Recent Memories

Reconnecting with our shared local history.

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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  • Has it changed over the years?
  • How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?

This week's Places

Here are some of the places people are talking about in our Share Your Memories community this week:

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Displaying Memories 34721 - 34800 of 36862 in total

Looking back from this photo is the site of the original Jones Balers factory. I have many fond memories of my early working life with a wonderful bunch of collegues at the factory. I often visited Herbie Ellis' shop which later was to be in one of the houses in this pond photo, also the Red Lion pub nearby. David Jones (Young Dai)
I am looking for information on my grandmother who is listed as being at Princess Mary Village in Addlestone in the 1901 census. We have been able to ascertain she left there in March 1908. Does anyone have a list of the names of the girls in this particular image.
Contrary to other "memories" this was (and is) the boys' Grammar school in Guildford. I was there between 1974 and 1981 - least said soonest mended! The new school building on the opposite side of the High Street was added in the 1960s.
The large 3-storey building to the right of centre, was the village grocery store at 91 Lane Head Road. My father purchased it in 1961 from Frank Armitage. He sold it in 1984 when he retired. At the rear were stables, groceries used to be delivered by horse drawn cart, but my father used a Ford Thames van, until in 1966 when he got a Ford Cortina estate car from H. W. Gill.  To the right of our shop was Copleys bakery.
The building to the right of centre of this photo was Dyson's Fish & Chip Shop in the 1960s and 1970s. The caption says Main Road, but this road the A629 had several names. one was Penistone Road, but at this point it was known as Abbey Road South, before becoming Lane Head Road.
This photo could have been taken from my bedroom window. I lived in Shepley from 1961 to 1983. On the left is The Black Bull pub, on the right is the Conservative club, which became the youth club.
I was born at Danbury Palace in Danbury and lived at Marks Farm bungalow in Rettendon. I remember getting frightened of the storms on the way home from Rettendon School. I remember walking home from school up Chalk Street. My Grandmother used to live in Chalk Street but her and Auntie Ruth emigrated to New Zealand during the war we think. We are not sure yet as we want to find out the year and the boat they went ...see more
I remember, the day was cold and wet but the air was fresh on my face as we walked on the coblestones .I remember.
This is the year when the school finally closed.  It was worn out but much loved.  The roof leaked, the knots in the floorboards stood high while the wood was highly polished with years of wear.  The teachers had large baby boomer classes.  Many pupils were bussed in from Higham Wood.  We sang "Now the day has ended" at the end of every school day before putting the chairs on the tables to help the cleaners. ...see more
The mill you refer to in the text was about 100 yards up the road from St. Bartholomews, on the opposite side of the road. It was owned by William Bower (not Bowen), and was the last of several Bower cotton mills in Wilmslow, closing in the late 1840's. William lived in a house next to the church, and his will was certified by, among anothers, Mr. Torkington, then owner of the George and Dragon pub (still standing).
I remember going on holiday quite regular to a caravan on Kinkell Braes in St Andrews somtimes with my parents and sometimes my grandparents.  The owner of the caravan was our milkman Bill Byres.  We had some great times and a lot of fond memories. At the site there was a path down the side of the cliff which took you right to the beach.   At night our treat was to go down to the small harbour to sit with a ...see more
MY BROTHER AND I WERE EVACUATED TO LAMPETER IN JULY OF 1944 COMING FROM LONDON AS OUR HOUSE WAS BOMBED. WE WERE TAKEN IN BY MARY AND JOHN POWELL IN "BARLEY MOW".  EVEN THOUGH THESE WERE TRYING TIMES FOR OUR PARENTS, IT WAS THE HAPPIEST TIME OF MY CHILDHOOD. AUDREY [LATTER] VOELKER
Shortly after the outbreak of war, my Father who had a pet shop in Wallasey, evacuated the family to Llanarmon.  We consisted of Dad, Mum, my brother Ray and myself. We moved into Rose Cottage in the village, and my Aunt Ann and husband George moved into a cottage down the side of Beech Cottage which was next door to us. It was so peaceful and safe there.  My father travelled to his ...see more
Walking with Bob my border collie through the salt marshes and dunes. Listening to the birds in the marshes and trying not to get lost! Keeping Bob away from people as he's a very cautious rescued border collie. The sense of peace whenever I have returned here. Now sadly without my dearest brave Bob but always remembered.
