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.
Search for Local Memories
Search for your favourite UK places and read memories of the local area in days gone by.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Tips & Ideas
Not sure what to write? It's easy - just think of a place that brings back a memory for you and write about:
-
How the location features in your personal history?
-
The memories this place inspires for you?
-
Stories about the community, its history and people?
-
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!
Enjoy browsing more recent contributions now.
Subscribe
Join the thousands who receive our regular doses of warming nostalgia! Have our latest blog posts and archive news delivered directly to your inbox. Absolutely free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Displaying Memories 35361 - 35440 of 36890 in total
My dad worked in the Hotel Continental around 1973/74. He met my mother there and he has told me many stories about this beautiful hotel. He visited again recently and by all accounts it is in a very sorry state. That is why it is so nice to find this fantastic picture of the place. By all accounts, the large conservatory was the dining room. If anyone has any memories of the Hotel Continental then I would be grateful if they would post them here.
After the war in 1946 my father, a sergeant in the MPSC, was transfered to Darland camp in Gillingham but as there were no married quarters available there we, as a family, were billeted in the Coastguards quarters on the Isle of Grain. These were a row of houses with a bedroom in the attic from which we could see across the Medway to the Isle of Sheppy. I went to the village school briefly for a year, and was ...see more
The building on the right-hand side of the photo in the foreground is in fact the wall of the garage which belonged to Treasury Farm, my home for many years. Many a time I was in the forge with my ponies getting them reshod ... to think this is how it looked just one year before I moved there.
Street still looks much the same today. Photo is from early 60's though. Ford Anglia (centre left) didn't come out 'til Sept 59. 63 - 65 I'd say. "Charlie Hills" bus in the Circle is also 60's as is, I believe, The "Red and White" Bus pulling out of the Circle
We used to go on holidays almost every year to Littlehampton, so far as I can remember. We took the train there. Then we walked - lugging our suitcases. There was a butcher's shop on the way and it had a little statue of a pig outside. We always looked out for "Wally Pig" as we called it. We stayed at a boarding house - Mrs Wyatt's at 34 Pier Road. So far as I can remember I shared a bed with one of my ...see more
My first husband, David Beames, and I, moved into Eynesbury House in July, 1968, and our first son, Andrew, was born at Mill Road Hospital, Cambridge, a few weeks later. William was born in 1971, also at Mill Road. Both boys went to St. Mary's Primary School, Eynesbury. (They are now both married and living in America. I have two lovely grand-daughters, Mary and Catherine (Andy's children). Will married a nice ...see more
When I lived in Purley, there weren't many stores. I can remember when Sainsbury's opened across from Purley Fountain. There was a toy shop in the High Street called Morgan's. I stole a whistle from there when I was not very old. I can remember it to this day. It was yellow plastic with one of those pea things in that made the whistling noice. I must have taken it home but I was soon on my way back to ...see more
I went to Whyteleafe Grammar school. At the time it was an all girls grammar school. We used to go on a coach to swim at Reedham Orphanage. I didn't know how to swim and I can remember to this day, telling Miss Edwards, the phys ed. teacher who was very strict, that I had read in a book that if you put your shoulders under the water, you would be able to swim and I asked if this was true! She said ...see more
I was born in Skelmersdale in 1958 to Wilfred Conder and Freada Price. I moved to Newcastle in 1960. My mum used to take me there for my holidays. Her parents lived on Hollands Lane in a cottage. I have not been back since 1980 for an unsuccesful attempt to visit my aunty and cousins. They lived by Skelmersdale football ground, although it is gone now.
We lived in Dale Road, right near the bottom of Downscourt Road and we spent a lot of time on Riddlesdown because it was near to where we lived. When we got a bit older, we used to walk along the downs towards Kenley or maybe even further along where there was a railway crossing. We used to get pennies and put them on the rails and wait for a train to come along and squash them. That was in the days ...see more
Does anyone have any photos of Freeks Lane, or Freaks Lane as it used to be? - Thank you.
