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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Stories about the community, its history and people?
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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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Has it changed over the years?
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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:
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Displaying Memories 36241 - 36320 of 36914 in total
Fond memories of going to Amlwch Port to play as children and walking along Llancarw to Llaneilian with two or three younger children tagging along with us, and waving to the pilots as they moored outside Almwch Port.
Ref: Smarts Fish Saloon, Bishopstoke - it was as a boy in the early forties that we visited this shop to buy fish and chips and more often to buy a pennyworth of scraps which sometimes had a few chips in with them. At that time we had to take our own paper to wrap them in. We then took them to the old churchyard to the large yew tree with a wooden seat underneath and finished them off. I ...see more
I started attending Bartholomew tipping, or B.T. in Stokenchurch, at 11 in September 1967 and left at 16 in July 1972. Mostly great teachers and a good school. Closed by idiots. Especially fond memories of teachers Mr. Parker (Plod), Hazel Groom later Szwierchynski (sorry if miss-spelt) and Audry Tattersall. I'd love to swap memories.
I have lived in Everton my whole life. I love the village. I am a respectable citizen of Everton and have lived for nearly 18 years in Frys Lane. I hope other people enjoy the atmosphere as much as I do. Makeala x
Julian's hunt story is almost right. I was living at the Chalk Pit at the time, and still do. It was about 1981, on a Saturday lunchtime, when the hunt came over the top, but it wasn't on Boxing Day. The hounds were chasing Hares. The leader of the hunt knew there was a main road so directed the hunt across the field. The Hare was chased through a hole in the hedge at the top of the Pit, and the dogs followed ...see more
My first memories are of playing on the huge expanse of sand at West Wittering and the bombing tower which used to be there after the war. We stayed on the beach till late and were put to bed in the back of the car. Usually we travelled in convoy with two other families. We loved to paddle in the deep water of East Head. One summer my mother nearly drowned being pulled out by a 'rip.'
We had ...see more
I was born on Queen's Road next to the off licence, past the Baptist Church. My grandparents lived in Farnborough from 1920 to their deaths in 1970's. In those days the Allied troops were stationed nearby at Aldershot.
My late mother told me that she was related to Miss White, daughter of the Rev. Richard Walton White. His daughter left the manor and or land to Captain Macpherson in 1911. Although we have no claims on this family, we have no first names of Miss White or Captain Macpherson's nephew for our family tree. Any historical history and or photographs would be great.
My mother was born in Fleetwood and lived in Pharos Street, just below the lighthouse. I was born in Lancaster but I remember having holidays at Fleetwood when I was a child, just after the end of the war. I particularly remember being fascinated by the marionette shows which took place in the gardens near the Pier.
In 1894 my grandmother worked as a Stewardess on the Duke of York when it first sailed between Fleetwood ...see more
Many of my childhood summer holidays were spent at Sandown. We usually stayed at Mrs. Woodnutt's hotel in Carter Street. Mr. Woodnutt hired out the deck chairs on Sandown Beach. He also kept ferrets and I was allowed to go and help him look after them. One of our family's favourite places was the miniature golf course pictured. It was called Brown's as was the canoe lake next door. Browns made the most delicious ...see more
We used to visit Leigh-on-Sea by train from Dagenham on a Sunday. After a stop at the cockle sheds for refreshment and for us children to see the process of the boiling of the shellfish, we would then walk along the seafront as far as Southend East railway station because in those days the train home was as packed as most rush hour trains are today and we were assured of a seat on the train before it got to ...see more
I think it was 1949/50, I remember living along the canal side, Trafalgar Row it was called, over the other side from the Hope Inn. Somehow I think it was further up than Somerfield almost opposite the Empire. Most of my family used this pub as their social outlet for weekends, remember no TV, bingo or much else then. I remember the landlord and landlady a Mr. and Mrs. Firth and they had a son I think he was called ...see more
I would travel to Tredegar to go to the bigger shops, bigger than Brynmawr. I loved the fashions of the 60's, and sometimes could get what I liked in Tredegar. It is just a small town but I had good times there. I especially liked going to the dance held in the Working Mens Club on a Sunday night - good times Tredegar, thanks. Also I gave birth to my first daughter in St James’ Hospital in 1968.
