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.

A couple at a laptop

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 19841 - 19920 of 36890 in total

I was born in Mountsorrel 1938 and soon moved to Sileby 10, Mountsorrel Lane with my mother Mabel Foukes [nee Burton]. My father Thomas was in the army and my mum worked at Newbold Burton and Lawson Ward. I remember convoys of American lorries coming into the village from Sorrel, slowly to make the turn at the Horse & Trumpet, it was the first time I ever got and saw chewing gum. Midway down the lane lived ...see more
If you were born in the 1960s and went to Mirfield Secondary School you may recall that there was a young girl who was in foster care. She was put into the care of some ex-school teacher who had a daughter the same age! This foster mother was a member of some occult group and would often try to force her into being a member of the occult. Many school children would by-pass the house because they were deeply afraid of the ...see more
My mother Kathleen Culverhouse was born in Radlett in 1925 . I am trying to trace an old school friend of hers, Betty Watling - who married to become Betty Shearer. Betty had a brother Jimmy Watling. Would anyone remember them or know where they are now? They went to the Radlett Church of England School. I can find no trace of that school now. Thank you.
I stayed at my Aunty Molly's house a lot. I remember Uncle Tom coming home from the pit black as anything, and going to the local flea pit with my cousins, also going to Aunty Anne's house and Uncle George in the tin tub, black as the ace of. spades, with Aunty scrubbing him clean. I have a lot of info of the Kews's, I have put a headstone on Grandma Kew's grave with mum's, my sister's and my wife's names on as well.
I lived in Corringham 1954-1972. The Regent, known to most of us as the old bug'utch or Stanford fleapit, was of course our local cinema. I saw many films there, they were usually nearly a year old before they were shown at the Regent. I'm presuming that a film just a few weeks after its grand London premiere would be expensive to rent and therefore the preserve of opulent cinemas in more upmarket towns, eg State ...see more
I was in Watson House since the age of 7 with my brothers and sisters Linda, Noel, Pam, Kevin, Myra, Karen. I went to Boldmere High School, I made lots of friends, my best friend were Irene Bicknell and Diane Hull, if you know them please let me know. It was a 5 minute walk to my school, I was always called for my mate and we had such a great laugh, I was always sticking up for my mates but I did get told off ...see more
Re Malcolm's question 'does anyone remember the gig?'. I do. I was 10 and had no interest in music at that time and my parents hated pop music. Our house backed onto the tennis courts in Blakes Recreation Ground and I could hear and see proceediongs from the back bedroom. I remember that numerous people complained to the police about the noise and I was reminded recently that the ...see more
Me and my brothers and sisters lived in Bramley at the end of the 1960s, we lived in Gosden Common, right at the end where you went through a gate and there were two or three cottages and we lived at the end cottage no 11. Does anyone know what this address is? There was 8 children and my mum and dad who lived here. We remember what fun we had there, exploring through the woods and fishing in the water, we are going to make a trip back in the summer to have all those wonderful memories again.
My Granddad William Anderson bought the forge when he moved to Leiston from Surrey after the war with my Nan and three children, my mother Yvonne, aunty Ivy and uncle Billy, where he shod horses in and around Leiston, then he turned his hand to iron work, which enabled him to carry on working until sadly nan died around 1960 when I was about 10, about a year or so later, sadly my granddad passed away also. My uncle ...see more
I remember walking down Green Lane from my home in Eric Avenue, Padgate to Woolston with my new girlfriend in the snow just by the Cottage Homes. We cuddled together to keep warm, she was 16 and I was 17 and had only met a few weeks earlier. We married in 1958 and had two children. In 1966 we came to live in Australia where we have lived ever since. She died in 2005 and I have returned to Woolston every year since then to ...see more
My Great-grandfather William Edward Hodgson was born in Willington, Durham, England, 7 October 1860. He emigrated to the United States around his 21st birthday. He lived in Elizabeth, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He died 4 April 1947. At the time of his death, he still had a brother living in England.
I was born in Long Row. During infancy I moved with my family, father, mother and sister Margaret to Gloria Avenue where I lived until nearly 18. My early pals were Don Peggs and Betty Lonsdale. Across the road were Gwenda Fellows and Rosie Smith who looked after us. I attended school in Melton Terrace. First the Infants where the teachers were Miss Murphy and Miss Donkin. Later progressed to the Junior ...see more
That's me on the bike, my wife said it was 1963 but in fact it was 1962, early summer. At that time I was using my step-father's surname of Price. The policeman standing outside the post office was Sgt Brown.
