Nostalgic memories of Newbury's local history
Share your own memories of Newbury and read what others have said
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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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 17 in total
My parents ran the Swan Inn in Newtown Village just outside Newbury from 1936 to about 1943, This was before Greenham Common became an American Air Force Base when it was just a Common. Originally Newtown was called Newtown Water because of a river/stream that ran across the road just prior to reaching the Swan. The main road past the Swan was the Winchester Road.
Howard Johnson
I remember going to the Tudor Cafe during the War Years in 1940+.I was about 10/11 years old at the time. It always served excellent food even with food being rationed. Toasted tea cakes was one of my favourites!
I lived in the nearby village of Newton where my family ran the Ye Swan Inn for a number of years.
My name is Anthony Whitlock I'm trying to trace any friends or relatives ..
My mother was in domestic service to Mr & Mrs William H D Lester who were in residence at Wood End. Wash Hill Newbury Berks . Mr Lester was Waterworks Engineer & Managing Director of Laundries ,. Or any body that can help me locate any friends or relatives ....
My Mothers Name was Miss Edna Mary Whitlock who was at that address
To my ...see more
My first job when I left school in 1970 was jack o Newbury laundry in York road then I went to the dry cleaners just round the corner, I used to live in camp close at the top of sandleford , I now live in Devon but still go back now and again as I still have family living there, paul willis
I remember the Tudor Cafe so well during the time we lived in Newbury. As a teenager I used to visit with my friends and family in the late 70's and early 80's. It served good wholesome food such as omelettes and baked potatoes and you always got a huge amount of salad etc on your plate!! It was always so cheery and welcoming. I also recall Toomers right opposite which sold hardware. Toomers was absolutely massive as ...see more
My Father, John (Jack) Lovelock lived in Weaver's Cottages, he learnt to swim in the K & A Canal alongside. We used to walk past the large detached house towards the end of the towpath you can see and there were always budgies in a cage/aviary there in the 1960's.
We moved to Newbury in 1963, living in Old Newtown Road. Our family name was Sharp and my dad Bernard Sharp was a labour councillor and also Head Master of Speenhamland School. Happy days!
My mom was adopted by a couple in 1938 who lived in Northcroft Lane. My mom has been deceased for 12 years now and while she was alive, told us very little of the life she had in Newbury and we are now trying to piece things together. We know that she went to Newbury Grammar School up to 1954 and that is that! My mom's name was Florence Audrey Pearce although her real name was Keep. She was born in Kintbury Holt 1936. Any one know her or of her?
Sue
I was 19 years old when I was to move over to Newbury but at first I was roughing it until I could find cheap enough accommodation. At times, due to me being not able to get a good old scrub down and also a clean change of clothes; wearing a black double breasted Jacket and a French style beret all I needed was the string of onions around my neck and I would have passed for a Frenchman. I was something of a pitiful ...see more
Does anyone recall Austins cake shop/cafe, in Cheap St? Their pasties were superb and I remember eating a whole lardy cake to myself! One of their specialities was an item called 'Nelson Squares ', pastry top and bottom and sweet mix in the centre - never seen things like that since. Lovely memories.