I was born in the War Memorial Hospital, Crickhowell in 1949. I don’t remember that bit, but I remember traveling down to Crickhowell on days out just to sit on the bridge watching the water pass by - so peaceful, outstanding scenery, I thought it was beautiful. We lived in Brynmawr, not too far away. Then years later I loved to go down to Crickhowell in my boyfriend’s car even though he drove too fast down ...see more
I loved to visit my Aunty May’s house in Rhonnda Terrace, Ferndale. She was my grandfather’s sister, a lovely jolly person always happy, and she loved us kids coming to visit. We had to do a good bit of traveling to get there, but it was worth it. I remember Ferndale was really hilly, really steep, you would be out of breath when you reached Aunty May’s house, but what a welcome, what a terrific aunt! Then I ...see more
Brynmawr is a quiet little town on the edge of the valley roads. These photos bring back memories of all the hills I climbed, picnics on the mountain, paddling in the pond across from our house in Warwick Road. Snow 6ft deep in Winter. I remember the old steam train passing our house, I would wave to the driver and he would wave back to me standing on a low wooden fence. Everything was at a slow pace in the 50's. We would ...see more
I traveled to Barry Island every summer because it was the nearest seaside to Brynmawr where we lived. The excitement of seeing the sea was overwhelming, and every time I would be sick on the old coach taking us there. We would first spend a few hours on the beach, then a walk around the shops, hoping for the biggest stick of rock possible. Then we spent an hour or so at the fair. I don't know how ...see more
Hiya Luke and Liam if your reading this then your probably on the phone to me .coming up at the weekend hope 2 see you then i probably will. ask nana if i can stay there if not ill sleep round hal's. 2005/2006 where the best years of my life at Ulleskelf. I lived with my nana and grandad. Graham and Karolyn Turner. I lived next door to the Ramsden family. Also i lived with my two annoying brothers Luke and Liam Dean. I had ...see more
Once the time had come for blackberry picking and whimberry picking, my lovely Uncle Fred took us down the valley roads, to get picking, ready for those lovely pies my grandmother would make. We would climb up beside these waterfalls, drink the pure water from them, lovely. Uncle Fred would walk for what seemed to me miles, me eating most of my pickings as I went. This was the early 50s, a lovely day out, lovely ...see more
It is lovely to see the old photos of Porthcawl. Our family used to go there every summer for a holiday in a rented bungalow, none of your mod cons then. But they were great times spent there, lots of laughter and fun. I’m talking of the early 50's, when building sand castles and a stick of rock were all you wanted. I’ve got some lovely photos of times spent there with my lovely grandmother and my aunts and uncle, ...see more
I attended Bentham Grammer School which was then located at High Bentham. I believe it has now relocated to Lower Bentham. My memories are many - attending the local church each Sunday Morning, and taking woodworking class at the local carpenters, who also was the coffin maker. Spending my pocket money at the local shops. We also had to do cross country runs around Bentham and on occasions we visited Ingleton Waterfalls. Peter Wilkinson
My name is Kerry & my favourite memory of Coalville when I was younger is my Grandad, his name was Jim Watts. He was a coal miner for quite a few years & he was also Mayor of Coalville. I remember going to the dog track with my dad, Alan & having to wait around for my grandad to come out. If I remember right, after there he would go to the Halfway House & 'just wet his lips' before he went home. I ...see more
The Micheldever cottage with the steps facing the camera is where my mother Evelyn Rogers (nee Chalk) grew up with her brothers Alfred and Charles, and sisters Maude, Ivy, Kate (Kit) and later Ruby Hansford. Henry Arthur Gale Chalk was my mother's father who died in 1908, the year she was born. My granny, Elizabeth, remarried to Arthur Hansford in 1912.
