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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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!

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Displaying Memories 10961 - 11040 of 36960 in total

Sea View Stores from 1961 to 1967 at Reighton Gap was owned by my Mum and Dad Gladys and Terry Robinson. the original shop was burnt down due to a problem in the fish and chip shop which was located at the side, (we had a big flag pole there and used to hoist the Union Jack to let people know when the fish and chip shop was open. People used to say "when the flag is flying the fish are frying") so my dad ...see more
When I was a child I would visit my grandparents in Mitcham. My grandfather had his own wireless and accumulator shop in Balham/Tooting area. It was a tiny shop, in a very poor area, probably only big enough for two or three people which he would lock up each night. He had a bike with a side car which he would use to deliver/return accumulators to his customers.
My Name is Tony Hillier, I am the eldest son and Brian Hillier who perished in the "Bobs Ferry Disaster" at 18 years old was my brother. I moved away from Partington when I got married in 1966. On 7th April 1970 I phoned my mother's neighbour, to get one of the family so I could inform them of my 1st child, a daughter, Karen. My brother Brian came on the phone & I told him... this ...see more
I was born in 1953 and moved to Buckhurst Hill in 1956. We moved to Harlow in 1962, my father, Alfred Raymond Perrett, worked at W C French. I started my apprenticeship in 1968 in Harlow, worked with Harry Challis on the 22RB and move to Canada in 1976. Worked for Finning Cat dealer then Coast Tractor, John Deere dealer - now in Victoria BC.
Hi Peter, I was one of those kids playing 50-a-side football on Brook Green; you and your brothers being older than us. I lived in Lindenhill Road up the hill. There use to be a brook going through the green. Also used to play tincan alley up in front of Admiral.
Does anyone know what has happened to the Victoria Hotel, seen in this picture to the right of the statue of Queen Victoria?
I went into St Clares at the age of two and came out aged eight. We should not let these times pass without recognition of the damage done to us all. I will never forget, WE MUST NOT let them. My love goes out to all those who suffered with me. Horrific times!!
The side road (foreground) was one of two streets in Digswell both called Station Road! To remove the confusion, this one was renamed Adele Avenue some time before 1937, after the lady of the only house in the street at that time (behind and to the left of the photographer). The street boasts a fine avenue of lime trees. Welwyn North rail station is off the photo to the right, and the booking office ...see more
I passed the 11+ in 1952 and started Grammar school in Sept that year at Orange Hill Girls' Grammar. I caught the 140 bus from Streatfield Road, Kenton every day for 5 years which is when I left with 8 O levels and a choice of jobs. The buses were always full when they got to my stop and I often used to wait for several before getting on. At Burnt Oak station I walked through Deansbrook Park ...see more
I am researching the family, Francis. James Francis was born in 1852 in Monmouth and married Selina Owens, in 1872. They had a son Matthew Henry and a daughter Sarah Jane. Matthew married Ellen and they had 4 children; Frederic, Ellen, Ruby and Doris all born in Ystradyfodwg and living in 208, Rhys Street, Trealaw, in 1911. Sarah was my grandmother born in 1880, Matthew born in 1876. I am interested in ...see more
How different we can be! I absolutely did not like Sister Veronica at Our Lady's Junior School, she frightened me to death. I remember Sister Anthony and Sr Hilda and they took us to Gerrards Cross where their order had a convent for afternoon tea. I also did not like Mr Moon but thankfully was never taught by him. I passed the 11+ and went to Corby Grammar School for 5 years and then Corby Technical ...see more
As my article states, I lived and grew up at Sonning Mill which means I lived in Sonning Eye a great area to grow with lots of friends.
I have this photo on a postcard from your company mailed 1915. Grandfather was William Cruse/Cruise, born there in 1879. He was a miner who moved to Michigan, USA when the mines ran out. Someone named H.B. mailed this to my grandfather's wife, H.B's sister in Trimountain Michigan. Would like a way to find more info on him.
I was born in Okenshaw in 1952, I lived in Single Row with my mam, dad and brother Peter, my name was Gail Glendinning. I went to the local school, the teacher was called Miss Grey, the head master was a Mr Chicken. I have fond memories of my childhood in Okenshaw; the pond when it used to freeze over and getting chased by a goat going to the chapel on a Sunday morning. All my aunts and uncles which ...see more
I lived at 536 High Road, Leytonstone. It was a shirt factory where my father worked as a ban saw cutter; the shirts he made were for Beverley Hills and above the factory were the offices, and the floor above those was our flat. I used to play with the corrugated paper rolls and find lots of photos in the basement of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. I went to Godwin Road School, Davies Lane, then finally ...see more
I lived in Jesmond Terrace at No.41. I had been taken to the airraid shelter and was back to sleep when a bomb hit No.55. It did not explode and we were all rushed to the underground shelter at the end of Victoria Terrace and Trewitt Road, now just a triangle of grass, but every time I see it my memory goes back and you think what if the bomb had exploded?
