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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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 22721 - 22800 of 36955 in total

Adrian Vidler, again I forgot to mention my brother Anton Vidler and Robert Whiting, Robert Murray, these are past students of the school.
The dinner ladies deserve a mention, Miss Went and Mrs Thomas, they looked after us kids and I believe that Roy Thomas is still in the village. The photo from Friths is just how it was - well done. Adrian Vidler
Looking straight forward, the house to the left of the white one was the home of the Smith family who had several children. My grandmother used to pass on any goodies she had to them. Her name was Mrs Maud Ashton and she lived in the end cottage of a row owned by Farmer Simms just past the 'rec 'park' to the right of the white cottage. My father was the first boy to pass and attend Macclesfield Grammar School and ...see more
I went to Bulphan School in 1955/6 and can remember Mrs Last as the headteacher. Those were the days - I can always remember the lazy days of the 1950s. It was the best time. I can remember the school trips to Norfolk and Hampton Court. Mrs Last put herself out to arrange all of this and on a shoestring budget. She was a marvellous person. I can remember Martin Drury, Claire Packman, Linda Hanneman, Jeff Dommall, Roy ...see more
I was born at Richard Murray Hospital at Shotley Bridge, County Durham on 09/07/1942. My parents Winnie and Jack Kershaw, my mam's maiden name was Burnhope and my dad's family were the Kershaws, lemonade manufacturers of Askew Road, Gateshead, as far as I can recall the Burnhopes had Leadgate addresses. My first memories were of my home at Woodlands Terrace in Leadgate in a beautiful ...see more
I live in San Diego (America). My birth certificate says that I was born at the Redhills Hospital. My parents were living in Camden, this was during the war in Feb. 1943. I can't find any place now with that name. I would very much like to know where I was born - can anyone help?
I'm looking for a man called David from Great Barr who used to drive an ice-cream van with his brother in the 1970s. He is believed to be married with two boys, possibly in his 60s or 70s now. Any information, however small, would be gratefully accepted. Thanks.
Ian, Yes I remember you at Minnigaff, we used to have a three way sports with Minnigaff, Stronord and Glentrool in the playing field. Minnigaff always won, Stronord second and poor Glentrool with about twenty pupils last. All old faces are still here, Tom Marr, Willie Cuthbertson, and oh, did some of the girls look pretty in the navy knickers. Yes, great times and some hard footy matches in the park. Tom Hydes was the best header of a football I've ever seen. Good luck.
My family lived in Warcop hall for 400 years until my stupid great-great-grandfather William Wild got some army generals drunk and got them to buy the house and all the land. My Aunt Sue (Sue James - now Sharp) was the last person in my family to be born there.
My name was Betty Vincent and I lived at 27 Carmen Street until 1954. My dad's name was George Vincent and Mam Florrie. My brother Billy still lives in 27 now. Fond memories of Caerau Library, Cosy Cinema and the Colloseum. Went to Blaenlynnfi school. Val Treasure, Brenda Thomas, Rita Sawden and Hazel Halfyard were good friends. Brother Richie still lives in Caerau. Wonderful place to grow up - really good memories.
My father worked at Denaby Main Colliery as a steel erector, installing pit head plant. My memories of Denaby Main are of staying with my dad's landlady and her family. They were the Grindle family and their children were Kathleen, George, Pamela and Carol. I remember being taken to Catholic church on Sundays by a man called "Johnny Early". I also remember Cissie's shop and the level crossing and ...see more
I am from Brigend, South Wales, and for some reason my mother decided on our summer holidays to take us to the Isle of Sheppey, why at this time we would travel that (in those days) distance I do not know. I was 16 and my sister was 8. I remember staying outside a railway station overnight, sleeping in our old car, and the following morning after a cuppa made on a primus making our way to a holiday camp. My ...see more
Between 1060 and 1962 I worked with Les Stone, hiring his boats off White Strand. I think Les could be in the bottom corner of the photo with the hat on. I could be the young lad near the water's edge. What memories. Great two years for me.
