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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  • 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:

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Displaying Memories 35601 - 35680 of 36914 in total

I recently visited Kirdford with my mother to try and trace family history. My mother is a Pullen and all her ancestors originated from Kirdford, we visited the graveyard and lo and behold found some Pullen graves. We also visited a few of the houses mentioned in census returns where Pullens had lived. It would have been nice to talk to some older members of the community who maybe had ...see more
Summer Sunday afternoons were often spent at Boulters Lock when I was a child.  We would have a walk along the river and end up at the lock to sit and watch the boats go in and out.   There would be the people who thought they were the bee's knees in their blazers and straw boaters but who usually managed to make a mess of getting in and out of the lock.  And the dogs that would jump off the ...see more
We used to visit Dorney Reach a lot when I was a child as it was one of our favourite Sunday afternoon walks. We used to park and then walk down to the river passing the church on the way. The path was always shady and cool even in the hottest summer weather.
I lived in Old Coulsdon as a small child and can remember walking up to The Parade to visit the sweet shop.  We lived down the bottom of the hill at the bottom of The Glade and it always seemed a long hard climb up to The Parade.  We used to cut across through the churchyard. If I was very lucky I was allowed to buy a Jamboree bag in the sweet shop.  A Jamboree bag was a mix of different sweets like ...see more
This view of Goerge Street was taken before the "bottleneck" was re-developed. The store in the right in the foreground was demolished and a new Tesco was built there in the early 1960s. The "bottleneck" was not wide enough for 2 vehicles to pass but was always thronged with shoppers on a Saturday when Pontypool was the major shopping centre in the area and had a first class rugby team. Ray Prosser, Malcolm Price ...see more
The bus is parked outside the Pontypool office of the "Red & White" bus company. Their head office was in Chepstow and they ran services across the whole of Monmouthshire as Gwent was then known. Buses for Newport, Usk, Chepstow, Abergavenny and Blackwood went from the Clarence. A glass canopy ran across the whole of the front of the building which included the Carlton cafe and the Free Press newspaper ...see more
GREW UP IN CHIDD IN THE 50-60'S. HAPPY MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD DAYS' STILL "HOME" TO ME.. THOUGH NO LONGER LIVING THERE
WORKED AT KING EDWARDS SCHOOL FOR TEN YEARS IN THE 1960'S GREAT YEARS
I would like to dedicate this photo to my Mum, Sue Dykes who has worked in the restaurant at RHS Wisley Gardens since the age of 15! Starting with part time seasonal work as a waitress to full-time baking and is due to retire next year. Sue is well known for her delicious cakes and even has her own recipe cards which you can pick up at the cafeteria in Wisley Gardens. My great grandad was also employed at RHS ...see more
I always remember playing in and around the frame holding the cigarette dispenser whilst my mum was in one of the shops opposite. I used to do this everytime until I outgrew it and nearly got stuck!
At the age of 11 I lived in Steventon with my family at 103 The Causeway for the school year 1968-69.  This was a tremendous experience I have treasured all of my life.  I attended school at St. Michaels and went to church there.  My father was on a sabbatical leave as a college professor which is how we ended up there for that year. I now in 2007 am hoping to return with my family.  My friend was Howered ...see more
I lived in Rhosneigr until 1970.  I remember going on the bus from the clock to Holyhead school. Mr Lovatt was headmaster and I remember Mrs Hughes!!  Before the school buses started we went on the train, they had 2 buses from Rhosneigr going from Morris town and from the clock.  Gosh it was a long walk from my house to the station, bet kids would not do it now and we got rained on before and after getting to school in the morning.
This photo shows the home and business of John Gill Shaw my great great grandfather.  He was born 23 November 1813.  He had 12 children some of which continued his ironmonger business into at least the 1920s.  His daughter, Martha, married Henry Craven, my great grandfather, of Buckley, Wales, on 26 April 1870.  They emigrated to Red Oak, Iowa, USA, in 1874.  Sadly, she died in 1880 4 ...see more
I WAS BROUGHT UP IN BROAD HINTON AND LIVED AT 14 THE CROFT ITS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE. I HAVE SO MANY HAPPY MEMORIES FROM WHEN I WAS YOUNG PLAYING ON THE TOP BANK.