The Royal Hotel was one of the "whitebait inns" which drew custom down-river from London in the nineteenth century. In both World Wars Purfleet was a transit camp for thousands of soldiers waiting to be shipped abroad from Tilbury docks. The Essex shore was called the Erith Rands. Rand was Anglo-saxon for border or Edge. At Purfleet, in medieval times Pilgrims on their way to Canterbury crossed to the Kent ...see more
I remember the Railway Inn, waiting for Mum & Dad with a bottle of coke and a bag of Smiths crisps outside.
My family moved to Park Avenue, near Carshalton Park in about 1955. I was about six or so at the time. I used to roller skate in the park and climb the big chestnut trees when the park keeper was not looking. There were old bomb shelters in the park we used to go in, and every summer there was a big funfair, parade and garden party there. I also enjoyed the Guy Fawkes celebrations with a huge bonfire and ...see more
My maiden name was Margaret Connelly and I was taken to Tigna from birth for holidays up to the age of 13. My aunt had a wee place just at at the back of Corran Cottage in the village just at the side of the burn. My mother, her sister, two cousins and my Aunt Jenny's sister in law and myself all squeezed in to that wee place. There was no electricity, only oil lamps and cooking was done on the open fire. ...see more
This used to be Peter Pan's Playground. I remember coming to Southend when it was completely under water from the floods.
My auntie, Ivy Cass, was the cashier on the Golden Hind for many years. I spent every Christmas in Southend from 1942-1956 and went on the Golden Hind every Boxing Day. If my memory is correct there was a slot machine that had a life-size doll that had a very loud laugh that worked when you put 6d in I also walked the pier and back on the same day.
I joined the WRAC and was posted to JSSC in the beautiful village of Latimer in 1953, what a wonderful time that was. There were two of us arriving at JSSC on that April day and the first place we went to was the NAAFI. Up on the stage, were two soldiers playing music and one of them was the man I was to marry. I was accommodated in Latimer House right at the top with other WRAC personnel, we all got on famously. ...see more
My grandfather who was a retired Glasgow policeman purchased a house called "Kibi" in Balkurach Street in the 1930s. I was evacuated to Doune in 1940 and stayed there most of the war years. My aunts Grace McPherson and Babs McDonald ran the grocery shop on Balkurach Street up until the early 1950s. I have no idea why the house was called "Kibi" which appears to be an Indian name and I would be most interested ...see more
SIRENS WAILING, Get up, wrap a blanket around yourself, stand on the bed and wait for Dad (Alfred Roger) or Eddith Mary (Mum) to come and go down 13 stairs and out to the shelter that was in the garden. Joyce my older sister would have already been there. Bang, clang, tin doors closing and down among the spiders. Yes I saw that doodlebug, I believe it took out half Hownslow Station. On clear nights when they were over ...see more
My Nan lived in Cherrywood Road, number 202, my dad was born there and his three brothers. We lived in Raymond Road until I was 10 years old (1956) then we left the area. I have fond memories of those days, and it makes me sad knowing that Raymond Road has been demolished. My family name was Fisher, anyone remember us? My Dad was Bill and Mom was Ivy. I went to Anthony Road school, the Headmaster was Mr Brock, my last teacher before we left was Mr Phillips. Happy days!
My mum worked at Jacksons mill in Furlong Road where she met my dad and they got married in 1955, I would be enternally grateful if any one out there has any pictures of the mill as I would love to know what it looked like back then.
I also visited the churchyard to look for relatives, and found Robert Gibson and his son Robert. My grandfather was Abram Gibson born in Sedberg to Robert and Betsy Gibson
I lived in Borehamwood since the 1950s, I remember the Lynx very well before the dance hall was added, I have some pictures taken inside. Some great groups performed there. Morris took over from Pythe as the youth leader. I remember painting flowers on some of the girls cheeks in the hippy era. Before the large hall was built we had great nights in the small one with a juke box and the coffee bar. When I saw ...see more
The entrance to Ven House had two phoenix on the gates, I believe we adopted the phoenix to our college badge. We were evacuated from Eastbourne during the Second World War, as a molotove cocktail bomb burnt down the building. We were sheltering in a dug out in the school grounds. Virtually overnight a convoy of charabancs took us to Milbourne Port and Ven House. Opposite Ven House was a hill we called Babylon. We ...see more
In the late 1950s I used to go as a young boy to Worthing Paddling Pool. Can anyone let me know exactly where it was and what happened to it?
