Nostalgic memories of Southend-on-Sea's local history

Share your own memories of Southend-on-Sea 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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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 21 - 30 of 62 in total

I grew up in Southend in the 70's and 80's. The one thing I miss more than anything else since leaving is Rossi's. Ice-Cream to die for. I miss seeing Warrior Square gardens when I visit too. So much has changed.
I spent almost every day here during the school summer holidays. My greatest achievements were jumping off of the top board and learning to dive in from the springboard. In the first year at school we had a bus take us to the pool for swimming lessons, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Those were the days.......................
Please can anyone help me with locating where this hotel was. My dad was in the army and my mother died in 1963 and we lived in the hotel for a while. I now live not far away but I have memories but cannot get my bearings as the hotel is no longer there. Can anyone help !!
Southend carnivals were always a wonderful attraction and Mrs Olley, then 22 years old, remembers boarding HMS HOOD on it's visit to the town in 1932.
My memory goes back to 1966, it was to be the last time I took my children to Southend for the day, because we migrated to Australia in 1967 (45 years ago). Then this year we went back for a holiday with my daughter and two granddaughters and lots of memories came flooding back. I could see myself with my parents and sisters going to Southend on a Sunday picking mussels off the beach, going to the Kursal, and ...see more
My dad worked for Aviation Traders at Southend Airport. He brought the Carvairs from Stansted where they were built in pieces via a transporter called 'The Queen Mary'. They were assembled at Southend and were the brainchild of Freddie Laker and the forerunner to the Jumbo Jet! They had the huge round front, which opened like a door to allow freight and cars to be loaded! I flew out on one of ...see more
Anyone remember the trolly buses that went up Eastwood Boulevard and along by the Albany Laundry?
This used to be Peter Pan's Playground. I remember coming to Southend when it was completely under water from the floods.
My auntie, Ivy Cass, was the cashier on the Golden Hind for many years. I spent every Christmas in Southend from 1942-1956 and went on the Golden Hind every Boxing Day. If my memory is correct there was a slot machine that had a life-size doll that had a very loud laugh that worked when you put 6d in I also walked the pier and back on the same day.
I remember the sausage and mash cafe almost opposite to where this photo was taken at the bottom of Pier Hill. It was called 'The Old Sausage Shop' and I sometimes had lunch there while working at a nearby amusement arcade. It wasn't the best of places to eat I'm afraid!. The sausages came from big tin cans and heated in hot water. These were served with soggy onions and very salty mashed potatoes!. I ...see more