This is a picture of St. Augustine's Church, Rumney. We were married there on August 5th 1957.   It is also the resting place of my husband's Mother, Father and Sister.  All are buried in the Churchyard. We moved to Canada in 1965.
The large corner "shop" on the left was the showroom of North West Gas where you could pay your gas bill. This is now Dawsons music and instrument shop. The corner shop on the right was Hawkins tailors, on two floors. This is now a MacDonalds restaurant.
I lived here on the Grange Estate from 1964 to 1968 and attended Meadowbank primary and Winsford high school before moving to Australia 40yrs ago.  The photos I see bring back lots of good times for me. I will write other memories after confirmation of this letter. I am sure readers of this website would be very pleased and amazed.  Thank you.                                                                 Alan Bond
On the 1st May 1965 I was married to Jacqueline Bennet at St.Marys church, we then had our wedding reception at the Blue Anchor Public House. We both grew up in the village and attended local schools in the area. My father David Green was the local Scout master during the 1950s. I remember this area of the village very well. I lived in Dawson Road and my wife at The Cedars.
I was 7yrs old when I visited this place with my mum and sister which was (1973) and I was told this was going to be my home for a while because mum was too ill to look after me...it was called Springfield boarding school and although I hated it at first because I got homesick I settled in and I loved it so much.  I remember crying loads, some good memories lay there, and I'm trying to find as much information ...see more
I had the best nights out of my life in the George Inn after working at Greenfield Estate where I met my late wife Beth Connel.  We married at Hubberholme Church in 1984 and moved to Horton.  The George was full of local characters the landlord Bill Jones lived there with his mum (Mar) and Dad Elise who told you off if you messed with the log fire and made it smoke, a candle always burned on the bar.  The ...see more
While we lived in Old Harlow we used to go shopping in Epping.  
I now live in Hornchurch, since 2003, and the High Street looks nothing like this (apart from the pub, the Bull, still the same but is now the Fatlin & Furkin)  picture in 1955.
Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland is the place where my Dad was born in 1901. Born 1901 Died 1980.
We used to live in both houses as my father was the caretaker to the buildings which would have been built to the rear of the photos.
My great great great grandmother, Rebecca Law lived at Audley End Almhouses in the 1880's and 1890's.  She lived to be 102 and her final years were spent living with her grandson and his family. The place she was living caught on fire and they took her out of the house in a wheelbarrow because she was bed bound. She toiled until she was 70, when she was admitted to the Lord Braybrooke alsmhouses on the Audley End ...see more
I remember the shop where you could buy anything from and pound of nails, a gallon of Parafin, to a Ladies or Gents Raleigh Bicycle. Behind the shop was the local blacksmith, Samson Turner, and wheelwright George Cox. I spent many happy hours here watching them shoe the cart horses and making cart wheels.
Byfleet Village Hall, used as a Civic Restaurant during WWII, a good meal could be purchased for a shilling in those days of rationing and food shortage. A shilling would be about five new pence in todays currency
The Blue Anchor, scene of the murder of Mr Jones, the landlord, was poisoned by Pierre Vaquier who was having an affair with Mr Jones' wife. Vaquier purchased the poison in London and was recognised by the man who had sold him the poison, when a photograph of Vaquier appeared in a national newspaper. My grandfather was drinking in the pub when Mr Jones died.
As I attended school at St. Egberts College on Ridgeway in North Chingford, we did on occasion get to go swimming at Larkswood Pool. Swimming in any pool was a treat for most of us as the only 'swimming' we usually did was at the sea-side on summer holidays. It wasn't till later in 1947 after we moved to Elm Park Essex, that I had the opportunity to go to Kennylands School, a summer school at Sonning Common near ...see more
I joined the retained Fire Brigade, National Fire Service at this Station in 1946 aged 16.  The old building is still standing but in need of some TLC, the old hose drying tower can still be seen in this picture, but has now been demolished. The WWII Air Raid Siren was mounted on top of the tower. The shop "Candy Corner" was then owned By Mr Nelson Rand a blind man, The Garage on the left was owned by Duncan Hamilton, who along with Tony Rolt won the Le Mans 24hr race in a Jaguar Car.