My memory relates to 1977 because it was then that I first heard of William of Occam (from Ockham early 14th Century). I would think he should be the village's most famous son. It seems sad that there appears to be no memorial to him there. Although a Franciscan friar, he was also in trouble with the Papal Court for heresy, so perhaps Henry VIII would have had some sympathy for him. Occam's Razor is a major ...see more
My parents David & Valerie, and younger brother Roger Angus lived at 'Rosevine' opposite the Rectory. The then vicar, Christopher Leach lived in the Rectory with his wife and children Godfrey and Hilary. Additionally, they charitably fostered many children, having a minimum of four guests at any given time if my memory serves me correctly, hence using many of the available bedrooms. When the vicar moved to ...see more
I have a photograph of this cottage in an old album - it was known as Ruffels Wood then and and was owned by my family! Is it still there today? Sue Thick (nee Garle)
My Mum's cousin Ken bought Leasowe Castle and we were all very excited for him especially my Mum! We lived down near London but went to visit as much as my Dad could get time off work. Ken and his lovely wife Jean worked so hard to make this castle as beautiful as you see it today and my brother and I have such happy memories of the time we spent there with the family before our mum died far too young in 1985.
It's not a memory of mine but, she was my great grandmother and I am not sure of her first name although I know her surname was Powell.  She was a mother to grandad, who's life so tragically ended, she died in a fire, a caravan fire, in Hengoed.  I would like to know about her, and would like even to know her name and where she is buried. I believe that everyone should be remembered and I think that I am the only one who wants to remember.
I am a niece of former Landlords Jack and Peggy Robinson and remember with great affection the happy holidays I spent with them, helping out occasionally behind the bar and chatting with the locals. Everyone was so friendly and it was everybody's local to catch up with the latest news. We did visit again some 20 years ago and this lovely hostelry will always be in my thoughts.
This photo is fairly unique since it shows the Camp at Bryngolau, Trawsfynydd, where the Royal Artillery Summer Camp was located for 2 years from 1903 before establishing a more permanent camp 2 miles south at Bronaber in 1905, where it remained until about 1958.
This was of course taken long before Burnt House Cottage was built.  This was where my grandmother Ruth Hare lived.  The cottage is now to the right of the road.  In the background are accommodation blocks at Carver Barracks (Debden Aerodrome). Burnt House Farm is to the left of the picture where the Boutwood family lived in the 70's.
My father Leon Lalonde was Mechanical Engineer for W&C French from 1928 to 1947. He was responsible for the repair and maintenance of all Mechanical Equipment and Heavy Machinery. The large yard was located between Fairlands Close and The Reindeer Pub on Epping New Road. The yard housed every different kind of machine and piece of equipment a construction company might need. It also had a ...see more
I was married in St. Peter's Parish Church, Swinton on September 7th, 1957 - one of the happiest days of my life.  It was a lovely sunny day and my best friend May Timperley was my bridesmaid.  My husband and I had a honeymoon in St. Ann's on Sea and travelled there by train from Moorside Station. I was christened at St. Peter's in 1935 and attended Sunday School from age 4.  When I was confirmed there by the then ...see more
I have a photo of my glamorous mother in front of the First and Last House when three lines once sprawled across its roof— F I R S T  &  L A S T H O U S E   I N E  N  G  L  A  N  D .She stands poised upon a rock ‘fore the plain structure amid stark sky. Land’s End winds forever blow her hair— The concept of a first and last house first captured my mind when I was a child. It will remain with me until my last breath.
Wondering if anyone knows of Hayward family, buried in the churchyard surrounds, that farmed in the Loders area back to at least 1750 or further back.  Any info for family tree welcome.
