Nostalgic memories of Redhill's local history
Share your own memories of Redhill 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.
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
Displaying Memories 11 - 20 of 48 in total
I used to work in East Surry Radio with the barber at the back of us. This was in the mid sixties. Fred Archer (little man with glasses) and Ron Tarrant ( a tall man) were the owners, and we used to have part time engineers Bernie and Sid. I used to do the outside electrical work, and worked behind the counter. We also used to do PA systems and remember putting speakers in the belfry of St Matthews ...see more
I remember working in Redhill General as a porter under Mr Eddie Chillman. I remember the elderly patients who came in for chest illness, and had to be wheeled through the length of the hospital, and then having to lift them up or down stairs to their respective wards
After a while looking through the glass windows of the operating theatres Sister Bates suggested that I should apply to be a theatre ...see more
I went to this school having moved from Croydon area. My best memory of the school is when, during a Geography quiz with our teacher, Miss O'Sullivan, I got bored and opened the safety pin attached to my pencil case with my teeth - the pin sprung back and got lodged in my throat. Miss O'Sullivan took me to see Sister Jerome (the Headmistress) who for some strange reason took my temperature before sending me to Redhill ...see more
My memories of the Market Hall were around the smashing bands that used to play. The one that stands out is Joe Brown and his Bruvvers. We would dance the night away, jive being the most popular (if you could find the room).
The place used to be packed but we didn't care, because it was the 'in' place to be and
afterwards we would all pile into the Burger Bar for a coffee before getting our buses home. Lovely days.
Next door to the outfitters was Glascocks television engineers; my mother cleaned for them. Also had place in Coulsdon.
Yes, I remember Redhill Swimming Baths. I think it must have been during the year I was at Frenches Road School in 1951-2. I can remember standing in the water shivering while the teacher talked to us during our swimming lessons. But I did at least learn to swim. I can also remember daring myself to jump off the high diving board to impress my grandmother, who had taken us for a treat. It was a cold, awkward ...see more
Must have spoken to you at some time as I used to buy all my singles, ep's & lp's from Rhythms. Used to go in one of the booths to listen before I bought and I am pretty sure I bought my first record player there. Goods times being a teen when the Mods & Rockers were all the rage. Burtons was on the corner where I bought my first suit, and there were more shoe shops in Redhill than any other type. The ...see more
I remember the old swimming baths, just round the corner, and have pleasant childhood memories. The building was made of red sandstone and us kids used to grind red dust out of the walls with our 1d coins whilst queueing to get in. The police used to set those old speed traps there so us kids used to go round the corner and warn oncoming traffic. After a while the Police used to walk around wondering why they had not caught anybody and gave chase, but of course they were no match for us kids.
I was born in 1952 at the hospital and my dad, John Chisnall, was an ambulance driver at the time and was well known to the staff; being an ex guardsman of 6ft 5 inches tall he was hard to miss. He was also at the Smallfield site where he drove a lovely Daimler ambulance; his partner was Bob Jay. Unfortunatley he had a very bad accident while cleaning an ambulance, when the pair of steps he was using ...see more
I went to a residential care home today to capture memories for a project. The chap I chatted with used to own and run Rhythm's from about '65 onwards to the late 70's I believe. A lovely chap. I thought I'd come online and see if I could find any old photographs, or memories online for him. He spoke most fondly of both the music and the customers who he can recall clearly. Does anyone have any ...see more