I grew up in Woodhouse Eaves and my siblings and I went to the school in this picture. This is of St Paul's junior school and if my memory is correct it had four classrooms, and the headmaster's office was in the building closest in view. We had to go into his office to get our school supplies as he had them stored in a great big cupboard! The metal barrier outside each entrance was a favourite for doing ...see more
Uncle worked as a cabinet maker for Thoresby Estate. He and aunty lived in a tied-cottage in the village which Lady Manvers visited occasionally. I met her twice in my lifetime. Aunty baked lovely cakes and made chair covers and clothes all on a small hand sewing machine. There was an Aga in the kitchen making it so cosy and warm, with always something baking or cooking. They were very happy times but sadly came to an end with first uncle's passing, shortly followed by aunty.
I remember this shot very well. My dad had his fishing boat there, he would take us to Bangor for the day from this spot. To be sure some of you would remember Geordy McFall. My uncle Hammie Loughlin once gave me a beautiful night shot of the castle all lit up from this view, unfortunately apparently too beautiful as the picture was later stolen during a move. It is amazing to me to see this shot - makes me homesick!!!!! Michelle Feist (McFall).
We moved to Prestatyn in 1960 when I was 3. My first memory was riding on my dad's shoulders walking up the High Street and seeing a bus with no roof! We lived in Linden Walk for three years and I used to enjoy milkshakes in a cafe on the High Street. Several years later my Gran bought the same house, so my holidays as a ten year old were spent in the same house! I remember walking up the mountain with my Mum ...see more
Wigan-made clogs always did have a reputation even way back when - so it's nice to have this confirmation of their quality holding up even to today. I've even discovered that one of my ancestors made his living as a Boot and Clog Repairer having been Apprenticed to a Clogger at a very young age by to-days standards. I unfortunately never did get to own a pair - but oh! how I envied my ...see more
During the WW2 war my dad was posted at R A F Finningley and we his family lived in the village at a small holding across the road from the school. I can still see in my mind Wilf the owner who lived there too with his wife. Also the geese and poultry and that we had to take a brush shaft when we went to the outside privy to keep them at bay. Also going to the local market and abattoir with the stock. Also the night ...see more
Mum in law worked at Sunny Sands Cafe, which is further down on this photo and to the left, now flats have been built there. When I first met my husband we used to go there and meet his mother, and when I had children we all used to go and wait for her on the sands just below the Cafe. It is so sad to see flats there now, but the memories remain.
All my father in law spoke about was his love for Folkestone harbour. He worked for Sea Link almost up until it closed down, both he and my husband spent time docking and loading the ferries that came and went from the harbour. In the 60s, 70s and 80s Folkestone harbour was the busiest place, but the advent of the channel tunnel changed all of that, and now Folkestone is not the place it once was. Sadly my father in law died soon after the harbour closed.
I cannot remember the date, but my husband's cousin was the first man to break through to France when building the channel tunnel. My husband's family have lived and worked in Folkestone all their lives and were connected to a large trawler fleet. One of his ancestors has a plaque in one of the churches as a memorial to him.
My family moved to Yapton, from Folkestone Kent, because my husband had a job there. It was a difficult time but I was expecting a baby and I had a 3 year old son so it was also an exciting time for us. Over the years we grew to love the area we lived in, the children went to school nearby and they made some good friends. Then life became difficult, neighbours moved away and new ones moved in and the ...see more
At least two of the outside lights were rescued from a skip during the demolition of this theatre. They are now on the walls of a house in Horsham. This site is now occupied by Boots on the corner of Swan Walk.
The park is on the left and the station is just visible in the middle distance. The overhead lines have gone now but the wall is grade II listed.