My wife's maiden name is Gigney and I know the family had busineses in Wickford and Stanford le Hope. Can anyone supply more details? - one was a saddlers and general store. Do any photos exist of these shops? Indeed can anyone advise if they still stand or where exactly they were?
I remember well the Saturday Night Dances at the Bluecap Hotel in the 50's & 60's, now pulled down. The Bull's Head was more up-market. I lived at St Dominick and remember the Cattle Market. I was going to Callington Grammer School when King George V1 and family came to open the Royal Cornwall Show at Callington we all had the day off to go to the Show. There was a Youth Club where we played table tennis etc. and learnt to dance. I have nothing but fond memories of Callington.
When I left school in 1962 me and my pal Chris Marks used to go to the Lyndale over Burton's tailors. We saw some great acts - Herman and the Hermits, Rockin Berries, loads of local groups that didn't make it, Brian Page and the Chapters..Stylos, and lots of others. Then we graduated to the Jungfrau in Manchester where you could dance the night away without the need for alcohol - it was coffee (frothy) and coca cola ...see more
I was born in and grew up in Salford. My dad had a pub "The Farriers Arms" off Bury Street, and before that my dad was caretaker of Ladywell flats. We lived in Flint House, the blocks were alphabetically named, Albion, Barry, Corby, Danby, Easton, Flint and Goole. Afacing the flats was a quarry where we used to play and a shop called Stories. When we moved to the pub in the early 50s things were so different than ...see more
I was born in the "White Horse" on 7th October 1937. Mrs Woolard helped in the pub and looked after me when my Mum and Dad were busy. Mrs Woolard and her husband Alf lived on the other side of the Green. There were lots of her relatives in the village and everyone was very friendly. We moved to Hare Street, Great Parndon in the early 1940's and I started at Great Parndon Primary School which was near to St. ...see more
My father's family was from Northleach going back to at least 1795. In 2006 I finally was able to visit the town. My Great Grandfather, Herbert Charles Earle was organist and choirmaster at St. Peter and St. Paul for fifty years until his death in 1949. He was, like his father and grandfather, a carpenter. His wife Annie Dance was schoolmistress at Hampnett nearby. Their son William Herbert Earle died at Arras, ...see more
Hi Martin, It was in fact Peter Frampton who lived there at number 12. His dad was the head of the art department at Ravenswood School for Boys (then Bromley Technical High), and I went to school at Pickhurst Primary with his younger brother Clive. I was in Peter's bedroom one day and saw his electric guitar hanging on the wall, must have been before he got famous though because I was about 10, so it was about 1965/66.
Hello everybody! I am Graham Cross - I used to work in the record shop 'RHYTHM Agencies' of Redhill (1961- 68, I started at 16 yrs old) as a musical instrument repairer and l also served in the radio & TV department whilst helping out in the downstairs Record part, more towards the end of the decade. I was the tall one, dark brown hair - towards the end I had a gingery beard - and sometimes ...see more
I believe my Great Grandfather owned or ran a shop or shops in the Pantiles. I would be pleased for any photos or memories that anyone has. my email is alan@flower-studio.com
I was born in 1949 at home in West Wycombe Road and lived in the area until 1969. My family owned one of the two Corn & Seed Merchants businesses called Jones and Rivett Limited in Oxford Street and Dovecote Mill on the Dovecote Lane. I went to school at West Wycombe Primary and Wycombe Technical High School in Easton Street and then worked in my family business from 1965 until I left home to ...see more
I will always consider myself fortunate to have been born in West Wycombe as it presented the ideal place for people growing up in the 50's and 60's. The village was a dream location and the school even better with a super set of friends and teachers well managed by Mr. Holdbrook the Head. We enjoyed one of the best playgrounds on The Hill that anyone could have wished for. The Summers seemed long ...see more
Despite its northerly location The Broch was the Summer Holiday destination for our family from my birth in 1949. My mother had been born there in Grattan Place where the Scottish side of the family had originated. They were called Summers and were deeply connected to the Fishing Industry with my Grandfather managing the George Walker business for many years. Fraserburgh was such a change from ...see more
This photo is of the temporary classrooms and main building of Weyford Junior School where I was a pupil from 1964 to 1969.