Not really a memory but I wonder if anyone has any info on any of these names, Leggett and Halke. My grandad was Frank Halke and he married Hettie Leggett in 1903 in the Wesleyan chapel in Walton....I think the Leggett family were well known as vets in the area. Any info or memories would be fantastic.....my email is: donnamilee@yahoo.co.uk Thankyou.
I can remember an amusing incident when I was about 4 years old. We lived in the heart of the country, there was no such thing as TV, radio or telephone, not much at all in the way of communication with the outside world, so unlike children of today, I was pretty naive. But I had heard someone mention something about putting money in the bank. Why such a subject had been raised in our house I have no idea, as we were ...see more
I used to pedal my service-issue bike from RAF Swinderby to the village to meet friends I made there at the Bugle Horn for a couple of hours every month, and have a few with my service colleagues from the flight line at the "Mucky" in between. They were both very welcoming hostelries in the days when the county was still almost one big airfield. Mostly I remember the local population more, people ...see more
When old farmer used to have fields down bottom of Pound Piece he used to make hut out of hay bundles of hay. Now they have built houses on it, and when the farmer used to have cows in the field next to Park estate road now house are built there too. And I remember the picture palace down Easton Square and the pavilon in Easton Gardens where the bands used to play. The old picture palace is gone and houses are ...see more
I was born in no 112 in 1940 and lived there until 1960. I have distinct memories of cattle market days when cattle being driven down to the market left unpleasant reminders all across the road. Remember too when the trees were cut down and the sewer was excavated along the old 'Potts' railway cutting. Remember Ann who lived almost opposite - a bit nearer town than Mill Road - born same day as me in September ...see more
I lost both my parents, and was sent away to boarding school, which was Hyde Hall. I remember the day I arrived because it was thick snow, and I had to walk all the way from the station with my welfare officer and then up the long drive. I was not in the best of spirits on that day. However, I attended the school until I was eighteen, and have some very good and bad memories. Dorringtons was my favourite shop although we were only allowed to just look!
I lived in Maryside in the prefabs until 1960 when we moved to the new Parlaunt Estate. Such great memories of the prefabs and its terrific close-knit community. Has anybody got any photos of Maryside from those times?
My paternal grandparents built their retirement home in the early 1950s. They were true cockneys & fulfilled a dream to retire to the country. I visited twice from NZ in 1962 & 1966 with my new husband. His abiding memory is of the day we explored a public pathway across the farmland. On stopping part way to ask at a house exactly where the path went the woman replied that she couldn't help us ...see more
I am revisiting my Nash childhood next month, 18 May 2011. We lived in a quaint cottage from 1946-50 when I was a pre-schooler. My father cycled to Buckingham daily all year round. My first word was spoken in that cottage: "visibility" picked up from the wirelss! Two memories: a group of children got stuck in the mud of the pond & attracted many onlookers. Also of my mother describing a house ...see more
My great uncle Bob (Robert McLaren) had a corn-chandler's shop in London Road. Great grandfather Donald McLaren (Bob's brother) was Head Gardener at The Grange, Havant, where he lived with my grandmother Violet Pearl and the rest of his family. I can remember visiting Uncle Bob at his shop and staying with great auntie Viola in Stakes Road. I'm now 70! I would love to hear from anyone who has memories of those days, the late 1940s.
t'Central stood at the junction of Kings Road & Moor Street, almost on the bend.Compared to the junior school it seemed very modern and had only been open about twentyfive years. It had a large playing field behind it. Sport was an important thing there. I was in the relay swimming team. Otherwise cricket and football were of no interest as my feet were like shovels and my ...see more
The building to the right with the sign outside it is the old police station at the top of Waterloo Lane. The path on the left, and what can be seen of the edge of a building is that of Shire Hall. The tree is growing at the very edge of the grounds of the cathedral.
