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 4241 - 4320 of 36862 in total

i live in dawley from 1951 - 1967 i had some good times went culverhouse my younger brothers went leonards was thinking of coming back for day just to see the changes
I have lived in Saffron Walden all my life - was born at SW Hospital - we lived in Audley End then. My most vivid memory is of the tragic fire at the Rose & Crown Hotel in the market Square (now Boots), I think it was Christmas night/boxing day morning of 1970 when 11 people sadly lost their lives. My sister, Maggie, was head receptionist at the time, and because of the enormous stress of the then ...see more
Alan Benfell, born 43. Moulton Avenue near Wellington School/Sutton Lane. Went to Wellington until about 52 then moved to Marshall Close off Wellington Road South. Went to Grove road for a couple of years then on to SGGS (Black & White). Spent most of my early days over "the pits" near Lampton Park or on Hounslow Heath. Avid bird watcher and crawling things..When I went to Grove Road School, my parents ...see more
That's my Dad's Morris Minor - MCE464 - the second car in. He used to work at the North Thames Gas Board offices down the Causeway. He must have been doing a spot of shopping in town or visiting his lady friend?
I remember going to Talacre in the 1950s. Our treat every day was to go to the bakery. It was about 10 mins walk from the wooden cabin we stayed in. A bit like the hill billys. The smell when you got near to the bakery was amazing. We got custard tarts and bread, then we would go to the paper shop which was another short walk away. I remember a chippy which I think was near a big building like a pub or ...see more
I went to the infant school then dycorts then harrowfields, , I remember going to school in the smog, we always had fog, snow, the milk cart was horse and cart, rag and bone the same, names like the tattems, ginger hinde, reynolds, ginger and myself went to the methodise church boys club, coach trip every year,we would go to the manor, fishing, football, sports day was there every year, half the school ...see more
My uncle Ralph Smith was born in the round house in 1926 and my mother Gwen Smith was born there in 1928, Their father Edward Smith ( my Grandad ) was the last working Ox man in England, He and his oxen appeared In the film The Mummy , King Solomon's gold mines and the Devils disciple , he started working for Lord Bathurst at the age of 12 yrs and stayed there until he was 62, his son Uncle ralph was a carpenter ...see more
Bisley School pupil Barry Evans around 1954-59. Was later a very well known TV Star in the 60's in such programmes as Dr in the House & Dr at large series as the character Dr Michael Upton, before being in 'Mind your Language' as a teacher. These were very popular television shows. Sadly he died at only 53yrs of age in 1997.
Im looking for information on my mums side of the family
I lived in 77 Challis Lane in the late forties to 1955. At age nine our family moved to Australia. My Father Frank Kirrage, worked on the Buses, then managed the Cafeteria, My Mother, Charlotte worked at the Hospital.My name is Tony Kirrage and would be great to hear from anyone who remembers us.
I can confirm that the Cubs met here circa 1955.
We lived at the corner of Cleveland St and Vittoria. My dad was a docker. Life wasn’t easy, but we had lots of mates and family in the area. My friends were the Hickmans from Vine St. Audrey Wilson Vittoria St. Pam & Lorraine Tomlinson from Livingstone St. I worked at the Falcon Laundry on the corner opposite our house from the age of 15. I danced at the Craftsmen’s club on Grange Rd, the Tower Ballroom in New ...see more
I lived in elmtree crescent in in 1972 I used to go to elmtree infants shool named then Elizabeth plackett remember walking under the old railway bridge and scared it was going to fall as a train came over p's still trying to trace my father worked in the batchworth arms Rickmansworth in 1966 with his mother he was spanish and came from barcalona
I went to RidgeHouse school from about 1952 to 1956.Unfortunately the school which was almost opposite the convent school has been demolished and replaced with some houses. The school had a large area of ground which included a wood,great for playing in as I remember climbing many trees ( no health and safety then!). The lessons were varied ( about 10 different subjects from maths to French). We also had a rest ...see more
I worked in mays for 20 years and worked with scores of girls ,it would be nice to talk with some of them .nice girls ,pity about the job
A young man called Howard Watson, lived in Dover Street, owned a convertible sports car. Beautiful thing,maybe a Triumph with a bonnet that opened forwards. His Dad was sitting in it on the top common and somehow launched it across the top road and through the wall of Lawson school. That wall was two feet thick and that car was through it! Ah memories.