We believe that the cottage was originally called Tudor ...see more
Osborne Road is where my Father was brought up in the 1930s. This street was very close to the Royal Aircraft Establishment and this generated my Dad's great interest in aeroplanes and flight. He was later to join the RAF and served during the Second World War.
I used to live in College Road off Manchester Road, but I now live in Australia. I can remember going Mumming on New Years Eve, we used to dress up and go round all the Pubs in Town and also the Alhambra at the end of each show of the Pantomine and folk would give us Money and ask us to do a turn for them, good old days when kids could stay out till all hours of the night without any fears.
Hi! I have fond memories of Steeple Aston. I attended a guide camp somewhere outside the village, it was the first time I had seen real countryside, we spent two weeks there. I came from London's East End there were guides from other areas of London and also guides from what I think was a boarding school, but I can't remember where from. We all got on well with each other. I seem to remember the land we camped on ...see more
I remember visiting my Grandparents orchard which was on the bend at the bottom of the hill leading into Upchurch coming in from Gillingham, and opposite was a cattle farm owned by the Jenkins family. I spent many a wonderful weekend there up until probably the early Sixties when Grandma Young (I think her first name was Maude) moved into Rainham.
Does anyone else remember these times and maybe ...see more
My Great Grandparents Albert Wells and Edith Ann Judson married in this church on 24th December 1912. Edith was born Judson and was born at Holme and so may have been Baptised in this church as well.
My parents married in this church on 10th December 1960. I was christened here in 1962. My father's ashes were scattered in the churchyard in 1993. To my family this is a special place.
I lived in Naburn at Chapel House. My Aunty Mary Walker lived in this row of houses on the left. She lived with the Tweedies family. In 1949 these houses had big back yards where they collected refuse and recycled it.
I was born at 23 Howard Close in October 1963. It was a lovely place for children to grow up. A large green and a playground, little traffic, dogs and other residents. Everyone looked out for one another. I attended the infant school and then the junior school in Breech Lane. I was married in Walton church on March 5th 1988, a cold bright day, it snowed in the morning. It is the very best place for riding. I ...see more
My great grandfather, John Foster Merril (1840-1844), was the innkeeper at the Kings Head Inn in Addlethorpe. His son, John Booth Merrill, wrote this in his memoirs: "I, John Booth Merrill, was born at Addlethorpe ... at the King's Head tavern on July 6, 1866. My father's brother Thomas Merrill visited us from the USA. It was said during the celebration I got very drunk and my mother decided a tavern was no place to ...see more
I can still remember the day I started school. My Mum walked me from Isington to Binsted, I didn't know exactly where I was going and when we got to the school we had to go up these steps that were overhung with trees, it reminded me of a green tunnel.
I was shown my coat peg - it was a red ball! Then my Mum left me, she never told me where she was going or why I wasn't allowed to go with her. I felt really lost and ...see more
I along with very many local girls over the years helped out at the Tea Gardens during the school holidays. I remember going to the front door a few times to ask if they had a job for me and being so scared I came away with an ice cream instead. I need not have worried as Aunty Vi and Don were so lovely. I enjoyed several happy years with them until I left school and the village to work away.40 years later and I still look forward to seeing Aunty Vi when I go "home".
First of many visits to Lichfield which led to my affection with this city, that my fther had spent time in during his RAF days at Lichfield Drome in 1942. Many friends and contacts were made here. A lovely place! There are many changes now in 2006. John Yarnall, Rugeley.
The photo is similar to one in my personal collection. The two gentlemen in the forefront of the picture are my Grandfather & my Great Uncle, two of the ladies behind them are my Great Aunts, the other became my Grandmother.