Many years ago the Shire Hall was where the Quarter Sessions trials were held. This would be the same as the Crown Court trials of to-day. The magistrates court was held in an old building which can still be seen in Church Street. Nowadays it is where the magistrates courts are to be for the time being. Enter into the foyer and Court 1 is to your right and Court 2 to your left. Court 3 can be found ...see more
This lovely building was located just over the river in London Road. Demolished, it was replaced by the present CO-OP, come Quadrant store.
I moved to Thringstone just before the millennium. I found Thringstone to be a wonderfully quaint village atmosphere, Lovely walks in the countryside and through the Grace Dieu woods. Living in Thringstone for about four years was special to me, I found it so relaxing. But little by little the town changed over that period of time. Kids started to really run rampant, parents not caring about what their ...see more
I remember going to the Odeon every Saturday morning, it cost 6d (about 2 new pence). We used to go to the 'pictures', as it was called then, as a family most weeks, and I well remember coming out at the end of the film in 1940 to find thick fog, you could not see more than a few feet in front of you. As no buses came, my dad said we would walk home. There were no street lights (because it was war time) ...see more
The fishmongers was Bob Lightfoot's, he was a mate. He also had a stall on the market.
My parents moved to Cranford in 1938, I was 3 years old. My dad was a pastrycook / baker and had got a job with a local firm in Cranford across from ‘The Berkeley Arms Hotel’. To the left of the hotel was a cherry orchard. A bakers shop and a hairdressing salon with a two bedroom flat had been built opposite, this was where we lived. The garden was huge, and had 26 fruit trees in the bottom half.  My dad was ...see more
I was born in Westwood Road and my grandfather worked for Francis Bros which was located just around the corner from here. My mother also worked at Petry Stores when she was 18 until she got married. Her name was Eunice Arthurs at the time. I have many memories of playing football in the recreation ground opposite. I left Tilehurst in 1979 but still go back to visit my family who still live in the area.
I was born at 53 Prairie Road in 1964, my earliest memory is going to school in Chapel Park Infants School, Chapel Avenue, then we up to infants school in School Lane and then over the road to the juniors which I think used to be the boys school, I think at the time the new middle school was being built, and eventually ended up at St Paul's middle school and on to the secondary school. I remember ...see more
I lived in Elm Street and went to Parc Lewis school, Wood Road 1 year only, and Hawthorn Secondary Modern until 1957. My friends and I killed more Indians and Germans than anyone else on the mountain behind Bown's House up Dynea Lane. My particular friends over those years were Gordon Lewis, Malcolm Thomas, Billy Bowditch, Brian Coombs, Gerald Murphy, Brian Pike to name a few. I hope they ...see more
I used to live in Little Cedars Cottage, Long Ditton with my mum and dad, my dad was the accountant at Gazes Building Society and was provided this house to live in from about 1954 - 1956. Windmill Lane was just around the corner - it was a dirt road with some houses and a recreation ground - I remember on Guy Fawkes Day we used to build a bonfire on Windmill Lane ...see more
I spent approx 2 years in Bildeston attending the junior school, headmaster I think his name was Mr Kelk (not sure of spelling). I was fostered from the age of 8 to Bildeston for 2 years. Just before I was 10, I then went back home. I sang in the Church choir and pumped the organ on some Sunday mornings for sixpence. I think the junior school was on the market square somewhere but I am unable to find it, I assume it has been knocked down like many junior schools.
I was born in the house of Williams the Milk on the corner of Graig Avenue; my over-riding memories of the following few years are mainly of the horse and cart Mr. Williams used, pulled by his horse "Dolly". I sometimes went on the milkround with them, travelling through the Graig, Treforest, Merthyr Road, to Trallwn,and finally through Taff Street. At the Tumble Mr. Williams would get ...see more
We used run down the hill past Ford Place to the Mardyke stream where we fished for hours for tiddlers. There was also a bluebell wood nearby where we found primroses and wild roses in the summer. They are wonderful childhood memories, we lived at 202, Broxbourne Drive on the Aveley Estate!