My wife came across John Baylies memories of Jack Spence. I was the little lad who also helped bring water from the spring. I only lived over the fields and was always down the lake, I remember the rowing boats blue & white ones. The Royal Iris was a large boat, it took day trippers around the lake for a shilling. People came from miles around to enjoy the countryside and the fun of the fair. In those ...see more
I was about five or six when we moved the Westbourne House, Mount Park, Harrow on the Hill. Mount Park use to be private an there was a couple called the Morrisons who were in charge of opening and closing the gate. Their daughter was Betty. Westbourne House was a very large private home that was converted to flats during the war. We had the top floor which would have been the maids quarters in years ...see more
I love Tywym (Towyn). I worked at Tynycornel Hotel in 1962 until 1964 and I remember doing my shopping in Towyn, and finishing with a lovely cup of tea or a milkshake at the milk bar in the High Street. My dream is to go and walk its places before I finish. Love to everybody in my Towyn.
Callis Yard Stables are just behind Powis Street today, they have been unused for many years. The council sold them in 2008 and since then the building has stood unused and ready for redevelopment. I was wondering if anyone had any information about the stables or knew someone who worked there? I am keen to find out more. Any anecdote, big or small, would be welcomed!
Hi Helen, I went to school with you at Bishop Simpson. I also remember Mary Geoghan and Margaret Fitzgerald, and also your sister Julia... I remember you did not like cooking meat during Housecraft (as they called it then... ). Do you remember that teacher that was South African? I don't remember her name, but she taught us a lot of things. Do you remember Linda Bell and Vanessa (I don't remember Vanessa's other ...see more
White lion
I was born in Norland and spent many happy hours on Norland Moors. I too, miss those days.
I was a 'Red Maid' from 1966-72, and at the end of November it was 'Founder's Day' commemorating the founding of the school by John Whitson in 1634. As Bristolians will well know the Red Maids walked from John Whitson's tomb to the Cathedral on College Green for a memorial service. After that service I remember having lunch with my parents at Christmas Steps - wonderful fish and chips! ...see more
Hhello Nick Brannigan, I used to drink with your brother along with Seamus Cleary, Micky Kerr, John Mullhern and a crew down the Old Mill and the Langley Tavern. I hadn't seen Seamus since we were kids but I often wondered if it was him, but for some reason I never mentioned it. One night in the Langley we were playing pool and he asked me if I remembered him from Gunsite Farm, mate you could have knocked me over with ...see more
I went to the John Kelly School from 1959 to 1962. Anyone remember me? Peter Burbage
I also remember the Café on my way home to the Nine Mile Ride.
I have just found this site, and although I now live in Manchester I have many memories of growing up in South Norwood and Croydon in the 1950s and 60s. I had forgotten about the donkey in Kennards Arcade, but when I read the comments, the smell came back to me!! I also remember the Croydon 18+ Group in the Swan and Sugarloaf - I was a member for several years in around 1970, and also of the South ...see more
I also attended Montgomery Street School, I remember Mrs Askey in Reception Class, Miss Cook and Mr D Brazier who was the Principal. I lived on Sydenham Road and also remember a freezing outside toilet in winter!
I attended here from 1965-1970 and loved it, Mrs Blackwell taught me in the last two years. She got 18 of us into Grammar Schools, which was amazing from such a deprived area. Life was very different in those days, we had very little but were happy and healthy. I would love to hear from my old classmates, or people from the area. I lived at 116 Dolobran Rd, two up ,two down....toilet down the backyard!!
My husband Ray Nimmo, and myself (Irene nee Ford) met at the Imperial Hall Waltham Cross, it was his first time there and I think the last as we met and fell in love... that was 60 years ago. We have been married for 58 happy years. Would love to have any old photos, also looking for photos of VE Day celebrations in Cheshunt and Waltham New Town, as it was known then.
