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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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!

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Displaying Memories 4721 - 4800 of 36864 in total

Born in Wrens Ave, Ashford we moved to Lauser Road Stanwell in 1959 I attended Town Farm School but spent a year at the old village school Lord Knyvett's which had shelters in the playground and other kids used to say their were dead pigs inside, why? Like many here I used to watch the horses being shod at the blacksmiths next to the village hall. I used to go to the twin rivers to fish for sticklebacks and one of my ...see more
Lived at number 11 till 1960.. Went to Elmwood infants then juniors then Tavistock secondary modern. My mum was the lollipop lady at Elmwood for many years .... Every Saturday morning off the the Granada . Happy days
Saw Bill Haley with an old girlfriend Kay. Great show ..the place was jumping 🎸🎸
Remember Evans dairy ?
Happy days spent here back in the late fifties, I remember playing in that rectangular sandpit and on those swings Along the fence at in the background of this picture was a small ditch we we used to go hunting for newts.
My name is Jacqueline Billingsley. I was sent here in the 1950's from hospital due to kidney problems. I remember the Matron who would take her small dog for walks every morning in the woods. Being very fond of dogs even at a young age but the Matron would never let any of us pet or even play with her dog. I had a best friend there called Pat whom I recall had been burnt over most of her body. Visiting day ...see more
My very first holiday away from mum and dad as a 17 year old on my way to Polperro from Morden in Surrey. My father saw me off on the train in London with instructions to change at Liskeard then catch the next train to Looe. On the Looe bound train late in the evening I boarded a near empty carriage with another lad also on his way to Polperro who informed me that I would miss the last bus into ...see more
i went to lanfranc school in 1958 -1962 i too lost all my friends my best friend was colin smith my mother could not affordto let me go on that trip but i went with the army cadet force camp in fingerinhoe colchester while at camp on manouvers had an accident ended up in colchester millitary hospital where i read the news of the plane crash fate or what
I remember a shop that sold cheap jewellery. The thing was that decimel money had been in for several years but they had all the prices still in £sd.
My name is Brian Efford, I was evacuated to Bolter End in 1940. I went to St Davids College from 1946 to 1956. I used to catch the 37 Thames Valley bus to High Wycombe station and walk across Amersham Hill road to St Davids.I now live in Adelaide Australia, I would love to hear from anyone who was at St Davids with me.
My father Harold Lock was manager there from about 1935 until early 1960s. He was also in charge of food distribution for Wickford during the war . Is there any information about the shop etc., available?
Hi Paul I first encountered the Priory in 1965 when i became friends with a boy who lived there and was invited to the annual summer fancy dress party( all Priory parties were fancy dress back then) Residents of the household were Mrs Dorothy Kemp senior mother of the five sons of the house, Douglas(deceased) Alfred, married and living in Chester,his twin Max married to Dorothy and after a large part of land had been ...see more
My grandfather, William Buttler own a tobacconist/confectionary in Leytonstone during 1920s to 1930s. Does anyone have any memories of this, also where about in Leytonstone was it.
Im currently researching my family heritage. My father and grandfather were both born in Hetton Le Spring.Would anyone remember Robert and Hilda Lloyd and their children Robert (my father), Joseph, Hilda, John and Lawrence. My grandfather was employed as a "Hewer" at a local coal mine in the area, I just don't know if there was one or many back the, or where it was ...see more
I just got 3 old (1900-15?) postcards of "French's estate," by the river Maidenhead. Do you know where this was located?