After leaving an on site job as a sparky I started working at Chambers packaging in the early 1980s. My grandmum (Dorris) and grandad (Ernie) had worked there before me and I joined my dad and uncle working there . The equipment for the most part was pre-1930s but in the mix was state of art robot gluer from Holland, the Jargenburge was named after the Princess of Wales and doubled the turnover of carton ...see more
Does anyone remember this dancing school? It was sandwiched between two pubs on Burnt Oak broadway opposite Woolworths. The school building was demolished in the 70s but I believe the pubs still stand. I have many fond memories of learning to dance there during the early 70s. After the school was demolished Ted & Kay relocated to two premises in Edgware but it was never quite the same.
I clicked 1860 because that's as far back as the choices went. Perhaps someone who has deep roots in Belfast might recollect a piece of my story. It begins with the birth of Margaret Jeffrey in 1828. Her mother was Margaret Kahey, but, for this Margaret, I have no dates and no parents. Margaret Jeffrey grew up and married Hugh Hayes, b. 1830. After that, my story follows 2 paths. One ...see more
Carol Cook (my mum) and Garfield Hobbs watching Nanny Cook do the work.
The lady driving the cows was my great-grandma Nanny Cook and the little girl in the photo was my mum.
I have vivid memories of my time at St. Mary's and they are not particularly nice. I can recall the large dormitory where we had a midday nap after first being put in our pyjamas. It must have been autumn because the leaves had fallen from the trees, which I used to kick whilst taking a walk after our nap. I remember us all being in line like a crocodile and can recall visiting the ...see more
The date was actually March 1, 1857. No church is named on the copy of the Baptismal Certificate that I have. The certificate states that it is from Page 31 and is No. 243. Ada Maria, daughter of James (a laborer) and Mary Jane West, was baptised on 1 Mar 1857 by J. Woodcock, Vicar. The copy that I have was obtained by N. Howard M"Gocchen, Vicar of Littlebourne on 6 Jan 1886. I believe James had ...see more
My Great Great Grandfather had a shipyard in Borth-y-Gest. I believe there were four shipbuilders there and he was one of these. His name was William Griffith and he lived in Glyn Terrace, Borth y Gest. That branch of my family lived there for many years and my Grandmother - Catherine Mary Griffith was born there in 1876. I have been to Borth-Y-Gest several times during for past few years ...see more
I was born in Hopkinstown and lived in 58 Hopkinstown Road, I will never forget the place, I have been away for a long time but plan to go back soon.
My grandad kept racing pigeons, his loft was at the top of the old road looking down into the village centre. Ever Saturday morning during the racing season he would send me up to the Brown Cow (public house) to check when the birds had been released and which way the wind was blowing. It would say something like, let 09.30 / wind SW. I would have to remember this all the way back to tell my grandad. We would then sit and wait for the first sign of his birds. I was nine years old at the time
I was born in Abercych in 1930 but went to Swansea in 1934. When I qualified as a pharmacist in 1952 I went abroad to work, in Central Africa (N. Rhodesia and then Nyasaland) then the Gilbert & Ellice Islads in the Pacific then Saudi Arabia but after each contract in these places I came back to Wales and always came to Abercych where I had an Uncle Jack (Central) who was the last man to hold a licence to ...see more
I was born in New End Hospital, Hampstead. My family lived at 92 Maygrove Road, Kilburn and my dad and his brothers and sister were all born a bit further up the road. I remember Timms Shop which sold just about everything you needed. Mr Timms always wore shorts, Mr Punter served the papers. The other end of the road which joined Iveson Road was a shop where I was sent for Golden Syrup. I worked at F J ...see more
My great x3 grandparents George and Maria Burley lived on Sandwich Rd in the 1880's and 1890's. Maria (maiden name Andrews) was born in Eythorne in 1837. If anyone has any information about what Eythorne, or specifically Sandwich Rd was like at this sort of time I'd love to hear from you. Elissa
My family the Draytons lived in Montacute for most of the 1800's. The lived quite a lot of their life in Bishopstone St. If anyone has any more information about what Montacute was like in those times, or about Townsend Poor House Cottages, I'd love to hear from you. Elissa
How many of you remember Pat Curry's pub on the corner of Franklin Street facing Steens sewing company olivies on the third corner best days of my life. I used to play football on that corner with a gang of lads that lived on Franklin Street, not sure if any of them are about now. Oxtons, Holdens, Lavins. At the other end of the street was Bamfords chippy and Rickeys corner shop later became ...see more
The BBC is looking at the day that Margaret Thatcher introduced the 'Right to Buy' scheme, allowing people in council houses to buy their own homes. The film will look at the benefits for several million people who became homeowners, and the difficulty for councils in replacing the stock of social housing. We have BBC footage of the time when Margaret Thatcher visited Harold Hill when the scheme ...see more
Wow, I was looking at the pictures of Bilton Road, and it's good to see the newsagents, Martin's is still there. The Maternity Hospital, I can confirm was on Stockdove Way at the junction of Perivale Lane and Argyle Road, I still remember seeing the signs for it.