I was born in Canada, but grew up in Pulborough as did my mother and uncle, Maureen and Frank Darby. When I knew we were returning to Canada, a place I didn't remember, it broke my heart, and I vowed never to forget the people and sights of Pulborough. My Grandparents are buried in the cemetery at St Mary's, and I have a brass rubbing from the church. The baptismal jug was donated by the family. I was home last October for ...see more
My husband was stationed here in WWII, and married a girl from Bulford. They divorced but the family ties are strong. We met the first wife's family and had a wonderful time. Also the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Vets had a great time revisiting and reminiscing.
I was born in Ventnor and although I have lived in Kent for many years Ventnor will always be "My home".
I know the picture very well, as I have a copy of this on my wall. My mother purchased this copy about 20 years ago and I brought it back to Australia with me on my father's death. He had been Group Chief Confectioner/Director at Trebor sweet company. The reason this photo is of so much interest to the family is that my mum, grandma and me are in the picture! I'm the little girl holding a bunch of flowers! ...see more
This view is little different from the one seen by Whitethorn Morris at the Sidmouth International Folk Festival on several occasions in the 1980's. We danced and I played my accordian for the Whitethorn Band on the prom and in "The Arena". On the last Friday night of the festival we danced our way through the town in a torchlight procession and extinguished our flaming torches in the sea. ...see more
Does any one know if you can still by the book of Gilfach Goch (Gilfach Goch in cameo)? Thanks, Alan Thomas.
In about 1967 my mother and father moved to this lodge after selling the Corner Store in Child Okeford. It belonged to Hanford School. It was sad to return a few years ago to find it had burned to the ground. Opposite was one of many tracks leading to Hambledon Hill, my Father used it most days to walk his dog Gladys, if he could not go she took herself! About half a mile further along the road to Steepleton ...see more
Not a memory just interested as you can see my name is Beckington !!!
October 1st 1983 - we became Mr & Mrs Oliver in here
In February 2007 I was able to revisit Combpyne church. I looked at the little St Francis carving in the chancel, and saw that the carving had suffered somewhat from woodworm. Also, I noted that my note, that I had scrawled on a card a few years earlier, was still there; but that I had incorrectly stated that my father had carved it. It should read that a tramp had carved it, and given it to ...see more
I was born in Spring Hill nursing home in 1933, corner of Hill Lane and Howard Road, and I used to take short cuts via the bomb site on the way to school, sometimes I would find a coin or two. We lived near the Dell football ground and all Dad's friends would park their cars in our front garden while they went to the match. We could hear the roar of the crowd and after the match Dad would invite his mates in for ...see more
this was the start of being in out of hospitals
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is of great interest for me, as many of my ancestors lived there. I was able to visit St. Bartholomew's Church and discover the gravestone of the Harbottle family, one of whom was my great great grandfather. It made rather sad reading as many died so very young.
I was born in Rettendon in 1938. My father (Ernest James Hazell) and mother ( Ellen Wiseman) were both born in the village as were my maternal grandmother and great grandmother. As a child I remember watching aircraft flying home from bombing raids in Germany with holes in and engines smoking. I remember the V2 that fell in the village and the incendiary raids on Rettendon Place farm that caused the haystacks to ...see more
The clock tower has two dates on it - one from the original building, and one from when it was restored. Apparently the village council sold the clock to a visiting Australian who wanted to take it back to his country. The villagers were outraged, dismantled the clock overnight, and hid it in a local field for twenty years until they were sure it was safe. Ealing comedy via Cornwall! I lived in the house in the photo, so the clock is very dear to my heart.
I spent holidays in this magical place as a boy, staying year after year with my beloved aunt and uncle and my two cousins. It was a vibrant and exciting English village that buzzed and thronged with life and activity. I watched each dawn from my bedroom window as the village street and the busy post office slowly came to life. I ran the lanes and glorious fields with my cousins and our friends ...see more
I was born at Harp Road Garage, the eldest of 4 boys. I was educated at boarding schools and played cricket for South Petherton. My grandparents and great grandparents owned the original Wheatsheaf Inn opposite the Blake Hall. My grandmother left the Wheatsheaf to live in The Little Thatch, St James Street. My father, Ernie Giles, was born in 1901 and died in 2003 at Hayes End, having lived all his life in South Petherton.
