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 12881 - 12960 of 36960 in total
I was born in my parents' house in The Mead, off Skinners Lane, in 1935. A year later my father became the proprietor of Ashtead Squash Rackets & Tennis Club. It was built by my grandfather, Edgar Littlewood, who built many large properties in Ashtead from the turn of the century, and who lived at Littlewoods, Ottways Lane, next door to the two public swimming pools he owned. In 1940, my father (a ...see more
Does anyone remember the 'Collins' family who lived in Sheriff Hill until the early 70`s? James and Annie Collins (nee Fisher) had 3 children; Dorothy, Robert, and James (my dad). Annie was a regular at the White Swan pub.
Thanks Ralph.
William Campbell Anderson. I lost a friend, He was a rock, A dignified and decent bloke, Had many a pain to Ca his ain yet never a day did he complain. Always welcome in his home, even cats and dogs did come. Not a man for idle chat nor Pontificate or gloat. Kept his own counsel good or bad, Natures Gentleman it must be said. Did not adhere to any creed, educated and well read. Abou Ben Adam, his tribe ...see more
My mother was the last Queen of Barepot, sometime before 1950 when I was born. Her maiden name was Amy Bailey, sister of Tom bailey and daughter of James Bailey of Works Yard.
I was born at 44 The Oval in June 1941 and later moved to 85 Pondfield Road. Our neighbour's name was Hill, Mr Hill's name I think, was Fred. If my 72 year old memory is okay their son was Tony and daughter was Sylvia. I wonder if they are still around, I would love to know. We moved to Australia in 1949 our last meal in England was breakfast with a kind friend of my mum, Mrs Beasley in Pondfield Road. ...see more
I remember these shops. Turn up Vale Road and there was a shop called "Fenton's". The owner's nephew was (is) Shane Fenton who had a couple of hit records before becoming famous as "Alvin Stardust".
I was at St' Jude's at much the same time, sadly not for long but I loved the school and long to be refreshed as to how it progressed. I was at the Children's Home, Ashdene until it closed, and have so many happy memories. The little cottage hospital where I helped at weekends; the green and Diana Dors(!), never met her! Wonderful walls through the cemetery to Virginia Water,and the long sermons at the ...see more
From around 1953 until 1961 I used to stay with my Grandma Hindley who lived just off Bentick Road and then later on in Plimsoll Terrace, Denman Street, Radford, Nottingham. I can vividly recall Plimsoll Terrace - a two up and two down terrace house with communal yard at the back door and outside loo. The stone cobbled streets and the numerous tiny shops on Denman Street were my playground. With ...see more
I am from Southend on Sea and grew up at Undercliff Gardens, just near the train station. My family are from the Woods, Thompson's and Beadle family lines; the same as Thomas Swain Beadle who died in 1917 and is listed on the war memorial at the church. I think he would have been my great uncle. I have his mother's bible and the official picture of him from the paper when he was listed as 'missing in ...see more
In the 1950's when I was knee-high to a grasshopper...I remember having to cross the ferry in a little rowing boat so we could cross over to B's, or Bees (I think it was a farm), my Uncle Nev worked there. Anybody else remember this ferry?
July early 60's you could not move on the beach for holidaymakers, all the deck chairs would be sold out and Bill & Pat Ramsay would be playing music over the speakers. The Spartan club - weight lifters would be there - Dave Webster rings a bell, Nurse Johnston would be in the first aid/ lost childrens shelter. The summer chalets would be full, changing huts busy and the life boat would be in the water. Papa ...see more
I was born in Dacre Banks and remember the Wilsons very well, as my brother Peter and I used to play with them as kids. We lived at the bottom of the lane coming from the Wilson's house just across the road at Woodbine Cottage. I have been living in the UAE for the last 20 years but this month I am coming home to Dacre, the only place I ever wanted to live.