I remember Court Lodge very well and Knockholt as I wS in the children's home in 1964 I was 4 years old I can remember the couple who looked after us we had to call them mum n dad monrolly I think that's the name had a dark blue van I remember the van pulling at the house in Homefeilds Rise Orpington and me crying clinging on to a neighbour I knew wot was going on I rember having to help with the ...see more
I used to go to Parish Church School by the Church in Croydon then it moved to Duppas Hill. I went onto St Andrews. I have fond memories of Wilsons coffee shop & Bakers in George Street. Also Kennards Arcade my sister used to supply the baby rabbits to the Pet Shop. The donkey rides and of course Father Christmas. The huddle and bustle of Surrey Street and looking down on it from Grants Self ...see more
I was a pupil here from 1949-1952/3 I knew Quentin Royston I believe his father was Russian and the family lived on the outskirts of Lymington. There were also two sisters call Tatiania and ?
Anybody got any old maps of pelsall plz
Just googled the carlton slough and got this. Such happy memories. Every Friday night. Irish showbands played amazing music Loved it. Xx
1945 As a boy of 15 and living in Banstead road carshalton Beeches, I had two friends named Raymond & Peter Colly, there father Mr Colly who was a clockMaker and was badley burnt in WW2. Shortly after the war went back to his birth home ( Tiegnmouth) and opened a watch/clock shop taking his family with him.in 1948 he invited me to spend my two weeks holiday at his house/shop, at that time I enyoyed Cycling ...see more
I was born in 1940 in Godalming the reason my mum was pregnant with me my Dad sent my Mum and sister out of London, because of all the bombing. After I was born we came back to Earlsfield. When I was still quite young we were evacuated to Bristol. I lived in Bucharest Rd. Everything has changed so much. Remember the Watney horses. Playing in King George's Park. Playing on the common in the frying pan. Went to Swaffield Rd school. Then to the Elliott in Merton Rd. Finally left London 1960.
I lived at South Park Road Wimbledon till I was about 8 Born in 1945 I remember going full time to nursery but sadly can't remember the name. I do know I attended Queens Road school till my mother remarried and we moved to Swansea, Sadly my best memories were before we moved leaving grandparents and relatives behind. Swansea couldn't compare with what I'd left behind but I had to accept my lot and married a wonderful ...see more
My paternal grandparents ran the Bull Inn at Swyre from either 1939 or 1940 to 1950 Their name was Webb. They moved there from the outskirts of London where they had previously ran a pub in Caterham Surrey. My grandmother came from the Bridport area and was a Symes. My father joined the commandos and my Mother was advised to move from Caterham as we lived next door to an airodome. So at six weeks old I, with my older ...see more
As a student at Aber 1944-48 I used the Bing Kee (spelling as I remember it) laundry when I could afford it. Bing Kee and his wife seemed to be very old but there were two daughters (or possibly grand-daughters) of my generation. One was particularly attractive, but they were rarely on duty in the shop and when they were made obvious their low opinion of students. The laundry work was ...see more
As a student at Aber 1944-48 I used the Bing Kee (spelling as I remember it) laundry when I could afford it. Bing Kee and his wife seemed to be very old but there were two daughters (or possibly grand-daughters) of my generation. One was particularly attractive, but they were rarely on duty in the shop and when they were made obvious their low opinion of students. The laundry work was ...see more
My Great Grandmother was a school caretaker (I think at St Peter's school on the corner of Catherine and Church street) in 1911. She lived with her family at 16 New Dalton street. Her name was Rose Cleaver (nee Rope) maiden name Thompson. I am trying to find a photo of her as l haven't got one of her. I was told one of the headteacher at the school was a Mr Roper, can anyone give me more information? Thank you.
Thanks so much for taking the time to right this. I moved to Blaen Y Pant Crescent 6 months ago I absolutely love it and found your article fascinating
I am trying to find information about the old boxing club my dad was Tommy Bray born in 1885 he was I know involved both boxing and later training my brothers Tom and Jim both boxed and dad often talked of a man called Heath who went on I understand to higher things but in dads later life he destroyed all his old cuttings and pictures I would be pleased of any info
I went to Southlands from 1945 to 1953
I was born in new haw 1948 at 28 linden close in the bungalow that I lived in until I married when I was 22. had a brother john, two sisters marion and jean who despite differences later in life I loved them all. my dad worked like many more at Vickers and my mum stayed home and raised us all. they where without doubt the happiest days of my life. only equalled by my life after I married and had two smashing ...see more
I spent many happy summer holidays with my grandparents, Eleanor and Robert Kendall Waiting, back in the 1950s in Millom, especially days the park, riding on Bonnie Bright Eyes, the banana slide, the miniature golf course, and playing tennis there too, It was always a treat to buy a bilberry pie from the cake shop, and a new whip and top from McIntoshes, My father, William Waiting was born in Millom in 1906, and many years later my parents retired back to Whicham.. Happy days!