Mary Dodge married Thomas Hayward 1808 in Sherborne.  Trying to find residential address at that time.  Might be Long Street. Thomas Hayward, son of Robert, said to have farmed in nearby Loders and had business in Sherborne as well.  Any info/photos welcome for family tree.
I grew up in Gants Hill and would like to share my memories of shops in the area... The Toy Shop in Cranbrook Road (now Burtons Newsagent). This was a double fronted blue painted shop with a newsagent on the left and a toyshop on the right. It was run by an elderly couple and I always found the lady a bit frightening... Tailor Shop/Shoe Repairers (now United Sports). I used to stand looking in the shop ...see more
RAF Medmenham, National Service 1956, arrived, spent the first night in the guardroom, nobody knew I was coming, thought I might be a member of the IRA. First week spent on the rubbish cart, Christmas Day armoury guard, good times though at the Red Lion in Marlow, and the Dog and Badger in Medmenham. Left in 1957 to join the RAF Physical Training Team based at RAF Halton, Happy Days.   MERVYN JONES
BORN IN THE FRONT ROOM OF 49 SPEARING ROAD ON 16/02/53.  I MUST HAVE BEEN LUCKY, THAT WAS WHEN CASTLEFIELD WAS POSH, WHEN THE TALLY MAN WAS UNARMED.  ALL OUR SCHOOL UNIFORMS WERE ON TICK, BUT THE COMPANY GOT PAID.  I CAN REMEMBER GOING SWIMMING ON THE RYE WITH MY WOOLLEN TRUNKS THAT GOT BIGGER THE LONGER YOU WERE IN THE POOL.  I CAN REMEMBER THE COFFEE, TEA, SOUP, AND CHOCOLATE ALL TASTED THE SAME FROM THE ...see more
Spent many, many years visiting grandparents in Caste Craig then in West Mains with my parents John and Pam Watson.   My father John was the only child of Hugh and Maggie Watson, whom we went to visit each year.  We spent time visiting relatives in Biggar, Largs, Sea Mill, infact we spent time travelling all over the Border area, and always going to Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street.  The photograph of the ...see more
I have put 1947 but infact it is from earlier than that to 1954. I think this was a great place for us as kids as we had freedom and not much parental control, I think mainly due to our parents who had just survived the war years, and thinking how lucky we were all to be alive and not under Hitler. One of my memories was being lifted from the tin bath to watch Spitfires chase 'doodle-bugs' over the village. ...see more
Ledsham Station, on the Chester - Woodside line, was originally called Little Sutton before the Hooton - Helsby line was built. The son of the station master, Williams I think, went to Berwick Road school. The station closed about 1963. The original 4 tracks were reduced to 2 tracks and the road was subsequently realigned. Some of the original brick walls still remain.
As a young girl I spent many a happy holiday in a bungalow on Jaywick sea front. I used to go with my grandparents, my mum and dad, my younger sister and a family friend. Pocket money and holiday money was used to buy all sorts of goodies from 'Silvers' which I remember as being a typical seaside gift shop. Most evenings we would go to a family friendly club but I can't remember the name of it. I can remember my nan ...see more
I was brought up in Mossley and have lots of happy memories. My sister Dot still lives there, she fills me in on what is going on.  I now live in Florida but will always be a part of Mossley which I took so much for granted while living there.  I have travelled to a lot of places and countries since I left there but believe me there is nowhere quite like Mossley, it is a lovely place to see.  I show people over here ...see more
My father was working on Templemeads Station around the time it was bombed, I have the feeling it was a Saturday night in the summer of 1942.  I was about four years old and we were lodging in a house by the Avon with a cellar and several storeys as my mother had decided that Bristol was safer than London.  Unfortunately the raids started almost as soon as we arrived.  We had to  spend our nights in the ...see more
I remember nothing of the school except the day a German plane flew low over the playground. The teachers quickly got us under cover but I could see my mother standing out in a field in a yellow rain hat.  I did not know at the time that my father had seen the plane coming in low to strafe us and had run to an anti-aircraft gun (a bren gun?) in a vain attempt to shoot it down. He was at Longmoor Camp.  Does anyone ...see more
I was born in the cottage behind the school (Woodlands Cottage).  I attended the school in 1958 untill going to secondary school at Battle in 1964.