I used to go to school in Cleeve Prior, we lived in one of the cottages over the road from the village school. I was friends with two girls who lived just outside on the road to Evesham. We all went to Blackminster County Modern after. I would like to get in touch with them; Mavis Spires & Sandra Parks. We loved our time there, lovely village life. My dad was in the army so we moved a lot.
I was reminded today of The Bird Man who went round all the schools doing Bird Call imitations. We were at Ladyland School and this presentation was a welcome break from school work. At the close of his performance he asked for requests and seeing we were at Ladyland school, someone shouted out, Can you do a Ladybird? The person who shouted the request also had a bird connection via his nick name which was 'Wee Owl', Billy Thompson.
I started at South Bargoed Infants School in Park Crescent in Bargoed in September 1973. It was just a two minute walk away from where I lived at Gladstone Villa in Cardiff Road. Mrs Owen was the head mistress and I remember one of my first teachers, Mrs Jean Morgan. I also remember Mrs Vera Davies, sadly she died in 2012. Mrs Jenkins was quite a strict teacher, she would punish us if we were naughty with a ...see more
My father's side of the family lived in Aberbargoed, my dad was actually born at number 34 Elm Street. There were my grandparents, Doris and Roland Dexter, and they had four sons; my father Douglas was the oldest, then David, Michael, and Ronald was the youngest. I recently researched my family tree and I traced my family back to 1879. On looking at the 1911 cencus I discovered that my great grandfather Rufus ...see more
I was born in Caerphilly Miners Hospital in August 1969 but I grew up in a property called Gladstone Villa with my mother and my grandparents. The property was a council one and it was split into four flats; we lived above the Thomas's at 1a. Mr Beer lived on the other side and would have his motorbike parked on the path, I would often play with the wheel. I lived there throughout the 1970's and my childhood ...see more
My name is Bob Patten. I first lived at Droylsden and we moved to Lees St about 1955. My parents Bob & Gladys had the shop at No.108, I lived there with my brother Steve. The shop was across the road from the Red Reck, where we spent most of our time; it was there or the slag heaps at the back of Vanna St school. Also over the canal; we could go anywhere in those days without any fears. I used to play out with Peter ...see more
Noel Park Estate was established in the 1890's with brand new homes being built. Amongst the new tenants were the Webb family who moved into 93 Westbeech Road on the 5th Dec,1892, as well as the Oakes family who moved into No 57, plus William and Emma Lawrance who moved into a new home at No 43. The children of these families went to the Noel Park school, which was opened on the 25th ...see more
My grandma was from Hengoed but moved to the midlands as a teenager with her parents. We don't know a lot of her time in Hengoed apart from her having a lovely childhood. We were always lead to believe that she lived in Hengoed Garden Village but can find no reference to such place. We are talking many years ago (around 90). Was this part of Hengoed? Was it ever known as Hengoed Garden Village? I would really love to ...see more
My grandfather was John Adams, who also was I understand, the church warden. My parents were married at this church and is the final resting place for my grandparents and great grandparents. I spent most Christmas's at the farm and remember it when it was surrounded by orchards, damsons, pears and cider apples.
In the 1901 census my great-grandfather, Matthew Wise, was a night watchman close to the Bank of England at 6 Lothbury. I had found my grandmother as a child of 4 living with her mother Matilda and family in Hackney, but as initially I didn't know his first name I needed to carry out some detective work to find him! My grandmother married Sydney Lake in 1918.
My parents, Doug Harrington and Betty Lake, met in Slough and married in 1948. Does anyone remember them?
My brother Patrick Marriott will be 80 years old on 12/7/2013. I think his favourite place in the world is St. Stephen - he spent a lot of his boyhood days staying at our aunts cottage and even attended school there. My aunt and uncle, Phil and Jack Staley, lived there with their two children, Betty and Bob Staley. I remember holidaying with them with my sister and cousin and remember Michael Rickard and Glen Osbourne ...see more
I very clearly remember Mercers School in the 1950's. My sister, Christine, & I were pupils there. We lived at Stevens Farm from 1950 -1958. I still have the books I was given by Miss Lloyd as prizes but also remember how scared I was of both of them. I have several school photos, including one of me on treacle tins at sports day!