This photo brings back many happy memories of Meifod in the 1950's when I used to go on holidays there with my family. The white building in the centre was the bank and the photo was taken outside the Lion Inn where my grandfather used to go for his pint. Next to the bank is Liverpool House where we used to stay with Mrs Edwards and on the opposite side of the road, on the corner, was the Post Office. The only ...see more
I lived in East Runton as a child somewhere around 1960 and I have a couple of memories. More than likely they are for my own purpose but here goes. I used to play in the white pillbox that was up on the cliff edge. When I went back in 1992 it had fallen down to the beach by then and I really wanted to play in it again. Also in the center of the village there was a little pond. I fell in one time and it ...see more
I have been told some information about the Jamaica Planter which was sunk off the Port of Barry, but cannot remember all the details. Is anyone able to help me? My father-in-law was aboard her on the two occasions she came in to the Port to be repaired. He was discharged from her company before she was holed the third time, thus surviving to marry and father five children, four of whom survive him! Sincerely, Caroline Scott.
My Great-grandfather, Edward Stanley Carpenter, was in the ROC during WW2. He did not fight as he had emphysemia and pneomoconiosis from the mines, but he used to lecture his colleagues on plane-spotting to inform the relevant people of all aircraft movement in their area. After the War, he joined the RNVR and eventually became a Lieutenant Commander, a rank he took with him to the Sea Scouts at TS Cossack in Barry. Sincerely, Caroline Scott.
My Grandfather, Clifford Taylor, was a Civil Servant at RAF St. Athan during the Second World War. He could not join the Forces at all because he had club feet and was rejected at his Call Up Board. He used to be involved with giving out the uniforms, as well as other duties, which obviously changed when Peace broke out in 1945. Grampy had a fantastic sense of humour and would sometimes be allowed to bring one or two of ...see more
Does anybody remember my Great-grandfather on my Father's sdie of the family, Police Inspector William Hole? He had a few children, one being my grandfather Walter Trevor Hole, another being Police Sergeant Harry Hole. I know William Hole was in the Tonypandy Riots as a Policeman and Harry Hole was a Policeman in Tonypandy sometime after 1935, as my father remembers him. I would be greatful for any memories people are prepared to share with me. Sincerely, Caroline Scott.
My Great-great-grandmother on my Mother's side of the family was a cousin to William 'Mabon' Abraham, the miners' leader and first President of 'The Fed'. I was wondering if there was any way anyone out there reading this may be able to help me fill in some of the blank spaces in my Faniky History, please? Or perhaps point me to a local Society in Cwmafon/Llanfabon where I may find what I am looking for? My mother ...see more
My parents lived at Sprotborough and were great motorcycle and sidecar enthusiasts although by 1968, the Triumph Speed Twin and sidecar had given way to a Morris Minor, later to be replaced with a Triumph Herald. On Friday or Saturday evenings their favourite outing would be to Bawtry. Parking in the Market Place as in this photograph, they would simply sit and watch the huge variety of traffic ...see more
I was brought up in Tennyson Avenue off Sprotborough Road and at weekends in the Summer would cycle 20 or so miles all around south Yorkshire. If on the way to Conisbrough, Barnbrough or the River Don we would pass the Ivanhoe Hotel which, to a 14 year old in 1950 looked to be a very grand place indeed. If a cricket match was taking place on the large field at the back of the hotel we would often ...see more
This may not be relevant to many people or even to this photograph, but Laura Torn, sadly, brutally murdered, a resident of Owston Ferry, was a good friend to many. My main memory of Laura is biking down the village to the shop with her. She was a great girl, fantastic friend and super sister. RIP Laura - you will never be forgotten nor will our time in Owston Ferry as kids, playing on the reck, camping out, and ...see more
I lived in Erbistock till the age of 20, that was in 1981 when I emigrated to Australia. My mum still lives there, my dad passed away a couple of years ago, he was born in Erbistock and lived down Groves Lane for nearly 70 years. I remember the peace and quiet, the harvest times driving the tractor and helping milk the cows. My grandmother lived in the council houses, where my uncle still resides. I use to attend ...see more
This picture looks as if it is looking down the street with the church on the right hand side. The Post Office in 1940 was opposite the entrance to the churchyard. Every Saturday morning I would run to the Post Office through the churchyard to receive my weekly packet of sweets and comics that my mother would send to me from London. I would then run back to the Severals and lie in the field opposite the ...see more
This is not a memory as such, however I have been researching my husband's family tree. When speaking to elderly family members I have found that his grandmother's family, the Thorogoods, come from Shalford. I would like to know if there are any Thorogoods still in Shalford. We can't wait to find out more about your village and discover my husband's roots.