This was one of the hotels/public houses owned by Mr.& Mrs. R.J.Gillman; they were my grandparents. My parents visited them taking me with them. My cousin Clive and I went exploring, oh boy! my finger slipped threw the wallpaper in one of the bedrooms, so Clive and I traced it round and found hidden behind the wall paper was a door, we opened it and beheld a veritable treasure; buckets of money, ...see more
Although I am still contact with some of my classmates, I can't forget that a number of things began for me at Clarendon - a love of the Bible; through it we were given foundation to which we can come back over and over again, a love of music and a love of sport. The plaque that was on the wall opposite the entrance door which was the power force of all that went on and that made ...see more
I remember travelling on the train from Bacup to Rawtenstall and then on to Manchester where I caught a train to March in Cambridgeshire where we lived. I can remember seeing the big cotton mill which was called Ross Mill, which, I believe was big enough (if turned into flats) to house everyone in Bacup.
During my training at the ACC depot in Aldershot I met a beautiful young lady called Debbie Baker. She was my first love. Unfortunally when I was posted to Germany, I never saw or heard from her again. I would love to re-new our friendship even after all these years. David Kelsall
The furniture lorry parked in the field, which is where the Co-op is now, was driven by my farther David Thomas (Dai Cowboy). He worked for WM Flay and Sons, they were a transport company based in Whitchurch, Cardiff. They carried mainly for Christy-Tylers, who were based on the Bridgend industrial est.
I am enquiring if anyone can remember or has knowledge of family members belonging to the Girls' Friendly Society which was based at Boyne Lodge, 22 Florence Road, Ealing, W5. This organisation was run by Gertrude Marye Barnard from about 1890 – 1947 to provide support for Christian women. Any information or photographs would be appreciated. Thanks.
My mum and dad first met in the Top Hat Cafe on Station Road in April 1969. I was born on February 26 1970! My parents were together for 30 years! Mum was Sue Gosden and my dad was Tony Girling! He was in the R.E.M.E. If you knew either of my parents, l would love to hear from you.
Does anyone remember Glenmount Roard at all? I live at Number 12. So far I have been told that the house I live in used to be a bottling plant for a dairy, and that the oldest house in the road is at the end...which used to be a Chinese Laundry. I am told they used to out the washing out on the bushes. I have also been told that a man living next to then committed suicide by hanging himself on the tree opposite. I ...see more
As far back as I can remember we used to love the steak and kidney pies from the Baytree. For a time I worked at Woolworths on the jewellery counter and at lunch times I would stroll around the market eating my steak and kidney pie with the gravy dribbling down my chin. My first job was in Robert Stokes in the office, from there I was upgraded to the deli counter and my favourite job was upstairs in the ham room ...see more
My name is Bernadette McDonnell and I have memories of the convent between roughly 1959 - 1965. Does anyone remember Sister Alberta from that time? She used to work in the kitchens. Does anyone know if the cemetary is still there as 'Ive heard she has since died and would like to find out where she was buried. Would love to hear from anyone there who may remember me.
I was evacuated to Torrington in 1940 during the Blitz. My two elder siblings, brother and sister, went to a farm somewhere in Devon. My mother, her new baby (my younger brother) and I went to Torrington. Mum and the baby lived nearby but I was billeted with an old couple whose house was right in the main street. As I recall, the brige across the Torridge was just down the road. My place was on ...see more
I grew up in Cheapside Village and went to Cheapside C of E School when it was still in Cheapside Road between Mrs Clarke's house and Mrs Mc Master's house, opposite the social centre. I remember Mr Goulding the Headmaster who was an amazing music and singing teacher. How I loved the assemblies each morning, singing our hearts out as he played the piano. Each day at the end of assembly, there was the ...see more
As a schoolboy, my brother Tony had Highlands Rd as a paper round and I had Woodlands Crescent. In 1965 I was 15 but operated this paper round in my brothers absence from 1960 to 1963 for Smiths. Fond memories brother if you read this... Pete Holland 10.1.2014
I used to lived in Eltham from 1940 until 1951 - before that it was Plumstead. I visited Woolwich Markets numerous times. My last school was Woolwich Politechnic just a stroll away. I recall eating eel soup at fourpence a bowl in the fish restaurant right on market square. Then there was Dirty Dick's Hotel close by. And of course, the trips on the old paddle-steamer ferries across the Thames, and even the ...see more
Anyone remember this street
my aunt chrissie and uncle syd stayed just under the arch and i remember their black n white cat lying at the doorstep. When my uncle used to take me a walk around the grounds and greenhouses it always seemed like a magical kingdom to me. Sadly my uncle is no longer with us but my aunt and her son John havent changed one bit and she still has the old wind up monkey and panda that plays the drums and symbols, miss those days so much.
