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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How the location features in your personal history?
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The memories this place inspires for you?
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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:
...and hundreds more!
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Displaying Memories 14561 - 14640 of 36960 in total
I can remember a POW camp just inside Boldmere Gates. The Americans used the inmates to destroy lots of things at Jubillee Hill(?) at the sand pits, when war ended. This was material from the Streetly Camp area. Lots of it was parcels from their sorting office of men who couldn't be traced, including bedding. The local women were up in arms, but the G.I's kept them back from the site by rifle point. I was 16 at that time.
I was born in Jan 1936 in Witham, where my father's family had settled in the 1790's. When I was two my parents moved into one of the new council houses at the north end of Church Street, so I went to Chipping Hill Infants School. I can remember my young mother walking me into the place in early September 1940, at the height of the Battle of Britain. Our teachers were a fiery little welsh lady named Miss Griffith and a ...see more
Hello Willesden Kids, I was born in Willesden, Dean Rd. in 1947. grew up there until I was about 12 -14. I remember the Davis family across the road, (particularly Janet Davis - I was sweet on her, my first love, ha ha), and my mates named Alan Shaw and Rodger Wright, who lived in Grove Road; we were good friends then. We all played in the street in those days, marbles and knock down ginger, that was fun. We also played ...see more
Was a resident there from 1957 until 1960. Interested in hearing from any of the pupils that were in the school photo: Summer 1959, form 3a, Saint John's RC Secondary school. My name is Peter Durkin: peterdurkin@btinternet.com
Does anyone remember The Withoff pie shop at top of West St? I used to have a Saturday job there - it closed in the late 70's. Does anyone know what happened to the family who owned it (Lewis)?
I have many memories of Kingsbury. I was born in Kingsbury in 1955 and lived in Dorchester Way which backed onto the side of the then fire station. I attended St Bernadette's school off the Kenton Road. After recently looking at Kingsbury on Google earth I was pleased to see that not all had changed in Kingsbury having moved away in 1966. My memories of Kingsbury are the fields ...see more
My parents bought the cottage furthest from the camera in the terrace on the left in 1957; at that time I recall Miss Ansell ran the tiny Post Office and County Library combined in the house nearest the camera with the single storey shopfront to its left. Next to that lived the Chinnery sisters, two ladies well advanced in years who had lived in the cottage since they were children. They had no electricity ...see more
I can't believe I've just found this page. I was looking at the area as my wife and I are looking at buying a pub in the bridge and I thought I'd see if the old home was still there - but stumbled on this site. It made my spine shiver and my hands tremble when I saw the pic of the place. WOW I can't believe I found it after all these years. I have wonderful memories of being here. I loved it when my family came to visit, ...see more
Does anyone have any memories of my grandfather, William Robert Turner, who was supertindent of police in Southampton, also he was police chief when the Bargate was turned into a police station during the war. Any memories?
Also my other grandparents, Mabel and Arthur Asher, who lived on Oakley Road, Shirley, does anyone remember them?
My father was the caretaker for the Linquists` Club in Holland St from 1959 to the early 70`s, when the building (Niddry Lodge) was demolished to make way for the new Kensington town hall. We lived in The Cottage next to the lodge and the old stable was below my bedroom. The club was a school of English during the day and a social club in the evening. For 10 years, from the age of 9, I met people ...see more
I was born and bred in Brentford and can remember it well from the 1970's onwards. Both of my grandparents and their families were also old Brentonians all of their lives. I have many stories from my nan and grandad of the times before I was born and have heard many of the names mentioned in other posts.
My grandad sadly died two years ago now but my nan is still around and loves ...see more
I was born in 1948 and lived in Newbiggin By the Sea a lot of my life. The cafe was called the Lido and I would spend hours in there listening to the juke box, it was the only way I could get to hear the latest pop music. The ice cream was good but my friends and I used to have a coffee as it lasted longer. Sadly the Lido is now closed, I think the last time I was in there when it was still an ice cream cafe was 2005 ish, perhaps someone can fix the date for me?
