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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Search for your favourite UK places and read memories of the local area in days gone by.
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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:
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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 17921 - 18000 of 36957 in total
I was born in Small Dole in 1956, Oh what a happy care-free childhood we had. All the kids played together, old & young, looking out for each other. We played in the woods, building camps & cooking sausages & beans on open fires, went to the river, made rafts & swam, went to the chalk pits & swam in the "blue lagoon".
My Nanny Tucker was a Fish, sister to Albert Fish. I remember the Baptist ...see more
I grew up in Avery Hill, Eltham, and later in Mottingham. My grandmother lived in Kingsground in the 60's and 70's. She lived in a 2 bed flat with a very long garden. I always used to think, thats the sort of place I'd like to live in when I grew up. Happy memories!
I attended Brown Rigg from 1964 to 1966. As I recall, Bent Toe got stuck in a mud hole and was that exhausted with trying to get out it was kinder to have him put to sleep as the stress and strain on his heart, he was a big horse. I have memories of Dianne, we went out together for a while.
I was the farm Captain for a while until I was caught in a place I was not supposed to be (girls Dorm). I was not the only one ...see more
As a child I lived with my parents in a prefab in Corelli Rd SE3. We used to walk through the Brook estate, passing more prefabs to reach the Coronet Cinema in Well Hall. On a Sunday we sometimes watched dad play bowls at the Pleasaunce.
During the 1960s I lived in Kingsground with my young family, looking out to Mitchells farm, not sure if this still exists.
Happy days!!
I have a relative living in Herne Bay, Kent, who is travelling to Swansea shortly. He was evacuated to Pen Y Wern road in 1941? and would welcome any information that adds to his fond memories whilst living in Ystayfera.
Thank you
Pat
Has anybody any information about Mill House, Hinton on the Green? My grandfather was servant there in about 1881, the family that owned Mill House were called MORRISS, I think it was a farm.
Trying to trace Gelli in Llandybie, could be a farm, my ancestors brother, John Alexander, lived there in 1720, he married Mary Lake, my ancestor David Alexander moved to Bettws and married Jenet Rees on the marriage register it states he was 'alias gelly' grateful of any help please.
I have a copy of Gomer Roberts' History of Llandybie.
Diolch/ Thank you.
Hi I was the sixth child of seven born to John William Robinson and Annie Elizebeth Robinson (Nee Cato). Our dad was a miner who worked the New Lount and Ellistown Mines. I went to school at Swannington C of E junior School before moving to Newbridge Secondry Mondern School Forest Road Coalville. Times were hard being one of seven children and much of my chilhood memories are of being very ...see more
What lovely memories this photograph has given. I remember going to Peter Pan's Pond on Sunday afternoons. We would catch the number 47 bus from Catford.
I loved the play park and the large sandpit. The swings seemed huge. The best rides were the jungle ride (which is in the photo above) and the mini big wheel. The pond always seemed mysterious with the little fairy house on the island in the middle.
On the way ...see more
We were the first family to move into the new council house at number ten Alibon Gardens. My first school was Hunters Hall from where I was moved for a while To Albert Street school until Eastbrook buildings were completed. I remember standing in the playground at the opening of the school by Lord Halifax. My teacher was a dedicated Welshman named Richard Davis and I listened attentively to his every word.
Many ...see more
We used to go to the Wimpy to have their fry up. You got a frankfurter wrapped round an egg!
I lived opposite the Angel Hotel from 1940 to 1955. There were several farms in Bolton and most of the farmers had children my age, so I spent many happy hours in the farm yards and country lanes. My best friend Anne Beaumont was a farmer's daughter. I remember her dad offering us a shilling each if we would hoe the weeds down in one of his fields. This we did and he transported us home on his tractor, ...see more
I remember this well. My aunt was Vera Watt and lived next door during the second war. She was a postlady and my uncle Donald Watt was a gardener at St Nicholas. My school holidays were all spent staying with them.