I started school in the September after my 5th birthday. We had a school holiday in October in those days for potato picking and harvest. My mother had a few hens on Freehold Street in a piece of ground near the shed that was there at the time for the Pig Club. I ran along the road although mum told me not to; I fell down and cut my knees open. There was no cream to clean the skin then only water or Vaseline, ...see more
My grandmother was the head-teacher in St Catherine's School just around the corner. She lived in St Catherine's Cottage beside the school. My dad and his brothers and sisters all went to that school. My earliest memory of St Catherines Church is from 1950 when I went to Mass every Sunday and was married there in 1970.
Willie Watt was a successful business man in Kilbirnie. He along with his brother owned Watts Network. Willie was smart, good looking, debonair, he had it all. Willie was also a singer of great repute. Just before singing his first song at a Burns supper the chairman asked, how did such a good looking, obviously successful gentleman like you manage to escape all the adoration of all the local women. ...see more
So many people recall how at Ladyland School we had to stand up and sing before school dinner. The song is still to this day an evergreen anthem worth mentioning. The song, which became ingrained in our memory was; "All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all." This was not a trained choir, it was young people rushing through the song so we could start eating. Nevertheless the words and music left a lasting impression.
I remember the bend in the River well, as I used to fish in that area in winter for pike, and in the summer lower down fish for eels... such a long time ago.
Lived in Ruislip most of my life. I also knew the Stockdales; last saw him at the Lido in the 70's. The picture of the village also shows Haileys toy shop as well as The Village sweet shop. Next to Barbara's Pantry was a shop called the Priory. My father used to be a coppersmith and after the war sold many of his copper wares to the shop. Just past the Police Station was a shoe repairers called Lear & Gristwood. ...see more
My parents (Ken & Gwen Gardner) bought a small general store on Chapel St, when I was aged 5 in 1969. My memories are lovely and will always be with me. Our next door neighbour was Mr Jim Curtis, always remember him, a lovely man who had a Monkey Puzzle tree in his garden and used to give me rhubarb over the fence from his garden. My best friend was an old lady who lived over the road named Mrs ...see more
I was sent to a convelecent home in Broadstairs but I don't know the name. I must have been 5 years old, I lived in London at the time. I remember being put on a coach and being seen off by my parents and wondering why they looked sad. I also can only remember being told I had a shadow on the lung. Regarding the home; I remember the dormitories the curtains used to frighten me because I could make out ugly, scary ...see more
My parents farmed here before it was sold for industrial units. We also farmed the one in Newton le Willows with the same name.
This starts in 1938 when I was taken by my mother and ended up having tea with Bill Hogarth - Chinese tea, horrid. That September I started in Form One to be loudly proclaimed by Bill 'a dunderhead' as I could not understand Latin and most of the class had come through the prep school where it was taught. The result a hatred of languages since then. Held back in Form One I went with my mother and sister to Malta where ...see more
I have very fond memories of Tooting. My parents and I moved to Fairlight Road in Tooting in 1974. My first memory of that is the smell of paint, and sausage rolls bought from the bakery shop just round the corner; the paint smells was from my dad decorating the living room. The local sweet shop, Carpenters, was run by Mr and Mrs Reed and was a major fixture in my childhood. Mr Reed would often add a few extra ...see more
I was born in Walker 1946 to be accurate. They were slums even though the women did their best to keep them clean and rodent free. I remember my mum doing the washing in the wash-house in the back yard, she had to start a fire under this concrete bowl thing and fill it with water from the tap in the back yard. There were 4 families to a yard; if you lived in an upstairs flat you had an inside tap but the ...see more
I lived at 9 Morton Crescent just after the war. Robert Winston, the well known 'fertiliser' lived across the other side of the roundabout. I went to school at Bowes Road Infants and I remember walking there on my own in 1952 at the age of 5. My sister also went to Bowes Road, but she was 5 years older and went a different way with her friends. I remember the awful smogs and the bonfires by the side of the ...see more
It may be 1965 and this is my query. Does anyone remember this event at Butlins in Minehead around Easter in either 1964 or 1965? I am trying to pinpoint the date to arrange a reunion but can't seem to get agreement as to which year it was. I remember the big dipper and a dance competition which I won on the 'Cha Cha' category but they'd run out of medals so gave me an athletics one instead!