It must have been in the early 1950s when an Aunt and Uncle, actually cousins of my mother's from Bolton, came to visit on holiday. In those days I remember there were rowing boats for hire from the boathouse moored near the entrance to Rock Park and the South Walk which can be seen in the 1899 photo. That means it must have been there for a good while before the relatives took me out in one of the boats and rowed ...see more
My mum was born in this thatched cottage in 1946, my nan Margaret Jane Quinn born 1917 lived here with her family beforehand. It was originally two cottages and my nan's mother and father lived next door, they were James Campbell and Mary Campbell. My nan told me many a great story of her home and also of the locals in the village during wartimes. My nan died in 2010 at the grand age of 93, she was probably one of the oldest residents still local.
My name is Jean Hall, nee Mathis, I was evacuated during the war to Sandon, Staffordshire, came back to Belvedere in 1946, but moved back to Sandon in 1947, when I was adopted by my foster family. I am researching my family tree and looking for three brothers, Malcolm, Monty and Peter Fisher, if anyone knows their whereabouts. Their father's name was Ed Fisher and their mum's name was Minnie Mathis. Any help anyone can give me would be appreciated.
I was born in Upney Hospital 1944, my mum and dad lived in Stratton Drive, went to Park Modern School as did my 2 older sisters and my brother. Most of my parents families lived in the same area ie on the so called 'Leftly Estate', we were considered to be upper class living there!! My best memories at that time are of Barking Park, the small train that ran at the end of the park, boating on the lake, ...see more
We moved to Bushey in the early 1960s. My love of Top Rank came as I grew up with Waford being a big town. My dad worked on the new M1 Cox's corner, which now I understand is not there. Tthere were fields all around. We used to play in them, something "Park Avenue" was the big road, a pub called the Otter's Inn. I went to a school called "High Wood" and then on to a school that the George Michael attended - how posh ...see more
Does anyone know anything about Alice Bacon who the Community Centre was named after? I would be grateful for any information about her. Thank you.
Came across this website quite by accident very interesting and surprising! I too went to Sutton at hone primary and remember some of the teachers Curwen, Andrews, Rodgers, and Bex etc. When I left there at 11 I went on to Dartford East Secondary and then on to Gravesend School of Art, after being there for a couple of years I realised I wasn't as good as some of the others and money was in short ...see more
From 1964 to 1968 I worked many of my school holidays at the laundry in Monson Road. I earned 2 shillings an hour at first, but by 1968 was making four bob. It was hard work. We dealt with those endless roller towels that they used to have in all kinds of workplaces: hairdressers, fish and chip shops, public toilets, London Airport, and a small amount of household laundry. It was mostly a female workforce with a ...see more
This photo was taken the year before my Father and Mother bought Smugglers Cottage guest house. We lived there from 1966-72. We took over from the Teasdales in the April, I recall meeting their daughter Dulcie the day my Mum and I came down from Birmingham, I was 17 at the time, to take over and taking a walk on the beach with her in the evening, a very attractive girl, we got on very well and it was a shame she ...see more
I moved into the White House, Old Road, Buckland with my parents Fred and Peggy Jennings and my two brothers Tony and Richard. I remember friends who lived in Buckland, Janet Oxley, Liz Boyes. Gillian Reynolds (lived next door), Barbara Smith (who I am still in contact with). The Seagars and Wade familys lived nearby. I married in 1964 and moved to near Gadbrook Cross Roads. I have one daughter, Joanna, who ...see more
Crossing the bridge from Woking town into the road where the Wheatsheaf was (and parkland, opposite it) always seemed like going to the posher end of town! It was more classy there with bigger houses surrounding the green! Nice memories!
I only went to the pool a handful of times as a child, but have happy memories in spite of being pushed into the deep end (which led to years of fear of water which I happily conquered in my 30's!). I remember the surrounding parkland being lovely. I agree with the person who said the new pool wasn't quite as nice, although I spent many a good time in the Leisure Centre doing circuit training in the gym in the 1990s!
When I lived in the town centre, in Middle Walk I used to go on a Sunday afternoon and sit in the little square to the right of this picture. Peaceful times.