I was born in 1955 and lived in oakfield road until 1966.my surname is miller. Other names I remember were Upton,Harvey,Lewis, hartnup and collard. Some off these people moved at the same time as us to chelsfield Kent this was due to our houses having to be knocked down.i still se a lot of penge as I still go to watch crystal palace.also I remember the market well especially when as kids we used to buy Christmas presents ...see more
I was sent here,after frequent bouts of Asthma. My memories are mostly favourable. We used to make huts in the woods and I predictably, made the village pub. I achieved a swimming medal , got thrown out of the Cubs,for playing football with my woggle and remember being held up by my "Sideburns" for doing so. I also had to go to the parent school, Pilgrims at half term, as I couldn't go home and also being the ...see more
was in Rothwell same years know you I had 3 brothers Maurice Gerald kevin I am peter ashworth home 2 catholic was sent to preston for 2 years then returned mrs bennet always refered to us us as the bad preston boys.
I was born at home in Lampton Road (opposite The Bulstrode) in January 1963 where I lived until 1970 when we moved to Heston (not far from Henley's roundabout). I can remember regularly cycling to Lampton Park and learning to ride my bike without stabilisers in the Bulstrode's car park. My sister who is 5 years older than me, taught me and my brother how to swim in Hounslow swimming pool and I can still ...see more
I started at St Anne's in 1970, in Upper Transition and left in 1979 after taking my O levels. I took my A levels at Richmond upon Thames College. Being a Protestant in a Catholic school, the majority of whom were Irish catholics, at the height of 'The Troubles' could on the odd occasion be uncomfortable. This was not due to my classmates picking on me for being protestant (out ...see more
Kidder fire station was then the North Division headquarters of the old Worcester & County Fire Brigade . Aged 20 I started my first day as a fireman in July 1965 here. Some of the watch I served with were Sub officer Keith Livermore, Leading fireman Ted Farr,Fm Ted Oakey, fm Jack Foxal , fm Dadge, fm 'Tiny' Yarrington. I remember visiting the carpet factories to learn what the risks were ...see more
We moved out of the East End to Burnt Oak after the war. W were then a family of Mum Dad & 3 girls. We lived in Trevor Road so only had a short walk to school. My earliest memories are of starting school at Goldbeaters when I was about 4 years old. In those days we started in what was then a nursery class. After lunch the whole class were put onto stretcher type beds with a grey blanket, to have a ...see more
From the age of 6 I used to spend my holidays with this family as I was mad on the country and lived in Surbiton. I was friends with Jane Neave the youngest of John and Mary Neave's four daughters the others being Mary Anne and Ruth. They emigrated to Canada in 1957 and I was so upset. Jane and I stayed friends until her death a few years ago meeting again when I went to live in the US. I ...see more
I wonder where my class mates from Leigh school are now (ie the Years from 1940 to 1946) Ken Hatton ,John Beadle May Botting Judy Behag, Margaret Harrinton, Mildred and Audrey Everest John Couling Eileen Huggett and John Hugget.
