schools I attended and the surrounding areas of Braunstone. I used to go to Bembow Rise School when I was quite small then moved on to Brausntone Hall across Braunstone Park. The summers I remember were very hot and the winters extremely cold. I remember playing on the streets of Braunstone Estate and the park when I was a small ...see more
I remember Edie Veitch as I was born in Albert Terrace, Newburn. She was more my grandma's age (Nan Tulip), and they also lived close together in Tillmouth Park Road. My Great Aunt and Uncle (Doris and Billy Tait) used to have card nights on a Sunday and I'm sure they all joined in - along with Nan Stamp and Anne Liddle. My memories of Victoria & Albert Terrace are quite vague, as I also moved to ...see more
My father, Joseph MacNab Sproul, his brothers, sisters and parents always lived and were born in Washington, they are all gone now and I am trying to find some information on them. My grandparents were Samuel and Ellan, I was told by my cousin that there is a Sproul on the North East War Memorial right side bottom, left list. I have been trying to find photos and addresses but I'm not getting anywhere, if you ...see more
First day, stood outside the gates not allowed in until 10 mins to nine, all the older boys who were in their last year lining you up and telling you when it would be your turn for the mill. (No one escaped this.) Teachers I remember were Thrack Kelly headmaster, Clarky maths deputy head, Sharp PE, Swinn RE, Grizz Rodgers science, Crofty rural studies, Woody wood work, Smithy metal work, Harry Lane history, ...see more
In the 1960s and early 1970s I remember visiting the outpatient dept with the beautiful rocking horse and dolls house, I always looked forward to my appointments.
I lived and worked for Lord Walpole at Fringwood Farm from 1951 to 1952 and I am lookiny for anyone who worked there at that time who remembers the Turvey family and any photos would be appreciated.
This was the year I was born in what was then seen as Parkside because it was the top half of the village. I was born in Knownoble Street and some of my most earliest memories were of being raised in a three generation household. Then of sneaking through a neighbourghs garden to get to the swing park. Of Scott's Farm where fresh milk came from every day and of Allen's shop where Besty was not only the teacher ...see more
My Mum and I moved to Cheelson Road, South Ockendon from Plaistow in 1955 when I was 3, Dad was away in the Merchant Navy so took no part in the actual move. Cheelson Road was only built on one side with a row of bungalows built in the 1930s by Wilsons The Builders whos offices and yard were next to the old Methodist Chapel, now disused now I think and that is next to a Tesco store now. I have vivid memories ...see more
I was at St. Marys Convalescent Home, as it was known then, around 1947. I was seven years old and spent a whole year there. My name then was Carole Hunt. I was sent there from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, as I had a shaddow on my lung which they said was T.B. but as far as I know this diagnosis was never confirmed. I have happy memories of my stay there apart from the ...see more
The Marl hole was the fun place for every Rubery kid, originaly there were three clay pits, the clay being used to supply the Brick & tile works which was situated at the end of the Avenue. The cottages along the Avenue and in Brook ROAd were built for the workers at the brick works. After the brick works stopped producing, the area was left to nature and the marl holes filled with water, and the area became ...see more
I was born in 1945 at Hudson Road, Gee Cross and attended Holy Trinity School and later Greenfield Street, leaving at age 16 to work at Adamsons in Hyde. During the next couple of years I applied to emigrate to Australia. While I still have a soft spot for Gee Cross and Hyde, going to Australia was the best move ever. Anyone who remebers me are welcome to contact me in Perth, Western Australia.
Hi. I am looking to contact old school friends Joan Blake, Brenda Green, Pat Brown, Shirley Newlands, I would like to hear from you. Aileen
My Honda SS125A came from Comerfords Ltd in March 1970. It's in parts at the moment, but I plan to restore it as funds allow! :)
Bank Hall was a school back in the 1970s. The head was a Mr Brennan. It would be lovely to chat to any other lads that were at the school at the time. I've seen a few things in the night, ladies in white and a few dogs from the kennels. I could write abook on this school. I visited Bank Hall some time ago, and it broke my heart, it's falling apart, the present owner has done nothing to help ...see more
I have a photo of the 'top class' sitting in front of what had been the connecting passage from the Head Master's Office(Mr Bradshaw) to another part of the school. It was known as 'the drainpipe' after the school was blitzed, we had our school dinners in there!. I don't know who took the photo but we all had a copy. I was then Doris Bailey.