My father's family lived in Harrogate. The first I knew of this was when I was 30 years old. According to my father, my parents were never married - my mother's name was Ruth Caroline Elizabeth Stone (she died in 1998). My mother changed her name to Ruth Black after my brother Charles Patrick Norman Black (known as Charlie) and myself, Caroline Ruth Black (known as Carol) were born. I ...see more
I remember living at 34 Balham High Road as a small child, with my nan, sister and some other family members - we lived above the undertakers. I recall a cafe, and my primary school was around the corner, which was called Alderbrook. My mother and her siblings also attended the same school when they were young. One of my teachers was called Mr Fuller, he also taught my uncle many years before me. Brilliant memories of time gone by.
When my father, Cllr John Wood, was Mayor of Ealing in 1976 I enjoyed the treats that I got! Every weekend in the summer we would go to fetes, fayres etc and dad would open the events and my sister and I would be given some cash from him to spend on the stalls to show our support! I used to love, as a 14 year old, riding in the Daimler to and from functions... The driver was a great man and if he saw me waiting at ...see more
I have very fond memories of Poole. As a child we would spend our summer holidays near Poole Park. I can remember the little train that used to go round the park and the smell of it. I can remember the harbour and where the cranes were. I also can remember Poole Pottery which was a favourite place for my mum to visit. We would rent a bungalow or similar for the two weeks. These holidays were spent with my brother and sister and they were always happy times.
Riding my first motorbike down a crowded Dudley Street.
My mother lived at Morris Ave, Penrhiwceiber but I was born in 1942 at The Lady Aberdare hospital Mountain Ash. My mother walked through the snow to get to the hospital, the matron told her she was foolish doing that because the baby (me) could have been born in the snow. My father, an Irishman, was away fighting the Germans so he couldn't help. My mothers family, Phillips by name, have a long ...see more
Hi there, I couldn't see a name on this entry but the entry above it had the name Ted Stock, is that you? I don't remember that name but remember York Road School and the dreaded Mr S who also beat me most unfairly. I remember Mrs Clarke, Mr Parker, Mr Brown and the dreaded Miss E who taught the reform class - what a dreadful name for a class for poor achievers! Do you remember the McGills who had the little store ...see more
My family returned to South Ockendon in 1964, although both sets of grandparents were in South Road and Broxburn Drive. First lived in Clayburn Gardens, then in 1969 we moved to 34 Cruick Avenue. Small cul-de-sac, originally with the Dudley's, Trebes, Westley's and others. Grew up with the Price's, Taylor's, Coggin's, Darby's, Munday's and loads more. I left several times, only to return to 34. Finally made my ...see more
My family lived in the magistrates court between 1957 to 1964; my father was Frank Wood and he was the court keeper. My sister and I had a wonderful childhood there, there was lots of places to race around when the courts had closed. Many times Mr Green, the judge at the time, would find a teddy sat on his chair where me and my sister had been playing court cases. Our friends loved to ...see more
Our first visit to Wombourne was an invitation from the Cashione family, Billy Buns Lane - we all met in France on holiday. Phylis had 3 daughters and was a widow; she was a lovely lady and have since lost all contact! 2 years ago I passed through Bratch lock on a canal boat with friends and decided to ring but no answer; the twin daughters and Debbie must all be married now but would love to be in touch - any ideas?
