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:
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Displaying Memories 33361 - 33440 of 36893 in total
Hi, I lived in lots of places when I was young including Pewsey, Marlborough where I was born, Hook near Wootton Bassett, and Wootton Rivers. My memories of Milton were living at No3 The Crossroads opposite the garage, until 1973 when I was around 5 or 6 years old. Me and my brother used to walk to the 2 room school, my sister was only 2 or 3 then. We could get 2 pink bubble gums for a penny then, half a pence each! ...see more
Please HELP we are trying to get hold of a photograph of 25 High Street SE25 6EZ in the 1900s we have tryed everything have you got any ideas.
Born in 1938 in Modbury, I can remember the latter years of World War II. I remember vividly the nights during the months of the heavy blitz on Plymouth, with the beams from searchlights that were based just outside the town criss-crossing the sky as German bomber formations droned overhead. The American forces had an army camp in a field across from Modbury School and as a youngster I used to wander through the camp ...see more
My Grandfather was station master at Faygate station for quite a number of years. He and my grandma lived in the house right on the platform and they had a garden opposite where he grew vegetables and kept chickens. His name was Frank Allen. I have many memories of playing on the little bridge that used to be over the railway lines as well as on the sidings and buffers nearby. It was all very daring and ...see more
Seeing Norman Jackson's reflections on the teachers of Hugh Bell School conjured up all sorts of wonderful memories. I agree totally with his description of the two headmasters, "Taffy" Evans, the cane toting, foot stamping disciplinarian and Charles Harmer, a gentle man but with a persuasive manner. Mr. Evans at times took us for music and he would always push "Sweet Lass on Richmond Hill" to the point ...see more
I believe my Great Grandparents Annie and Maurice (Frank) Coombes lived and farmed at Church Farm during the 1920s. My father Thomas (Aubrey) Coombes used to spend most of his school holidays there as a boy. This was a very happy time in his life. Long summers helping his grandfather and being spoilt by grandmother Annie. When they gave up the farm, they moved a few doors down into The White ...see more
Ah the old school and the playground, finally moved to the Sidcup bi-pass corner with purpose built buildings and a sports field.
This scene in 2008 looks almost exactly the same as it did in 1969. Further down (out of sight of this picture) many changes have taken place. George Burton's papershop is now a pizza parlour (didn't even know what a pizza was in the early 60s!). Duncan's Chemist shop (famously made of wood) has been demolished, oh how as a youngster I drooled as I looked in his shop window at those wonderful blue and white ...see more
Can anyone help with dating an article from the "Sunday Dispatch" re Mrs Ellen Tait. She was a rural councillor and lived in a council house in Edlington. She was a remarkable lady and I would appreciate help with my research.
My Mum Valerie Merrikin, nee Nichols, was born next to the old pub (recently knocked down) in Skeffington. Grandad Nichols worked at the hall and got the sack because he picked up some wood in the ground for a fire. This meant they lost their home and had to go and live somewhere else, 3 Sunrise Cottage, Brook Lane. When they moved they found an old suitcase ...see more
I was born in a house that is not yet built in this photo, the house would be on the bottom left corner of this print. I still live 200 yards away, level with where the photograph was taken. The area of trees and shrubs on both sides of this view of Dorking Road were developed. However to the rear of the person taking the photograph it is still open common land, as shown in print ref 80804, this view is as was, apart from lamp posts and road signs.
I grew up in Motspur Park, living in Claremont Avenue from 1958 - 1980 where my mother still lives. The swing gate railway crossing which we used to hang onto while the signal man wound them open and closed (the record for the fastest gate opening was recorded here). Sam, the Caribbean Station master who seemed to be there forever. The railway bridge that as a child scared me as the gaps between each ...see more
My mum first came across Bucks Mills when we went for a bodyboarding holiday in Westward Ho! before the march of the mobile homes..! Next year we stayed in Driftwood in Bucks itself and did so for the next 7/8 years until my parents bought an old farmhouse in Broad Parkham. I have stayed in Bucks many times since with friends and family and then with my own wife and children. It holds a magical attraction for ...see more
During the summer season we had Punch and Judy shows on Looe main beach. The puppeteer would parade up and down the prom and beach on a pair of very tall stilts. This, of course, would get everybody's attention. He would 'advertise' his next show. Can't remember how much it cost though!
