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 19121 - 19200 of 36957 in total
Someone mentioned the outdoor pool. We used to go there all the time in summer. I was up by Purley airport. I can remember also there was a scare about polio and my Mom wouldn't let us go there at that time.
My father was a Aircraft Engineer for K.L.M. He started as an apprentice at Croydon Airport in 1934. After the second world war, Croydon was getting too small for the larger aircraft coming along, so K.L.M. moved to the then new London Airport and we moved with them. In 1948 we moved into 31 Byron Avenue, my step mother and my half sister, my half brother Neil was born there in 1950. I went ...see more
When I was 18 years old, back in that horrible winter of 1963, I used to live for a while with my aunt and uncle, Norah and Pat Kelly, who ran The Weymouth Arms in Warminster. At that time they were also involved in the running of another pub in Warminster called The Globe or Old Globe. I used to walk there every day, open the pub up, set the coal fire going, do any cellar work required etc and serve all of the ...see more
I used to ride my bike round this pond: there was a steep 45 degree drop path in the SW corner of the "bowl" which was the highlight of the fun as a kid. Very evocative photo.
We moved to Southampton in early 1950 just after the trams had stopped running - some of the rails were still there. Above Bar along with much of the town had been badly bombed in the war and there were many bomb sites on both sides of the road. Woolworths was a large wooden hut reached by a bridge across a crater. Gradually during the 1950s new buildings sprang up amid the bomb sites until the scene was as ...see more
I lived in the Northwood Hills area until 1968.
My father was a postman at Northwood Post Office in the 1950's (now a restaurant).
My grandfather was caretaker of the Oaklands Gate Methodist Church during the late 50's and 60's (William Gilbert). He and my grandmother lived in the flat that was provided with the job.
He was hard working and was a stickler to detail and was always ensuring that the church rules were ...see more
I was a chain lad when the M1 was being constructed. I was working for Amy's, the asphalt company. Amongst other things I was to make cups of tea and also collect thousands of pounds in wages for the work force. My boss who's name I canot recall, told me of some special people coming and that I had to get the china tea-set out and simply make tea and pour it out. When they arrived; some twenty management, I was ...see more
I was to live in Blackpool for a short while and would work on a farm; I lived with my sister and brother in law in Delphine Avenue. Lawrence my brother in law leant me his Honda fifty motorbike, I pulled into a petrol station some 15 miles away and proceeded to ask the pump attendant for a gallon of two stroke petrol. He informed me that as far as he was aware this type of bike was a four stroke engine and that ...see more
My email address is: ngairegarland@gmail.com
Does anyone know of Jean Laverick and her two sisters (Margaret and Anne) who lived in Holystone, Whitley Bay in the late 1940s? We were the NZ family who lived down the road and we played and went to Sunday School together. I would love to have contact with Jean and any member of her family after all these years. I shall be in Northumberland in June this year (2012) and it would be wonderful to meet up again. Ngaire (Atkinson)
We used to hang around the street but mostly the cafe. There was Pete Lea, Jim Peason, Dennis Buckley and some stunning girls - Jannis, Orial and a few more whos names escape me. We sat in there for hours listening to the jukebox and the songs of the period - Brenda Lea, Conny Frances, the Everly Brothers - when we weren't in the cafe we were in the Red Lion or in the Windmill, listening to blind Freddy play the piano. ...see more
I was born and brought up in Chadderton Street near Greengate and Irwell, which we
called the rubber works. My mam and dad both worked there. I used to play on mark addie waiting for my dad coming home from work, whose name is Ernie Heywood. There
was a sweet shop on the corner of Derwent Street called Doris's. Nearly all my relatives
lived around there, the Willoughbys, Vincents, Heywoods and Brackens.
My father built most of the houses on Blaen-y-Pant, including our house, Bryn Dene. Initially there were houses built in 1937 on the Avenue, the Place and the Crescent. It was a private development of good quality homes. Interestingly, some families bought a few houses and a close knit community developed. I was born in our house, and had a very happy childhood there. We had the Malpas Brook and the ...see more
Does anyone remember Wyleboro Farm in Havering atte Bower, owned by my grandmother Mrs Maggie Saward? She also owned the riding school near the Green with her sons John, Tom and my mother Nancy,and I remember as a child in the early 1950's seeing the stocks on the village green. We had horses at the farm, but when my grandmother, Maggie Saward, grew old and could not cope with the farm ...see more
I remember going to the ABC cafe every Saturday with my Mum - it was great to eat out even if it was only a snack.