Hi, I am Linda Atkinson, nee Halford,
I was brought up on the Gypsy Lane estate, attending Woodhouse Junior school and remember the carnivals/parades held on the village green. My best friends were Nancy and Maria Churms, and Lynne Ramsey. A whole gang of us used to play out on the Green or in the street, kick can, rounders, whip and top, hide and seek, or just skipping. We would stay out from morning until our ...see more
My great great grandparents had a shoeshop and lived at no 10 Scotland Street, Ellesmere, Shropshire. Census records show Thomas and Elizabeth Williams had 6 children there, a lodger, Thomas Griffiths, a draper and a servant, Annie Jones. Thomas and Elizabeth died very young leaving the six children to go to orphanages. Elizabeth, John, Albert, Alice William and Emily. ...see more
I was living in Castle Street at number 18 when this photo was taken. I remember the hunt gathering in the car park opposite on Boxing Day and the bakers on the road down to Tungstate where mum would get me and my sister an iced bun, and playing in the castle grounds on my scooter.
I lived at Ecclesfield and I remember being taken to Cliton Park as a yearly treat aged 7. It must have been a Bank Holiday because the pool was full of kids and lots of parents sat around the edge on the steps. With it being round it was easy to get disorientated, it was scary when you looked up and your parents were not where you thought they should be. It was difficult to get ...see more
Some good and some bad memories. I remember playing in the electric spinny where we were not allowed, the garden fetes were good every year. I remember shovelling coal down the hole and going on holiday to Bridlington every year and stopping in the school.
I, too, am researching my family history. My mother's cousin, Annie Holdstock, nee Kingsnorth, was a teacher at Throwley when she met her husband, Horace in the late 20s. The Holdsock family lived at Heel Farm, Throwley and I have photos from the early 30s. Annie became head of Saltwood School until her retirement. She died aged 98 in 2001.
Throwley School is no more - I am looking for a picture, but have had no luck.
Anyone help?
I remember being stationed at Bradbury Lines Barracks from 5th November 1957 until 1959 when I was moved to Woolwich prior to going to Dortmund in Germany. I courted a beautiful young Hereford girl called Joan Davies who lived on College Estate. She was naturally, a " Bulmers" girl. I absolutely loved the city. I think we used to use a cafe called Leonardo's (cos it had a juke box) and my local scrumpy joint was the 'Flower Bowl'.
Most people knew me as 'Scouse Billy'. Great days!!!
My wife worked at Weston's on leaving school any memories or photos would be appreciated.
After moving many times between Enniskillen and Liverpool, I moved to Kirkby with my mum, dad and two brothers in 1952. There were only a couple of roads finished and after living in a cramped one room, which housed the bed, the table and the fire/cooking range, we had a whole house with a garden. My three wheeled red bike, which I had got for my fourth birthday, got a good airing by my brothers. I used to get ...see more
I moved to Bockleton in 1954 and lived in Leasow Cottages North which is just opposite Sid and Nancy Stone's cottage with their children Les and Edna and subsequently Bea and Richard Smith. I had already passed the eleven + and in the autumn of '54 went to King Charles 1st in Kidderminster along with Peter Feakes, whose father was the gamekeeper on the Col Prescott estate. We both lodged in Kidderminster ...see more
I remember staying at my uncles farm, I think his name was Jack Hope, my aunts name was Evelyn. They were really my cousins, but as they were older than me I called them Auntie and Uncle. Evelyn's mother, Sally, lived on Skellow Road and was my mother, Nellie's sister. I loved my holidays spent at the farm. They had two shops, a butchers and a general ...see more
I remember finishing at Central Secondary School in June of 1957. I played with the soccer team a few times, we wore black and red shirts. I remember the Headmaster was a Mr Harris. The Civic in Hednesford was our favourite place, we all went there on Saturday nights for the dance. All the chaps wore their best "ted" suits, and the girls looked fabulous. They all wore their best dresses. I remember my first suit ...see more
I was evacuated in 1940 and in 1944 and billeted to Admiral and Lady Freemantle's house named Goldcrest on the A287. Does anyone know the year when the present Goldcrest (an old people's home) was built? Is it the same house that I stayed in during WW2?
