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.
Search for Local Memories
Search for your favourite UK places and read memories of the local area in days gone by.
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
Tips & Ideas
Not sure what to write? It's easy - just think of a place that brings back a memory for you and write about:
-
How the location features in your personal history?
-
The memories this place inspires for you?
-
Stories about the community, its history and people?
-
People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
-
Has it changed over the years?
-
How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?
This week's Places
Here are some of the places people are talking about in our Share Your Memories community this week:
...and hundreds more!
Enjoy browsing more recent contributions now.
Subscribe
Join the thousands who receive our regular doses of warming nostalgia! Have our latest blog posts and archive news delivered directly to your inbox. Absolutely free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Displaying Memories 31121 - 31200 of 36914 in total
My father's aunt and uncle lived in Newhaven. Ted Hoskins was his uncle's name, he was injured in the First World War and later worked at the lighthouse at the end of the breakwater before it was automated. His wife's name was May Jane. After the Second World War I went with my parents many times to Newhaven for holidays, always in September. In 1955 we stayed in a caravan on the Meeching Court Farm site in a ...see more
I remember going here to have my tonsils out at the age of 7, and I was in hospital when President Kennedy was assassinated!
Oh!!! It is absolutely wonderful to find this site. I trained as an RN at St. Helier's Hospital in from 1964-1968. I have lived in the USA since 1974. I have always wanted to find someone who knew about St. Helier's. I talked with someone about it today and she suggestesd I try the internet, and there it is. I am so excited I can hardly concentrate. I want to know if anyone out there knows of a reunion or ...see more
My father's people were from Wyddial, their name was Pinner. I was baptized at St. Giles, along with my sister. (My parents felt I should be old enough to remember this event). The dish in the font was cracked. I later stayed with my cousin Angela, she lived in Buntingford, her parents were from Aspenden. For the six weeks I was with her I worked for Mr Hodge, of Hodges Farm, Wyddial. My dad had worked for the same farm as a boy. I worked at the duck farm.
I recall, with the occasional shudder, the freezing cold winters of the 1940s. I spent Saturday evenings earning a couple of shillings (that's 10p to you youngsters!!) working from 4.30pm to 6.00pm selling newspapers in the centre part of the crossover bridge at Motspur Park railway station. I worked for Berny Bromhead, who had a newspaper kiosk that was situated in the wide pedestrian walkway that ...see more
My mum was born in March 1931 in the Easington Colliery area, 26 Boyd Street, and was the youngest of 5. All the men in the family were miners - they lived close to Easington and Horden for work. The two elder sisters, Doris and Greta (named after the Greta Bridge in Rokeby), were away from home for the latter part of the war years working in bigger towns. My Aunt Greta never returned to live in the north ...see more
Wow, I have many fun memories about St Andrew's Church, living next door for many years and being a member in my younger years. To me it was like my second home. Does anyone remember Skipp? He was a lovely man, I got many a telling off for ringing the church bells, which I did on most days ,driving the neighbours crazy until they put new doors on. Not because of me, but things got stolen inside the ...see more
The Tadley Bong Lugging Community started years ago and is still going.
I lived in Ecclefechan from 1958 to 1973. I started Hoddam primary in 1963 and left Hoddam primary school in 1970 to go to Lockerbie Academy. My teachers at Hoddam were :- Primary 1 - Mrs Hope, Primary 2 - Mrs Patterson, Primary 3 - Mrs Davidson, Primary 4 & 5 - Mrs McBride and Primary 6 & 7 - Mr Hope. We also had a music teacher called Mrs Collinge who would turn up every wednesday and give us a ...see more
I had the pleasure of living in Beechcroft since the day I was born in 1954, my parents and grandparents had bought the rectory, named a "White Elephant"as no one had lived in it for 4 years. During that time we had birthday parties on the front lawn, unless of course you were born in January. My parents loved to have BBQ's in the grounds. My sister and I had our weddings here and walked across the lawn to the ...see more
I cannot remember a time where Flimby did not feature in my life. My father was born on Ryehill Road, and my grandfather was born and bred in Flimby. It once was a pit village and my grandfather John Watters was an engineer, his father was the winding engineman. In my childhood my grandparents lived at 1 Sycamore Cottage, tucked away behind the brow and looking over Beckside. Beyond lay Flimby Woods that my grandma loved so ...see more
Where's the bridge SD Esq?