I was born in the village in 1965 and lived in St. Osyth Bakery, Spring Road for 20 years with my family.  I can remember going to Bretts hardware and sweet shop with my 5p to get some sweets.  I can remember Mr and Mrs Ayers who ran the vegetable and toy shop in Spring Road.  We used to take part in the village carnivals every year with the WI. We were christened and my sister was married in the village ...see more
I remember Valence swimming pool from the late fifties. I lived in Bushgrove Road and went to Valence School and used to go early on a Saturday morning with my mates to be first in there before the crowds. I couldn't swim, but that didn't matter 'cos I had an old van tyre to keep me afloat (I've still got the damn valve marks in my ribs now). I remember jumping in and not being able to breathe for about a ...see more
HOLIDAY TO I.O.M. WITH MUM,DAD & ANN.
My GGG Grandfather was a shipbuider in Kippford.  His name was John Cumming.
The smell of molasses from the so called John Peel Brewery as the train from Carlisle approached Workington Main Station.
I was born in Farnborough and lived in Pinehurst Cottages until the age of six. My father, Charles Dunbar was an engineer at The Royal Aircraft Establishment. Later we moved to 166 Keith Lucas Road and later to 16 Fowler Road in Cove. I went to Fernhill school. I remember the air show each September and the crashes that happened when the pilots were testing breaking the sound barrier. Once I was the first ...see more
Today (10th Aug 07) I walked the Cleveland Way from Skinningrove to Saltburn, this is the first time I've visited Skinningrove and what an amazing little village it is, apart from the foot path from the car park (Marine Terrace) to the beach, this foot path is used as a dogs toilet, why do locals and visitors put up it.
With the help of Brian Faulkner of newspaperdetectives, I have been able to identify the building on the left as the old Red Lion Inn. The Inn fronts on High Street, and Market, formerly Red Lion Gate, is the one running away from the camera. My ggg-grandfather, William Charles Graygoose, was the proprietor till he sold the inn in 1872 and moved to Lambeth. Brian Faulkner has uncovered some interesting articles ...see more
I would dearly love to be able to show the photos I have of mount carmel school,from 1952 onwards,the whit walks,the class photos etc................. Mr.Glynn Miss Grey etc........................can anyone tell me how to do it please ?
LIKE JOHN FISHER SAID WE PLAYED IN THE WOODS AND EXPLORED ALL THE SURROUNDING FARMLAND, SCARED OF BEING CAUGHT BY SQUIRE LONG AND LATER MISS ALDOUS.  AS FOR THE OLD WELL UP CHURCH HILL, I CAN REMEMBER DROPPING ROCKS DOWN IT WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND A FLASH WHICH MADE US DISAPPEAR QUICKLY FROM THE SCENE.  I ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT IT HAD BEEN.  CERTAINLY TAKES YOU BACK READING THESE MEMORIES.
My father, Edward Wyatt, spent every spare moment he could flying his glider at Denham airfield. We lived in Higher Denham and used to get taken to the airfield many a Sunday. I was 6 in 1953, and I recall the taste of the soup that was served in the canteen, and of course, the flights themselves. My brother, sister, and I were strapped into the back seat of the glider and off we would go, my father ...see more
Wow, this brings back some memories! My friends and myself used to love to roller skate around the Pavillion and take a rest by the clock tower as kids, 24 years ago!, now I feel old!!!
The pavillion burned down some years ago, can't exactly remember when. I seem to recall it was vandalism.
The New Forest Inn is rather curiously decorated with wood on the front. This is said to be part of a caravan from which an old woman sold alcoholic drinks before the pub was built.