In 1962 I was in Cledwyn Evan's class at the primary school. In the Summer terms Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother used to visit King Edward's School in Witley, and Mr. Evans led his class to the roundabout to see her go by. He was enthusiastically ragged about it by the other teachers! We all stood just by the walnut tree on the left of the picture. We waited, but not for long. The Rolls-Royce came whispering ...see more
This is Church Road, 200 yards north of the church, not Haslemere Road. The building on the left of the photo is now a club. In the 1950's we children used to call it "The Wobbly Man's Club".
This picture is of Mousehill Green, Milford. You haven't a title for the picture, so I thought I'd let you know. I remember it from 1953 onwards, but this picture obviously predates that. The green was often used for fairgrounds. The shop by the road was the Delicatessen, now a craft shop I think, not sure though.
Many of my 'Huxley' ancestors were 'hatched, matched and dispatched' here. A most beautiful church in a very special place. Well worth a visit.
Now a busy crossroads controlled by traffic lights and with a Tesco garage/shop on the near right hand corner. Whilst many of the shop-fronts have changed the upper half of many look just the same.
A new housing estate, Chawn Park, was just being built on this field when I came to live nearby in 1970. The spire on St. Mary's Church has long since gone.
This would have been an everyday sight for my ancestors who worked in the paper mill at Hendon and for the NE Railway.
On the right was the Baker's shop. On the left the bus took you into Gravesend town. At the top of the hill was the crossroads known as Pelham Arm's where I once fell off my new bike on the way home from school!
So many memories of attending church here throughout my childhood, of shopping in all the little shops and of cycling to and from school in my Secondary years. Youth Clubs. Meeting old friends and making new ones. For a while it was the centre of my world!
A 1d bus ride brought me to Northfleet library just off this picture. Also off to the left I attended ballet and tap classes during my Primary school years.
I WAS BORN AND BROUGHT UP TO THE AGE OF 12 IN ERBISTOCK AND I LOVED IT. THE BOAT INN WAS RUN BY THE WILLIAMS'S. I PLAYED WITH CAROL AND TIMOTHY IN ALL THE OUTBUILDINGS. I WENT TO SUNDAY SCHOOL IN THE CHURCH AND THERE WAS A LADY CALLED MRS ASPREY THAT LIVED IN A LITTLE COTTAGE BY THE RIVER NEXT TO THE CROSS FOXES. SHE KEPT PEKINESE DOGS WHICH YOU COULD HEAR FROM THE ROAD BUT NEVER SEE. I CAN REMEMBER ONE HOT DAY ...see more
This was the year my son Kevin was born, we all used to go here usually on a Saturday. Paul has just died , he was so special to all his family. While he was in hospital he opened his eyes and said 'I have just been to Dunstable'. He used to work at Waterlows printing factory now long gone so did dad Bill Harris. Remembering them all with much love also Nobby and Nellie clarke, Cyril and Alice Collier.