I was born in 1941 after the death of my father Percy Challis, his father was George Challis who owned the butcher shop for many years. The photo of the church (St Mary's I think) brings back many memories as the father I never knew is buried there, as is his mother. I now live in Australia and have done so for 43 years. I have no contact with my father's family and ...see more
Hi Mate. You wrote under Greengate and Irwell banner. During the late 1940s, I worked at The Salford Electrial Instrument works in Silk Street. Many a day I walked to Victoria Rail Station via Greengate on my way home to Bolton. Opposite the rubber works was a set of tenaments called Greengate Improved Industrial Dwelling, I have a tale about this.One day as I passed by A group of fifteen or so folks ...see more
These houses were on the way from our dad's allotment over by what is now the golf club to our Auntie Dot's house in the Range.Reminds me of all those long summer evenings we would ride our bikes from High Barnes to the allotment with dad.My little sister and I would tear up and down the "hills"and shove buttercups under one another's chins and make daisy chains.Do kids do that any more? Then to my Auntie Dot,who ...see more
I have spent a lot of my young child hood on the recreation ground with my father Christopher Patrick and his brother George, playing cricket for East Harling. Memories of traveling on the crossbar seat of my dads bicycle with his cricket kit strapped on the back carrier. This was every sunday during the season, having tea in the pavillion . Mr Rudd, Mr Frost also played . I also used to help put the ...see more
When I was very young my dad used to drop me off at Carters cafe in Kirkgate market where my grandma use to work, her name was Ethel Johnson (nee Deacon), happy days. It's tragic seeing Bradford today, what a lovely compact shopping centre it had, my dad was a wool merchant and it was a close knit community of wool men.
Whilst researching my family tree I found that my Great Great Aunt Louisa Shorland and her husband Edwin Shorland were the licencees at the Red Lion, Thursley in the early 1880's
I remember Louth back in the day, a day, as a young black airman from Maryland, it was nice dine, dance, and hang out in Louth. We used to stand in front of the teashop and sing with the local boys. I wish I could remember the names. All I know is one was Jimmy and another we called 'Teddy boy'. We came out of East Kirkby Air Base. Part of my family is still in Louth. My last visit the town is ...see more
I was born in Sutton at Hone and lived there until I married in 1963. I remember many of the names recalled in the memories on this site. My maiden name was Bradley and I had two brothers David and Raymond. I went to school with Jean Widows and Ann Savidge plus Sylvia Attridge from Hawley. Jean was the daughter of the local dairyman. I remember well the school headmaster Mr Kirwin who lived close to me ...see more
I think that Boots was still on the other side of the road (as seen in the 1950 photo)
In 1977, my late husband, Ron. and I moved from Melbourne, Australia into 28 Stoke Lyne at the end of the village. It was very dilapidated, consisting originally 2 workman's cottages. They had been converted to one house, without water, or a well that didn't work. Ron dug a water line to Sheepwash across the neighbouring farm lands, so that we could have running water. We paid the owner for the rights ...see more
We moved into 53 Lanchester Avenue in October 1952 while I was away on National Service after living in Leopold Street for 16 years. Alan, I think you lived opposite. You would be the same age as Ken Quigley who lived in 51 with his elder brother Peter. Peter was five years old when I was demobbed in September 1953. Sadly Peter passed away about three years ago. Did you know the lad near to your house who married Matty ...see more
I was born in Gawber, Bakehouse Lane. We had a great childhood there but we can't turn the clock back, can we.