While researching my family history I came across this article in the Eastern Counties Advertiser 18th October 1879. It is the coroner's report relating to my great great grandfather's brother Thomas Brassett 1815 - 1879 an agricultural labourer of Southminster Essex. He was born 2nd August 1871 and baptised 5th August the son of Thomas and Amelia. Southminster Found Drowned - On Saturday afternoon an ...see more
This is where our godmother used to live.  Her name was Fona, a really lovely lady, we'll always remember her.  I was born here in the same little black house that Fona lived in, (she used to live next door, but moved into our house when we moved to Saville Crescent in Bordon).  I don't remember Headley Down when I lived there as I was very young when we moved, but when I was older my elder sister used to ...see more
My mum used to take us all (seven of us) to the mill to paddle. It was always freezing, some would even be brave enough to swim.  There was always a strong smell of pond weed, but we had great fun. When it was warm enough we used to pack a picnic and walk to Frensham pond which was a great treat.  That was about 40 years ago now but I remember it like it was yesterday.
I lived in Bordon for 18 years but I don't remember where this is.
I spent many happy hours on Porthpean beach, both with my family and my friends during the summer holidays. I remember the anti invasion devices well as we used them as monkey bars. After the war they became very rusty with many sharp rusty edges to get snagged on. I also remember during the war years that a few miles off the beach were some bombing targets and we used to watch bomber pilots practising ...see more
The late 40's through the mid 50's. Some 50 plus years have now passed, since I was a " kid " on the streets of Burnt Oak. How life has changed. I now sit at my computer ( here in Tennessee, USA ), and have instant access to Burnt Oak and Edgware online, a place where I spent my younger years. Having read the first three accounts of life in Burnt Oak in the 40's and 50's, many memories came to my ...see more
Another Pentraeth Memory. by Ross Davies Just about 38 years ago, I was approached by some of my former pupils, who were now mostly married and with children of their own, with the idea of forming a Pentraeth based entertainment group. The village had always had an excellent reputation for choral singing and they wanted to revive the tradition, but on much more modern lines. Such an enterprise would give them ...see more
Mom did take me to Guildford and the surrounding area a few times in the mid 60's and late 60's. I was quite young....she went from here to Horsham school. Horsham school I can find nothing on. Do you know where I can find them? In the year 2000 I was in England and wanted to go back to Guildford but I had no way to get there - well, I did but didn't use all that was available. I was told that nothing was there anymore.
I was only 11yrs old when we moved from Helmshore to America.  Helmshore was a wonderful place to have your childhood. Sometime between 1963 and 1965 we built a snowman that made the front page of the local paper, that year was a huge snow storm. There was a shop called Joyces on Broadway, where we bought the nice gifts. I remember attending Helmshore primary school till May of 1965.  The headmaster was Mr Jenkins, ...see more
I don't reside in UK, but we used to visit London almost every summer. One day I remember we were going on a picnic with a large number of family friends in a bus. I was crazy about Hindi movies and did not know anything about Southall then. Suddenly we are in Southall and all those cinemas Dominion...Century...Liberty with larger than life blockbuster film posters like "Prem Nagar", "Bobby", "Aa Gale Lag Ja" ... plus ...see more
I always remember stopping off for a paddle here on my way home from Frensham Junior school.  I remember my nan used to give me my bus fare. But I used to prefer to walk along past the pond so I could stop for a quick paddle.
I remember walking to this post office many a time as I used to live with my nan etc. at Churt House Cottage. The post office was run by a lady of the name Mrs Heaps.  I used to go there for the big bottles of Tizer.
Both my mother and my uncle were born at my nan's house in Quarry Street. My mother was born there on 11th February 1927.  My uncle was born there fourteen months prior to my mother.  My nan had nine children, seven sons then two girls.  I remember my great gran lived quite close.  I myself was born at Grange Road, Stouton in 1947.  One of my memories of Guildford was a place called the Mount, where my uncle Peter is buried.  I remember that hill so well.
I remember going with my nan to see her sister Maud Chennell who used to live in Castle Street.  I remember it as being a very small house.  I remember my great aunt had a musical box shaped like a swiss cabin.  I used to love to play with it.  And eating the finger style trifle sponges.  I would love to know if those little houses are still there?
