Recent Memories
Reconnecting with our shared local history.
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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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?
This week's Places
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Displaying Memories 21281 - 21360 of 36915 in total
I was born in Lincoln in 1952. When I was 3 years old I went to my first school which was in the village of Skellingthorpe. Then in 1958 my mother and father moved to live on the St Giles, where I then went to my second school. Then when I was 11 years old I went to St Catharine's School, where I was up until St Christopher School just after it was built, I was there till I was 16 in 1968.
Went to Rhyl in the war. Spent many happy days on the beach with the donkey lady. Went to school there and stayed in large house in 19 Butterton Road.
I was born at my grandparents' house, Water End, Brompton on the 30th October 1924. My father was Joseph Christopher Marwood - always known as 'Chris'. Our home was Malpas House, Brompton. My Mother was from Margate in Kent. I attended Brompton School and later Northallerton Grammar School. In my early years we had two linen mills in Brompton and a variety of shops. We moved from the village in 1936 when my ...see more
I lived in Froggatt from the year I was born,1942, to 1956. My grandmother, Mrs McDonald, ran the shop in the village. I attended Curbar Primary School, a gang of us used to walk it there and back every day, come rain, snow or shine. Passing my 11+ saw me moved to Lady Manners Grammar School in Bakewell where I was to suffer under the hands of snotty prefects, two of them lived in Froggat and one was called Carol ...see more
I have fond memories of Hogsthorpe in 1959. I worked on a farm just outside the village, I think the area was called Slackholme End. The farm belonged to Silas Willey and next door was a bigger farm belonging to Taylors. In busy times both farms would work together, haymaking, threshing, potato picking etc. I think Taylors had some land across the road called Greens as well. I did most of the milking, the milk ...see more
I had a friend, Eddie Barnes, who lived in Town Court Crescent. I lost touch in the mid-Fifties and have been unable to trace him. Can anyone help?
Although this view of Manorbier Castle dates from 1890 it is the only photo in the Francis Frith collection which shows the nearby beach. I am happy to record our family's day on the beach here and it is unchanged more than 120 years later! My granddaughters Anna and Connie helped me to build a sandcastle and watched the incoming tide wash it away. Anna climbed in and out of the rockpools ...see more
I Iived in the Children's Home Cannon Court from 1954 until 1960. They were great years. I attended Fetcham School and St Domonic Salvo Collage at Leatherhead. I spent a lot of time at the Splash and walked the cinder track past the pig farm to Leatherhead daily (after I left primary school). I met my first love Diana whilst at Fetcham School and can still remember her today. In September this year (2011) I am going once ...see more
In 1944 my mother and I moved from a two bedroom basement flat in Grosvenor Road at the top of the town, to Chrismas Avenue, a three bedroom semi-detached, that connected between Ash Road and Newport Road. My father was away with the war in North Africa.
I soon made firm friends with the Chismas Place gang.... the Place being a small cu-de-sac off the Avenue, that had many more interesting children ...see more
I remember going to the Astoria cinema in Streatham High Road mainly to flirt with the boys in the back row upstairs. One such lad was someone called Wizz. He lived near Eardley Road at Streatham Vale. He was gorgeous, a Tyrone Power look alike. Anyone know what happened to him? We used to go for walks at Tooting Bec, near the athletic sports ground, I carved his name on my machine at ...see more
I used to play with Rosalind Morris whose family lived here. My mother did housework and also worked in the greenhouses. I remember a toy room with many very exciting toys, including a scale model of the Coronation.