I was born in the old cottage on the left, 175 High Street, in 1948, as June Glencross, my parents squatted there after the war, my dad became the local builder. In 1956 we moved up the road to the old congregational church manse, next-door to the headmaster of the grammar school, I think we called him the Gaffer when I was at the school. I used to get into trouble for going to school over the playing ...see more
I was born in Dereham, Muriel Secker, and lived in Cowper Road. I went to the Infants School, near Bishop Bonners Cott, 1928-1932/3, then National School and finally was Head Girl at Crown Road School. 1939 I worked in Hobbies offices as a costing clerk. I was a Brownie, a Guide and Ranger and did War Service at the ARP Centre in Church Street and the YMCA canteen in the Market Place, organising dances at the ...see more
My sister and I moved into my nan's (Mrs A Morgan ) in 1972 to 1976 and remember the school well, we have a lot of happy memories living in Llancayo Street in the 1970s, it was a nice place to live then and there was plenty to do.
I went to Grange Junior and Senior school for Girls. I was in Miss Moons class, she was such a nice teacher. I used to walk through an alley near the allotments on my way to and from school and also through St Mary's church grave yard. I sang in the choir when I left school. Miss Barnes was our head teacher, she too was so very nice. I enjoyed netball and gym in our lovely hall that ...see more
This was the childhood home of my maternal grandmother - Louise Kate Leftwich - her father was the miller. She lived here until 1903 when she married George Barnes and came to settle in South Africa. Various members of the family have visited the Manor Farm in the last twenty years and have been received most hospitably. It has been beautifully restored. The view from the other side of the mill pond is still exactly the same as the one in the photo.
I lived at West Horsley and Saturdays Mum would take me on the bus to Guildford, we would meet my aunt and shop at the market. They would then take me to Harveys and I would have a milkshake sitting on the roof garden. I have told my children about this, now I can show them a photo
I was born during the Second World War in 1942, the 8th child to my parents at Goose Bridge, Matching Green. My parents were Scottish and people thought they were foreign. My dad worked for Mr Gemmill's farm and drove a lorry for him so he was exempt from call-up for the army till they were so short of drivers that he was called up and went to war when I was six months old, I was three when he ...see more
I lived in West Hampstead from 1960 to 1980. I used to love Kilburn High Road. I shopped there with my parents on a Saturday. We used to collect Green Shield Stamps from Sainsbury's shopping. There used to be a glass fronted shop in Kilburn Square where you could go and exchange them for gifts. I used to visit the State Cinema. In February 1975 I saw the movie "Slade In Flame" there starring my ...see more
I was aged about 10 or 11 years old and went to a large school, it was like a big mansion with a farm attached to it. The headmaster was named Mr Mann, and his wife also helped run the school. I can't find the school on the internet and would appreciate some info as this is my childhood I can't really remember.
I am helping trace my brother-in-law's family tree and we have found his 2nd cousins were born in Penrhiwceiber. We are especially interested in George Henry Hall born 1881. We have found him living at 20 Station Terrace, Penrhiwceiber in the 1911 census with his wife Margaret and listed as a Coal Miner Hewer. We gather George was elected to Parliament in 1922. Does anyone have any information or can ...see more
I remember the Odeon being redeveloped as the Top Rank Dance Hall about 1964. We used to come over from Borehamwood during 1965 on a Thursday night which was over 18's only and Saturday nights as well. Had some great times there. Good music and atmosphere.
Sorry for pushing you in the nettles lol.
I remember aged about therteen and swimming in the Deepool, smoking cigs and just having the crack, I bet the kids of today don't do nothing like this no more. We used to make our summer holidays just the way they should have been, right! Chill out days, flipping great.