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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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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.

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

Add Your Memory for Sunbury

Displaying Memories 21 - 26 of 26 in total

Beauclerc School
I was a boarder at Beauclerc School in the 1950s and remember Miss Garlic and Miss Walters. Miss Garlic did everything - stoked the boiler (called Robin), looked after us, taught, issued the bills and weeded the garden. She kept tortoises and made the papers when she hatched some. The tree was a most beautiful old weeping beech, not a willow, which had a huge skirt under which we were forbidden to go. But we had ...see more
Sunbury, Rivermead Island c1955
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Added 07 September 2011

Beauclerc School, Sunbury On Thames

Did anyone attend the 'old' Beauclerc School in Sunbury-on-Thames? I was there in the 1940s when Miss Clara Garlick was the headmistress and Miss Walters was the Principal. There was a beautiful weeping willow in the gardens. I was a boarder there and there were a few day pupils from the village. The old school has been demolished and there is now a modern school in its place. One of my dear ...see more
Sunbury, Rivermead Island c1955
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Added 04 September 2011

Rivermead Island
I was born in Sunbury in 1953 and left in 1978, so have many fond memories of it. Does anyone remember Mrs.Bennett, who taught swimming at the open air pool on Rivermead Island? She was my mother and taught me. She was a tough 'un who insisted I jump in when it was freezing, just to get it over with! She's in a home with dementia now, aged 88. Sad, but still love her to bits! Jo Bennett that was from Fordbridge Road
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Added 28 July 2011

Lower Sunbury
I remember going swimming on Rivermead Island with my good friend Sue Blackmore and her dad Keith whom I used to help on his milk round for some pocket money (circa 1958). He is still with us but now suffers with Althimers (very sad). I am still in frequent contact with Sue. Also I used to go fishing, and still do, at "Flowerpot Green" and "Kings Lawn". We also used the ferry onto the island so we could fish the Weir Pool. Great times.
Sunbury, Rivermead Island c1955
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Added 02 March 2011

Childhood Days At Rivermead Island
Rivermead Island takes me back to my childhood through the 1960s, I remember the outdoor swimming pool, BRRR!  Paddling in the Thames, a real family place to go on summer Sundays, school holidays.  My first school was just across the road, Beauclerc, which was shut and pulled down. The big white building was owned by a Major Morris, offices downstairs, flats upstairs, the old stable block was around ...see more
Sunbury, Rivermead Island c1955
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Added 04 July 2009

The Ferries
There were 2 ferries in the mid-1950s when I was about 12. Clarke's as in the photo was a chain ferry and the cost was tuppence - ie 2 pence. The other ferry, Wilson's, opposite the church was pole driven and cost 1 penny. Some years later I joined the Young Conservatives - we used many of the Thames Street pubs for our meetings including The Flower Pot, Magpie, White Horse and Phoenix. In those days there was an open air ...see more
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Added 24 December 2008