In the year 1950 (or thereabouts) we lived in Reading Street, a village quite close to Broadstairs. 'Mr. Broadstairs' used to organise events such as sandcastle competitions, races and each week held a contest amongst the children to choose a 'Prince' and 'Princess' for the week. He also used to put on shows on the jetty such as variety shows and talent contests. My father - Doug Vince - worked for ...see more
When I was about five years old my parents used to take us kids on a Sunday walk. Always remember it was to Stambridge mills. Back then the roads leading to the mill were not more then a country track. On the way to the mills dad would dig up horseradish to take home to mince up in mums mincer. I can smell the aroma of the place now. Corn fields, wild flowers. When we got to the mills the smell of grinding corn ...see more
The Esso  petrol station on the left is now a Macdonalds eating place.
I was brought up in Eltham and lived at no 30 High St where my Mother & Father had a bicycle & sports shop.Everyday I would go across the road to the swimming baths, and at that time there was the vicarage on the opposite corner of Sherrard Road, next to the vicarage gardens was Carter Pattersons who had their horses stabled there. As did the RACS behind Hinds department store. I ...see more
My maternal grandmother, Barbara Morison Diack and her sister Margaret Morison Howie used to meet at "The Queen" and go for afternoon tea at least once a month.
During the Second World War my family were evacuated to Cefn Hengoed. Two of my brothers were with the Hughes family, two with the Palmers and two of my sisters with the Jones Famly. We arrived in 1941. Being one of the youngest, I was with my youngest sister, my mother and my father and we stayed on Haywards Farm. Dad was working in an ammunition factory at Glasscoed. When I was old enough I started ...see more
Ah, The Old Thatch. I remember it well, for this is where I grew up from the early 1940s until 1956. By today's standards it was grim: no heating, no running water, no flush loo - nothing. Yet it was a wonderful place in which to grow up and I will never lose my love for that old cottage. I still visit Nether Wallop whenever I can. Yes, that is indeed the Rev Hyne-Davy in the picture, as Eileen Wilmott says, ...see more
I lived in Arreton from birth until my marriage.  My family consisted of Dad and Mum, my sister Gill, my paternal grandparents and a retired infant teacher Miss Muskett. She taught me at home before I began school at the village CE school where I remained from 1936-1942.  Headmaster was Mr White known to us all as Skipper White. At school in wartime meant carrying our gas masks everywhere, getting to the air ...see more
I went to Ferndale nearly every Saturday with my Mum and brother to visit my grandparents and my Great Aunt and Uncle. My grandparents, the Gambles, lived in Brynhyfryd and we would get off the bus at the bottom of the hill on the Strand and walk up the steep steps to the house. We would spend lunchtime and early afternoon there and then we would walk down to New Street and spend the late afternoon having tea with my ...see more
* St Walburge's is the tallest spired parish church and the third tallest church spire of any type in Britain. * Preston was made a City for the millennium celebrations so it is likely that St Walburge's will be elevated to cathedral status in time. * Completed in 1854.
Draycott Hall was the home of the Denys family.  Sir George Deny wrote in his 1836 journal in Spain. “To my Uncle, whose Heir I am…Dear Uncle, I’ve waited to hear, of your death so, alas! very long, That, despairing, I yield to the fear, that you must be undieably strong. Besides your unlimited wealth - How can you all decency brave? You’re enjoying the best of good health, When you ought to go into your grave!…” Denys family had a great deal to do with the mining in the Swaledale.
John Naughton (b.1842; Kings County, Ireland) & Ann Conroy (b.1851; Queens County, Ireland) were married in St Walburge's RC church, 3 April 1880. John was known as a "peaceable" & quiet man who played the flute. They had 3 daughters, Mary Ann, Julia (known as Jessie) & Catherine, but sadly John died suddenly in 1886 before Catherine was born, leaving Ann 3 months pregnant to bring ...see more
The old railings that used to surround the gibbet, which I think are now in Bankfield Museum, were made by one of my Great-Great Grandfathers.