I remember as a child sliding down 'skiddery rock'. It seemed so large at the time. Alas, most of it has now disappeared beneath the 'new' promenade. The rock was a large inclined slab behind the 'top' Bassett's Cafe.
My G,G,Grandfather was born in this house on the 2nd of July 1864, his name was Joseph Burgess and his parents' names were Joseph and Lydia Burgess nee Brooke. Joseph Burgess emigrated to Australia at the age of 22 years, he came across on the French ship called the Gilcruix on the 13th of Oct 1886. His passage cost 14 pounds and he was in steerage. He married Rebekah Hawker from Altona, Victoria, Australia. They had four daughters and lived in Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria.
I REMMEMBER ONE FRIDAY. NIGHT WHEN ME AND MY VERY SPECIAL FRIEND BRUCE. WERE OUT ON THE TOWN. I REMMEMBER THINKING TO MYSELF HOW NICELY DRESSED ALL THE MEN WERE. THEN I MEET UP WITH SOME OTHERE FRIENDS OF BRUCE'S AND MINE.LISA.EMMA AND LUCY.THEY DIDNT SEEM THEIR NORMAL HAPPY SELF SO I SUGGESTED A FEW DRINKS IN THE WHEATSHEATH.IT WASNT VERY FULL.AND I WAS SERVED BUY TWO OF FRIENDLIEST MEN I HAVE EVER MEET. SOON THE ...see more
I have always heard that my gran's sister started the laundry. Prior to this she was a wardress at the prison. Her name was Maria Stanley. I know that family stories get distorted and maybe she just worked at the laundry. She was definitely a wardress in 1901 and I would be interested to know when the laundry came into being. Later in life my great aunt started a laundry in Liverpool which survived till ...see more
As children we were very priviliged to be part of the village community. We spent many carefree hours playing and making camps in the woods and fields, sometimes we would venture further but had to keep a watchful eye for the keepers. I'm sure they knew we were about but most of the time they turned a blind eye. I was fascinated by their traps, they may seem cruel to some these days but they had a duty to look ...see more
My great grandfather Edward Harris was arrested outside this public house on Christmas Eve 1904 trying to rescue his stepson from the strong arm of the law. He was subsequently fined 50 shillings!
I am not sure about the exact year. I have fond memories of visiting my nan who lived in Flint Cottage and just wondered what happened to it and see if anyone knew anything about it as would like to find out more. The date I have put on was the year I was born so if anyone can help please email me.
I lived at 54 Oaks Road Kenley from about the age of 18 months with my twin sister Pamela and our brother Roger who was three years older. My maiden name was Brookbank. I remember the back garden was very steep on several levels, and right at the top was a gate that led into the woods, and these woods eventually opened out onto a playing field. We used to play in the woods for hours as children, and were never ...see more
great great great grandparent
My sisters and I would catch the bus from Crawley to Horsham and send many happy hours in the open pool. Then we would go to the milk bar in the Carfax and get a yummy milk shake!