My Hues family lived, worked and died in Horningsham. My great great grandfather Robert Hues died in the far end cottage in the early 1800's.
Not really a memory of my own, but my father remembers going out with a young lady from South Kirby called Violet Shaw who lived on Clockrow Grove. Does anyone know of her and what she did with her life? I think he says she went to be a nurse. Also, a grt-grandfather on my mother's side, Cuthbert Dunbar, died as a result of an accident at the pit in 1902. His name is on the memorial. I took my dad for a ...see more
I have studied this photograph and shown it to numerous friends but nobody can identify the location. Can anybody help me with this.
My Mum and Gran worked at Brookfeild Maden - Name Sally Hill, Grans Name Fanny Hill.
My Family lived here in 1955.- Dad worked in Army Police, Mum was a Housewife.
I remember riding on the back of my Mum"s bike - playing near the woods with my sister (prohibited!) - travelling on the last steam train to Wallingford, and having to walk 1/2 mile to school every day along Park Road (past the famous Tin Peas Factory). But the Best memory was buying my 1st 7 inch ...see more
I too, was born in Argent Street, No 85, next door to Potters Shop. Only the alleyway divided our house from them, and two doors away from The Castle. I have fond memories of growing up in the early sixties, and my adventures included playing in Bruces Wharf timber yard, the Old High Street, West Street, the back garden of The Theobalds Arms . I beliveve 'Bangor' used to run it then, and playing rounders with his ...see more
My grandfather, Peter Heywood was head gardener and sexton at the cemetery till his later retirement. If anybody knows of any of the men there during the 50s' onwards, please let me know. He lived at Springwater Cottage in the valley below Lily Hill Street.
If the cannon was still there in the 1950's, then it can't have been melted down to help the war effort in the 1940's. Can anyone be sure they saw the cannon there in the fifties - and what do they think happened to it? I'd like Bridgnorth to get its cannon back - Ludlow still have theirs, and they've got railings around their church as well!!
I was born at 38 James Street, Barking on Christmas day 1965 (25/12/65.) My father was called Barrie Cook, and my mother Maggie Cook (Neè: Coe). I am very interested in finding photos of James Street at around that time, or speaking with anyone who may have known my parents. I am also very interested in finding a street plan that will show me the longitude and latitude of 38 James Street, as the houses are now gone. ...see more
I remember this place well, we were taken here, whatever the weather, by school to have swimming lessons. The big event was to swim a mile, I did this and received a seasons pass to swim for free, which I was very proud of. My name then was Folley. When we went in a group of friends, the highlight was the hot drink of bovril and slice of bread and jam. Whenever there was a polio case about, I wasn't allowed to swim ...see more
Although I didn't live in Mitcham, I do remember a girl who lived above the chemist in Fair Green . She and her friends were top modernists, very smart with handmade shoes, I think her name was Germaine and I think she had a friend called Bunny or Bonnie. They were often at the Wimbledon Palais ,they were top girls. Modernist pre dated mods - we wore handmade suits and shoes made at Gorgios in Southfields.We thought we were the business.
Every year the children in the Sunday School at St. Leonards Church at Dinnington would be taken to Roche Abbey for a picnic. They originally used a horse and dray to take us, and we used to take sandwiches and pop, and run about all day. We also used to climb on the gatehouse roof and think we were very brave. The boys used to climb up the steep slope behind, but they wouldn't let girls do it.
The horse ...see more
I was born in Stockwell London, but I often visited 'Uncle Jack' who was the retired farm manager of Beagles Farm. He lived with his wife in Church Road opposite the stores.
My parents, my sister and I visited regularly and when the grown ups wanted to chat, I was given money to buy sweets at Kings Stores. My ancestors came from this area, including Nimrod Bridger who was, unfortunately run down and killed in one of the ...see more
I looked at this and thought, 'I've seen that somewhere before!' I have a very similar photograph taken in May 2009. Building seems as if it has been locked in time looking at this photo. Wonderful!