William Heath
Does anyone remember going to school with me? I would like to know how you all are.
My Aunt Freda used to run the show boat and when we went to Ponty to visit my dad, Spank Mattocks, I spent a lot of time in there. We live down south, a lot of my family lived up Chequerfield Drive and some still do. My cousin Beverley is now landlady of the pub, her mom, Joan was the first barmaid there when it opened. My Uncle Steve was a dustman and had an allotment up Chequerfield. My dad was one of 12 so I ...see more
I spent a fortnight's holiday at Cleave Farm, Upottery, with my parents, sister and brother in 1968 - a wonderful holiday. The farm belonged to the Curtis family and Mr Curtis let us help bring in and milk the cows. Since it was term-time my sister and I would wait at the end of the lane for the farmer's daughter, Jane, to come home from school, and she would let us ride her pony, Starlight. One weekend ...see more
I remember visiting my grandmother in Truro as a child, and being intrigued when she asked me if I knew what ‘Victoria, Edward and Alexandra’ were. Then she told me that the answer can be found on Truro’s great glory, its beautiful cathedral that soars sublimely over the roofs. Though it gives the impression of great antiquity, it was built between 1880 and 1909, designed by J ...see more
My family moved into Darenth Road in 1960 - we were the first in our street and watched the rest of the houses being built around us. There was nothing but mud, wheelbarrows and workmen. My dad's family moved into Dryden Road in the late 30's, so our connection with Welliing and East Wickham ended when my Mum died in 2011 and when our Uncle Bon died in 2012. Our connection with ...see more
Up to the age of 10 I spent many happy hours at the Ambassador, if not watching the latest film I would be found in the projection room with my father (chief projectionist) Arthur Dednum or with my mother, Doris Dednum, in the managers office who was at that time manageress. Happy days and a lot of happy memories of the Ambo, and thanks to David Morris for remembering my father, and yes, I do remember you David. David Dednum.
I remember Overdale School as I was there around 1964-1967, but of all the memories and photo's no one mentions Kenwood open air (lido) pool. Are there any photo's out there?
My grandmother was married here, as were my parents and then, as was I. I was also christened here by Reverend (later Canon) Edwards, - Rev Ed to most people who knew him, I believe!
We bought 8 Alexandra Street in November 1957, four months before we were married. In November 1959 our daughter Alison was born. People were friendly, our neighbours were kind and always on hand to help. Alison had a wonderful life exploring the surrounding area and playing with all the children - they all looked after one another. Our door was never locked, we would just pop into peoples homes uninvited, ...see more
My maternal grandmother was a Mary Bridgeland, born to Henry Bridgeland and Delia (formerly Quaife), in Catsfield, 12 Feb. 1872. She always said she lived in 'The White House', Catsfield.
She married Frederick Osborn,an 'outside porter' from Prospect Place, Hastings, on April 26th. 1892. Any contact with any relative would be gratefully received as my early life (my father died when I was 15 ...see more
I am wondering if anyone remembers a student of St Albans Road Infants School and subsequently York Road Primary School by the name of Patrick Mackay? He would have attended from 1959 through the early 60's and went on to commit several horrific murders. I am currently producing a documentary on the subject and would really welcome speaking with anyone who has any memories of Patrick Mackay. I can be contacted on 01752 727528 or via email on greg.goff@twofour.co.uk. Many thanks.
My grandmother lived at 'Staddle Stone', Portishead and I am trying to find where her house may have been; it overlooked the channel. Can anyone help me please..