I was born in Upper Heyford. My parents lived at Somerton Road, my dad came from Upper Heyford and lived at Bunny Row as it was called and still is. I went to the local village school. The infant teacher was Mrs Jones and in the juniors the teacher was Mrs Cooper Scott, I think. One thing that happened involved two certain boys who set fire to a hayrick in Bill Varney's yard which ...see more
I was 10 when I was sent from my home in Bognor Regis to the Unitarian Church's holiday camp at Great Hucklow for three weeks. Since I was the only child from the south of England, I was frequently teased about my accent. I remember being miserable a lot of the time thinking that my parents had wanted to get rid of me. I even tried to run away up to the top of the hill where the gliders took off. But ...see more
As a youngster I, along with two other brothers, attended the RED school in West Barnes Lane (infants and juniors) and when old enough, I moved over the sports field to the White School (seniors). My brothers moved on to the Beverley School in Blakes Lane, Motspur Park. During the mid 1940s, it was the job of us boys, on a Saturday morning, to take Mum's pram around to Champion's the timber merchants' ...see more
My name is Linda Bannister and I was born at Lodge Farm, High Halden. Does anyone remember Harbourne Hall before it was demolished? My fond memory is of a Christmas Party at the Hall when I was five years old. My memory is as follows:- The milk churn stand stood on the side of the lane by the big old oak tree and as you rounded the corner our house stood on the left. It was once the ...see more
It was Dec 1965, and my sister Ellen Blackham and I sailed to England from Perth, Western Australia, to spend time with my sister Doris Whitby. Doris and her husband Roy had purchased The Old Rectory in the late 1950s. It was no longer required as a rectory and was therefore put on the market. I will never forget driving down Station Lane on that grey afternoon in December and seeing Beechcroft (my sister ...see more
I did my nurse training at Pastures Hospital back in 1981, and I think the name of this ward was Ridgeway (but I may be wrong) - it was a rehabilitation ward then. Sadly, these wards are no longer there, but I have some great memories. Trisha
Hi all, I spent a few years in Lound, then came to Canada. I have been back to my little village a few times - there are many changes now! To anyone reading this - I would like to know what happened to the Burford family- they lived at the crossroads in the village, there were three girls and the one I would like to contact is Barbra. At the time I left for Canada and retired to live in Retford then ...see more
When I lived in Twyford and surrounding areas between when I was born in 1944 and when I moved away from the area in 1971, much of my time was spent in Twyford. My uncle, aunt and my cousins lived in Norton Cottage, which was situated 20 yards from this side of the Royal Oak, and set back from London Road shown in this photo. The house between the Royal Oak and Norton cottage belonged to Mr ...see more
I well remember the watercress beds at West Ashling as I started work there the day after I left school. Mr Pusey and his wife (he married Miss Florry Hair) were my bosses. I remember a Charlie Hotson and Harry Earl who also worked there. I left in 1960 to join the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue. My father Jack Young worked at Hambrok for Miss Nancy Hair all his working life. John Young.
While staying with my Uncle and Aunt in Uley during the school holidays, I bought an air-pistol. To be on the safe side I bought a Gun Licence from the Post Office in Dursley. Ken Cook
I attempted to walk parts of the Cotswold Way in the late 1970s, but didn't get very far. Instead I spent time at this Youth Hostel, walking to various villages nearby, lunching in some lovely pubs. Good memories. Ken Cook
I remember as a young lad, cycling to Keston Ponds from my home in Nunhead, my brother's fishing rod tied to the cross-bar. I was disappointed not to catch a fish. Ken Cook
Just before Christmas in 1953 I was admitted to St Giles' Hospital in Camberwell, south London. It was thought that I had TB. I was allowed home for Christmas, although confined to bed.