Nursing home
My Dad owned the sweet shop in Ardleigh Green, (it's just out of shot on the left of this picture) initially we lived above the shop, later we lived towards the A127 further up Ardleigh green Road. I went to Ardleigh Green School and have so many happy memories of growing up in the area. Climbing trees, football until it was nearly dark, and riding my bike up and down the parade.
I don't suppose there's anyone alive today who remembers this event but they would have to be about 143 years old! But as a shot in the dark, I wonder if anyone who remembers old Fairs and Fêtes in Kilburn or may have known about them from a grandparent or someone, to discover what a side-show event at such a Fête as described in the Title here and called PLOTOPAHLEA ...see more
I did my hairdressing apprenticeship at La Petite Hairdressers.
I remember seeing Amen Corner and a few other groups there. And i also went to the Bali Hai I lived in Gleneagle Road.
I was born in Toys Hill at Bardogs Farm,my father was farm manager to a Mrs Livingstone we were there until 1947? when we moved to Penshurst. Winston Churchill used visit Bardogs frequently and I used to sit on his lap,we still walk in the NT woods with our dogs
During World War Two I was evacuated from London to various locations three times, the last of these was Bury, in Lancashire. My older brother and I stayed with two families sharing a house at 16 Swallow Drive in what was referred to as 'the Dickie Bird Estate.' All the street names were named after birds. There was some consternation at the school because we were 'Church of England' and ...see more
I used to attend Middle Park School way back in 1943. I recall we used to have to write the date in the top right-hand corner of our exercise books and I distinctly remember the year. The war was still on. I'd probably returned from Northhamptonshire, where I'd been evauatived from London for the second time. I used to live in No10 Campfield Road, not far away. I lived there - between being ...see more
I started as a boarder at Homefield school in 1958. I was 10. Taggart was the headmaster, Amos was head of the boarding house. A bit of a religious fellow. Names I remember:Kamal Khimani, John Turner, Buckland, Daubney, Levy, Gerry Mitchell, Ray Green, Saunders, Wilmot-Wilkinson. Enough!
I was born at Mow Cop, on the Cheshire side! I have two brothers. One older & one younger. We went to Woodcocks Well junior & infant school. The infant class teacher was Mrs Lawton & the next class teacher was Miss Bailey. The head master was Mr Vernon Ball who lived in the schoolhouse attached to the school. Our playground was quite an adventure playground by today's clinical standards. OK he of our ...see more
Sunday 25th of June 1944. A lovely summers day but at 9 o'clock in the evening the air raid siren sounded and a few minutes later a V1 flying bomb came roaring over the housetops, apparently going to miss us - but the engine cut out and in the eerie silence that followed a swishing sound briefly showed it was only too close, and was followed by a thunderous explosion that brought our house down. ...see more
I have a personal interest in Lindfield as my great grandparents lived in Beckworth Lodge on the Beckworth estate my great grandfather was the head game keeper and my Mother lived in Beckworth Lodge for the first six months of her life following the death of her own Mother after giving birth to her and my grandfather along with his two sons & my Mum moved to Beckworth Lodge from Cowfold in 1911.My ...see more
I lived in Marlingford for 3 months in 1940 when my father was working there on wartime evacuation of children from London. He had to travel around Norfolk and often consulted a map which led to him being reported as a NAAZI spy ! It was soon sorted out and he became lifetime friends with the local people. We lodged with Mr. Williams who had been a policeman in London, and made clocks as a hobby. the ...see more
We have many happy memories of the Bower Yard in 1962. We moved into our first marital cottage at 75 on the day we got married. The cottage was mid terrace overlooking the river and the wharfage on the opposite side. We paid the princely sum of £475.00 for it of which we had saved £250 and we borrowed the difference from a very kind relative. The house had no toilet or bathroom or hot water. Our toilet was ...see more
Knew many friends who used the club . Run by Paul Roper. Lots of girl friends and lads. Erica Norgate Christine Brown Janet Talbot Trevor Scott Julia Richie David Taylor Very many others Any links to club please respond Regards to all
In the late 1950's my parents used to take me to the pub about once a month as a treat to have a pie...they tasted very nice.
My family took over the butchers in Swallowfield, it used to be called Turners. My father-in-law, everyone knew him as Curly, was quite a character. It was a family concern and my job was to make local deliveries in an A35 Austin van in and around Swallowfield. My first of two children were born at the butchers shop and I recall, now with a wry smile, Curly taking the baby and placing them on the ...see more
I remember walking to the Lido from Earls Barton, with my sister May. We would take a picnic of cheese sandwiches and a bottle of water and stay there all day. As we got older it was the ideal place to eye up all the boys. Happy days! Isabel Marchant (then Wilson)
I too, remember the High School Carol Services held here, especially singing 'Oh Come all Ye Faithful' at the top of my voice. The church seemed enormous then so I was surprised how much smaller it seemed when my daughter was married here in the '80s. Happy days!