I was born in Seacombe, Wallasey. When we were kids, say 1948/1952, we used to visit Creek Side near Duke Street Bridge and Dawbarns offices. There was some sort of smallholding there and we used to go and look at the pigs. How exciting it was when new piglets were born and we were allowed to go and see them. I often wonder now who owned this smallholding and would love to know if anybody remembers Creek Side and any info about it. My name when I lived in Seacombe was Joan Roberts
My father, John Robert Coulson, Jr., was born in Bebside, England on December 30, 1907. He came to America with his mother as a young boy. His mother's name was Emma Jane Worth Coulson and she had relatives in Shankhouse. My father's father was also John Robert Coulson and died before my father came to the United States. I will be visiting there in late May 2008 and would love to find relatives, go to the ...see more
I lived here for two years in 1941/42. My father rented it from Mrs Switzer who owned Bell Court. I was ten years old and together with my parents was escaping the Birmingham bombing. I used to fish from that very unstable veranda. We later rented a home on Grange Road in Bidford. Jack Nunn
Can anyone help? I am looking for a photo or info about my great grandfather's shop in Tonbridge at 84 Barden Rd. It was called the Domestic Oil Stores and was owned by Frederick Albert Nice. My grandad, Reginald Cecil Nice (Jock), and my two great aunts, Irene and Gertrude Nice, also worked there. Apparently my great grandad or grandad owned the first motor car in Tonbridge. I left Tonbridge when I was four ...see more
We used to stay at Three Ashes, Stoke Hill with my grandparents most summers in the fifties. They were called Moore. My mother (now deceased) was called Enid Moore and was brought up by her grandparents, John Moore a quarryman and his wife (I do not know her first name). Her mother was called Edith Florence May Moore, but we were brought up to call her auntie. Does anyone out there have any ...see more
At last, Brent Street as I remembered it all those years ago. I would have been 7 years old when this picture was taken. I was born in New Brent Street and shortly moved to Bellvue Road. I went to Bell Lane Infant School. I would go shopping with my mum along Brent Street. I remember 'Rossins' the bakers, where mum would buy me a tiny hovis loaf, then there was 'Home & Colonials' that smelled of ...see more
I HAVE A PHOTOGRAPH OF A THATCHED COTTAGE THAT EXISTED IN ELSHAM FOR MORE 200 YRS. HOW DO I ADD IT TO THE MEMORIES OF ELSHAM?
In September 2007 my partner Alan and I moved into a first floor flat on Tideswell Road directly opposite the church. The fact that the lounge windows overlook the church was the clincher for me when I was viewing the flat for rental. I love the fact that we are not overlooked by other properties which is very unusual for a town centre property. The church itself is a very attractive building and a great ...see more
As a child during the 1970s I used to live in Burgess Hill (10 miles away) with my parents and younger brother David. I remember being very small and my mother taking us to Brighton on the stagecoach bus with our next door neighbours. Both women loved to shop and us four children had to go along for the ride. As we passed Preston Park we always counted the 'pudding trees' (because they were shaped like christmas ...see more
This is where Alan asked me to marry him on a beautiful moonlit evening in January. The weather was mild and the moonlight was shining on the sea making it all silvery. There weren't many people around, just the odd jogger and dog walker as it was a Monday night. I guessed what was happening as he was so nervous, but due to some advice from my friend Simone I kept quiet for once. He took my hands in his and gave a ...see more
1792, My great great great grandparents were married at Hackness Church. William Henry PHIBBS and Jane HORNSEY. Jane was the granddaughter of Marmaduke LANGDALE. She was also a niece to Richard Vanden Bempde JOHNSTONE's wife. Can anyone help with more info please. Also which church was built at this time 1792, Thankyou one and all. Kathryn from Australia.