My great grand father was named William Clatworthy, from the town of Clatworthy. He migrated to the USA some time in the 19th century. I know that he was a minister and sometimes a baker. That's about all I know. I was hoping to save some images of the town of Clatworthy for my mother.
In my mind I'm thinking back in the year 2004. Where I had a sentinel picture of me wearing a white judo suit with an orange belt. In a group photograph with friends - I'm very young and I've got blonde short hair, and I think I might be standing at the front of the picture. The bloke who taught us judo was Dave Small (also known as Sensi Dave). The picture was taken ...see more
Whilst being at either Parkside ot North Bromsgrove school my poor mom came face to face with a bull. It had escaped from the slaughter house! I also remember there being a bullet lodged in the side of the church. I wonder if it is still there.
I was very happy in Shorwell School and going to Chapel on Sundays, and going on Chapel outings. Then paly with my friends at school and at weekends. It was a very nice place to grow up, it changed after I left school. I hope someone will remember me. I am now living in Southampton, I have been here since 1967, when I got married - I am now divorced. But I have met someone very special - he is my knight. I am very happy now since 1990.
Central news recently covered 50 years since the big freeze of 1963; they showed my father driving his old Willys Jeep on the frozen Washing Pool above Witley Court. A local viewer saw that edition of Central news and spotted the jeep that he now owns; yes, it is the actual jeep that is on the dvd I have. I was contacted by the viewer via this site, and I have since been reunited with the jeep, and ...see more
I was born in London in 1937 and moved to Days Lane, Pilgrims Hatch in that year,so all my childhood years were spent around the Pilgrims Hatch area. Dad was always sharp of the mark and a couple of steps ahead so foresaw the coming war and got his family out of Kilburn and harms way into the countryside, or so he thought. Just along a wooded Lane from us was Hatch Road and there stood a very large ...see more
My friends and I would spend hours at Mayford Park in the 80's. We would sit in the field smoking our silk cut and sipping cider. Also went to Brownies and Guides at Mayford village hall and had my 21st birthday party here too. Happy, happy days.
First visit in 1957 - tonsils out, next time in 1959 - a broken arm. Then I had my two children there in 1970 & 1974. It was too small for my appendicitis; they took me to Farnham for that in 1961 and put me in the women's ward.
This picture was taken before they put the railings round the pond. One Sunday on my way home from Sunday School at Christchurch, I was feeding the ducks and my Bible flew out of my hand. I tore the back of my leg on the barbed wire on top of the iron railings as I climbed over to get it back. The fair came to the park and there was a wonderful playground at the top and the Hero's shrine at the St Michael's end. The bowling green and tennis courts were at that end too.
Can remember most of the shops in this part of the street. My father worked in the shop beyond the Wimpy Bar - Lascelles fishmongers. Fred the butchers, Lanes ice-cream, the Hot Oven, Hall & Warner, the herbalist, Keens newsagents, the Camera shop, the entrance to the Market what memories this brings back!
Learned to swim here but never went down the slide (too scared of heights), but would swim until I was wrinked.
My school, Greenfields, did our carol service at this church every year. Brings back beautiful memories.
6d every Saturday morning to go to the cinema club - I still have the card we had to present to get in.
I was born in 1955 in Hammersmith Hospital. I grew up in Ealing first living in Florence Road and then moving to Warwick Road. I went to St.Saviours infants and Christchurch Juniors and then went to Ealing Grammar for girls; due to a very nasty car crash my school work suffered and I left at fifteen and a half and worked at Bentalls. I have so many memories of Ealing and was very pleased to find this website.
Here I danced and here I sang
and here for me my world began.
My earliest schooldays, I loved it so.
Our lesson with teacher Mrs Saxby,
Fellow pupils.
Music and Movement on the radio.