I have a copy of the the above which I found as a a scrappy piece of paper in one of my family's bibles. I have since had it copied and laminated, named on it as part of the preachers for the Hartlepool Circuit for 1889-90, which includes Stranton Street, were two of my Great Grandfathers - Thomas Blenkinsop and George Raine. The former's eldest daughter, Mary Jane married George ...see more
I worked for a company called Biwater, they had the contract to extend the water treatment works situated alongside Draycote Water. To get to the site we had to drive around the lake, what a beautiful place. Trout fishing was allowed by licence. I lived on site and some evenings I'd go into Dunchurch village, another beautiful place. I'd go for a bar snack and pint in the 'Green Man' pub, I will never forget the ...see more
My grandmother lived in Waremead Road from 1934 and my uncle lived there till he died in 2005. I remember the dentists opposite Waremead Road, and also the library. This would be the late 1960s to early 1970s. In Waremead Road there used to be a shop which I vaguely remember, it is now a house on the corner. I remember that Faces was once called the Melody Inn but a previous poster said it was called The Villa which ...see more
I remember going to Our Lady of Lourdes church behind Cove Green with my older brother and younger sister, we were dropped off by our grandpop only to spend the collection money we were given by our parents at Charlie's sweet shop, returning back to wait outside the church until Grandpop picked us up again. I don't remember much about the church but I still suffer from bad teeth!
I was bridesmaid at my Auntie Pat and Uncle Rolf's wedding at Presholme church. They met when he was a prisoner of war and married when I was three. I then spent many holidays with them during the 1950s, playing with with their daughter and my cousin from Tynet near Fochabers. I have such wonderful memories of a free childhood, playing in the forests and haystacks of Presholme farm and all the kids from around there.
Libby Read
My Mum, Anna Gregg, was evacuated here during the Second World War, a long way from her mother and family in Belfast. My sisters, my eldest daughter and eldest grand-daughter came here with my mum a few years ago. Mum could still remember all the shops and places she went to whilst she was evacuated here.
Does anybody else have memories of being evacuated here or of my mum?
I was born in 1952 and live firstly in Moss Side & we had a greengrocer's lock-up near the Junction pub. We then moved to Upper Moss Lane where we had a greengrocer's with our house behind - right next to the petrol station. I went to Mulberry Street school before passing my 11+ I then went to Central Grammar School for girls in Manchester. They were fun times & I loved working in the shop when I ...see more
I grew up in Aberbeeg as Pat Howells. Everyone knew the Howells as my dad, Doug, was one of 8 children. My uncle worked in the brewery for many years and I grew up in Woodland Terrace and had to pass the brewery at the end of the road every day to go to school. I also remember the old stables on the square for the brewery dram horses. Dr. Edwards had his surgery in the old hay lofts above. I have ...see more
I was evacuated to Kibworth three times; in 1939 I came probably from my school, Newington Green in North London.
i stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Dinkley. After a few months, a bomb fell in Kibworth, probably on the way to Coventry. My parents took me home, but each time I returned home a bomb fell in our road as it was near an ammunition factory.
After each bomb, I was sent back to the county, the second ...see more
My father, Thomas Armstrong, had a greengrocer's business that he used to deliver by horse & cart. He lived for a long time on Wyngate Road, Cheadle Hulme. I remember when we had the greengrocer's in Hulme, Manchester that he would take us up there on the bus & my sister, Lynne, & I would sit outside the pub, on the grass, with our drinks whilst my Dad played snooker inside. Does anyone remember my Dad & have any further information about him?
My father, Thomas James Armstrong, was living in Great Orton before he went to war in 1915 with the Border Regiment. He was awarded a gold Great Orton medal for his service. Does anyone know anymore information about him or his family or the story behind the medals? His father was James Armstrong, from Lanercost, & his mother Isabella Armstrong nee Storry/Story, from Thurstonfield. Any information would be gratefully recieved.
I was born at Kirktpatrick Fleming on April 29th 1936 at the old transport cafe where there was a cottage and petrol filling pumps on the site, a butchers shop was next door, a barbers shop was on the opposite side of the road - my mother was the owner of the cafe - this is still standing but is now a residence - at one time they sold cb equipment there. I remember as a boy staying at Eastriggs with my Aunt - ...see more
Holmeleigh Children's Home had routines, each cottage home operated supervised by housemothers and assistant housemother who were responsible for daily care needs of children under their care which could be up to 14 children at one time.