After Christmas I was taken by ambulance to Highwood Hospital in Brentwood, which my parents told me was a 'convalescent home'. One of the boys on my Ward quickly disillusioned me, as of course all of the patients had varying ...see more
Soon after the end of WW2, we stayed in Frampton on Severn, at the home of my Uncle Percy and his wife Mary. My Uncle Percy worked on an Estate, possibly Frampton Court. With some of the local lads we liked to visit, what they called "the Hock" where we walked along the edge of the River Severn when the river level was low. During that holiday I fell and broke my arm (probably while trespassing in the grounds of Frampton Court) and had to be taken to hospital in Gloucester. Ken Cook
My paternal grandfather, Joseph Cook, lived at No 24 Newbridge Road, Pontllanfraith and to avoid the bombing where we lived in South London, we stayed in his house. I was too young for school, but my brothers, Joe and Pat attended the local primary school, during our stay. I recall my brothers setting fire to the gorse bushes on an area of land which the local kids referred to as "the common", and that the fire engine was called to put out the fire! Ken Cook
I have recently aquired a picture (thanks to Lyn of Elton History Society) of the cottages in Well Street where my ancestors lived but sadly they were demolished in 1930.
This railway ran along Thamesside Promenade in the 1940s and 1950s. It was operated by Harold Judd. The line runs between chain-link fencing and an iron fence, and the train, approaching the camera, carries a number of children. There were apparently two 10 1/4" gauge lines.
This photograph features someone sitting on a bench in the foreground of Orford Castle. It is a strong possibility that it is my Uncle Jim (James Ellis) Smy. This was his favourite spot and he could be found sitting there catching up with his friends. There are several legends attached to Orford Castle. The most famous is that of the Merman. Villagers allegedly caught him in fishing nets and imprisoned him in the ...see more
My memory is of Barnehurst Avenue, where I was born in Number 48, and I had a great childhood from then on. I remember playing in the road as there were not many cars, going to Martins Grove swimming and playing. I had lots of friends when I was growing up who all lived in the road, we had a great time. I remember waiting for the ice cream man on a Sunday, and playing in the allotments behind my house at the bottom of the garden. If I could buy a house down there now, I would.
My great-grandfather Hugh Bell (born 1854) was the 13th child to be baptised at the then new church. He was later married there in 1874 to an Alice Gradwell from Preston. One of many children of William Gradwell (born 1818) and a descendant from the famous GRADWELL family. I, Brian Freeman, was a painter and decorator and served my apprenticeship with John Corbishley and Sons, 170 North Road, Preston from 1950/1956, and ...see more
My dad was the manager at this pool and I used to spend all my time here with him, until he sadly died in 1972, when I was only 8 years old. I still love swimming today and it is a very big part of my life. I would love to know if anyone has any more pictures of the pool from 1970-1972. Or if anyone remembers my father, Tom Turner. Many thanks Lynette Turner
Love is ... Lympstone in 1960, a village girl called Vera, me, a young marine who did not want to be a marine, a real family called Stone, the smell of the Exe, a kiss under a tree during a summer thunder storm, glow worms in the lanes as I walked back from leaving her home, a last kiss goodbye, a silver ciggie case given to me as a present, going back in 2008 and seeing Vera, again a last kiss goodbye as it should have ...see more
My mother Iris Woods was evacuated to Penny Bridge during WW2. She first stayed at Penny Bridge House with the Stanley sisters - Franny & Alice? She then was moved to Mrytle Cottage to live with Fred & Ellen Stanley. She has very fond and happy memories of her time there. I'm trying to trace some information for her with a view to visiting in the New Year. If any one can help we'd love to hear from you, my e.mail address is rebeccajwoods@blueyonder.co.uk many thanks Rebecca
My family built a chalet in Newgale in 1943. This was in the middle of the Second World War. We had many holidays there over the years and were joined by friends on many occasions. After 33 years the chalet needed replacing and this was done in 1976. During the war, holiday workers came to the area to work on local farms and were housed in various properties in Newgale. On the Sands Cafe car park a dining ...see more
My father was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford 1949 to 1953. My brothers, Peter, Michael and myself, Mary, went to the village school. My older brother Richard went to school in Steeple Aston. I remember the two rooms, the infants with Mrs Jones in the small building and the Juniors in the other. We had a teacher, a Mrs Kearney, the same surname as myself, who lived in the teachers house ...see more