Most Woking people will tell you 'they've' ruined a nice little town with modern developments! And I agree! Looking back on how it was, it looks such an nice country town way back in the 60's and before. I have lived away from it for twenty years, but when I go back I'm struck by how affluent an area the Woking district is! Its so lovely to look back on these photographs of times gone by! All the places in these pictures bring back memories.
I was born at Peartree Cottage which was half way down the high street. For a young boy growing up the war was one big adventure. The fire station was opposite our house and they made me some really great wooden toys. As kids we would watch the aerial dog fights, not appreciating people were dying. We made canoes out of jettisoned petrol tanks and collected persex from plane canopies which could be carved ...see more
Mabel (Trixie) Olding passed away on the 14th January 2012 at Two Beeches Nursing Home Wallis Road, Waterlooville at nearly 96 years of age. Prior to her being admitted to Two Beeches NH, Trixie lived for many years at Beechwood Avenue and Broadlands Avenue and in later years Homewater House, Hulbert Road. Trixie was probably one of the oldest remaining residents of Waterlooville with family ...see more
I went to the Methodist School just before the Second World War, the school closed because we had no shelters, and we were transferred to three classrooms at Picquets Way. I remember Miss Parrott as headmistress and a Mrs Godfrey. We still used the Galleon for swimming lessons, usually in the morning before the pool opened to the public. Yes, it was sometimes very cold! We fished for newts and ...see more
My mother was born in Bishops in 1920, her mum was Daisy Haynes, and her dad was Walter Boyles, who were both born in and around that area in the late 1890. Had a great time there on school hols. Does anyone know of the Dean family who ived in Ellstree Cottages?
I was posted to the J.S.S.C., Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire from my regiment in Germany {15/19 Hussars} and I was there for two years {1966-8}. I still have vivid memories of my time there; the officers houses' I worked at, the picket room, the N.A.A.F.I., the barracks, and the many officers 'do's' in which most of the time I had the job as glass-washer. There were thousands of them! And we never got finished til ...see more
I was born in Dunfermline in 1955. I lived in Dunnimarle Street in High Valley Field x
I used to work on the farm for a couple of years 1962-63 during my school holidays, mostly driving the Massey Ferguson combine harvester, working with an Eugene Luchinski who was a friend of my family and worked full time on the farm. I remember my mother having a fit when she found out I had been sitting on the back of the Freisian bull the farm had.
I wonder if any one remembers the Surrey ice cream parlour, half way up Surrey Street on the left bottom of the steps leading up to the main road. Oh how I wished we could get ice. This was just after the war. I was born 1935. Also does anyone remember the lady who used to sell fresh boiled beetroots? This was later but I have no idea when. Anyone with any info please get in touch, my e-mail is: honkharling21@googlemail.com
Hello everybody, so glad to find this page. My name was Anne-Marie Evers and I was in Hesswall Hospital throughout the 1970s but I remember a long stay in 1976. I was in Holbeck Ward [Ithink it was called]. I had very bad asthma and was often admitted to Myrtle Street Childrens Hospital in Liverpool then sent to convalesce in Hesswall. It was a lovely hospital with huge grounds and a steamroller and other ...see more
Dear Sir/Madam. I am at present researching my childhood days at 86,Easton Street Boys Hostel, High Wycombe. I do remember walking to school with other boys alongside the Wye River. The name of that school escapes my memory. Unfortunately my parents were in the army during that period so a visit was few and far, the hostel authority's address at that time was 87, East End, High Wycombe. All info I have ...see more
I worked as a trainee projectionist at the ABC cinema in Rochdale. Happy days. I now live in south Germany as my wife is German. But I do miss my old job.