I came across this website purely by accident and was immediately fascinated by the memories of Shifnal. Somebody mentioned Cottams’ fish and chip shop on the Broadway. Cottams left and were replaced by a diminutive foreign lady by the name of Mrs Peloppida – at least, it sounded like that to me. When she left, my father and mother took over in about 1954 or 1955. They were Gordon and Ethel Evans and we were ...see more
I was evacuated with my mother to Sandiacre in 1944 at the age of 5. I would be so interested to find out the name of the road that we stayed at and any history of the lady who rented out her room and use of kitchen. Her name was a Miss Godfrey. She was old, with grey hair in a bun and glasses. Seem to remember her in black. The houses all stood back from the unmade road. Miss ...see more
My father, Albert Victor Catt, known as Vic, worked for Mr Gower for many years either side of WW2. My father had a curvature of the spine which prevented him for joining the forces so he was employed to produce food during the war years. For a short period during the war he was employed to repair houses damaged by bombing in the Romney Marsh area. Otherwise he worked on the field at St ...see more
I could easily be in the photo of people watching cricket at St Johns Park , Burgess Hill . I lived in the block of flats at the far end of the photo , behind the tall trees , from 1960 to 1964 . I was age 7 - 11 during those years . I watched the Burgess Hill cricket team play almost every Saturday they played at home . Sussex came to play Burgess Hill one Sunday and I remember blokes like Jimmy Parks , Alan ...see more
Re Mr Winkworths memory. I remember TURNCOCKS. The bike had a red frame as he says. Also I remember large white metal mudgards. The brakes were rod brakes rather than cable, however I could be wrong on this fact. The wheel rims were bright chrome and tyres may have been 26X 1 3/8. The big leather straps that held on the tools of the trade. I remember the turncock in Hanwell where I lived visited the street ...see more
I was born in Englefield Green in July 1954 we lived at 60 Alexander Road and I went to St Jude's Infant school and then on to the Junior School which was next door, it was only a minutes walk from our home. We used to live next door to Ted and Betty Gallon and there daughter Charmine who I played with often, on the swings and slide that her dad had made also the lovely rocking horse that he made one ...see more
I just read Martin Doonan's memories of Burgess Hill at London Road primary school . I lived in Burgess Hill from 1960 to 64 . Looking at the old photos bring back great memories . I was in Martin's class and remember your nickname was ' Doodlebug ' , Martin . I can remember David Bye ( nickname Bye Bye ) , David Mitchell and Derek Fuller . I think the whole school was concrete . Ah Yes. frozen ...see more
my granddad raced grayhounds there. my dad & his brothers lived lived there 2 thay live on the haverlock rd in old cottages that backed on to the canal MY GRANDADS NAME WAS . SAM DONNELLY
I was raised in Grenoside (born 1949) and had an idyllic childhood. My brother and I were heartbroken when dad got a job in Leeds and we moved there in 1959. We left our Grandparents but continued to make the 2 hour trip (before M1 was built) regularly to watch our beloved Owls and visit family. Playing in the Rec (never called it Grenoside Park!) was great. I used to sit on my maternal Grandmother's wall on Penistone ...see more
I was born in 1946 and lived all my young days in Shaftesbury Avenue going to Grange Primary and then Lascelles secondary. Some years later I worked as a disc jockey in the Birds Nest attached to the Shaftesbury pub and then went on to be co-manager. Would love to hear from anyone else who went to Lascelles around that time or who remembers the Birds Nest
I often think back to my days at Lymm Grammar, from 1961-65, and although I did not particularly enjoy my school-days, the system worked a lot better than it does today! But what a school, and in what grounds! I notice that the catchment area has decreased since those days - I always thought it odd that pupils came from as far afield as Altrincham and Warrington! And yes, I remember Mr Harris & Mr. ...see more
I too was born in East Ham in 1949 as was my mother and grandmother before her. All living in Telham road before later moving to Central Park road.. can remember my gran telling me that when she first moved to East Ham she could look out of her window in Telham Road and she could see the railway station with nothing in between but fields. I went to Thomas Leathaby school and can remember Mr Lees as well as Mr ...see more
hi there , iworked at slack&cox,waiting to join the police .ilived at 10 forbes street, and went to st. marks school .my name then was susan hardman ,does antone know me.....