I remember all the teachers you name. Mr Worth was my form teacher in my last year here ('71, I think). He prepped us for (and got me through, I'm sure) the 11+ exam by letting us practice on old Progress Papers (logic problems). By the time the exam came around, it was just another fun session of puzzles. Going on to grammar school from that, I can say he played an extended valuable role in my getting a good education - priceless. Gawd Bless Ya, Mr Worth!
I attended Hackbridge Kindergarten then Primary and later Elmwood High schools Left school at 14 , worked at Croydon Airport as a apprentice engineer for Mortons . I cant say I have good memories of Hackbridge Wallington Surrey , I didn't like school ,it didn't like me . I was born in Senga Rd ,then spent a few years away in a orphanage in Burchington . I do remember lots of these ...see more
Way back in the 50's I had not been long in Bury where I had arrived to join the staff in the Borough Offices on Angel Hill. It was Armistice Day, and the Councillors and senior staff paraded to the Cathedral for a service..On the way we passed the two large guns of the Artillery paraded facing the Abbey Gate. Hats were doffed as we went past them in salute and again as we returned to the offices for a ...see more
i was born in 1960 lived in 141 Lansbury ave did my schooling in derwyndeg infants then ystrad mynach secondary then lewis boiys pengam my family where well known as my father Fred used to take part in all the carnivals in the area he used to dress up as the witch doctor he won most of the time and did his bit for local charity's. sadly he passed in late 1990s. also remember playing football on the fields behind ...see more
Honeypot Lane was where I was born in 1954. I remember walking round this way by myself with my doll’s pram & thinking that the pregnant ladies would envy me with my baby! This seemed quite a way from my house in Brampton Road. I also remember a fascinating haberdashery shop that was on this right hand corner. It was where I got my sequins, fabric & buttons for school needlework. I guess this is where my obsession for sewing bits started. Thanks Miss Smyth!!
I had a school friend whose parents ran this pub in the1960s. I loved to go to hers for tea or a visit. We would play in the garden, which seemed so big, wander round the bars. Even today that smell of beer brings it all back. But best of all, we were sometimes allowed into the function room at the back which had a stage AND a microphone. How we loved to sing & pretend we were pop stars! I shudder when I ...see more
I remember trips to the pool in the summer holidays with my mum & sister. We were sometimes allowed to go under the fountain if we were careful ! I don’t remember being cold but I guess it was!
My parents had their wedding reception here on March 8th 1958 after a wedding ceremony at All Saints Church, Queenbury. I believe it was a former British Restaurant. My parents celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in a few weeks. They are now 80 & 86. I would love to find pictures and share memories for them. They both have early stage dementia so this would be very meaningful to them and me. Crossing my fingers! Lucy Hampton on behalf of Ron and Pat Webb (nee Wilson)
I have a photograph taken about 1950 of myself about 4 years old on a three wheeler bicycle with my parents next to the garage and opposite the gate hotel.I remember having my haircut at the shop at the bottom of pit Hill. Can't remember the name.my grandad Daniel worked at the sewage works at the bottom of pit Hill also have a photo of him with a work gang laying the footings for the Devonshire drive estate.don't know when this would have been.