Dear visitors, I am looking for persons who remember the Lines Bros. factory located in Morden, especially the period between 1935-50. International Model Aircraft was part of this factory, producing FROG modelaircraft: flying models and plastic modelkits called "Penguin". I am writing a book on the history of these "Penguin" model kits and would like to get in touch with anyone who ...see more
My name is Jan Scott nee Boreham, my father's name was Peter and my mother's name was Elsie, my brother's name Andy. We too lived in Church Street in the Cottages opposite the White Lion and next door to Mr & Mrs Yeldham, and my mother used to work at the stores across the road then called Cloughleys. I remember the Farrant family very well, in fact Sue lived next door to us in Park Fields when we moved ...see more
I too went to Salfords school and have very fond memories of my time there. I rememeber when the school nurse used to come and check everyone and we had to wait outside Miss Rosiers office in our vests and knickers!!! We used to play rounders on the common, and one day I was batting and Mr Thatcher's daughter( not THE Mrs Thatcher)Christine was bowler, I hit the ball and it hit her straight in the mouth!!!! The best ...see more
The ballroom had huge paintings on the walls. In particular I recall one of Sir Walter Raleigh. The patients' dining room had those lovely murals. We were issued a key which unlocked all of the doors in the hospital and Lindsay Smith House. Dr. Nugent lived in the staff cottages across the street. I babysat his daughter Helen. He emigrated to Australia. Ann O'Reilly, one of my "set", married Jimmy ...see more
A friend of mine (Len) said we should go to Hanslope one weekend to meet a girl he used to go out with when she lived in Kensington in London. We drove up to Hanslope one Saturday morning to see her. Her family lived in a massive white house in Hanslope (her name was Gelda). When we walked in I was amazed to meet her father and realised that he was Charles Craig, the world-famous opera singer! Over the following years, I ...see more
On August 13, 1961 I took up residence as a student nurse in Lindsay Smith House across from the hospital. It was the day the Berlin wall went up, and, as I recall, the day before the grouse shooting season began. I was 19 years old. Miss Goodyear was the Matron. Miss Lemon was Assistant Matron; Miss Mitzi Tauber was Assistant Matron (rumoured to be the cousin of Richard Tauber the singer); Miss Cottingham ...see more
When was the colliery opened? My elder brothers worked there and my dad (1930-40s). We lived in 22 East Street, and I attended Central School. My name is Glyn Parsons. When was the crescent built?. I know the East Street and Emroch Street were French-style houses, who built them and when? The filter beds were around when I was a kid, and I remember going up to the pistle and the prisoner ...see more
I used regularly to walk up Mottingham Lane to visit my great aunt and her family who lived on the Horn Park Estate in and around Alnwick Road. Apparently, I threw a toy from my pram near the farm which my parents were never able to recover and I was broken hearted. I also remember walking to Mottingham Village from Coldharbour with my mother in the 50s. It always seemed so villagely in those days. Apparently my ...see more
I stayed at Polegate Farm in Caundle Marsh as a child. I have a photo of me with a little girl and a dog, on the back is written Phyllis Cooper. I have no idea of my connection but do remember the very happy time and new experience it was as a London child. I also remember connections with Sherborne, a nice looking man named Tom who drove a very smart car and would come up to London driving a lady who I ...see more
I went to Ongar Secondary School in th 1950s. Does anyone have any photos of the school as I know it is no longer there?
I was born in a cottage called Oak Cottage on the Ringwood Road between the Angel Inn and the Rambler Garage as it was then. I was 9 when the Second World War started and remember the Southampton buses bringin the evacuee childen to stay in Longham and Ferndown. We went to Ferndown school in Church Road which has now been demolished and is now council offices. The school now is at the back on the land where the trenches ...see more
Wonderful teachers, Mr Croydon French Latin some sports. Mr Chester Woodwork Gym and cricket. Millicent Millington Mathematics. Mr Webb History and Geography. Mr Davy Sciences. The grounds were very woody and the air raid shelters great for running about on. The canteen served delicious cocoa in blue squashy mugs. My dear friends Keith Starkey and Geoffrey Scott were in my form. I remember the school ...see more
My great great grandfather Henry Hall was born in Fladbury 1836. He married Mary Ellen Ballard, born Netherton 1837. Henry had 2 siblings, mary bn 1840 and Edwin bn 1851; Ellen had 4 sibs, Thomas bn 1828, Will bn 1830, Eliza 1832, Joseph 1840. Her father Thomas Ballard married Mary Weston at Cropthorne in 1821 Henry and Ellen had 10 children, the oldest, Fred, being my Great grandfather. ...see more
Sorry to one of your correspondents, males never wore hats in the shops of J.Sainsbury to my knowledge. The females wore nylon head scarves. I worked at the Barking branch for several years, are there any more of the staff still around ? I loved the Christmas's there, working with Mr Harris the super. We had the big front window open and yelled and served from it. Frank Smethins was the manager, Whip Henwood the ...see more
My grandparents Lol (Lawrence) and Edith Johnston owned and operated the Black Swan Inn for many years. I would love to find out some family history, their son Tom emigrated to Australia in 1964, I was 2 and my sister 1 when we left. I am sure there are lots of people who may have some lovely old stories for us. I am also keen to know a little about my mother's family, my grandparents were Fred & ...see more
Like John Langston, our family lived in the village until #1 fighter wing was moved to France. We also lived next door to the store and I went to the village school. The Head Mistress was a dragon lady compared to the other teacher who I liked. I do remember that period in my life with the fondness of memories and hope to revisit after some 58 years. I still have a small book given to me for one year's perfect attendance at the Anglican Church.
