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 22721 - 22800 of 36925 in total

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.
I am about 70% sure that the name of the local paper was The Chronicle or the Dartford Chronicle. I think it came out on Thursday, just the one day a week.
My grandfather Ernest Harrison was born in Burton in Lonsdale in 1880 to John Parker Harrison a master tailor one of 3 boys and 12 girls (some died young). My grandfather told us of a time when he skated on a local pond with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ernest's sister was a post mistress in Burton and recalled talking to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle when he posted letters. Does anyone know when Sir ...see more
I remember the Orchid Balloom in Purley, I had so many super nights there, dancing and meeting up with friends. My sisters and I went there almost every Saturday, jiving the night away. I even met my husband there, and we are still together, I came from Kenley in Surrey, not too far away from the Orchid. There are no such ballrooms to go to now, sadly. Oh, those were the very happy days...
I have since discovered that Dr George was my great great grandfather. His son, George David A went to school in Helston and by the age of 16 he was in Australia - has anyone any knowledge of him? On his return he and his wife lived seperate lives at different addresses in Penzance - 2 of his daughters lived at Parc Braws with Tom Appleton. I would love to know more about his family..... Janet Hammond
My nan and Grandad (Henry Eastwood and Elsie Lodge) got married in this church in 1930. My Mum and Dad were married there in 1955.
My great-grandfather had a tailoring business in the mid 1800s. I am trying to find out more details of where the family originated from. I found out that in an 1890 directory of Whitby there was a Tom Braithwaite, tailor, in Church Street or Grape Lane. Maybe a relative?
My great grandparents Thomas Thomas and his wife Eleonor Thomas lived in the area. They had about 10 children and I'm hoping that someone from the Thomas family still lives in the area. My grandfather, also called Thomas Thomas married Elizabeth Jane Evans. She was the daughter of the blacksmith James Evans from Pontamman. They worshipped at Bethania Chapel. Iam trying to research my 'roots'. Does anyone have information? Diolch yn fawr. Lizzie Potts(nee Thomas)
My grandmother gave her place of residence as Werneth House in 1887 when she was married, occupation domestic, does anyone have a picture of what it used to look like? or any relevent history as to who lived there. Many thanks Aquilla
My dad used to work at Dagless'es the yacht builders. I have many fond memories of walking to meet him after work together with my mum and baby brother! I can still remember the smell of the wood and workshops...
We moved to Maxey Road, Dagenham from the Beacontree Estate in about 1946 and I was resident until 1961 when I got married and moved to East Ham. My education started off at South Wood Lane primary school where I still retain vivid memories of Mr. Bond, the Headmaster, Miss Childs, Mr. Bateman and my first love, at age 9, Miss Jones. There must have been many more but these are the only ones that stay with me. I can also ...see more
Oh yes! I remember the town hall all right! I was 13 yrs old and a pupil at St. Marys, I was tagging along one lunchtime behind three somewhat more adventurous friends of mine and passing the town hall, when quite suddenly they produced fireworks (bangers in fact) and proceeded to run into the lobby of that building and "let them off" the resounding noise caused a number of people within the building to ...see more
I am seeking information on a house named "Howdenside" or something similar in Whitburn Road during the period 1899-1926. My great uncle Robert Charles Atkinson gave it has his address when he went to Cleadon in Nov 1899 just prior to marrying a Mary Ellen (Mollie) BROWN. Mollie gave it as her address when she visited in 1926. However the 1911 census has the occupier as a Mr Robson. I would love to know the connection
As a young arrogant doctor with an imposing E-Type Jaguar, I was privileged to live at the stables with assorted collegues. One a gynaecologist, now in Cape Town, one a London based psychiatrist of vivid eccentricity and one more, whose face I forget. The gamekeeper and his wife lived next door. He was an amusing and amused observer of his young city neighbours. He introduced me to one of the owls he had nursed ...see more
Many memories of Rotherham Girls High School, Dance Halls and Jazz Clubs from late 1950s. If you were there too, email me smp5449@live.com
Really it was 1961-66. I worked as a Geologist for the United Steel Companies based in Rotherham. I visited Haile Moor and Beckermet Mines every two or three weeks for 5 years and came to love the area and its people with a passion which has never diminished. It was my first job after leaving University and although, I have worked all over the world, I still regard those West Cumberland years as the ...see more
I've been researching my family tree, and found out that my g/grandad lived at 17 Park Place, Cross Lane, Salford. He married Annie and they had 4 sons, Charles which is my grandad and 3 other sons named Walter, Richard and James, which I never heard of. I would be pleased if anyone knows if the FRYER family still live in the Salford area. Thankyou.