I am very pleased to have found this site, I was on Friends Reunited but it closed. I was born in 19 Chester Street in 1947, went to Lawson infants school, Smeaton Street and Middlesbrough Tech. My sister, Pat, grew up there through the war. My Dad worked at Tees-Side Bridge and Mom was the cook at Lawson school. Have a few school class pictures I will try to post. Grew up with Graham Massingham, ...see more
I was born in 1946 at 66 Devonshire drive langwith to my parents Tom and my ra copestake.I lives there til I was 7years old with them and my brother David. My auntie and uncle Harry and Ethel Darrell lived on Hardwick street and my others Daniel and mable copestake on Hartington street. I remember going to the pictures on high streetops as a kid and visiting London stores with my grandma Alice copestake who ...see more
This Maltby Crossroads image (Queens corner) is probably more like 1967. In 65 that shop on the right was not built - it was waste ground the people walked over from Barbers Fish n chip shop (which would be behind this new shop extreme right) to the first shop on Grange lane, which would be Marshal's Grocery store (its now a Job Centre I believe) My name is Gary and I lived in Maltby from 1964 until 1979
Hello does anyone remember the Hawkes family that lived at 219 Heathway Dagenham?
In answer to the above I’m 66 a week or so younger than Joe Jordan. My grandpa was John PEDEN my mother was his daughter Helen (Ella) my uncles and aunt were Alex, John and May we lived at 50main Street in Commy Paterson’s building my mothers uncle Jimmy (Buckle) KERR and aunt Lizzie lived upstairs Grace and Dougie THOMPSON were next door to them on one side and Curries in the other when they ...see more
Hi... I was a part time volunteer carer in about 1983. I remember John with his jet black hair... Penny who loved hair dye... Marilyn who ran the home moved on and ran an elderly care home she was great. I discovered peanut butter there and couldn't get enough on toast....they must have thought I never ate anything! I truly hope Penny and John have enjoyed life so far. John's home was in Wycombe I think. Nigel x
I moved to Mitcham in the mid. 1940s with my family, my father James, my mother Margery and my sister Janice. We lived for a short while at 1 Robin Hood Lane and then 20 Holly Way. I remember the Monday pre-school club and later the Youth club at the Church of the Ascension in Greenwood Road. Janice and I attended the Pollards Hill Infants and Junior schools and then the Mitcham Grammar schools. Although I ...see more
This where I lived until I was 3 years old. I remember it clearly. Looking for old prints or photos.
My family came from the U.S. We lived at 4-A Simons Close for a year while my dad was on a fellowship at Oxford. Mr. Stimpson was my teacher. Nita Radcliff was my best friend. I had a crush on Nicholas Jefferson. some other friends... Nigel, Gillian Clapton... The fish-n-chips were fantastic we used to eat it in the "park with the pyramid". I had 2 younger brothers David and Brian. My name is Cindy our last name Dettman. ...
I ran a knitting yarn stall for nearly 30 years on Dewsbury market from 1968 and made many friends of my customers and stall holders.I well remember Stan Collier who ran the market café,Bill Wilby,curtain fabric,Jack Anderson general goods,Harry Arry glasswear,Tuppeny Anne,toys,and Ken Dean,pet supplies.In fact I bought a Chipmunk from Ken.although it was hard work in all weathers they were happy ...see more
I was stationed at Tidworth from 1960 till 1962 at Jellalabad Barracks with the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment. I was in the M T Section so travelled about Salisbury Plain. I can remember the Daily Express horse trials that were held for the two years that i was there, it always rained. Most of the national service solders came from the Midlands (Birmingham Coventry and Worcester) i was in the last ...see more
My late mother, Margaret Connolly lived there from birth until 1945. I know from some snippets from her that she had not enjoyed a happy childhood but it's not until reading comments on this website quite how bad it must have been. My thoughts and best wishes go out to everyone who had the misfortune of being there. The sadistic nuns may have stolen my Mum's childhood ...see more
My mum also worked at the swimming pool in the early sixties and I rented out the swimming costumes . I remember Ted and miss Tyrrell was the manageress
Does anybody remember the buses queueing up in Drumry Road and Abbotshall Avenue taking us kids to school. I went to Temple school in Anniesland
Marrion Madden, I was also born on West Ashton st, 1948, and remember the Off Licence on the corner. Wasn't the greengrocers opposite owned by Read, who had a daughter Marion who married Arthur Rylance and they had a grocer shop on the corner of My St, the next street ?