Sheila Parker (nee Walpole)
I remember regularly walking from St.Albans via Batchwood and through Childwickbury on Sundays and stopping with my parents for a drink of lemonade and a packet of biscuits at this public house. This would have been during WWII and not surprisingly it was the highlight of my walk. It is a shame not to be able to still do it, but I guess it wouldn't now be viable.
I was born at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey in 1971 the eldest of 3. We lived in Orchard Mains until I was 4 when we moved to Hook Hill Park. I have fantastic memories growing up. We made friends with all the children on our road and spent hours playing in the woods which backed on to our road. In the winter we went sledging down the steep slope of our road. I went to Greenfields School which again I have fond ...see more
Wow. The pictures bring back so many memories. I was born and bred in Woking and my family owned The Shoe Box in Knaphill. Originally my grandfather Albert Cook gifted the shop to his friend Phyl (my siblings and I affectionately called her auntie Phyl). I have memories of getting all our shoes there, although it was very old fashioned. It also serviced Brookwood Hospital until Tesco arrived! In the late 80's and early ...see more
My friend and I, still best buddies to this day, used to go to The Mayfair every Saturday night. We loved Motown and Northern soul and still do. Then we progressed to The Femina, at the back of The George. The name implied to my Mother that it was for girls only! Oh no. We had some good times there. Then, outgrowing Walsall, we were avid visitors to Top of the World, Stafford. We used to book our ...see more
This is not really a memory but more of an ask; I have a relitave that was born and lived in Fyfield/Lechlade by the name of James Richard Hall, he was a local herdsman on a farm and was born in 1921 and I think, died in 1979. Any info or memories of him would be great as I am trying to do my family tree. Thanks.
I moved to 69 Cruick Avenue with my parents on my 5th birthday, 13th June 1960. We lived next door to The Wilsons (67) and the Scriveners (71). I started school at Mardyke the following September. I remember Mr Swanbury being the caretaker with Charlie Beck his assistant, who later became the caretaker. Mr Condon was the headmaster and later Mr Durham. The teacher to steer clear of was Mrs Peart, bit of a battle ...see more
I survived the Blitz in London and moved to Wycombe before war's end. Lived in Queens Road. You can see me as an actor in a film in the Wycombe Library archives called a 'Game of Robbers". I am writing an historical novel about a Post WWII spy thriller and High Wycombe figures prominently in it as well as, US Air Force, Polish Emigres, Hodgemoor Camp etc. You can see more info at ...see more
From the newsagents (I believe the name was Crisps, maybe) I delivered morning newspapers on my little scooter - ha!ha! And I saved enough money to buy my first bike at 11. Needed it to get to secondary school.
Many times I rode my scooter (didn't have a bike!) down Moordale Avenue, thru the park, up the hill to the shops. Sometimes having to buy for my mum such things as; milk, eggs and sanitary napkins! Good memories, thanks!
I was born at the hospital lodge in 1944. Dad was a porter at the hospital and befriended a German pow (Tao?) He is/was my Godfather. Later we moved to a place called Rowntree House and my dad worked for a horse trainer, Billy Stephenson. My parents moved to Australia when I was 11. Dad's name was Tom, my mum, Phyliss. Both now gone. I am 69 and am returning to UK for a holiday this year (2013) and would like to return to Royston. Can anyone remember the Forrest family who left the town in 1953?
From 1953-1964 I lived on Wilwood Road and remember this scene very well! Puts a smile on my face.
I was born in Aylsbury in 1952 and lived in Linslade for the first 7 years, then moved to Bracknell. My grandfather, William Evans, and great grandfather, Joseph Evans, had both been the village bakers in Little Billington since my great grandfather built West View and its bakery before the First World War. He also planted the orchard for the fruit to make apple pies, plum pies and so on. I can ...see more
Bomb crater used to be on the left where a row of small shops was. Mum used to play in the crater when they were kids.
Mother Danced in Crepe de Chine
They sat me on an ostrich for the man to cut my hair
At Kennard’s store in Croydon,
I used to love it there.