Mr Norman Vardy and Matron Elizabeth Vardy over saw that the homes were running smoothly and behaviour of children acceptable. They enforced discipline when ...see more
I have some lovely memories of House Beautiful, me and my 4 sisters were sent there to give my widowed mum a break and us a holiday. I loved the daily walks to the beach, especially going down the zigzag path with shells in the walls, and when it rained sitting in the playroom listening to a recording of 'Peter and the Wolf'. I didn't much like the dorms with the peepot in the middle of the room though, lol. I ...see more
My grandfather, Edward Ernest Light, was the lock keeper at Sonning when this photo would have been taken. He was married to Lily and they had 3 sons, Edgar, Harold and Len, and a daugher Evie. Harold was my father and was born in the lock keeper's cottage in 1912 (and was later married in Sonning Church). My grandfather was very proud of the lock gardens and frequently won the Thames Conservancy cup for the best kept ...see more
Looking at the 1911 Census, I note that my house - 39 Spencers Lane, Digmoor - is listed as being the Cottage Hospital with a Mr. Wilson, a widower, as caretaker. Does anybody have any information about its role, nursing staff, how it became designated as a hospital, when it began, finished - anything? Thankyou
Does anyone remember my father Bill Hamilton and Flo (or Flossie) Hamilton stationed there just before the Second World War? My mother often mentioned Tidmouth x
As a family we would holiday in Weymourth every year from about 1958-1963. We used to stay in a bed and breakfast owned by a Mrs Walkadine. As I was so young my memories revolve around the wonderful beach, the donkeys and egg sandwiches full of sand. I would love to visit the house we stayed in but my parents are both dead and I was too young to remember such things. Does anyone know of a way to find the address ...see more
I often used to go dancing at Eltham Swimming Baths in the winter with my boyfriend, Frank Fellows, who I later married in 1954. I remember the bandleader Ted Heath performed there. So many happy memories. Lived in Mottingham Village, I was then called Sylvia Street. My father owned a shoe repair shop.
Dear Ian, If my memory is correct it was about the above year that I baby sat for you while your mother and father went to Scotish Dancing. Bob who was studying at night school would sit and do his home work while I did knitting or read a book.
On our last visit to the UK we saw your mother at the Diocesan Conference Centre where we went to pick up Ann Woodword after she had finished ...see more
I lived in Hutton Rudby but we had family friends in Crathorne, the Gibsons. They lived in Rose Cottage opposite the post office and village shop.
I use to work on weekends for Redvest Bolton, a local farmer and landlord of the Crathore Arms. Some time during the shooting season we would all go beating for Sir Thomas Dugdale from Crathorne Hall. I believe in later years Nartin Gibson became the game keeper on the ...see more
I grew up in the farm in the picture. My parents were Ern and Megan Sheppard. Dad delivered milk for many years, initially from churns carried around in a horse and cart and later the milk was in glass bottles from a delivery van. They kept the farm looking so nice. They whitewashed the house every few years and Mum had a lovely flower garden. A gentleman drew a picture of her garden for his wife to ...see more
Reading someone else's comment about Oak Bank School I am fascinated by their memory. I went to what I only remember as an Open Air School in Seal when I was very young. Don't know what for but think I was a sickly child and this was for my health. I remember vividly the beautiful countryside and the school (where we actually lived) in beautiful woodland surroundings and there were wonderful walks in the ...see more
I lived at Holmeleigh children's home from August 1966 until it closed down in 1969 to become a college, an educational facility. We were transferred abruptly from another residential settling different village in Lincolnshire in August 1966. I was moved with a group of children. Other cottages homes started closing down around 1968. Home 9 closed down in December 1969 it was one of the last ...see more
Does anyone remember the doctor at Bargoed Hall? First it was Dr Thomas E Richards and then later his son, Dr Arthur Richards who died in 1970. My husband used to visit his great grandma at Bargoed Hall in the 60s when he was a very small boy. He says Bargoed Hall (to him) was huge, dark and scary. His great grandma Winifred was an avid collector of antiques and china and the house was full to overflowing ...see more
Yes I remember Muffets the fish mongers. I worked after school and at the weekends, in the early 60's, in Tate’s Store at the bottom of the High Street, It was a general store that sold everything and anything you wanted from ice cream to petrol. I use to work in the store, serve petrol and also deliver groceries, on a heavy trade pushbike, all over Old Harlow and Churchgate Street. We also use to recharge and deliver ...see more
Because I was raised by my Grandparents I inherited their surname Green untill I left Pelton Modern school and started work. Mole Terrace being the street where we lived served not only as a football pitch but also cricket-rounders-hopscotch-tiggy-marbles-hoopring and sledging. Outside toilets and the Midden men collecting household waste I remember and the metal sliding door served as a wicket. Broughs man ...see more
I have finally found a site where the Lanfranc name is Girls and Boys. I lived in Rosecourt Road in Croydon from the age of 11 until we moved to Kent when I was about 17.