This is Jackson's Field - I lived in one of the houses opposite the rectangle in the background. This was an old WWII water tank and was still lined with metal and we'd play in it as kids. Chipperfields Circus used to pitch just out of shot to the left and I watched the elephants being exercised on Jackson's c.62! Happy days
This is a photo of all three named "institutions" with the Red Garage and Church Hall just off to the left. I thought this was an ENORMOUS road and we never crossed it by the Memorial!
That is Nefyn Primary School on the left, which I attended from 1960 until I passed the "eleven plus" and moved on to Pwllheli Grammar School. It was a long walk from my home in Cefn Morfa Nefyn, ...see more
Does anyone remember a street party in Beaconsfield Street, Prescot? I think it must have been for the Coronation. I was about 4 and I can remember sitting at a long table outside my Grandma's house which was 2 doors up from Prescot C of E school.
I can also remember Sunday School Treats which happened when we had completed the Whit Walks and ended up at Knowsley Park (before it was a Safari Park) we had a party tea in a big marquee and then ran races.
Howel (?) Davies was the post master when I was a child growing up in Morfa Nefyn. His daughter Rhian Wilson Davies was in the same class as me at Pwllheli Grammar School, later amalgamated with Frondeg School to become Ysgol Glan y Môr. She had a younger sister called Helen.
The post office also sold newspapers and comics. I bought nany a Bunty or Judy comic there. I seem to ...see more
Marsh's pork pie shop was opposite Labour Club Number One, at the end of Old Whint Road. The pies were known as the best in the world and we kids at Jagger's (Richard Evans Junior School, West End Road) used to sing 'Marsh's, they make the best meat pies' to the tune of Colonel Bogey. I can't remember the other words. The pies were baked in a commercial oven at the back of the shop and there was always a queue ...see more
Me! Carole, Sarah, Julie, Diane, Tracy, joanne, Nina.x
,
Does anyone have any historical information about the Hinxman's of Stockbridge. Have been doing some research into my father's maternal side and have discoverd that at one time they lived in Stockbridge (as well as West Dean, Kings Somborne and other areas around Hampshire ans Wiltshire etc). Perhaps they are buried in Old St Peter's Church Cemetary. If anyone knows or can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.
Email me at nickygeier (at) fsmail (dot) net
thanks.
I worked in J P Jacksons Butchers in King Street, the shop was next to what used to be the Queens Hotel, they were really very happy days.
Hi, a name search brought me to your link so I thought I'd write in with a request. I'm trying to track down information about my great grandmother who lived in Dumfries between 1900 and 1915.
My Granny, Mary Ann Sturgeon Templeton Rodger, married Will Rodger in 1934. They both worked at the Crighton Royal as mental nurses (1930 to 1960). My Gt Granny was Christina Ellen Templeton, born 1873 and ...see more
My mum has a photo taken c1958 when the fountain froze over...its a beautiful picture that has been up on the wall of our family home for as long as I can remember. My memory of the fountain is from the late 70's when I 'borrowed' my older sisters wooden and cork wedge shoes and put one in the water to see if it would float!!! Luckily it did andIi vividly remember how cold the water was as I waded in to retrieve it...happy days!
I have some good memories of Slough High St. My dad worked for co-op as milkman, he had a horse drawn wagon. The horses used to be stabled behind the old Co-op department store on the corner of the Grove. I used to go with my dad to the stables. When the co-op retired the horses my dad went to work for Neville & Grffin - he used to deliver milk all round the Upton Court Estate with an electric hand cart. As I ...see more
I was brought up at Onesacre and as a child I can remember going down to the old school house where Mr & Mrs Jones lived. They used to have boarding kennals and they kept a goat in the croft at the end of the lane. We used to feed the goat on our way to school and then do some fishing on our way back home in Mellors Field - we used to tickle them, me and my best mate.
I was born in the square at no 55 and well remember working as an errand boy for Morgans the shop delivering groceries around Bryncelyn and into Nelson village, for the princely sum of half a crown. I set up an account in the Goldsmith's clothing shop and occasionaly purchased clothing, they were lovely people.