I am Mick Phillips and I was at Ewelme School in 1957. Mr Coles was the headmaster and Miss Walker was my class teacher. We were 9 and 10 year olds in the upstairs room and the younger children were taught downstairs by a Miss Lewis, who got married around that time to someone from RAF Benson. I remember Miss Walker being presented with some flowers at assembly one morning by Mr Coles to mark her 25th year at the ...see more
I think 1960 was the year my mother (Joyce Baxfield) was appointed headmistress at Offwell School.  She had been head teacher at Cotleigh before this.  I grew up riding my pony all around the area and have many fond memories, including taking a day off school to attend the hunt when it met right here in the picture!!  It was a blissful childhood and I am sure many of the friends I made then are still living in the area.   
The title, says it all really . . . I passed through Tooting Broadway a few years ago while accompanying my husband in his lorry.  I was astounded by the discovery that 'Chelsea Girl' had gone!  I thought that boutique would stand the tests of time, but, sadly it didn't. I used to attend (sometimes!) Garratt Green Comprehensive and ended up working in the boutique for a couple of years. I now live in Wales but often recall those days.
We lived at Trusthorpe Hall as children.  My mum and dad were Walt and Millie Slater and we were Pat, Janice, and Carole.  Jan and I went to school at Sutton on Sea.  My dad started the caravan site and the club. We had wonderful days there and I remember the man at the old post office in the picture was called Mr Parker.  Mum and dad were friends with Molly and Bill clark and we were friends with ...see more
My father lived in Abergwynfi as a child, his name was Peter Thomas Walley. My grandmother was from the area, her maiden name was Eirwen Thomas and she had  brothers named Estyn, Edward, Emlyn and Thomas. She also had a sister named Ginny (Janette). My father had copper coloured hair, so there may be people who are still around who may remember him. The family lived at: 15 Heol-Y-Felin Abergwynfi Is there ...see more
The building on the left of the two arches is the old town Fire Station, which was replaced in the 1960's with a new station on Innage Lane. The property is now a retail outlet.  If on a visit to the town you look above the shop front you will see engraved the words Fire Station.  
When it snowed, it snowed.   Fondest memories were sliding down Coppers hill on old cardboard or playing in the old ramping cat walks and camping up the mountain, wimberry picking and knockout ginger in the avenue.
Mary Ann Griffiths Lewis and John Lewis, my great great great grandparents were both born in Llanarth, Wales. Mary Ann died on the boat coming to America and John Lewis died later in a mine accident in Oak Hill, Missouri.
I was born in Bridgnorth in 1938, we lived in the Hookfield which in the thirties and forties, was on the edge of the town and surrounded by fields. I spent the war years there often going to London for a holiday? My father worked in the local carpet factory making aircraft engines, also he was the projectionist in the cinema which on my last visit was still there and he also did some of the ...see more
A PENTRAETH LEGEND Most people driving past the entrance to Plas Gwyn manor house, on the outskirts of Pentraeth, might well be surprised to learn that they are passing a commemorative monument that has stood there for over 800 years. It may not look much like a monument as it is made up of three large boulders grouped together in a narrow field alongside the entrance, but it does mark an event ...see more
When I was a little girl, sometimes I used to stay with my nan in West Drayton on Church Road by the green, and while we went shopping around that quaint little village with about a dozen little stores, I also accompanied nan up to Station Road to the post office (ah, that wonderful post office, there it is on the left of the picture.) I remember it was a lovely walk up Swan road. (I ...see more
I also remember Chattin and Horton shop in Brierley Hill high street yes, it was a very exciting store especially at Christmas.  I was six years old and my sister who was four years older saw a lovely toy baby grand piano in the window. She said to my mother that Judith would love that piano for Christmas. That Christmas morning the piano was there waiting for me.  I was over the moon, happy days!
About 1943 - disabled Spitfire landed 30 yards from beach opposite Golden Hind cafe and just beyond hotel on right.  3 or 4 chaps stripped off, swam out and pulled pilot from aircraft.  I hope pilot survived but don't know if he did.  Does anyone know?