My mum visited Southend-on-Sea during her childhood years. She was born in 1917. Her family made a day trip there once per year, on public transport. They could only afford one visit per year because they were poor. I was more fortunate and visited there regularly with my parents throughout my childhood, sometimes with other relatives in tow, my aunts and uncles and young cousins. I was ...see more
I also have fond memories of Erith, the Odeon and of Brook Street School - a fine school with fine men teaching, many just back from the war. The school motto was 'Integrity' and they set a good example (save for two miserable music teachers who shall be nameless). They did well by us ... several in my class learned to read and write. I left the school aged 15 in 1955 and served a five year apprenticeship at ...see more
This photgraph brought instant memories of when, as a teenager, I regularly walked with friends, Barry, George, Eric, and others, from Portland Street (Near the Royal Infirmary) to Crookes Valley Park. There we hired racquets and balls for an hour, and played tennis on the court to the right of the bowling green shown in the photograph. We were 'The Young Ones', full of energy and careering around the court, ...see more
My great-grandfather bought Heathway in Sheath Lane in 1925. We lived there from 1945 to 1953 when my father built Winterbourne in Goldrings Road on Crown Land with a 99-year lease. I went to Oxshott Primary School and St Andrews Sunday School in the old village hall. I can remember the milkman and the rag-and-bone man driving horse-drawn carts down Sheath Lane, and the walk through the woods to the ...see more
My father Cornelius Henry Johns (Naily to everyone who knew him) was born in the little Round House on the left of the photo. He was the youngest of a large family, and there were 11 people living there in 1899. They then moved to Caragloose Farm, where his father and older brothers worked for Colliver Blamey. Colliver lived at Pennare Wallace. As soon as he was old enough my father started work on the farms with ...see more
I have seen some more great memories of Harringay at the local community site, Harringay Online. I think you can find it through Google. Loved reading all your memories. Hugh
This is the best picture yet of that great old tree that I have found. I sat on its roots at the age of 5 years back in 1939, and all through the war it was a great place to sit out of the rain. I have a picture of it when it was young, and a picture of its stump full of flowers. Its branches were held together with chains and very few kids could climb it. I haven't seen it since 1952. It would be great if someone had a picture of the complete tree.
I have a picture of the cottage that my grandfather lived in with his family. His name was Cecil Stafford. His father was a thatcher and hedgerow maker as I understand. The picture I have is of the family in front of their thatched cottage that my grandmother said was right across from the church. I would love to know more about the town and if anyone knew the Staffords. I know there were 10 or eleven children. ...see more
I used to live in the first house on the left side of the photo 'Thurlestone Cottages 1890', in 1969 for a number of years. The house was then called 'Thatchways'. The smaller cottages attached to the main house are now missing; I believe they were destroyed many years before. We did however discover the old flagstone floor under the front lawn!!
Well, this is just a thought , but school dinners have come to mind. I was like some who said they didn't like school dinners even if you hadn't tried them, in the early years of school this was a good excuse for going home for an hour. I don't know when I started staying at school for dinner but I certainly don't regret it. I remember some of the menu and if I have missed anything off please tell: mince and dumplings, ...see more
My father and I had boats on the river for many years, on the moorings in the picture. The boat with the cabin sporting a port hole in the side belonged to me. I spent most of my childhood on Wareham's rivers, fishing and boating.
I was born in the White Horse pub in Calne in 1952, at No 1 Wood Street. My grandparents, Alec and Dorothy Poole, were landlords at the time. I loved to stay there as a very small child and my room was a cosy room in the attic with a window to the street. They had a budgie called Joey and a dog whose name escapes my memory. I also remember a birthday when I was given a doll nearly as big as me. There was a vegetable ...see more
I visited Boynton Hall during my year long study abroad as an English Speaking Union Scholarship recipient to Wrekin College, in Wellington, Telford, Shropshire, during the academic year 1974/1975. At that time an architect, Mr Cooke and his wife were the owners of Boynton Hall. I had written to Mr. Cooke prior to my visiting the Hall at the suggestion of my elderly cousin who ...see more
I was 11 when this photograph was taken and lived in Buller Street. The land where the Gypsy Moth was built had previously been a green space where a bonfire was held every November.
Top right side - corner flat. Wimpey Homes 1986 - Clydebank's Centenary year - flats collectively renamed Centenary Court
As children we used to play in the half demolished Tay Mill, and fish for tiddlers in the mill lodge. Our parents used to tell us to stay away otherwise Granny Green Teeth would get us.