I have traced my family back to Yelvertoft in the mid 1700's. My family name is York and we are descendants of Thomas York who married Elizabeth Perkins in the late 1700's in Yelvertoft. If you can help me go further back or are related in any way please contact me. THANKS
As I remember, the main building in this picture was the Lloyds Bank. The manager lived above the premises but his name escapes me. The other shops were Walkers the bakers where we used to buy a bread roll prior to going to school across the road, St.Marys Primary (we would have had our breakfast at home first!!!!). Then there was the greengrocers, Mrs.Hobbs, I remember that well as I used to deliver the ...see more
Around 1954 my Mother took me to Watford shopping and the market. We lived at the time in South Oxhey, we would catch the train from Carpenders Park Station and get off at Watford High St station which was the lower part of the high street. This particular day I remember walking up the high street holding my mothers hand and I remember a lot of people running and panicking. My mum held me tight and rushed me into a ...see more
Between the tree and the cinema you can see the roof and top floor of one of the blocks of flats in Armfield Crescent so we did not live far from the cinema. When we were small we were given a shilling to go to the Saturday morning pictures - The ABC Minors we were called. We even had a song we sang before the films began. Sixpence was used to get into the cinema and we had sixpence to spend on lollies or ...see more
The Fair Green was one of the first places my sister Valerie Cooper (nee Hook) worked in her capacity as an apprentice horticulturist for the Mitcham Council. When she went for the job they told her that she would have to do the same work as the men. If it meant climbing trees and pruning them , she had to do it too. If it snowed and the roads had to be cleared she would have to go out with them with the shovels ...see more
This photo looks like the 'Swan Inn" at the Mitcham end of Figgs Marsh where I caught the bus to Tooting Broadway to get the Underground to London. The trees of Figgs Marsh Common can be seen in the background. The road split in two here, the east side to Streatham and the west side to Tooting. The common was used for Football (soccer) matches on Saturdays and demonstrations in huge tents. I remember going to one ...see more
I loved Port Isaac from the first time of seeing, which would have been early 1990's. Since then I have been several times when visiting Cornwall - not so easy when living as I do in Australia.
TRYING TO FIND ANY INFORMATION OR PHOTOS OF MY GREAT GRANDADS FACTORY ?
When we went to "Dick's" for lunch, there would be me, my kid sister, my parents and my maternal grandparents plus Mum's youngest sister. She was only 5 years older than me- "Auntie Betsy"- and more like a big sister. She was the prodigy of the family, learning to play the piano, and Grandma always used to pressure a reluctant Betsy to play something on the pub piano. This was at the time when Fess ...see more
When I was a kid in the 50s, we often used to walk across Shipley Glen, having first travelled on the Glen Tram, to "Dick's" for Sunday lunch- it was always very popular- and catch the bus home from the bottom of the hill- the terminus was the Acorn Inn. A special treat was to go by bus to Bingley, where there was a fleet of vintage Rolls Royce taxis outside the railway station, and the whole family could pile into one taxi for the long uphill ride to Dick Hudson's.
I remember Rye Lane in Peckham as a very busy shopping centre. I was born in the area and lived in Mcdermott Road in the prefabs (it is now a Charlie Dimock Garden) until I married in Blenheim Grove Church (behind the station)and moved away in 1963. I remember shopping in Jones and Higgins (in this picture) - to us children it was an aladdin's cave with all its different departments. Later on I worked in ...see more
The building on the right of the photograph with the sign above the door is, I believe, the Bowes Arms Public House. My 3xgt grandparents, Martin and Ann Bell, were the licencees. When Martin died in 1883 Ann took over the licence until she died in 1903 when her youngest daughter then took over the licence. Eventually Martin and Ann's granddaughter became the licencee until the Bowes Arms closed. My ...see more
My family moved from Moreton to North Weald in 1939, I was 9 year old at the time. My father was called Thomas Yeldham and became the local cobbler, my mother was called Maud. While still at school I had a Saturday job at Churches Butchers, then when i left school at 14 I went to Churches as an apprentice butcher. While there, in 1948 I was called up for my ...see more
This is indeed Hamsey Green. The view is from the Good Companions car park. The two shops with awnings to the right of the image no longer exist, as the Coop built a shop there. One used to be a bike shop (left) and the other (right) a place that sold head stones for graves. The tall trees in the background were a grove of Horse Chestnut trees that covered much of the land as it dropped towards ...see more