Outside of our house, in the corner of the garden, there was a wall ...see more
My father worked at the Star Hotel and has some wonderful stories but as much as I try I can't seem to find any photographs of the hotel .
In the 1970s, I myself went to a few discos held there, so I vaguely remember the steps up to the main door and the big hall downstairs - but being a teen I was interested in the music and boys not really in the venue.
Any photos and or memories of the Royal Star Hotel would be wonderful.
My father (Bill Rudland) lived in Broadstairs from 1914, and except for WW2, he lived there until he died. I lived there from 1944 to 1962. I remember St. Mildreds School, Uncle Mac, Mr. Broadstairs, the chalets being built in the Main Bay, the Viking Ship landing in 1949, Dickens festivals, the cinema down the High Street (forgotten it's name), the old jetty roof, a girl named Rosemary nearly getting drowned ...see more
Born Cecil Nixon @ 131 Morrison St.Gatesgead County Durham. Went to Rose St school,Prest St. Victoria Road, Marske by the Sea and Reeth schools. Kicked out of school before war began by the
Black Watch & Tyne-side Scottish Regiments, evacuated the day before war began to
Marske By the Sea. Several months then back to Rose Street School for a short time.
Rose St. school taken over by soldiers ...see more
I used to live at Barney, near Hindringham. I lived there from when I was born to when I moved to Norwich in 1973, if anyone remembers me please get in touch.
I grew up in the village and lived in 38 Harvey Rd, then Lower Harvey Rd, then 4 Camus Rd, Dunbeg, which I watched being built and my father landscaped. My father was Jimmy Lamont, mother Isobel. In the 50s it was a great little place to live.
I remember Joe Wyche very, very well; a very progressive man, and to be frank I owe my success to him.
At age thirteen he hauled me into his office to inform me I was lazy and he was going to make me work. In consequence I did work for fear of my life, and in 1956 came top of the school. This won me a free scholarship to King's School, Macclesfield, an experience that changed a working class lad with his shirt tails ...see more
I lived at 6 Brewery Terrace untill they demolished them - we moved out in 1976 . My parents, Sam and Joan lived there from 1966 and before them my aunt, uncle and cousins Betty, Harry and Peter.
My aunt worked at the brewery in the offices and all my uncles worked there before their national service (during and after the war).
Somewhat puzzled by this photograph, if this is 55',where is Simpsons petrol station?
HI Malcolm, I passed your comments to our archivist and she has changed the date to c1960 - these later images were not dated so we have to make educated guesses! I hope that this makes sense now. Regards, Editor.
Hello, I wonder if anyone knows what happened to the old church in Melody Road? I was a bridesmaid there at my aunt's wedding when I was tiny, around the mid 1950's.
My grandparents, Patrick and Mary Lagan, lived in Sunnyside Drive, Rasharkin. I well remember a holiday there when I was 7yrs old (the last time I saw them). I was born in England, my mum having moved over in the forties. I remember playing with a family called Workman who also lived in Sunnyside. I went back 50 yrs later and the village shop was still there and much as I remembered it - I can still recall the smell of peat fires, and when I sometimes smell it I'm reminded of being there.
I was born at the top of Reigate Hill (Mogador) and would catch the 406 bus every Saturday night to watch the latest films at the MAJESTIC cinema.
We would visit most of the local pubs in the area - Market / the Bell / The Queens /
The Sultan (this was opposite the Co Op), there was also the South Eastern, and the Locomotive' The Home Cottage we never used.
My girl friends father was George Pearman who was the ...see more
I was born at the hospital in Shorncliffe but lived first in the 'stone block' then in the tin town bungalows at Reachfields. All of the army families who lived there were happy as the bungalows were comfortable. Reachfieds was on the Dymchurch road, and just by a little railway bridge was The Gem run by Morris and Norman, its where I bought my first ice lolly - 3d orange - one made by Walls.