I can remember going to visit a lady who lived in the corner house here. It always fascinated me that she had a clock on her mantlepiece with a lady that sat on a swing that used to swing back and forward.
I was sent off to buy some bread by my mother. But crossing the river Crouch by the bridge was impossible.  Wickford was under water. I don't recall the year. But the brand name of the bread was: Wheatchief. I used to buy sandpaper in Mays for my dad. And Egans, I thought they could fix anything, as well as selling records!  But my Saturday haunt was the library in the High Street. A little room it was, housing their ...see more
It is strange to see one of the two portraits that hung in my grandparents' hallway, for sale on the web.  Issac was born in 1837 in Berwick Bassett, Wiltshire.  Taught himself to read and write while an agricultural labourer, and joined the Wilts Constabulary in 1874.  During the winter of 1881/2 he was pensioned out of the police from injuries sustained in the line of duty.  The family story is that he was ...see more
It was the 118 bus Colin. It went from Clapham Common to Mitcham Cricket Green. I also remember well those wonderful Leo's ice lollies. After those awful slabs of lard between 2 wafers that went soggy they were magic - Walls's! My family moved from Northborough Road to Rosemead Avenue in March 1940 as all the Lcc schools were closed. My sister and I went to Pollards Hill School. Both of my brothers went there or to ...see more
The Cemetery, popularly known as Ford Park Cemetery, and owned by the Plymouth, Devonport & Stonehouse Cemetery Company finally went into liquidation in 1999 owing to the decline in burials following the opening of the two Council run cemeteries at Weston Mill and Efford and also in part due to the increasing popularity of cremation. At that time there had been upwards of 250,000 pesons interred in the ...see more
I was told by my mother that my grandparents moved to Tattershall in 1912 from Buckinghamshire so my grandfather could find work helping to restore the castle he was a carpenter. His name was William Bywater, known as Roger, they lived in the village for many years.
I say 1950 for the year my memory relates to but in fact my memories cover from around 1946 to 196 I've only just found this web site for "Memories" although have looked at the site before and what nostalgia it has evoked in me. My memories are all childhood ones; it's been too long since I visited this dearest of villages, although from what people who have visited since I was there say the place has ...see more
George Coombs was born in Maiden Newton in 1773. He later took a soldier's grant of 200 acres in Ontario - where we still live.
Dad was born at 25 Station Road in 1927, and his Dad had his own business there, G Budd & Sons. When Grandad passed away, and Nan a few years later, Dad bought the house, with 'the yard' behind and carried on the business, which was a building firm. Dad's brothers also worked for the firm. Dad was painter and decorator, Uncle David a brickie and Uncle John a carpenter.
My mother June Eisenberg nee Lester was born in 1931. She was brought up and lived in Wallasey village all her life. She was the very first "Miss Liverpool" - in those days it was a personality contest - I think a pretty face helped but my mother was muched loved by many, sadly not realised until the day of her untimely death.
Does anyone remember the pavillion? Is it still there? I'm sure I had my first snog there!
My first school was at Uplyme. I started when I was 4 which was nearly 54 years ago now. I remember the headmaster was a Mr Denham and he lived in a house on the top of the hill opposite the Church. I remember being quite scared of him. The teacher who I also remember with great fondness was a Mrs Hurst, she was a very kind and caring lady. I also remember that at Christmas we always held the Nativity Play inside the church.