My brother Alan went to Lanfranc boys and I to the Lanfranc girls school.
Alan was the light of my life, I say was because he went to Norway on that awful day. I loved him dearly and have just started reading the "Lanfranc Boys" book ...see more
I was recently given a copy of your delightful book - 'Around Bristol'. I was born just outside Bristol - my parents and brothers survived being bombed in their house in Clifton (I have some pictures) - and lived in Clifton from 1946 to 1969. A couple of pieces of additional information about pictures in the book.
Page 69 - Clifton suspension bridge. Buses and commercial ...see more
I am writing this excerpt on behalf of my mother who now lives abroad.
'My name is Elizabeth Ferrier, nee Tyrrell. I was seven years old in 1953. I was sent to Port Regis in late 1953 or early 1954. I was there for 18 months which included part of 1955. I remember Jean Hankinson, Pauline King, Margaret Sedgewick, Dolores Doyle and Doreen McGovern. As far as I know these girls didn't ...see more
Yes I remember The Triangle, I used to buy fish and chips at Coopers fish and chip shop. They had a collie dog like Lassie, called Shaun. My dad used to take me to Mr. Law's shop to buy my school shoes. His shop was on the left of the picture. On the right used to be a carpet shop.
I lived opposite the Catholic church from 1949 untill 1970 when I joined the army. I was friends then with Bridget Cox and Eileen White. We went to Sunday school at the Congregational church for years. Somehow I fell out with Bridget and Eileen and her family moved away. I remember Martins shop at the end of Langport Road and used to get groceries for my mum. My dad was a thatcher and ...see more
Hi, I lived a lot of my life in Haydock. I lived in Elizabeth Road then Wycliffe Road, then moved to Ashton for 26 years but now I'm back in Haydock.
I used to go to the Cat Pit and spend hours there. I'm 54 nearly now....
We used to run through the barley fields and Lyons Maid was there too.
We used go down the railway embankment on pieces of cardboard before the trains came ..they were steam trains then. I went ...see more
My mother's aunt, my great-aunt Annie was the house keeper at Brambridge during the 1920s. My great-uncle Ernest, great-aunt Annie's brother, was the chauffeur and responsible for the running and maintenance of the family's cars, and for looking after the generators. At that time Mr & Mrs Hezeltine, their daughter Eileen and sons Michael & John lived at Brambridge. There was also a ...see more
Born 1946, lived at Prospect Farm, Hardisty Hill till 1972. Then got married, returned in 1978 to 2 Hardisty Hill, known in them days as the Airey houses. Parents still lived at Prospect Farm. Went to Fewston School then to Otley Modern. Teacher at Fewston was Miss Cheesebrough. Most people worked for Leeds Council in woods or woodyard at Blubberhouses. Then Yorkhams bacon factory started, both my sisters worked ...see more
I used to live in Denes Aveue which was lined with alternate apple and cherry trees. I lived at no 4 with the Pike family. I went to the infant's school which was split into two or three sections. There was one at the bottom of a lane, a second halfway up and a third towards the top, I believe. I also went to the secondary school. My surname was Oliver. Although I had lots of friends my memories are not good ones.