I used to hate snowball fights in Elthorne Park. Why? Because often pieces of broken glass were put inside the snow balls. So 1950,s.
I lived at the police house on Tenbury Road from mid sixties until late seventies. My dad was the local policeman. I spent many happy hours playing down the woods off Knapp Lane . The woods were known as The Rough or Gorstley Rough. Always had the most amazing delicious stew on a Saturday cooked by Mrs Nellie Breakwell on her trusty rayburn. There were lime kilns in the woods badger sets and millions of primroses. It ...see more
I was born in 1953 and lived on Dickinson terrace ,my gran and grandad owned a grocery shop at the top of station lne there were three shops ours was the middle one.One of the other shops was a fish and chip shop. The time we lived on Dickinson Terrace i remember the neighbours at one side there was Mrs Attak at the other was Mrs Hufton ,she had son called derek and a Daughter called linda and next door to them ...see more
I was in Cannons house between 1954 to 1961 and remember the name of one other house; Ravensbury. Does anyone remember the names of the other two houses?
In the early twilight of my Seventies, I remember attending Stevens Road - Becontree Secondary Modern School from about 1955 to 1959. Mr Pask was Headmaster, I remember School Assembly with Hymns and Prayers. Flogging with Canes, bats and “T” Squares, though I rarely was the subject myself. There I gained my love for History, and Politics with a kind disposition to the Christian life. There I learned ...see more
i went to highfield secondary school in 1960 and most of the teachers mentioned were still there then including mr edwards headmaster i remember doing all the things you stated including going down star fields on pieces of cardboard falling off before we went into the canal also camping in the T qaory eating cold baked beans as we had forgotton to take an opener with us bredbury /woodley was a great place to live in those days life was a lot simpler and safe then
i used to live at 12 towson way Northolt , had many friends that lived in bournmead ave ;my next door neighbours where carol and lynn gage ....opposite me the westons ,,went to Arundel school good friends with bob cork ,ernie holder the pettifers ;;,,now live in spain good memories ray Thomas
I was actually born in Hyde in 1939 but moved to Bredbury in 1940 where Dad worked at Exors of James Mills until his retirement in the sixties. We lived at 5, Newlyn Drive off Bents Lane and I lived there until my marriage in 1966 when wife Julia and I bought a new build bungalow on Powick Drive, Bredbury Green. Think we were about second to occupy on this new estate. We moved to Denton during the very hot ...see more
When i was a little girl my mother and i would go on holiday to Cheddar and stay with her brother Wiliam Smith and his wife Eliza. Their adult chlidren were William George , Doreen, lenard and Albert Dibble Smith.
In 1954 my family moved to Rayne from east London. My Dad was manager of Rayne Foundry between (about) 1954 to 1962. In 1956 I attended Rayne school where I got to know some lovely people including a girl called Nina Dawson who lived nearby. Apparently I didn't do very well at that school so my mother sent me to Manor Street school in Braintree. I hated that school and I was petrified every morning going into class. Rayne ...see more
When i was a litttle girl my mother and i use to visit a lady with conections to the Clarence Hotel . I think i called her auntie Daisy she had two grandchildren Harry and Ann . Can anyone help?
I have many pictures of the family from the early 20th century - I would love to share them with any current family members should they come across this, or if anyone has contacts.