My home number is 0208 8574770 mobil is07889 444226
My brother Charlie Black and myself Carol Black were brought up in Bow Brickhill. Our mother, Ruth Black (nee Stone) was born in this village, there are photos in the school library of us all. My mother's brother Eustace and his wife Mary, ran the Wheatsheaf pub during this time. I have happy memories growing up, playing in the woods and making dens out of the ferns. The bluebells looked and smelt ...see more
I have the arial photo of 1972 and I know what it's like now but back in 1954? I can't wait to see.
Anyone remember Rag Day in Reading? It was the one day of the year when the students of the university used to decorate lorries, in a certain theme and used to go through the streets with music blaring, throwing bags of flour at us kids. I remember getting hit by one, only small bags but it was fun. Also I remember elephants all walking in a line holding on to each other tails, the fleet of lorries used to come up ...see more
I was at a Home in Broadstairs, I think it could be St Marys (not sure), I was there in 1962 at the age of 12 and stayed for 12 weeks. Do you remember the Minidex that they used to give you after one meal you would line up and it was spooned into your mouth - it was green and was nasty stuff, then they would give you some sweets to hide the taste left in the mouth. I don't remember a lot about the place ...see more
My Great Great Uncle William Bullock (1843 - 1903) owned/managed the Wheat Sheaf Inn for over 20 years until his death. I have an old photograph with his name on the building. He died in 1903 aged 60 shortly after his wife, who was a Charlotte Coppack. In those days it was in Little Saughall but the parishes changed as it is now classed Mollington it is on Parkgate Road and now a Crown Carvery, very different from William Bullock's day.
This is located at Newlands Corner. I remember the old cafe over the road.
I too remember the book shop. It was actually called the Ibis Library and was owned by Martin Gough. He sold a selection of records as well as books and if you wished to listen to some music before buying a record, as was then the custom, Martin had made a makeshift 'listening booth' which was actually under the stairs which led up to his flat above the shop. I bought many records there. I also remember the ...see more
I was 4 years old when my parents moved to 17 New Road, Chatham. It was 1937 - my father had a Radio and Electrical Business (Wholesale) he had been a traveller previously and wanted to have a more settled existance - he was still delivering but locally around Kent, instead of all around the South of England! It was a grand house quite a museum with knockers on all the (7) bedroom doors - we had 14 ...see more
I drove my 80cc Suzuki motorbike daily from West Wickham to Mayfair to go to work. One night through Lewisham High Street, I found myself in the middle of a battle zone. On one side of the Street were the black leathered Rockers and their motorbikes. In the middle of the High Street stood the police with dogs. The Mods were on the other side; with their motor scooters and long brown coats with fox ...see more
My grandparents, Mr & Mrs R.C.H Walker, were the Headmaster and Headmistress at Orchard Portman School. My mother was the matron there for many years and we basically grew up at the school so many, many fond memories. In answer to others queries, the school ceased operating as a school in the late seventies/early eighties and is now operated as an aged care facility. My grandparents remained ...see more
One of my first childhood memories is of dad driving our car through the Bourn ford. We lived at the Hardwick Service Station on St Neots Road. Every six months we would drive to London to meet the relatives for Christmas or summer holidays. In 1953 the giant floods hit East Anglia and as a treat dad drove through the ford. l still remember having nightmares after... of the car getting stuck and us ...see more
My mother,Margaret Newell was employed at the Mount Pleasant Post Office HQ, London.
