Nostalgic memories of Sunbury's local history

Share your own memories of Sunbury 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 11 - 20 of 26 in total

I was born in 1950 above my father's butchers shop Laughtons in Green St. Behind the shop they made leather from cows hide I can still smell it not pleasant haha. Beside the butchers shop there was Dots Cafe a big jolly kindly lady, who came to my aid when I knocked myself unconscious after falling off the horse field wall and knocking myself unconscious. Then there was the green grocers who I used ...see more
Our family moved to the Berg Estate, 4 Silverdale Drive, in 1954. I was born in 1946 and born in Bournemouth and came to Sunbury via Langley. My father worked for BOAC at that time. My first school was Nursery Road where I stayed until I graduated to Kenyngton Manor Secondary School. Mr Robertson was the Headmaster. I used to walk to Nursery Road along Manor Lane and Green Street. Attending Kenyngton ...see more
About this time my sister would be 7 and I was 9. We used to swim in Sunbury outdoor pool. Never thought of cold or even fear, because one day we crossed weir as the bridge was down - how I was told off by mummy! We lived in Walton and walked along the tow-path and I believe at that time there were 'naturists' there! Only remember good days in Sunbury with all the children from Fairfax Close. Good to see photos and the new pool.
I grew up in a lovely old house called The Rookery in Green Street running down into Sunmead Road. It was one of the larger homes in Sunbury but sadly knocked down around 1964. The house orignally stood on 22 acres but when my Dad owned it, there were large flowing lawns ending in an acre nearly of spinney I would say. If anybody remembers this building I would love to hear from them lynntatnell@gmail.com
I was born in 1946 and went to St Ignatius Infants and Junior school and then on to Kenyngton Manor sec school. I worked at Vienna bakeries along with the Parnell brothers who owned the bakery. I was also a lifeguard at the swimming pool and a founder member of the swimming club along with Ian and Lesley Hackett. Alan Lucas and others whom to my shame I cannot remember. It was a good time to be ...see more
I was born in Lower Sunbury, I'm the youngest of the White family, 1 of 7 kids. I can remember my mum and her friend walking with me down the village, I was in my pushchair, we would walk past the Vienna bakers and get that pungent smell of baking. And the white horse regulars, the flower man out side a shop what was Anthonys hair dressers, Bishops food store, Kents news agents, and ...see more
I was a day pupil at Beauclerc and lived in Elizabeth Cottage, just across the road from the school, behind high iron gates. The current estate, Elizabeth Gardens, was built in the grounds of the cottage which still stands. I attended the school for a couple of years before we moved away, I left in 1946 aged 5. I have a school photo taken in 1945 but don't remember very much except that in my school report I "listened well"!
I was a boarder at Beauclerc. I remember well Miss Garlic and Elizabeth who was a wonderful artist. Mr Judd was our choir master and Mamselle Guillione was our french teacher. My best friend there was Edith Evans and I really admired a very pretty talented girl called Vale Valez. I loved to hide under the weeping beech. I remember our cook who used to give me little treats because Edith and I used to peel 15lbs of ...see more
I attended (sometimes) Kenyngton Manor Secondary Modern School. I lived at 149, Vicarage Road (opposite the Hare and Hounds). I loved Lower Sunbury. The river, the weir, Wilsons Ferry, the Locks were my growing up and lasting memories of my life. As a very young boy I used to swim across the river to the coal Barges with a whittled piece of wood in the valve of rubber inner-tube of a car tire. My Dad used to ...see more
My Mum and Dad owned the Orange Cafe on the Staines Road West but when I came along, they moved to Green Lane. My brother and I had many happy days down on the Island in Lower Sunbury, both using the pool or swimming in the Thames. How the Cross has changed over the years. I remember when you had to drive round the old Clock Tower in the centre of the road. Also taking the 90 bus to Staines or the 216 ...see more