I attended the Infants/Junior school at New Oscott by the Princess Alice Orphanage before going to Boldmere High School 1953 /1957. On leaving school I joined the railway at Sutton Park Station home of the sorting office for overseas forces mail , when the mail office finished I was lucky enough to get a job on the Midland Red based at its garage in Upper Holland Rd ,happy memories of my time on ...see more
I have a vague memory, probably from the early sixties, of arriving at this home on a very grey, sad day. I don’t know to this day why we went there but the trauma of being with a group of let’s say disadvantaged boys was not our family’s finest hour. I seem to remember sleeping on a makeshift bed in the office because sharing a dormitory filled me with dread. I will speak to my mother to clarify why ...see more
I was born in 1950 and we lived with my mothers parents at 53 Burns Ave. Their name was Clark, ours Lyon. I think neighbours were Knights. I went to North Road infants, then Dormers Wells juniors as by then we had moved into the prefab estate, 2 Fleming Road. I can remember neighbours by the names of Shephard, who I think was a dustman, they lived in the cul de sac opposite, Guest who lived further down ...see more
When I was a young lad I could choose between 2 cinema's and had many outdoor activities to choose from, unlike today children seem more interested in their phones and computers. It is very sad to see the town going down hill, the local post office closed down recently which was one place where you met your friends on pension day. But on the good side foster's café is back open with donegan at the helm.
I lived in Townsend Rd went to Beaconfield Rd Scool from 1949 from 5 years & then to Dormers Wells until I was 15 when we the mov d to Ealing. Remember the park the Odeon cinema which we went to after school, attended the dance school on the high st from age 3, the shops on the high st especially Sainsbury's used to go and get 4oz butter that they would cut then pat into shape with wooden beaters. Ah Memories
I Was born in No 39 Townsend Rd until 1956 went to a private school by Southall Park then Beaconsfield Rd Primary School then on to Dormers Wells Secondary School. Remember at the top of the road was an ice cream shop used to take a basin on a Sunday for them to fill for a Sunday teatime treat. Sunday walks along the canal, the fairs that came to Southall Park in the summer. The trams oh so many memories.
Am doing some research on my dad and have discovered that he was lodging in Darwen Lancashire in 1939,working as assistant manager at Hollins Brush Company.Does anyone remember this factory?
I grew up with my family in the prefabs in Moss Ave. these were days when you could leave your door unlocked and everyone knew one another. As children we played in the street , there were few cars around we played from morning till dusk remembering some of the Mothers coming out to join in a game of jumping ropes, peever or hide n seek , I had 2 pet rabbits and used to pick dandelions from an elderly neighbours ...see more
I visited my Grandpa who lived at Greta-Lea Cottage in Main St, with my Mother , I remember getting off the bus at the swing park , usually having a wee go on a swing first, then walking along the road .I remember how the stars seemed to twinkle more brightly in Longriggend , and she pointed out and named some of them to me ...I remember her taking my hand and putting it along with hers into her coat pocket to keep ...see more
I remember my carefree days at Lyon Park. Mr Osbourne was a lovely teacher and was patient and kind although I was less happy with Miss Batchelor. I found these two school photos and wondered if they might jog some memories. I remember Juliana Rogers who was half German and had a sister Christina. They also lived in Heather Park Drive. These names also come to mind: Carol Newton, Susan ...see more
My father Frank Hardwick was the youngest son of Thomas Hardwick,fishmonger and poulterer of King St ,Saffron Walden. As a boy he used to tell me of delivering by pony and trap to Audley End Mansion.
I attended Church Street primary school from 1952. The building on the left with two large wooden doors was Mathews builders joiners shop. In the summer we would watch the joiners making windows,doors and stairs. I did eventually become a joiner . Victor Kendall.
The Morris Traveler car belonged to my father Bill Kendall who was a painter and decorator in Wetherby at the time the photo was taken. He undertook a lot of work for the proprietor of Bogley’s shop and I myself used to earn pocket money by tidying up the yard at the rear on a Saturday morning. Victor Kendall.