I lived in Auckland Road, Battersea Rise. My late mum was an usherette in the Granada. I used to go every Saturday morning to the cinema. My late dad had a request played on the organ for his birthday, 'The Sabre Dance'. He was so embarrased, bless him.
At the time, I was in the RN, serving in a Joint Servce org attachd to the Army at Wilton. My wife and I lived in Manor Road, just off London Road. Most of our shopping was done at weekends, starting off with a 'refuel' at the Cadena, a trawl through Style and Gerrish, a leisurely walk through the outdoor market in the square, sometimes Pinders hardware shop, possibly a browse in Annetts china store. ...see more
During 1981 and 1982 I was, as indicated by the memory title, a mature student. My memories are, first and foremost, of a very rewarding time as a small cog in a caring environment. Making many friends of both staff and residents. In later years I went back a time or two, even when Brockhall closed, and I was saddened to see the Wards I was seconded to, Ivywood, Wallflower, Sunflower, and Iris, closed. However, ...see more
My memories of Chickenley was learning how mutch we depended on each other, neighbours were important, we all used to go to the tip (football/recreation ground) to play our games. I now live in Mirfield, I am retired, and looking back I know we had it hard compared today but I think we were better people. We used to live at Princess Road opposite the school.
Can anyone elaborate please, on the so called bloodstain on the roof near the spike? When I was young and living in Horden (late 1960s) I was told it had something to do with a young boy who climbed onto the roof to retrieve his lost budgie. Did anyone else hear this tale? And is there any truth in the rumour?
My grandpa used to deliver books by bicycle from Burnham to the Old Cottage, Wrexham, before the First World War. He ran a booksearch agency.
Hi, I remember Mr and Mrs Harris, our family lived in Oakley House, we had moved from London, but were originally from Wales, we had a mad Irish Wolf Hound. My mum found it very lonely living there as she did not drive, Mrs Harris kept her sane! I remember one New Year's Eve party that my parents hosted, it was fancy dress, the village was still talking about it 10 years later when we went to visit, my Dad was ...see more
Ah yes the library. Shame that they are in decline. The Bus Garage, did you know Billy Cotten (as in the showband) worked there. The Electric light house, Stubbings for radio gear where I saved up on my paper round to buy my first crystal set. That got me interested in radio. What was the general store on the left side on a corner. Was it "FRYS" a general hardware shop, it seemed to sell just about ...see more
A request, can anybody remember the above mentioned establishment? It was owned by my gramsparents. Many happy times were were spent in the area. Any information would be welcome, thank you.
I spent several holidays in a chalet with long verandah which was one of the first on the right just after a burnt out house and just before the caravans started in Mill Lane during the late 1940s and early 1950s. I remember getting off the bus from Chichester with all our luggage and there were an assortment of men with bicycles with various trailers attached and for a small fee cases and bags were loaded on and all the ...see more
Hi, I lived in Mill Road, Ashley and I remember the Partons, the lady was a very good cook, I always remember her banana slices, yummy, also her kindness to everyone. I wonder where they are now.
I remember this hospital as a child and I remember having to go there to have my tonsils out when I was 5 years old some 50 years ago now. I remember also having to go there for my wisdom teeth to be removed when I got older. The hospital was convenient for all in Ipswich and not only that it was a good hospital which had matrons in it who kept it spotless. I loved the sweeping drive right to the front door. Oh how ...see more
Iam pleased to have found this website. I lived in New Stevenston for over 50 years and share my memories on Friends Reunited Site...after opening up a group named New Stevenston Born and Bred 50s, 60s and 70s. It also covers surrounding areas. We also hold a lot of photos from down memory lane of villages, schools and landmarks.
My father, Eric Hutchins, lived at 44 Dundonald Road, Wimbledon and went to Rutlish School and, as quite a young man, went to Argentina where he lived and worked until 1946. He was born in 1910 and so there cannot be many people who actually remember him but I wonder if there is anyone who knew the famiy and oh, I would be so interested to hear from them.