Sainsburys in town ...see more
I remember my Saturday job at Lewis'. I loved my job there. I worked there for two years. I used to go to the Locarna on a Saturday, or the Gaumont Cinema in the week. I remember the bullring being built. I was the oldest of five children and used to do the shopping in the market. I used to have a shilling pocket money and and I loved spending it in the shops in the city centre. How things have ...see more
I am researching my great grandparents lives and know that they lived in Uddingston when my Grandfather, Donald McNicol Smith was born in Uddingston in 1887. His parents were James David Smith and his wife Mary S(?) McNicol and I am just beginning to find out exactly where in the town/village they lived - but we can not read the entry on the Birth Certificate but it seems to be M....dge. Please does this ...see more
My grandparents, Thomas Wilfred Hobbs and Jane McCurdy, were married in St Ninians chapel in 1918. My father, Thomas Elgar Hobbs, was born in Gourock in 1920. I was hoping that I may have relatives in the area, I am Thomas Elgars daughter, Theresa nee Hobbs. Many thanks.
In the early 1960s I used to go to ballet classes upstairs at the Watermans Arms.
I lived in Great Wakering (Twyford Avenue) from 1960-65 although my mother had been born and raised there as had her mother and grandparents. I attended the junior school and then the secondary school. The secondary school was the best school I ever attended and was very well equipped for sport, domestic science & technical subjects. Mr Prince was the headmaster at the time. The fish & ...see more
I am wondering if anybody might have a memory of my uncle. His name is Douglas Walters, he was born on 29th August 1936. His father was also named Douglas Walters and they lived at West Brook Cottage, West Brook road in Godalming in 1944. I love to hear from anybody who has any memories or information on him.
I have lived in Stapenhill on the estate. I met a friend there and now he is a part of my life. Had some good times and bad but the best was going to my grandma's for tripe and oinoins and she lived in a bungalow in Stapenhill.
Hi
Does anyone remember the old fashioned style local shop half way down Brook Street in between the Coylers Lane and Belmonth Road junctions?
The shop is still there but in a very diffferent form. The shop I remember was an old farm type shop where the rather large man with a tash served you.
They was the only shop open on a Sunday in the 80's and I remember many a time being sent there for Milk.
Tracey
I read about a contributor who went to Joyce Williams School of dance and memories came flooding back. I recall Mrs Bigwood making all the costumes and her daughter being one of the older girls in the school. I went to Manor Junior with Neil Bigwood. We danced at the assembly hall in front of someone famous but can't remember who. I recall the Whit Monday walk to Southend setting off from the ...see more
I lived on Farm Road behind the police station facing the court house. There were so many lovely old buildings on the Square that I remember. The most prominent one for me was the sweet shop, it had such beautiful glass cabinetry and brass foot rails. Loved that shop. The other was the Chemist on the corner opposite the butchers, it was full of old oak fixtures and huge glass jars.
I saw the old ...see more
While wild-fowling on Frampton Marsh in the winter of 1954, I met McKenzie a well known Poacher. He showed me a curlew he had shot, he had it in a poachers pocket inside his coat, a jovial sort of fellow. He became a well known painter of wildfowl, he was a great friend of Peter Scott another painter of wild-fowl. Kenzie lived at Sutton Bridge.
My father, Michael Vinton, turns 70 this year and I am looking for people who knew him during his younger years, either from the schools mentioned above or out and about in Sidcup. Names of people he regularly mentions are Jack Taylor, Billy Beattie, Colin Friend, Antony Godsill, Fred Nash and Jeff Hughes.
If anyone would like to get in touch please email me on michelle.vinton@yahoo.co.uk.
I lived in Lynmouth Gardens. Names I remember:- Mrs. Hutchings, Head of Perivale Primary School.