This was the town I grew up in until I was 8. There is one day that stands out in my mind. My mother had been informed that the local fruiterer had oranges. His location was about half a mile from our house. England was still in the grip of heavy rationing. As I loved oranges, our Mother decided that I should go with her instead of one of my three siblings. We left the house and had walked about 100 yards ...see more
My father worked at the marine colliery for over 20 years. His name was Jack Bedford, from Brynmawr, a hard working man. There was a pitfall in 1964 where a friend and workmate was killed, he brought this poor man to the surface. I remember him coming home crying. I had never seen him cry before. Those miners worked in awful conditions, up past their knees in water, with a pick and shovel. I’m always going to be proud ...see more
I lived in Wigton for the first 8 years of my life, so 1955 is a mid point!
I have happy memories of the town. We lived in West Avenue when it was known as 'the avenue' - an unmade up road and for years I thought that if a road was called 'avenue' it was full of puddles when it rained and dry mud when it didn't. We played on that avenue all the time - 'dens', climbing trees, hooa hoop! I remember being bitten by a dog on ...see more
Charles Wilson Aked b.1859 was joint proprietor of this mens' outfitters shop. He had married Florence Edna Wadsworth in 1895 and they had 2 daughters Florence Gertrude and Constance, later Mrs Cockcroft. Charles sister Kate Helena Aked had married James Mitchell my grandfather and had an Accountants, Estate Agents and Insurance Brokers business which a few years later moved into premises nearby at 15 Commercial Street, Halifax.
I spent many enjoyable school holidays in this town. My Uncle had a store called Staggs the Drapery and clothing store. Back then we used to spend many an hour wandering over to the Quay & the Priory. We also used to take the ferry over the Avon into Southbourne where my Aunt lived. Then we would walk to Hengisbury Head. Sometimes we would fish in the Avon. It was a wonderful little town and when I ...see more
This is now famously the most exclusive shopping street in Dublin & Ireland too. The 7th most expensive rental prices in Europe with some retail outlets actually beating the world records making them more expensive than Paris or New York! This is the most popular place for Buskers from all over the world to display or perform their acts.
The street was officially renamed O'Connell Street in 1924 after Daniel O'Connell as Ireland moved forward as a free state! Nelsons Pillar seen in the distance (middle) was destroyed in the early morning on the 8th of March 1966 by unknown persons (yet many have claimed to have done it). It has now been replaced by a strange "Giant Pin" or "Spike" that's 120m high (3m wide at bottom & 10cm wide at top). A now ...see more
My family Ken and Joan Blake owned the Church Hill Stores (opposite the Church) from 1945 to the early 50's then we lived in the village until 1957. I have many memories of my time in Finchingfield and many faces and events come flooding back. This picture shows a row of cottages known to me as The Causeway where in my time there was an ice cream shop. The lane opposite - The Pikle -(spelling unknown) ...see more
I moved to Combpyne when I was 4 years old with my mum, dad, brother and sister. We lived in the house in the centre of the village called Clock House. Its garden backed on to the churchyard. I spent many happy hours on the Webbers' farm next door to the church opposite the village pond, I remember we had an old dingy at one time and had fun on the pond. I have been back a few times since leaving in the mid 70s but it has ...see more
I went shopping regularly for my Mum to the butchers called Brightwells that were along this parade. Most Saturdays I had to ask for half a leg of lamb, fillet end for 18/6d for our Sunday Roast.
This pub was at the end of Scotland Bridge Road where I lived all my childhood from 1952 to 1974.
I married in this church in March 1974 my maiden name was Whittle in those days. I also attended the youth club in the hall that was behind the church for a few years.
I used to live at 1st Nicholas Place and use the shop in the photo when I was a child growing up in the village. The memories I have of the village were of good times.