Hello, my name is Andy Murfet. Thanks to this site I have just made contact with my school mate Martin Chapman, I am sure we will now stay in touch with each other. Martin has joged my memory with some other school mates, Rosemary White, another girl with the surname of Shaw, and a drama teacher with the surname of Jogo. BUT IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO WAS AT THE SCHOOL BETWEEN 1963-70 PLEASE GET IN TOUCH, I ...see more
This photograph is of St Edmund Hall, affectionately known as 'Teddy Hall', which by common consent is the oldest seat of learning in the University of Oxford. Founded in the early 13th century by St Edmund of Abingdon, who lectured in the old church of St Peter in the East, which is now the college library. St Edmund later became Archbishop of Canterbury. Scholars of St Edmund Hall are renowned for their prowess on ...see more
I went to Downshall school as it was then. It is vastly altered now. On the left of picture was a row of shops. First on the left was a greengrocers. Then the fish andd chips shop. Then Alberts Cafe, Balls the chemist. Then Leslie W Hubbard the hardware shop. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's not a bad memory going back to 1955. I lived round the corner in Norfolk Road at 128 and was late for school most days. ...see more
I had forgotten that the buses used to use the area in front of the abbey as a terminus. I lived in Selby from my birth in 1954 until 1972. I frequently caught a bus from the corner of Buller Street & Flaxley Road to school on Abbotts Road. Most of the buses in Selby were green, but the East Yorkshire buses were a regal shade of dark blue with a cream stripe.
I was a pupil here from 1960 to 68. Who can add to the following list of teachers? Mr Crossland (headmaster) Mr Taylor Mr Perry Miss Atkinson Miss Read (everyone was affraid of her) Miss Booth (she was not a teacher, but was loved by everyone) Miss Wormold
This photograph brings back so many memories. As a child I lived in Buller Street until 1972. I spent many happy Saturdays at the Ritz cinema, seen here in the right background. How civilised this looks. I recently went back to look at my "roots", Flaxley Road is now a traffic nightmare and the whole area is in decline. The only street which retains its charm is White Street.
What a delight to find this site and the photographs of Sutton Coldfield. I too have memories of a children's home but mine were of Watson House. From what I remember it was a big beautiful Tudor-built house, with the biggest in and out drive I have ever had the pleasure of being permitted to walk on without being chased off, the sound of the gravel beneath my child sized shoes always amused me. I often think of ...see more
Hello, I have lived in Llanrumney most of my 55 years and would like to point out that I think the photo of Rumney rec. and Llanrumney Ave is the wrong way round.Viewed from where it is the avenue would bend from left to right. Regards, Nigel Coles
I saw the memories of the lady whose grandparents owned Levers butchers. I remember my mum taken me there when I was tiny to get steak and kidney etc. My mum died in 1974 so it was a long time ago.
I remember taking a walk in the Wynnstay Park in 1976,the famous drought year. I still live in Ruabon, but a lot has changed.
I used to sit and wait for the Number 11 bus, if I remember correctly on the bench facing the post office, and I am ashamed to say I never really took in the names on the war memorial or realized what they had done for us all. I now live in Holland and the next time I am in Stopsley for a visit I will look again at the names and remember.
I would love to hear from Sybil Merryweather's daughter, I don't know what happened, I did answer you, and any others who remember that time. Irwin Parker.
Hi Rosemary, Once again I found you very heplful, you sent me info on Princess Mary Homes. I followed it up and found them very helpful, only trouble is other people on same page (not covered by freedom of information) will have to wait for another couple of years until the next census to find out where she went when leaving the home. Thanking you once again for taking trouble to answer. Regards, Shirley (Ken Epps)
My husband and I used to go dancing in Cwmdu library, it used to be packed with people and we listened to live bands.