Charlie Nevill, Head of the Junior school with his green sports car. Crystal Andrews who regularly showed us her green knickers. Robin and Colin White with Joey Kingston. Malcolm Tucker, Peter Mantrip, Michael Woodington, Robert Benett, David Patchet, Alan Graves, whose little brother Billy disappeared and ...see more
Hi. My old firm, Harry S. Fairhuirst and Sons, were the architects who designed the YMCA in Peter Street. In the 1970's I took over responsiblity for the R & M of the building and this contiinued until my retirement.
Who remembers the bedrooms for single young men coming to the city to earn a living ( girls were not allowed through the doors at that time ), the relatively inexpensive food, the running ...see more
My grandparents, my mother's parents, lived in Vicarage Road, Plympton until 1962 when they moved to Moorland Avenue. As children we always spent our holidays with them and I have early memories of accompanying my father or grandfather in the 1950´s to the road bridge overlooking the station to watch the trains go by. Bells ringing in the signal box and then signals moving into the "off position" ...see more
Anyone wanting some info on Shotton Colliery, join facebook and type Shotton Colliery (I live or have lived there) you will get all the craic past and present on there, cheers Dave
I was in home 8 for over 5 years. Many memories, some good, some bad bad bad. Had the cane off Vardy (the super ) many times. Had a few good friends, if anyone remembers me please get in touch, cheers.
I'm researching my family and have come across a reference to a Catholic seminary for foreign missionaries in Newby Bridge. The person I'm tracing would have been there in the late 1920s. If anyone has knowledge of this place, I would greatly appreciate hearing about it. Thank you.
My memories of a happy childhood: living in the farm house and the horses, goats, hens, geese, dogs that my father bred for the police, and the wonderful summers and freezing winters..and my dad self employed selling wood logs in winter, fish in summer, fresh from north shields quay, rags and woolens, around whitley bay, but it was all to come to an end when they made the new motorway in what would be ...see more
Grinsdale Bridge was built to take road traffic over the railway line going into Carlisle. It was always a driving hazard. The main claim to fame of the area was Ron Morton's Auto Wrecking yard. He supplied a treasure trove of used parts which must have kept thousands of cars running a few more miles. He was in an elite group of two when it came to working on cars, especially Jaguars, the other being my father ...see more
I lived in Farningham, but being a teenager, came to Dartford for entertainment. I also went to Dartford Grammar School until 1959 and my best friends were Veronica Gill and Jennifer Yates - Jennifer's parents owned a little grocery store up East Hill. As a teenager, I hung out in the Greenery Cafe, you would buy a cup of coffee or tea and make it last 4 hours! I was in love with a guy called Jimmy Knight who lived ...see more
I am not sure of the date, but I remember very well being friends with Sheba who lived in this old house with her family, and being taken round to play a couple of times. We were in the same class at Leverington School. Although she probably doesn't remember me, I remember that house so well. It was beautiful. My maiden name was Piper and I lived close by on Roman Bank.
How these shops have got a lot busier now - looking at this photograph, it seems so quiet then. Since this photograph was taken there has been many changes of owners. On the green, next to the old butchers shop, now has a doctor's surgery in front of the garages - the third garage along was my father's - he had it for many years. This area will always bring back memories to me.
I worked further down the road in BHS at this time as a Saturday girl. I thought it was great and earned about £1 which bought my dinner and stockings and bus fare and I still had money in my pocket.
I remember there were two cinemas almost next door to one another. I think the seats cost 9d and 6d for kids on Saturday. We used to go to the chip shop at the top of Gipsy Hill on the way home and use our bus fare for the chips.
I worked in Woolworths in 1961 - it was very Victorian looking in those days .
I was 10 at the time this picture was taken and my friend Ann lived in the shop with the car outside. Originally it was a junk shop and later became a greengrocer's shop. Her grandfather and aunt had a very small grocery shop at the bottom of Hamilton Road.
I was born (1940) and raised in Mildenhall, in one of the old flint cottages in Kingsway, (now the Mildenhall Museum) almost opposite the fish and chip shop (Snushalls?) and after a couple of moves left Mildenhall in 1955 to join the RAF and travel the world. The cottage where I was born ('Fern Villa') has long since been knocked down to make a rear access to the shopping mall in the market.