My Grandfather, Bill Emery, worked here and his father Henry Emery was the farm bailiff for the Meakin family. I'm keen to know more about life there at the time and any connections to Henry.
My parents had a ground floor flat in Wood End Lane, and my father worked in a reserved occupation at AEC in Southall. In late 1940, my mother was pregnant with me, and she went to stay with her brother in Durham, wher I was born. I was an evacuee, 'in utero'! We returned to Greenford in the summer of 1941.. My memories of the war are hazy, but I can remember my father taking me out to see a flight of aircraft from ...see more
I attended the school from 1954 to 1960 and Mr. Williams was the headmaster. I lived on Rivacre Road, Hooton Park and often walked down New School Lane. My name is Jonathon Lloyd and I am living in Canada now but visit the UK annually.
My grandmother, Rosa Hayden, nee Stonehouse, lived at the bottom of The Devil's Punchbowl and later at Forked Pond. Her husband, a Boer War and WWI survivor was gamekeeper at Forked Pond, even though he lost an arm. Early in WWII a German Bomber crashed (crew buried with military honours in Milford, I think.) and dropped it's bombs before crashing. Three exploded and my grandfather always said ...see more
I have a pic of my twin sis Jenny and a paint-brush, it's 1959, she's nearly 8, glossing skirting in the middle kitchen (there were 3). Until it was habitable we used to travel weekends from Sutton ('The Dormers'', No1 Devonshire Avenue, now a school) 441 from Staines, before mum had a car... It was an idyllic childhood, pond-fishing, or lizard ...see more
My relations lived in number 24 Shortcroft Road my father grew up in that house as with his father sisters and a brother Eric my grandfather used the Jolly Wagoners a lot and when I came along and old enough I spent a lot of time in Shortcroft Road and playing football with the boys one of them you may remember David Cooperwe all went to Dantree Road school played in the Rec as we called it my cousin ...see more
On our trollies, Ian and Terry Barnard from the laundry gates, trying to turn into Alma Crescent, Many many more memories, playing in the bombed out buildings on the corner and more ......
I was 9 when we returned from Australia in the summer of 1967, we lived at 37 Farley Road after three different houses in Littleheath Road all belonging to friends of my parents, who conveniently were away on holiday by consecutive dates that preceeded a rented house in Arkwright Road Sanderstead called The Hendry, which was one of two detached house on a large garden plot. At the end of the field garden was ...see more
I have many great memories of the area as I did my nurse training between the above named hospitals.Made so many friends and enjoyed my time in Romford.The many pubs,Romford market and the smell of the alcohol being brewed wafted around for all to smell. Great memories of the hospital social club which unfortunately was next door to the mortuary. I feel the best memory I have is walking ...see more
i lived until 1965, went to bridge road school.i remember the school journey to the iow.anyone else go? im terry chapman
Sorry to everyone but my memories will be vague as I left the area when I was 3yrs old, to live in Victoria dwellings Battersea Park Road. The family name was Batt Nan Grandad my uncles Terry & Micky shared the house in Livingstone road with my Aunt Dolly and uncle Jim Penfold. My 5 cousins lived there until they moved to a new house in Winstanly estate. I was born in a house near the end of the road ...see more
My Twin sister Georgina and I (Catherine) would run up from No77 East Street once a week to spend our pocket money at Bennetts,we used to get halfpenny chews they were called Black Jacks and were liquorice( they used to make our teeth look black for a while),sherbert dips,sherbert lemons,aniseed balls,gobstoppers and pineapple chunks. Happy days,I can still feel myself running at speed up to the shop and Mr ...see more
I was born in 1948 at Delwood , lived in Thicket Rd until I was 6 then moved to Lyme Grove. I went to The Laurels, Park lane, Norcot and Wilson schools. I worked a Saturday job at Wedlocks and started there as an apprentice when I left school in 1964. I look forward to hearing from anyone I knew around that time or later years !!