I have just discovered from resaerching the census results that my Great Grandparents ran the Odfellows Arms in Witton Gilbert round about the turn of the last century. His name was John McCormick and he was also a coal miner or coal hewer, running the pub in his own time. He and his wife had 5 daughters named Mary, Ellen, Alice, Rose and Ena. Alice was my grandmother. I would love to know if there is still an inn there in Front Street and if anyone has any memories of it! Alice Potter
Born and bred in Red Houses (then Red House Estate) at a time when everyone took time and effort to keep their home and gardens beautiful. Everyone knew everybody and it was a community that looked after each other. I remember going down to the infants' school (just off from cricket field) having a birthday and being given a cardboard cake by the teacher to open and take out sweets. Before Dale View was built ...see more
My father bought the land on Barrow Hill, and built a house called Carrick Lodge (1961). I am not sure that everyone at the bottom of the hill were totally impressed with the house although it did not effect the view. We did have our dogs poisoned however with rat killer! I used to cycle to and from the station down the Avenue as I was nursing at Epson District Hospital.
The fields adjacent to the house had retired ...see more
I had a message late Sept 2006 from Lilleshall resident of 60 years Anthony Ardis saying he was unaware of the statue. I replied to you Athnony but the Frith system did not want to accept it. People are welcome to email me direct at pweaver@westnet.com.au Kind regards, Paul.
As a small child I used to visit my Gran & Grandad in Shirebrook - Annie & Seth Oakton. I'm told they lived in Byron Street and they had a grocery shop which was part of the front room in their house. Grandad also kept pigs on some land on the opposite side of the road. My Mum Eileen Oakton moved to Leicester in the 40's and married my Dad, Ken Jordan. I remember Grandad smelling of Menthol & Snuff ...see more
The shop at the top left (now the Kebab Shop) was, I think, Wards the Greengrocers, the second shop down was Graingers a card and toy shop, later a pet shop (now Pendley Estate Agents). (Thanks to Rodney Grainger for the correction to my original post). It was managed by Mr and Mr. Gadd. There is also a brick built well in the back garden (who used it I don't know as this was probably a field). The ...see more
Came to Minstead for a weeks break to help my wife rest and recover from breast cancer. Stayed in a very nice thatched cottage. We live in a village in Saddleworth that is beautiful, but Minstead the village the people and most of all the church just made it so nice. Just to sit in the garden of the Minstead cottage at night and look at the stars in the calm night was so nice. Although it can't cure my beautiful wife's ...see more
I remember fishing here with our mini bottles. Catching minows with wine bottles with the bottom knocked out ( hard to find ). Remember once being trapped under these arches with the river rising and being surrounded by the cows that came down from the field. Very fond memories - shame kids don't get the chance these days to experience such things.
We used to park our caravan in the last field along the lane, near the River Brue. One holiday we arrived in the early morning and just parked up in the field. We were awakened by our caravan rocking and looked out to see the cows coming in for their milking. We had parked where they usually walked 'home' and couldn't understand why we were in the way. We had to go out and shoo them round the caravan. We had lovely ...see more
We spent many a happy holiday in the Bridgwater area, sometimes staying on a farm just outside Bridgwater and in later years in a flat in the holiday village in nearby Burnham on Sea. Many wonderful memories of my dead parents and dogs!
Billingham Campus School consisted of four halls - Bede, pictured in the foreground, Davy behind and Faraday furthest away. The fourth hall, Stephenson was about 800 yards away, not pictured. There was a sports block with a swimming pool which can just be seen to the left of this photograph.
I've been researching my family history and have found that an ancestor of mine known as James Faunt used to live at a place called Packet Beerhouse, in fact he is in the 1891 census as being the "beerhouse keeper". He lived there with his wife Sarah. Is the building still in existence today? Are there any Faunts still living in the Coningsby area? I've been trying to find out more, but so far no success. I ...see more
My then husband Derek Schwier and I bought Laurel Farm in 1963 from Jo Watts - a wonderful jolly character in her dung-coloured dungerees and mucky boots! All her cows were lovingly tended, and her retirement was a sad loss to the farm.
But it was our gain and for personal reasons we re-named it "Pilgrims". Our children had great fun playing in the orchard - now built on - and having their first ponies. But ...see more
I can remember being taken shopping in the High Street, to Sainsbury's before it was a supermarket. There were tiled floors and walls, wooden counters with cheeses, cold meats and bacon, and the assistants wore their hair in nets or hats. There were seats for the elderly customers and nothing was ready-packaged.