I never knew my grandparents they died before I was born.
I have recently learnt that my grandparents were from large families.
My maternal grandfather lived in Fenham, William Robert Wilson, who married a Smiley (I don't know if this is how you spell it).
My grandfather was a Regimental Sergeant Major with medals, and after leaving the army was a tram driver, and grew fantastic leeks. From what I have ...see more
My dad was stationed at no 1 South Street (old police house) in the year I was born, he was a PC. Then I believe we moved to 1 Almshouse Lane. My mum died in 1952,leaving behind my young sister and me and my dad. Dad eventually hired a nanny and then married her in the church next to what is now the italian restaurant. That's about all I remember, perhaps others will remember me.
I was born in 1952 in Washington Road, Worcester Park. From age 6 I was doing the shopping for my two feckless parents up and down that road on a 3 wheel trike. My life from then was as the most abused child imaginable. I took myself to school and home was always bruised and punch drunk and my useless mother was quite open about her hatred of me and her wish for my death. Two schoolteachers lived very near us ...see more
Hi
I was taken to the upper Rhondda valley (Tynewydd) by my mother in 1940 , I was some 9 yrs old. I went to school both primary and secondary (Treherbert boys school). I had lots of cousins. Myself and my cousin walked through the rail tunnel from Blaenrondda to Blaengwynfi to see our uncle. We really got into some trouble. My uncle was named Bill Myring and I spent many happy times with him. My mum ...see more
We moved in to the lodge at the main gate of the castle on 6th June 1953 till March 1965. Spent many happy hours playing in the castle gardens and summer houses and also in the castle itself, it was partly furnished then and I used to go up main staircase and onto the roof, great view across the parks and to Penrith, also down in the cellers where there was lots of stuffed animals and ex-army radios and ariels which ...see more
Hi, does anyone recall these flats? My grandparents lived there, Mr and Mrs Rowe. My grandad worked on the Barbican, he was a skipper on a fishing boat. They had a large family, my dad was one of their children, name of George Rowe. They have all long gone but I still have lots of family in Plymouth. Shirley Jones (nee Rowe)
We have an heirloom picture of relatives, one was said to be the Gamekeeper at Ranmore. It is of four people, one of them an infant, perhaps aged six in a smock, and the elder, whose name eludes me as I write, has been mutilated and lost his hand and has a hook on his left arm. One of the men, "Uncle" , had a shop selling shoes to the north of Chessington, my mother, nee' "Kit" White, told me. NAMES T.F.
JLT
My dad was brought up in Battersea, he lived in Roydon Street, just off Battersea High Street. I remember the street well but can find nothing about it on the web or even find a map with it on. It was a weird kind of street, it was split down the middle and where my dad lived was in the middle of the road so to speak, it was a sort of triangle in the middle of the street, the front door to the house was in ...see more
My grandfather came up from Cranbourne in Dorset and was head gamekeeper of Eastwell Park all his working life, and my mother met my father, Alfred Clark, when he was sent there to work. They married in the church that was later to be bombed. The house of my grandparents was next to the church on the lake that we as children (my sister and brother and I) used to go out in a punt to fish on, then it had ...see more
My memories are of Lofty never refusing to take extra an extra lad in, my son Nick was a regular there, also my daughter Andrea, on the girls' night, I remember the annual camp at Bwilch,Deganwy in Wales, I used to go for Sports Day, with some of the other mums and dads. Lofty was a rare breed, such a wonderful role model then, much needed, now, my son still remembers him, and all he taught him about teamwork, ...see more
I was brought up in Larkfield Road, Pudsey, I went to Primrose Hill School and then to Crawshaw Sec, these were the best days, playing in Pudsey Park. My nanny lived on Ratcliff Terrace, I wonder if the houses are still there? I used to call for my best friend Margaret Farrand who lived at Owlcoates.