I remember Gittens high class grocery shop when it was in Hill Street, it then moved to 10-12 High Street, moving into Shakespears hardware shop. What I remember most was the aroma of the coffee being ground in a special machine. The staff were always friendly. The shop was taken over by Ernest George. I remember 'Minnie with the glasses' who I identified when I was about 5 years old, she had worked there for years. ...see more
I went to live in Nash in 1955 as a foster child. I attended Nash School from 1955 - 1958 when Mrs Jones was the headmistress. The school sadly closed in 1958 and we were moved to Burford School near Tenbury Wells. Life at Nash School was idyllic and we used to run through the lanes to school every day. When it snowed badly we stayed at home or were taken in by tractor! I still have a photo of us all on the day ...see more
My name is Steve Whitfield, we lived in Whitecroft (on the Crossroads) and that is where I grew up. Went most of my time to boarding school with my two brothers, dating back to the 1960s. My father was employed as Chief Accountant for Jas. Williamson in Lancaster (remember them?) and I have so many wonderful memories as a child, cycling down to Condor Bottom, or catching moles with dear old Mr Fox. John Cousins exercised ...see more
Hiya to anyone who was at Langley School from the 1950s to 1961. All in all I spent most of my school life there. My friends there were Hilda Makin, who sadly died in the 1960s, Margaret, I think it was Green, Denise Holt, Lilly Clark, just to name a few. Also the boys, Partick Sisck, Trevor Jackson, Cyril Oxsey, Stanley Cordenly, Gerald Peel, Allan Jowett. I also remember David Both and not forgeting ...see more
William Leech moved from St Martins in the Field, London to 20 Duke Street, Chelmsford in 1794. There he started up his gun maker's shop. Later he moved to 3 &4 Tindale Street, Chelmesford. Percy Leech, the last family gun maker, trading under W Leech & Sons, sold the business about 1948. The new owners continued to trade from the shop in Tindale Street until 1984. W Leech ...see more
Does anybody remember Julie Warren's dancing classes in the Lopping Hall? I was her cousin, Barbara Warren, and used to go to tap and ballet lessons every week. We used to have many concerts. Julie lived in Smarts Lane, and her dad Len was my dad's (Herbert) brother, and we lived further up in Smarts Lane, and my nan and grandad used to live at 80 Smarts Lane. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers, I ...see more
I lived in Seaforth Avenue for many years living opposite the Elim Gospel Hall. I worked at Chessington Zoo for a while after leaving Beverley Central School, then worked at Carters Tested Seeds in the small seeds lab dept before joining the Royal Navy in 1949. The family left the area some years later for Shoeburyness/Chelmsford where some of them are still located. I am trying to obtain photos of Carters, a ...see more
Have written memoirs of boyhood of my 2 brothers and myself in Falconwood, Eltham and Welling. Did local newspaper rounds for Hutton's at Falconwood Station and carried his moneybags to Martin's Bank, Eltham High Street through the golf-links several times without problems; delivering papers in the dark near the cemetery was more scary! Later used to frequent the many pubs in High Street and learned ...see more
My family, the Coopers, lived in Spaldwick from 1800-1900 if not before. My great-great-grandfather, Daniel Cooper, was a baker, corn seed merchant and the registrar for births, deaths and marriages in the Spaldwick area. There are stained glass windows in Spaldwick church dedicated to him and his wife, Susan Jellis, and their children and four very prominent gravestones in the churchyard. His son married Ann ...see more
Absolutely loved my time at Mayplace County Primary! It is sn old cliche but they were best days of my education! Great atmosphere at the school - I remember two teachers, Mr Jakeways the headteacher and Mr Cooker my form teacher. We lived in Bexley but used to cut through Shenstone Park and in the summer go to the open air pool near the school (Martins Grove). I now live in NW England and work as ...see more
I spent my first Christmas away from home with the Murdoch family as I was invited by their daughter, Monica. I was in the ATS and a colleague of Monica in Ibex House, in the Minories. It was quite an experience for me and my first time going to Midnight Mass (at home my parents went and I had to stay home with my younger brother). It was frosty and I believe it had been snowing, but Mrs Murdoch made sure I was well ...see more
Who can forget the grim start to 1947? I was one of those arriving at RAF Padgate in March when after barely 2 weeks induction we were all sent back home and the place virtually shut down. No heating, washing in ice cold water and the country in the grip of a postwar fuelless and austerity freezeup. Hence my arrival at RAF C B in May and the subsequent mindless squarebashing months as ACH/GD lasted ...see more