C&W Walkers Ltd Gas & Constuctional Engineers - I worked here from 1964- 1976 when I did my apprenticeship as a welder/fabricator. Unfortunatly it was demolished in 1993 and turned into a housing estate.
I was born in Shere in 1942 to the youngest child of George and Margaret Bryant. The Bryants were a well-known Shere family, my father being the eldest of nine children born and raised in the village. I had a very happy childhood in the village, attended the village school as did my older brother and sister and several cousins. I remember the Shere bonfire nights which were very enjoyable. I left the village in the ...see more
I lived in morden from 1948-1965 and I have wonderful memories of Morden Park and the bandstand that always had a band paying on Sundays and teas in the big house, not sure what it was called or what it was used for. My mother always insisted I wore white gloves and my best dress and as it was Sunday I was never allowed out to play so going to the bandstand was such a treat. (How times have changed.) Also I remember a ...see more
I lived in Guildford as a child, and every spring my father used to take me to St Martha's to pick bluebells in the woods at the foot of the hill. It was a sheet of blue, and however many we picked it looked the same.
In the 1940s I attended the Girls Grammar School in Guildford (opposite the Royal Surrey County Hospital). I sang in the main choir and in the "small" choir. With the latter I went to St ...see more
The church has been extended in recent years by a 'block' (blot?) on the nearest corner of this photo. Although a nice building in its own right it does not fit in with the style of the church. St Mary's C of E primary school now occupies a site to the right of this image. To the extreme left is a plot in the graveyard devoid of headstones. This is where the bodies of hanged convicts were ...see more
This view has changed little over the intervening years. The church, St Mary's, at the foot of the Causeway is Horsham's only grade I listed building. In the background there was a multistorey office block which has now been removed to be replaced with modern but fitting office blocks occupied by Royal & Sun Alliance.
We used to go on bike rides from Meopham and always went through Longfield Hill on our way. I do remember my brother entering in to a pool contest there with adults and winning the contest and getting a new two piece cue. It was a great resting place and a chance to get some liquid refreshments after riding/walking up the hill to the village. We would spend all day riding our bikes out to New Ash Green, Hartley, ...see more
The early Rochford church next to Rochford Hall was our highlight. Continue to guard your priceless community.
My great aunt Emilly Still lived in the bungalow in the background and we as children spent many happy summer holidays in Fontmell Magna. She and Tom (who I never knew) are buried in the church graveyard.
I remember travelling from our home in Kent to Fontmell in the winter of 1963 during the worst snow storms in living memory to help my mother's aunt.
If anyone reads this I would love to find out more about Tom and Emily. I have visited Fontmell in recent years to put flowers on the grave.
This is a picture of Albert Terrace where my mother lived at no 3. THe Bates family. I'd be interested in anyone who has any information.
My family and I, Ernest Aspey, regularly holidayed here in the early 1950s as my grandfather, Henry Slaughter, was the Assistant Lock-keeper at the time. This photo is significant to me as I was led to believe that the man in the foreground of the photo was my grandfather and we have a copy of it at home. My most vivid memory is of the time I fell in the lock and was rescued by an employee of ...see more
I attended a presentation at St George's Hall as a youngster, where I received a beautiful certificate in recognition of an essay I had written. I have no idea what I wrote about but since the RSPCA awarded the certificate, then I assume it must have been about animals.
As a very shy, not-at-all-confident child, I remember nervously waiting and waiting for that moment to come. At last, I climbed the few ...see more
My great grandfather, Henry William Peckham was a fishmonger, mentioned in Brown's Directory of 1882. He is reputed to have owned some land on the coast/beach/promenade at Douglas. Here fish was sold 'on the front' from a table.
My father was born at Douglas in 1896 and stories have carried forward of his sisters, or aunts, still selling fish there in early 1900's.
The old High Street, before Marlowes Town Centre was built.
Dance Hall and Cinema
Financial Area, banks etc
Social Life At The Pool!