I write from Canada. My ancestor, Thomas Anderson (b. 1745) and his new wife, Mary Blackburn (b. 1748) from Yorkshire sailed to New Brunswick, Canada in 1772 on the Duke of York. My family history has been recorded and kept up to date from this event onward. Although information exists about the family in Canada we have very little knowledge of their history in Britain. The Mormon ...see more
My father, Sydney Wood was born in Malborough in 1914. He moved away to get married in 1940 but always considered Malborough as home right up until his death in 1992. He always maintained that he was the young water carrier in this picture and had a copy of the original postcard. It is believed that the gentleman with the beard was "Datcher" Shepherd (This being Devon dialect for "Thatcher"). Some of my relatives ...see more
My great-great-great grandparents lived opposite Wesley Chapel in the late 1800s, behind the trees on the right-hand-side of the 1901 Wesley Chapel photo. During the 1830s, Richard JACK (b1813) and some of his brothers moved to Hartlepool from Dalkeith Scotland. In 1841 Richard lived in Northgate Street, with his brothers nearby - they were coal trimmers. Richard lived with the WALTONs from Hexham, ...see more
Not many cars about, not like now.  What a wonderful happy place to live where everyone said 'Good morning', unlike now where everybody is too busy with life to take time out and smile.  All we do is moan about this and that, smile it will make a difference to everyone. Bring good old Hersham back to being a fun place to live.
This photo and the one next to it showing St Pauls must have been taken from the top of Edmunds Tower. I lived there from 1970 - 1974, the views from the roof were wonderful. It was then a walk away from the town centre over the big car park and then back of the big shops (Woolworths was one of them), the view now is very different and the town centre is on the doorstep!
The Parish Church at Hemsworth is where my parents were married and where me and my twin sisters were christened. In 1959 I was a bridesmaid for my aunt when she got married. The last time I was in the church was for my cousin's funeral a few years ago. I have a copy of this photograph on my lounge wall in my Wakefield home. Jean Johnson (nee Aston)
My family and I moved from Elm Park in Essex to Scotland in the last weeks of 1948. My father, Leon A. Lalonde, had accepted a position as Chief Mechanical Engineer with John Cochrane and Sons, a construction company. They had previously been awarded a large contract to build a Hydro Electric Scheme in Glen Affric. Moving to Scotland in the middle of winter was not an ideal time to relocate house ...see more
My mother, Joyce Hogg, whose grandparents were Egglestone of Culgaith, used to tell us that her relatives, two aunts, used to run the Bridge Inn at Kirkby Thore in the 30's, 40's or 50's. Unfortunately I do not know their names or surnames. Can anyone help me with my family history? Other family names are Tallentyre and Jennings, so this may be useful to anyone with possible information. Thank you.
Being raised in Buckhurst Hill was a childhood experience I feel very lucky to have enjoyed. I was raised in the small cottage at 58 Epping New Road aptly named "Ivy Cottage". Located on the edge of the yard owned by W&C French Contractors. Dad worked for Mr. French for 17 years as Mechanical Engineer. I was allowed to play in the yard after working hours, as long as I didn't get 'into mischief', ...see more
My wife and I visited St Day in September 13th 2004 to find where my Greatgrandparents lived. We found the house where GreatGrandmother died - 24 Scorrier Street. After searching a lot of St Day for anyone who might have know of either of them, we did find a couple, the gent was a nephew of a lady that was a good friend of my GreatGrandmother. They showed us some of my Grandparents furniture that was left to them in ...see more
I clearly remember starting at Greetby Hill C of E School in 1960. The headmistress' name was Miss Cobb. I then moved up into the Junior School in 1962, taught in succession by Miss Greenwood, Mr Tyndsley and Mr Hesketh. The headmaster was a benevolent man by the name of Mr Henderson. I can recall the steam trains running up and down the line parallel to the school grounds, and watching the prototype TSR2 test flying overhead in 1964.  Very happy memories!
A section of this photograph was used by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate for one of the opening sequences in the programme Bagpuss. This was confirmed in 1978 when a Horrabridge resident wrote to the Bagpuss programme and received a reply from Mrs Joan Firmin giving an account of how the picture used came from an old postacrd album which now belonged to her. The wheelwrights yard is shown on the left and the view ...see more
I was 10 years old when we lived in Rusthall and all I remember is Lynda at the corner shop where we would pinch penny sweets - sorry! The huge rocks with toad rock, he was amazing and the council estate right behind the lovely ones in your photo - that's where I had most fun. I'm 36 now and living in Manchester and this is where I belong! I wonder if anyone from there remembers my family - here goes...Paul and Linda had Lisa and Catherine and twin baby boys Thomas and James.