I am now living in Canada. I went to St Josephs College, Ledsham from 1956 to 1961.. wondering if anyone else remembers?
Born and bred in Bedford (1945) so many fond memories... The Granada cinema...I played at that venue many times with my band back in the 60's... I was born & lived in Cardington Road at the time and the fields and river were our main "playground" and seat of learning. Newnham swimming pool was our main (leisure) activity where many of us learnt to swim as a school activity, besides learning in the nearby river...!
I had the great misfortune to attend St Josephs Primary Roman Catholic School, Stanford-Le-Hope in the early to mid 1950s. The nuns there were far too fond of wielding bamboo canes split halfway down the middle when punishing children as young as 5. What was really bad besides being punished yourself with these canes for incredibly minor misdemeanours, was watching a small 5 year old little ...see more
1960's Rob Lawson.. here. Hope high School - anybody there?
I was a small child when we moved into the old house on Watling Street, it was large and owned by Miss Treasure who has several cats. My sisters and I loved the house as the front garden had two large stone eagles we used to sit on and pretend we would fly away (we weren't suppose to be in the front, out of bounds). Next to this house was a pig and chicken farm that was owned by the Simmons I ...see more
My father, Wifred Broadhurst, and mother, Gladys (nee' Bryan), were married in 1927, the reception being held in Booth's Hall, opposite the Board School Entrance which was in the lane running from Main Street to Station Road. The shops running along Main Street from Walkers Mill were Annie Bates sweet shop, Joe Taylors baker, West greengrocer, David Taylor ...see more
I started at the infant school (my name was Kirby) in 1950. Miss Bush was the head teacher. Later, in the junior school, the head was Mr E. Price-Reece and my teacher in classes 3 and 4 was Mr Luckock. My best friend was Janet Haeger. I wonder where she is now.....
My father started working at the mill after leaving the army at the end of the second world war as he needed a place to live because my mother was about to give birth to me. It was unfortunate but at that time there were no empty houses so he was given a farmhouse situated about 2 miles away which was owned by the same family that owned the mill. When I was aged 4 we were very lucky ...see more
We moved from Manchester to Earlestown in 1949. My father had taken the position of Transport Manager at the CWS (Co-op). We moved into the house at 1 School Street that was in front of the bakery, kitchens, stables and transport yard - both horse and motor; a wonderful "adventure playground". The joy of "driving" a horse drawn milk cart at the age of 6 was an experience to remember. I attended ...see more
My name is Sue, I was raised in Griffydam. My mum, dad and sister lived at the Monkey Tree House on Elder Lane. My mum was the lollipop lady at the village school and my dad worked at Breedon quarry. My dad has now passed away but mum is still with us. Lots of happy memories and I will write a book one day for all to share. Would be good to hear from anyone with their memories. Sue (nee Dimmock).
Stanwell Palace - This was a stately residence which we as children always called Stanwell Palace. It was indeed owned by the Iraq Royal Family and was the Official residence of the Ambassador. I went to Staines Preparatory School with the Ambassadors 2 children, Azhar and Leif Hamdi. After one summer holiday, I think in 1956, the children did not return to school and rumour had it that they were ordered back to ...see more
I lived in Combpyne about 1959 -1964 -with my mother in Pine Cottage. I went to Axminster secondary school. I remember Peter Longridge - I did my Confirmation via him. I also used to ring the one bell in the church on Sundays. I remember the Webbers family and farm - I used to play with Sally and Giles, and get the milk from the farm. I remember collecting the cider apples to eat. I also remember Miss Fox, Mrs Dutton, ...see more
Clocaenog, I have some very good memories of this quiet village. I used to visit my Nain & Taid during the school holidays in mid 70's -80's helping out on their farm pentre, collecting the hay in the summer, riding on the tractors, milking the cows, just so much to keep you entertained as kids. Good memories. I do occasionally visit Clocaenog church to pay my respects and thank my nain & taid for introducing me to this wonderfull little village.
In 1940 at age 1, I was moved into 123 Nelson Road with my parents and older brother.It was to be my permanent home for the next 20 years. Nelson road was split into two parts by Weston Park, the scruffy end between Tottenham Lane and Weston Park, where we lived, and the posh part up to Ridge Road where my grandparents lived at No 84. My maiden aunt, who lived with them, had been engaged to a flyer who ...see more