In January 1949, my parents moved into Houghbridge Hall - on the winding country lane mid way between Stones Green and the church at Gt. Oakley. I remained there until called up for National Service in November 1952, and last saw it on my Christmas leave that year during which we attended Christmas Day service in the church. Houghbridge Hall was a huge dwelling on about an acre of land, part of ...see more
The Eastman Family lived in Gt. Bedwyn from 1735. My Grandad lived in Brook Street then later at Railway Terrace, until his death in 1934. My Grandad had died several years before I was born, but I have vivid memories of my Grandma Carrie; she died in 1951. She was a tiny woman about 5ft 2ins - I was taller than her when I was 10 years old. She had very long hair which she put up in a bun on the top of her ...see more
Guy Fawkes Night could be quite hazardous, although I remember no one ever been seriously hurt, it was certainly a close run thing. Keith Bradley although not from farming parents had many relations whom were involved in farming and so had ready access to certain farming apparatus, binder twine and the like. One particular Bon Fire Night in the late 50's early 60's he had got hold of a long string of small ...see more
I lived on Seal High Street (pretty well opposite the half timbered building & the horse trough in the photograph) from 1939 to 1951. My father was in the fire brigade. In those days you auditioned to become a choirboy. The Church music was very elaborate & mostly we enjoyed it - although we were discreetly naughty, especially during the vicar's deadly boring sermons. Wide knicker elastic & tiny black throat ...see more
Whenever I heard the words "The Mumbles" as a child, it conjured up a very romantic image in my mind. According to family history, my Great-grandfather Thomas Stokes proposed to my Great-grandmother Matilda Thomas there. I can just imagine them enjoying the lovely view and sea air and planning their future. They left Wales for America in 1908, never to return to their special place. So it was especially sweet ...see more
This is not actually a memory, but after finding this photograph I just had to write and say that in the little ferry going across the River Wear is either my great grandad or great granduncle, if that is the right terminology. I am an ancestor of James Curry who along with his brother were the ferry men on that ferry. When the bridge was built James became the bridge keeper. One of James's sons Reginald drowned ...see more
Ok, on Halloween night 2007 some friends and myself wanted to do something different for our Halloween night, so where better to do it than at the old Bodmin prison. So off we set at 9 o'clock taking track to the prison. It was a great evening. We spent some hours in the darkest depths of the prison and we are convinced we did see a ghost of a man in the Naval Wing, and we did some filming and we got some pictures ...see more
I used to spend all my summer school holidays with Mr and Mrs Curtis who used to live in the school house in Ickham. He used to play the organ in Wickhambreux church. I was adopted in London, and Mr Curtis was a good friend of my birth mother(I will leave it at that). I always remember the awful day that I was put on the coach outside the pub to go back to London (a place I have always disliked). I used to dread ...see more
This hill holds many memories for me, I have walked up and down this hill many times since I was a child. I was born in the village of Port Isaac and as a child I would run, walk and skip up and down Church Hill. I have a picture of my granny holding me in her arms outside the house on the left, and we used to sit on the step for a break before climbing up the very steep hill to the hotel at the top of the ...see more
My parents, Rene and Freddie Gook moved to Abridge in the mid fifties. They were eastenders who belonged to a cycling club and used to visit Abridge at weekends - their destination was Brighty's cafe. They were captivated by the village's charm, and bought one of the new bungalows, we lived at 5 Alderwood Drive. My Mum had a job in the city and would commute to work on the no 10a bus, my Dad was an ...see more
Heresay says my boat was built in the 1880s for the then-owner of the Red House at Cantley, and was called "Lama" or possibly "Llama". Does anyone have any information on owners/landlords, or boating pictures of that period? Thanks
How funny! We now own and live in this house. It has barely changed since this photograph, although it is no longer a guest house and its name is different. There are some barns and a coach house in the background which have been partly demolished; a small conservatory has been added to the left of the porch. We believe the people who ran it as a guest house were called Haywood, his first name being Cecil. He had ...see more
Went to Llanddona as a baby and still going. Every year we went in the October holiday and stayed for a week. When I was 1year old a cat had attached herself to us and as we left she jumped in the car so home she came. She passed away when I was 21, what an age. The big rock on the beach we always called Grandad's rock. now my kids call it Grandad rock. We spent many an hour sat on top. We always made a swing over the ...see more
A very short distance from Stonehouse is the tiny hamlet of Standish. Both these places have an unusual connection to my family. Firstly from my great grandparents' time in the early 1800s to the later part of the nineteenth century. My mother's maiden name was Agg, her mother's maiden name was Denman. It was Mr and Mrs Denman who lived for some years in a well built two storey house in ...see more
St Marys Church was my special place. I would go there whenever I needed to think or just find inner peace. It helped me through a sometimes difficult transition to adulthood. Although I now live 56 miles away, it is still my place of hope, and I go back there every chance I get. It's so beautiful, my very own stairway to heaven.