I remember the fire station was on the corner in the market square and a big siren sounded when there was a fire call. Te swimming baths were a must on a Saturday morning.
Bev Beck (nee Kelk)
Packed off to Lostwithiel in the train from Paddington and found myself living in the Black Prince's Castle - Restormal. Well not quite, the farm on the Estate. I was baptised in St Winnow C.of E Church as part of our peregrinations and ended up living on Bodmin Hill in one of the terraced houses near the top on the east side. Went to Bodmin Hill Infants, as time went on, with my brother Nicholas. I ...see more
I have fond memories of holidays at California in England from the early sixties. I spend my holidays there with my parents over four years from 1963 to 1966. It was a great holiday and as a young boy there was a lot to do. The glass floored ballroom was amazing ,made, it is rumoured, from glass that came from the old Crystal Palace in London.
There was swimming in the lake, boating, fishing, ...see more
From Bury to Porthtowan in those days was a long hard drive, especially with three screaming kids in the back. To make it easier we would set off at 2am and drive through the night... in those days less than half the distance was motorway and with breaks we would be pulling on to Porthtowan car park,bleary eyed at around 10-30 am.
Usually on arrival it was raining cats and dogs but we didn't care, the beach, ...see more
It would be great to hear from anybody who was around Dalton Street , Worth Street, Danzic Street, or who went to the Rex picture house, played on Barnies, Bobs Hill, went in Jock Stobbers, lads that had ther hair cut at Harry's and the Shamrock barbers. My dad drank in the Friendship Pub. We played cricket a long the railway wall what we call the square, that game started when the six weeks holiday started and ...see more
My Great Grandfather Alfred Saunders (1863-1944) looked after the Volunteer Arms before he semi-retired, he also had an interest in the Forest King Pub and the Percy Arms at Chilworth (plus he had shares in Hodgsons brewery) The Forest King and the Percy Arms were operated by his cousins and it was a cousin who temporarily took over the Volunteer Arms
My Great Great Grandparents Frederick & Mary Saunders owned the Forest King Pub. He is listed as a publican in the 1881 & 1891 census and Frederick died 24 Jan 1894 and Mary died in 1904. Alexander Saunders was then the licenced-victualler.
Hi, my name is Alan Sims, it could have been Morgan in 1953, I was there for two terms, I cannot remember too many names, Mr and Mrs Savage, so gentle after a tyrant of a teacher in London. I remember the Young Farmers Club and playing football on Front Court. My fondest memory was helping the woodwork teacher to finish buiding the stage in the hall, then one day he took me over to the piano ...see more
From Chrismas Avenue to the bathing pool, come rain or come shine, every day of the summer was bathing pool fun time for us lads. With our towels rolled up and tucked under our arms and our costumes on to save time, a bag of sandwiches and your entrance money if you were lucky... otherwise it was over the fence.
On arrival it was through the turnstile and with a quick glance at the water degree board ...see more
My memories are of working as a night care assistant from 1985 to 1990. Our work pattern was to work 7 nights on! This meant there was time during the shift to study and admire the fixtures and fittings throughout, as we had to clean it as well as look after approx 51 residents! Lots of wood floors, and panelling to dust and polish!
Early summer mornings at 4.00am we could see the crab boats go ...see more
I was born in Cardinal Avenue before my village changed completely, I went to the nursery which was 2 big buildings opposite Cardinal Avenue in a piece of scrub land, behind that was the park and library and behind that was the Rock film studio which now presents 'East Enders'.