In 1940 she was moved to Bournemouth where I believe the Forces Postal Service had been headquartered. Mail was sorted here for the Allied Forces serving around the world. She remembered seeing a Dog Fight over the sea and the large number of Empire and American troops. I read that on 23 May ...see more
Being born in Sowerby Bridge as a family we would often visit Ladstone Rock. I had numerous happy hours there as a young lad, picnics and gathering Bilberries' for mum to bake pies. Why did the summer days then never seem to end? In 1953 we left here for Norfolk and have lived here ever since. I try to return every year and have introduced my children to this magical place! Sadly now though those days of ...see more
Hello, I am writing here with hopes that someone may remember or know of my ancestors. I am in Canada so it is very difficult for me to research them from here. Only recently have I discovered my roots and so many of them originated in Clayton West and High Hoyland. George Waites owned a textile mill in the early 1800's - he was my great, great, grandfather. His wife was Sarah Pinder (born in Jamaica?) and his ...see more
My name is George Reese---and I am in the US. My relatives came mainly from Glamorgan, but a few from England. About 20 years ago, I started to research my family roots. My mother gave me a small Bible, that belonged to a young girl, who lived in Mountain Ash. In the Bible---Mountain Ash is referred to as Mount Ash. The Bible dates to the 1880s, and fortunately, the young girl wrote down a ...see more
I was born in Walton Hospital 1943 and spent a good part of my childhood living in Seaforth. Later in my early 20's moving to Coronation Drive, Crosby. Between 1970 and 71, I worked on the construction of the new container dock in Seaforth. During the massive excavation works near the head of the dock about 60 foot down, we came across an underground stream. The spoil was sand but at the Caradoc pub end ...see more
I stayed as a foreign (Belgian) educational psychologist during six weeks in Brockall hospital, where my tutor was Doctor Gordon Bland.
I remember living there when we came back from Australia and lived with nain at number 4, her name was Mary Griffiths. There were many fond memories of playing in fields and going to school - just happy times spent there. I did return to Wales to live for a few years in the 80's, I lived in Llanllyfni and my children went to school and were fluent Welsh speakers. Sadly, we left our homeland for ...see more
My dad who was Joe Newton who was a Sergeant in the REME was based in Blandford when I was born in 1960, at 26 Racedown Road, I today decided to have a look at where it is, and hence found this site to put this information on.
My Grandparents (Noel & Doris Rigby) live on Newton Road, the bungalow roughly where the nation speed limit starts (probably early 50's, and my Grandfather had a Pit by Billinge Hill
My father, Arthur Harrison Cook, was born in Tynemouth in 1915. He attended Percy Main school and Victoria School. He moved to Grimsby in 1939 to join the police force and became a Chief Inspector. His uncle Harry Wilson lived in Latimer Street, and I believe there were some newsagents shops which the family owned. Dad is still living in his own home with my mother and will soon be 98.
In 1949 there was a large outbreak of Scarlet Fever in the U.K. I was just four years old and was diagnosed with Scarlet Fever. I was admitted to Cuddington (I lived in Banstead) and spent the next five weeks there. I remember that the ward I was in had long lines of beds along each wall with a nurse's station in the middle of the room. I had my fifth birthday whilst in the hospital. I was not allowed any ...see more
I was born in 42 Lindsworth Road in 1960, our house backed onto a cricket pitch which was owned by a local resident who kept it beautifully maintained and at the end of the cricket pitch was the canal or the 'cut' as we used to call it back then.
It was a wonderful place to grow up in, vast fields and miles of canal was paradise to us kids. The hours we spend playing along the canal, fishing for ...see more
I was born, illegitimately, in Barony Hospital, Nantwich and lived in Church St, Crewe, moving to Cliffe Road when the "slum" houses were demolished and the police station was built there. I moved from my first school Brierley Street to Broad Street School and eventually Ludford St Sec Modern for girls.....I still have relatives in Crewe and visit regularly. My surname was Major and I remember being a sickly ...see more
who is Rita was Bowes
who is Rita was Bowes
Who grew up in Cheetham, Bury New Road and Mazeppa St?
Living at 8 Carville Crescent during the war, one day I spotted a German plane come out of the clouds and drop some bombs over Gunnersbury Park.
Nice to read your comments. I remember your songs well. Hope you and your brother & sister are well.
Good to see a familiar name Roy&Ray Speerman
My family lived in Holmesdale Road all our lives. Grew up to support CPFC. My friend lived at the top of the road we lived in the middle. My friend and her family moved to West Sussex but we kept in touch. We really have been friends all our lives. I too ended up moving to the same village as my friend years later, we are still here and still friends.