My memories as a child in 1955 - we moved from Horley to the new council house in Mead Avenue. It was a lovely little place, all the liittle shops along the bus route to Horley, and the old church which since has gone. And I loved to go into the butcher when Mr Kennedy owned it, he was always willing to help. My father, Mr Swan, used to work at the Monotye. I also worked there ...see more
The low house was run by a lovely couple named Paul and Janet Parsons. The had a son Zach (Zacky Bongo) and a daughter, Tabitha. What a pleasant atmosphere they always maintained. Friends like the Parsons are rare and sadly I do not know where they are now. We were only a stones throw away in St. Mary's cottage. The only seperation from the pub was a very small garden and an equally small garage. I hope all is well with my long lost friends from Laxfield.
My grandmother, widowed, lived during the 20s and 30s at 1, High Street (next to The Dolphin), and was glad of family visits to assist in her invalid-style of life. That usually meant our family, and my mother took a number of 'Busman's Holidays' each year to help her mother, my Gran. We children became familiar over the years with the village, especially the Upper Middleton part. My grandfather had been ...see more
I have happy memories of dancing at Sale town hall to Bert Clegg's band. I wonder if any other surfers remember those evenings.
I was born in our house in Central Avenue in 1954. I went to Aveley Infants and Junior Schools and Aveley Secondary School in Love Lane. Many a time my sister Maggie and I have struggled home with bags of shopping we carried from the village stores. Everyone knew you and your parents. The Harmans!! It was a different world then, much nicer although we didn't realise it at that time. We loved it when the fair came ...see more
As a small boy in the 1950s I would be taken to see the aircraft at Blackbushe, then London's second airport. Blackbushe was London Heathrow's main fog diversion as it always has been one of the most fog free airports in the UK.
So what was to be seen in the 50s? It was the home of the US Navy, Europe, and the spawning ground for many independent airlines, Dan Air, Eagle, Silver ...see more
Around this time I Tina Corrall lived in Longford House (the Tudor house) and have many happy memories of it. I went to school nearby and every year we had a medieval fancy dress party where all the village were involved. Anyone remember. My close friend from the village was Avril Bailey.
There was a fish shop named Tommy Cockers' I think and old Tommy used to come out and chase us with a wet, slimy fish.
Lived on a wonderful farm. The Welsh farmer living there still to this day runs this farm which has been in his family for generations. Would love to go back there again. Very fond memories of hay making, feeding cattle and horses. A Welsh neighbour up the lane, at 87 still worked his farm and spoke very little english. A wonderful old chap! Although I do not know if he remains there.
This was a lovely quiet village when I first came here. Unfortunately, it is becoming run down and untidy. Pity, really. We seem to be having all the throw outs from other places. When the army goes (if they go), this will be a dumping ground for all types of undesireables.
My grandfather was stationed on the island "During the War"and was very friendly with a family from Arreton called Hendy. The mother's name was Lil and the father was affectionally called"Tit" (because he was quite small). After the war, my gramps and all the family visited Aunt Lil and Uncle Tit quite frequently. Tit grew his own veg in a back garden, I remember picking pea swads for him when ...see more
Seeing this photograph reminded me of the name by which we used to know this site, namely 'The Hut Grounds'. Nowadays it is mostly referred to as 'Bradda Glen Cafe', but in my childhood it was 'The Hut Grounds'! In the height of the tourist boom in the late 1950s, through to the late 60s and perhaps just into the 70s, this was a popular destination for visitors to walk to and sit outside at tables sheltered from ...see more
See memories in my album
In 1959, my father, Cecil Archibald, was employed for the summer season as attendant at the swimming pool at Spaldrick, Port Erin. You could enter the swimming pool by paying a fee, for a day; for a week; for two weeks; for a month; or for the season. This arrangement accommodated locals and visitors admirably. With dad working there, I got in for free! It was a very popular site, as it was something of a sun-trap ...see more
I believe the date of the photograph B173043 is wrong in saying it is c1955. From this perspective the Odeon should be clearly visible on the corner and its absence leads me to believe that this photograph is prior to 1931, when the Odeon was built
Janet Walker gave birth to Jeanie in 1913 at 17 Bridgend Rows
I used to live in Fobbing Road and can remember the old fire station before its makeover, does anyone have any pictures of this?