There were parrots doing fancy tricks
And model gnomes and elves,
Who lived inside the window land
In front of half stocked shelves.
They had a moving staircase that took us to the toys,
Meccano sets and Minics,
For dads and older little boys.
I ...see more
Mum said shop on the left was the Express Dairy shop. Before Express Dairy it used to be a coffee shop, mum can't remember the name. Mum's name is Eve she was brought up in Selsdon in the 50's.
Building on left (large brick wall) was the Button Factory, entry at the back, mum said. At the left at the end of shops used to be tea total cafe or diner where she used to hang out. Good bakers to right further down. Mum used to work in private shoe shop called Wholes when she was 16 to 17, in the 50's.
Just south of the entrance to the Airdries was the Methodist Church where we had summer bazaars. Adjacent to this lived Ernie Beard and his wife Betty. They had a Dalmation called Major which I used to walk for them. Mr Beard often complained about how muddy the dog was when I brought it back, but he didn’t realize how much fun we’d had climbing through streams and hedges. Further down the road ...see more
Further to my Dunstaffnage the war years 1942-45. About 10 of us grown up kids meet in Portsmouth for a meal once a year. We plan to meet in September this year. All is welcome.
I grew up in Langstone, living at 'Longleat' on Catsash Road from 1961-1973. I attended Langstone Primary School from 1964-1969 and then Caerleon Comprehensive from 1969-1973. 'Longleat' was one of the four semi-detached houses at the north end of the road and was the third from the end. Running behind the houses was a small stream that originated as a spring in the field north of the house and ended ...see more
My father, John Miller, of Sheffield learned to glide here with his friend Peter Bowen in the late 1950's. He says the closest glider is an Olympia and the next one a trainer. The man standing next to the Olympia's right wing is actually standing on the downside wing to stop the plane blowing over. Dad would spend all Sunday there doing odd jobs and manual labour waiting for ...see more
Can you contact me again, please (pierre.keters@telenet.be)
Love Yvette
I was born in Dartford in 1943, moved away many many years ago, have very fond memories. Might visit there this year, now live in Belgium.
I have a photo of myself stood on the Commercial par park. I now live on that same car park known now as Travellers Court. Back then Gisburn had 4 public houses, a Natwest Bank, a butchers, a pottery shop, Rose Ally, a post office/grocery shop and car boot sales on the Auction. Quite a busy village then.
Worked at VG from 1969 to 1972. Mrs Rayner was the manageress and Wednesday night was scrubbing the floor night. Lovely place to work. Happy memories. Started nurse training at Mansfield General in January 1973.
I also went to Bashall school, and remember Miss Arms and Miss Stanley. I have a school photo which must have been taken about 1952. After Miss Stanley, we had Miss Webster and Mrs Leeming. My older brother and my twin brother also went to the school. My best friend in those days, is still my best friend now.
I was in the kindergarten at Carisbrooke Convent when we had a day trip to the zoo. I remember after visiting the animals and eating the peanuts we had bought for the monkeys, we went to a play ground and those of us with a sixpence(2.5p) could buy a ride on the train. It ran on an elevated track pulled by a small black painted tender locomotive, and ran for about 80 yards in a straight line,then reversed ...see more
My Granny and her brother Willy were born in this home in the late 1800's. My grannie was Hettie Annie Cockbill. She left here in the early 1900's to marry my grandfather who was from Stratford. My grandfather had moved to the new world and due to fighting the Kaiser in the first War for Canada, was given a homestead in Saskatchewan, Canada. My grandparents were married in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan at St Albins ...see more
Hi I'm Mike Foster and I was born in Chalfont St Peter in Feb 1936. My mother who had two children; me and my sister, had no where to live. She was offered by some charitable source a two up two down home on the main road between Hamiltons the chip shop and the Rose and Crown pub. It was part of a block of 4 terraced cottages with a communal back yard. The house was wet, cold and infested with every living ...see more