I was 19 years old, in the R.A.F. at Chivenor from October, 1948 to June, 1949 and was at the dance-hall in Barnstaple one of those nights in April, 1949. Across the room was the loveliest girl I had ever seen, brown wavy hair to her shoulders, etc., for me,it was love at first sight. I walked across and said "Excuse me, Miss, would you like to dance?"- to my great joy she did just that, and as we danced for that ...see more
When I was a little girl I lived with my grandparents Harry and May Wheeler owing to my mother being in hospital for 3 years. Every Easter and August they took me to The Magpie Hotel. My grandmother was May Reeve before her marriage, she was born in Wortwell in 1894. I also stayed with my aunty Elsie Snowling. Harleston and Wortwell will always be remebered as my happiest childhood memories.
I lived in Pershore in the 1950s as my dad was based at the RAF camp there. I went to Pershore Infants then the Junior School. Headmaster was Mr. Goodyear. The school was near the Abbey - I remember it well!
My mother, Betty Eilleen Staniford (later Cranham), worked at Deborah's bake shop and cafe on Frimley Road in Camberley.  I am working on a family tree and I am unable to find out anything about this bake shop.  Does anyone have any connections or know anything about this place? I have a letter that shows the address as being 142 Frimley Road.  It would have been in the late 1940s that Mum worked there as a young woman. ...see more
I am a newcomer to Shepherdswell but my daughter in law, Jackie Amos, comes from a long line of the family name. Her mum Madeline Amos married Brian Amos, both had the same name before marriage but were unrelated. The family butchers shop in Shepherdswell had been running for many years, originally started by Jackie's great great grandfather Joseph Amos in the 19th century. The shop has ...see more
My wife and I had a new house built in Ferndale just off the Hulbert Road in 1959. Detached semi bungalow with three bedrooms and a garden backing on to Inhurst Woods and all for £3500. My goodness, how different for the younger generation today. I only needed £175 deposit for the mortgage. I worked for Wadhams who were the biggest employer in the area for a modest salary with the BMC car dealership and ...see more
I am researching my family who were farming labourers at Barn farm in the 1800s. My great great great great grandfather was John Coleman who had a wife Anne and two children John and William. William son went to the Crimea and later married Eliza. John must have married at some point and had a son Caleb George Coleman-Cooper that leads me to think he married a Cooper. Caleb George was ...see more
My cousin Eileen Vera Derbyshire was born in Blackburn in 1905 and was adopted by the Derbyshire family, when she went by the name of Nelly / Nellie Swales Derbyshire. She was apparently taken in by Nuns at a convent, so I don't know how she came to live with the Derbyshire family. The family lived at Park Villas for some years, and her adopted father was Samuel Derbyshire, who was a joiner ...see more
I was born at number 7, Village Road, Finchley in 1932 and lived there until October 1939 when my dad's businesses in London were requisitioned. Lots of memories. Milk was delivered by United Dairies and the horse would always spend a penny right outside our house leaving a horrid green puddle. 'Old Fishy' delivered his wares every Friday walking from house to house with a big wicker basket, followed by ...see more
We moved to High Wycombe just after the war when Dad came home and he went back to work for the London Transport at the bottom of Marlow Hill. We lived at first in Suffield Road and I went to the Church Of England School just off Suffield Road, then we moved to Ship Street and finally up to Cambridge Crescent in Totteridge and I went to Hatters Lane School from age 11 years. I also went to the Baptist ...see more
I loved Bailiff Bridge - I was there from 1943 (when I was born a Baldwin) to 1961, when I came to college in Hull and settled nearby. I loved my school, with its large shelter in the playground; I loved Miss Ashton, whose ring clicked on the piano in the hall when she played. Although my school dinners were good, I think of one incident when I had to stay in the hall until home time, with a dish ...see more