I would just like to add my memories of the Manning family. As a child growing up on the Edgeside estate in Waterfoot I remember Michael Manning from the bakers, he was a lovely man always smiling, and his sister Maria ran the chip shop on Edgeside estate where we used to go quite often. I have fond memories of Edgeside Piercy School and the park, and my old mate Steven Crew - if anyone knows where he is these ...see more
Thurnscoe was where I was born, back in 1941, and I attended the Hill secondary school, these are some of my fondest memories.
I was born in Cuthbert Road, West Croydon, next to Pitlake Bridge, and have a vivid memory of when the manholes on the bridge exploded. Wandle Park was our playground, and a fairground or circus had its winter storage next to the park. I was christened in St Edmund's Church which was also next to Wandle Park, but I think must have been demolished. On the two corners of Westfield Road, where it met Cuthbert, were two ...see more
Before becoming the home of George Harrison of the Beatles, Friar Park was run as a school by sisters of the St. John Bosco order. This was my first school and I remember having to walk all the way to the main door along the winding drive each morning, passing by the huge rhododendron bushes which lined each side. As I approached the large arched entrance door, shown in the photograph above, I could see the ...see more
I was born in Wisbech in 1937 in Ramnoth Road, we moved to Napier Terrace on the canal until after the war when we moved to Wales. I have fond memories of living in Napier Terrace, we lived in the last house, No 37. My father was in ARP when a bomb fell on the cinema. A lasting memory was when I learned to ride a bike, I fell into the canal. We had an allotment and I remember a Mr Peachey who had only one leg, and ...see more
Tommy's chippy in Manchester Old Road had the best fish and chips in the country. Tommy and Joan always had a smile and a nice word for everybody, and the staff were the best.
My memory of Budleigh Salterton is spending a couple of months or so at a childrens convalescent home in the spring/early summer of 1955. I revisited the town a few years back to find that the old childrens home building is now a hotel and named Tidwell Manor. I was 6 years old, recovering from meningitis and to find myself in such a wonderous and tranquil part of the world was quite truly ...see more
St, Ives born and bred, my family had lived in a couple of houses upalong before moving to 22 The Digey ( the middle door ) sometime in 1967. I remember having my 6th birthday there. At the time there was a credit squeeze on and my parents could only afford a tiny downalong cottage even though they had sold a large house in Alexandra Road. Back then the cheapest properties were around the harbour and my ...see more
Fond memories of Parham makes me write this, remembering the peacefulness. Surfing the Web, here I am posting a question all the way from he USA. It was early summer 1954 and I was a Dutch farm exchange student staying with the family Kotarski on the so called "White House farm" just outside Parham village. The farmer was of Polish decent, Genec, who had limited use of one arm, the result of a war ...see more
My grandfather (A E Rahr) donated a silver cup for competition on the Crown Green Tyldesley recreation club. This was competed for in the 1930s and the winners were: 1933 J Baker, 1934 J Hodson, 1935 E Lythgoe and J Crook, 1938 T Farnworth, 1939 W Putter. I have just donated this cup to the Wigan Museum / History Shop and hopefully it will be preserved. I will see if I can upload a photo of it. Peter Rahr
I visited this beautiful town while on vacation. The day before they were still filming 'Stardust'. There was a sale happening in a hall. I met a wonderful woman who was selling watercolor and needlework pictures. She was helping to support her sick husband. She signed my picture, it's at home but I think her name was Ann. I also had a wonderfull dinner at the pub. Can't wait to come back some day soon. Love the ...see more
That's the Odeon, taken from outside Hounslow West station. Great fun on Saturday mornings, when they had a childrens' matinee.
My grandmother was widowed in 1920, her husband having stayed in the Army to tend the graves in France where he succumbed to influenza. Grandmother was left to bring up 6 children on her own with little money. She was given a brand new council house (Dunain Road I think) but could not afford the rent and had to move into a 2 room flat in Balnain House. How on earth she managed I will never ...see more