I am pretty ...see more
I worked in Curtess Shoe shop at the time this picture was taken.
Does anybody remember Muirhead Vatric fatory in Elmers End, near the railway station? I worked there in 1989 (ish) just for a short while, but my Dad worked there during the WW11. Did anybody else work there during the war who might remember my Dad - Frank Hyde? If so would love to hear.
I was lucky enough to ride some some lovely ponies and horses stabled on The Avenue. My mum and l would ride out over Epsom Downs, Walton Heath, Headley Heath and Mickleham Downs. It was a wonderful way to experience the countryside and l remember the sights and sounds and smells so vividly. Sometimes we would stop off at the Sportsman pub for a shandy, tethering up the horses outside, and in the ...see more
My dad (RIP) used to work for Airflow Streamline Far Cotton, Northampton most of his life. 1970 onwards and I can remember standing outside the main gates, waiting for him to sneak me into the factory cos you wasn't allowed, but I was an exception. When you got to the last gate on Main Road there was a prefab of the kitchens, and my dad used to sneak me in that way. I remember the building, and ...see more
I was born inNnorthampton in 1963, and I left Northampton in around 1981. I've seen a lot of changes in Northampton - buildings being pulled down etc.. roads now unrecognisable - a lot has changed to the town.I know we can't stand in the way of progress but it's a shame so many things from the past have disappeared forever and can never be replaced. If anyone has memories of Tralask, Dallington 1968 - Egerton ...see more
I was married in Dunblane registry office on 5th May 1976. Afterwards, we had our photos taken in front of the cathedral, just across the square, to make it look as if we had been married there! Then we went home to our rented cottage in Kinbuck, a couple of miles away, for a party with our friends (we were both students at the University of Stirling at the time).
This is the title of my memoirs that I published in 2010.
I was born in Woodside Nursing Home, Woodford Wells on 30.11.30. My father was Dr.David H Smith, a local G.P. and we lived at 22 Primrose Road, S.Woodford until 1938. We moved to Vicarage Rd. Woodford Bridge, off Roding Lane, where we lived at St.Breock, through the war years (with many never-to-be forgoten experiences- especially the Battle of ...see more
Does anybody know where the Old Hall was in Helsby in 1911? My great aunt, Eva Jane Wharton worked there, it was in Helsby, not Frodsham.
Is there anyone in Frodsham or the surronding district that were related to the Wharton family in around the 1890's 1900's?
Just a little way down Fir Tree Road from where this was taken, was the home and surgery of my childhood doctor - Dr Smallshaw. I remember him as a kindly man, and his surgery smelt of surgical spirit and his waiting room had dark leather chairs.
I have very happy memories of tugging a little plastic boat on a piece of string on this pond. Often sail boats would become becalmed in the middle of the pond and you would have to wait patiently for them to reach the shore. I remember this willow tree very well.
This is the parade of shops as l remember it from my childhood. I remember at the top of the parade, a butcher's shop, Leila the hairdresser (run by my friend's mum Joyce), which was next to the optician, a grocery store, the post office, and at the very bottom used to be the Fir Tree tea rooms. Beyond that was the garage, and then the Drift Bridge Hotel where l spent many a Saturday night nursing a rum and pineapple in ...see more
To the right-hand side of the flats was another parade of shops called Eastgate. Here there was Mrs North, the fishmonger, and Apps, the papershop, as well as a hairdresser and greengrocer and petshop where l had my first Saturday job. Eastgate always seemed quieter and more out of the way somehow. My Dad, would come home to Banstead station on the commuter train from London Bridge and my mum and l would meet him at Eastgate, ...see more
It was just past the garage l think, where Joan Field's dress shop was located, where my Mum used to love to spot a bargain. To the left of the garage (out of view) was Hookham's grocery store, that l remember, before it was self-service and Cornish the bakers that did lovely crusty loaves and gooey cream slices.