I was born in 1941 my dad bought the house in Lower Morden Lane in 1939,I went to Morden Farm School. Morden was a great place to be as a child I remember starting school and not liking it one bit I only started liking it in the last few years mainly because of the sports which I enjoyed. I went on school trips to Denmark and a year later to Austria to travel to places like that was exciting and we had a surprising amount ...see more
In 1952 my newly widowed mother bought Grove Cottage - which was in Grove Lane (since called Malting Lane) and lived there for a while before renting it out to an American Airforceman named Robert Whaley, and his family, who were stationed nearby. Not long afterwards it had to be sold as my mother had to deal with a family bereavement in her home town of Portsmouth. With 2 young children and unable to ...see more
I remember the Packhorse. We used to pass on the way to visit Auntie Bella & Uncle Leo on Tywardreath Highway. That was back in the late 1950's early 60's
My father David Blackburn served his national service in Ely he was born in St Helens Lancs, during the 50's does anyone remember him? He sadly passed away two years ago
My mother spoke of visiting Swatragh when she was a child in the 1930s. Her Aunty lived there with her daughter Minnie who had Downs Syndrome. Minnie was an adult at that time and helped her mother round the very small property that they lived on. They kept chickens and Minnie was involved in collecting the eggs. They were Catholic and said the rosary every night. Minnie didn't really know the words but tried to ...see more
My dad was a patient here in about 1956 or 57. He had great praise for it. He died aged 93 in2013. I do have some photos of him and other patients. His name was John Wilding from Ashton in Makerfield known as Jack.
My fathers first wife died very young following the birth of twins, one of whom died. My father, Edward Thomas Edwards had three sons , Brian, Neville and Vernon, and a daughter Mary, the sons being raised by his sister whilst the daughter was adopted by a relative of her mother. My father joined the army in 1939 and was stationed in ...see more
“My name was Pat Mayer, I used to live at 38 Ash Grove , not far from Keith and Janet Tucker as she was then, until 1961 when I got married, I was brought up during the war years and after with Beryl Prangley and Jacky Parry Beryl from 44 Ashgrove where the lampost was in the bend, and Jacky as few doors up close to the corner of Chestnut grove, our 3 families evedently all used to share Anderson ...see more
I well remember deciding to swim here and have the pool to ourselves. Me and my friends Andy & Terry decided to get up at 7:00 one sunny morning during the summer holidays and it was 'ours' for about 2 hours. The drain under the board was really scary though. Happy days
Hi Went to Convent of Holy Family Tooting Broadway. In early 1980s Headmistress was Miss Shine. Remember getting 95 bus to and from school and still have school blazer and crest. Gathering for school assembly in hall. Sad to think the school is no more. Made many friends Bernadette, Anne, Mary, Maureen, Anita x many more. Breda Fahy
Does anyone remember The Star Hotel at Broad Green and the Jazz club in the back room run by Frank Getgood and Nobby? I started going there every Friday night from 1959. They were great times and many great bands played there in the Trad Jazz revival years. Ken Colyer, Sandy Brown, Alex Welsh, Mike Daniels, Humph, Ken Simms, Alan Elsdon etc. I can clearly remember singing "Walking with the king" with Colyer, much ...see more
My name is Alan Naber and in 1949 I was five years old and started my school life at Red Lion Road school. This is an account of how I saw life at that time with a few additions from other students I am still in touch with. It’s such a big world out there! Having been born under the doodlebugs and bombing of London mum and I had been evacuated to the country at Bury St Edmunds. Here we stayed ...see more
I my name is Brian Jones i used to live in forge st i was born in 1952 i went to lower rhymney infants school and wellington school then to the annexe i was friends with David davage. Phillip price. Ieighton Walters also Keith jarman but sadly i have heard Keith has died i used to drink in the puddlers grayham maggs had it then I remember Ken,Ben,Alan and David John they had the butchers shop in Jerusalem st and a ...see more