There were 2 other film studios, one was the MGM where 'Cleopatra' (with Liz Taylor & Burton) was made plus many other good films of the day, ...see more
Many years ago, about 1951, us children myself and my brothers and our friends used to play on the fields where now Bilston Colledge is situated off the Wellington Roa in Bilston. We had such fun playing on those fields, running up and down the bonks, as us Bilstonians would say, and also jumping the rusty brook. If there is anybody out there who remembers those fields, let us know. I am also ...see more
My late father-in-law's father used to live in the cottage next to the Post Office, until he died. My father-in-law inherited the cottage, and my husband and I spent glorious holidays there, and lots of long weekends with our children, from around 1965 until my father-in-law passed away in the 1980s. We remember the pub so well as my husband used to play his guitar and we had a lovely sing song in ...see more
I was born in Upper Clatford in 1945. I have fond memories the good and bad times. I went to the local school where we would draw on slates with chalks. I used to live in cottages now pulled down. There was a well at the bottom of the path where I drew water in a wooden bucket. I had a dog, Tiny was his name. My friends and myself often went to play in the old chalk pit. I was brought up in a family by my mother, ...see more
My overriding memory of "The Aldershot Cottage Hospital"was of blind panic and fear, and of a day in 1946 aged six years old I was taken to what must have been the out-patients department to have a very large carbuncle in the joint of my left arm lanced. I remember and was later told that it took two nurse's a doctor and my mother to hold me down to enable them to administer the gas to knock me ...see more
This is very much a shot in the dark.
My parents, Jim & Eva Davidson, moved to Barnhurst in the late 1930s and lived in a maisonette, ground floor I believe. My father worked at the Woolwich Arsenal ordinance factory and I was around 3-4 years old, having been born in Ilford in 1936.
Obviously my memory is minimal but there are a few things that may jog somebody's.
My father dug a out and erected an ...see more
I went to teach in Wookey School in September 1957. My name was Ann Lawrence, "Miss Lawrence!". I came to Wookey after teaching at Dagenham Docks, and Wookey was heaven! The headmaster was Mr. Watts, a lovely man. He lived in the school house,and he and Mrs. Watts attended Wells Methodist Church. My first 3 weeks were spent in the farm next to the school and I then got "The most wonderful digs" in Portway, Wells, with ...see more
I used to stay with my aunt and cousin Joy Culley in Shirley Grove. I used to go to meet my uncle Syd from work down Cuckcuhall Lane or maybe it was Nightingale Lane and have a ride home on his crossbar of his bike. I also remember the big chimney stack being taken down. Later my aunt moved to Enfield and had a grocery shop in Baker Street, it was called Culleys, and I used to go on deliveries with my uncle in his very old Ford car, then they moved to Suffolk to retire x
I remember getting stuck up the top of one of these slides when I was about 4 years old! My big brother, who is 16 years my senior, took me out for the day with his girlfriend, to Chessington Zoo.
I went up the steps of one of these slides and found it was so high I was too scared to come down, despite his encouragement from the ground. He had to climb the steps and, as children followed him up, had bring me down ...see more
London Road was a very different place 50 years ago to the collection of twee wine bars and restaurants that it is now. It was a real 'working' village providing all the goods and services that were needed by the resident community. Going north down London Road from the de Trafford Hotel, there was an excellent fish and chip shop on the corner of Chorley Hall Lane and London Road; a very popular spot as ...see more
I was the last Postmaster to run Hambledon PO. I am very sorry to say that apart from a few very kind people in the village, no one offered any help or support when I needed it. All I mostly received was criticism from the villagers. One of the sad things about living in England is the constant talk about community spirit, I can tell you, I found it lacking in Hambledon.
Being brought up in Knotty Ash I lived quite close to Liverpool's famous comedian Ken Dodd.
In those days Ken had a large van, and used to come around the area selling pots and pans and many other household items. I used to go round knocking on doors to help sell the wares.
About ten years ago I was at a private show in nearby Prescot in a hotel where Ken was performing. When the show was over ...see more
I was 14 when our family spent a rather wet week at Gibsons Holiday Camp in the summer of 1966. However, despite the weather, there was much to do. We arrived on World Cup Final day, - the TV was in the bar, but my Dad was allowed to bring me in to watch the match. It was strictly 'men only' which rather annoyed my sister! I remember my parents entering me in the Junior Talent Show, - I played piano, ...see more