My Auntie and Uncle lived in a wing of Allonby Reading Room; it was called Melville House. Their surname was Hill and their Christian names were May and Joseph. I spent many summer holidays in the 50s and early 60s with them and enjoyed the time with them; riding horses, spending time on the beach and going to the Lake District. I went to Auntie May's funeral and she was buried in Allonby church cemetery. It is ...see more
I still remember the uproar in Fleet when this church was demolished, and subsequently replaced with a Woolworths! There was a strong feeling that Fleet was on the downward path to hell - although the rot didn't really set in until many years later, when the former Quaker inspired ban on public houses on Fleet Road was finally relaxed.
I was sorry to see this photo of Fleet Pond labelled incorrectly as The Lake. Lakes are natural features, whereas ponds have normally been created by man. The two ponds which used to exist in Fleet (one was filled in with spoil when the motorway was built nearby) were created by monks as fish ponds for the Bishop of Winchester. The ponds were drained during World War 2 as they were in a direct line to the air base at ...see more
I lived right next to Dartford heath but used to cycle to Craçwford sometime s we had a few day trips on Timpsons coaches ,I worked at j c bceadles until the factory closed. Very sad times.
Hi, I lived at ravenswood children's home from 1972 till 1981 when I turned 16
I have memories of Miss Holden at Henbury Church School. She was lovely. After that it was a move to The Manor school, where the infamous Mr Freke would use a ruler over our young knuckles if we broke some rule. My final school in the area was Henbury Court Junior and Miss Weeks was the teacher. She was quite strict, but fair, and had a twinkle in her eye. I think she lived somewhere behind the library at Westbury. She ...see more
Hi, This isn't a memory as such, more a question. I'm writing up a brief history of my early years and as part of my time was (with some friends) spent going to gymnastics classes at a school in Broomwood Rd. but for the life of me, I can't find out what the school was called back, in the mid to late 50's. It is still there, under a new name and on an old 1950's OS map but sadly no name. Can anyone help. Thanks Ken
Does anyone remember Four ways Cafe? I lived there with my mum and dad from 1957 to 1964
My Gran lived in Westbury at 33 Chalford we never met her my Father who was born in the house transferred from the Royal Marine to the NZ Army after the war and never went back. We knew her as Another Gran and still refer to her as that to day. I treasure every thing i can find on where she came from, Her name was Ellen Bartlett and her married name was Grant. Google has made it possible for me to walk where she may ...see more
I'm christophers sister Valerie dunn was baggott.we loved living in Hampton wick .it was fun having dinner in the restaurant -we could order anything we wanted..i nearly allways had sausage beans and chips.we use to play in bushy park and meet mates there. before we lived in the restaurant we lived down park road .number 27 i think opposite the dancing school which is still there .my friend susan ...see more
This photo shows all the shops I visited as a child. I particularly remember Moon's the grocer's, where I could buy broken biscuits at a knock down price and Place's bakers, where we bought chocolate eclairs for a special treat on my birthday, Christmas Eve!
I am trying to trace my Italian ancestor Michele Jovino. He lived in Rays Road, Edmonton with his wife Lilian who he married in 1915 in Edmonton. I know he was an ice cream vendor who had his own ice cream cart that he worked with around Edmonton. If anybody knows someone who knew him and has any stories or pictures of him that they are happy to share with me, that would be amazing! Many Thanks
During the 2nd world war, probably around 1944, I was on holiday with my parents and maternal grandmother staying in a cottage opposite the green. We often saw Italian PoWs cycling by to do local farm work. One rather blustery night we went to a make-shift cinema show across the river and the film included Will Hay. It was either the Ghost Train or something where a train crashed from a bridge. With great trepidation we ...see more
my mother berlina ellison was born at 26 shankhouse row cramlington in 1908 to josept & mary ellison my great grandparents, there were 11 family members living there at the time, has anyone have any memories of family. regards peter foster.
Hi I was there 1953/54 and had good memories can relate with William regarding long walks/singing those old songs, we too were out in all weathers.I went there with food hangups but I was soon cured of them. have many good memories.