Does anyone remember the Cooper family who lived in Bickley Street from the early forties until the early sixties, or the Wharfe family that lived in Hereward Road? Or any memories you have of the Tooting Granada from the late forties to the late fifties.
The shop next to the pub. By the time we arrived in Bracknell in the sixties, and certainly until I left for Uni in the seventies, was a newsagents and I am pretty sure it was run by Mrs Murphy. We had regular magazines ordered there (it was easy for father commuting to London from the station just to the left of this picture) and I seem to recall these were all kept in a shopping basked suspended from the ceiling! Why? ...see more
Memories fade, but I walked down here often and think that on one of these corners was the delightful "Kiddies Korner". Board games stacked high, Action Man and associated bits, Corgi cars, Major Matt Mason Mattell's Man in Space (fantastic allitteration!). Bliss it was to be alive in that time, but to be young, was very heaven!
I remember spending many happy times at Martins Grove Swimming Pool.The hot summer days, the park packed with children and parents. The high jumping board, the slide and fountain. I lived in Bramar Avenue. My Grandparents lived in Pinnacle Hill, I have happy memories of living in Bexleyheath.
My memory of Compton Bassett is not extensive - to say the least - as I spent roughly a year in married quarters before my husband was posted to Bordon in Hampshire. He was in the REME and worked at Lyneham.
My immediate memory is of greeness and drizzle! And being without friends - I don't think being a member of the khaki set helped! (Compton Bassett was largely ...see more
Purchased by the current residents in 1978. Sadly, decline in the village population resulted in closure of the Old Post Office in 1980 and a change in name to Is y llan. Aside from renovation the property remains unchanged.
I started work for Mr and Mrs Judge at Nordham as a groom for Ballymore, a racehorse who had broken his leg. I spent a happy year riding this wonderful horse, many miles all over the East Riding. I also had a chestnut horse to exercise. At that time, Ruby was a cook in the big house. I lived in lodgings, with Mr and Mrs Mann. Also joined the youth club and started old time dancing with John Allison, ...see more
Can anyone remember Peglers Stores or Evans the grocer - with his horse and cart?
We moved here in November 1949 - Mother was horrified, I thought it the most wonderful, exciting place to be. The corner room upstairs was used by the previous tenants for pigeons, racing I think. A good scrub was needed before Mum considered it clean enough to hang the washing. My brother and I shared the large billiard room, as a combined bedroom and playroom. We had two dogs, Patricia and ...see more
I remember the old buildings that were once part of Wattisham Airfield in Crowcroft Road. This area was occupied by the 4th Strategic Air Depot USAAF during the second world war. In the 60's Mrs Gant was the shopkeeper, and Mr Mowles from Whatfield would deliver groceries. My grandparents Leonard and Clara Pryke lived in Crowcroft Road from 1939- 1971.
Hi, to everyone who reads this and I hope some of you can help. My Mum, met my Dad, in the Empire Cinema Neath, 60 years ago this year. She used to work there with her father (my Grandfather). Over the years she has so many stories to tell, and as I was growing up I heard the stories over and over. For example, the Neath born actor Ray Milland's father used to go there to watch his son's films and always had a ...see more
Ewen Kerr opened a secondhand bookshop in New Sambles, sometime during the early years of World War II. I remember selling him some of my children's books (I now much regret that I did not keep them; I was only 17 at the time) and buying a splendidly, decoratively bound copy of Agness Zimmermann's edition of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. It cost, I think, 2s.6d. (c.12.5 p.) and I still have it. Later Ewen's son took the business over & moved to another Kendal location, then to Cartmel.
My husband, Mike Kirton, lived in the second house on the right as a small boy with his parents and younger brother. A number of his family also lived on this stretch of the Parade. I moved to Sleaford in 1963, but lived further up the Parade at No 90. Even then it looked the same.
The building on the right was a cafe and had a jukebox where, the local teenages used to go and listen to the latest releases. Of course, in those days, we were not supposed to go there, but times they were a changing.
When the cinema opened, the local school children were walked up Sea Lane to see the first film. It was Cockleshell Heros....
I lived in the prefab you can see on the right of this photograph, 4 Windsor Crescent, and moved there when I was one years old. I loved living there and have many happy memories. Already the council houses were being built behind.. and the one you can see, the Barkers lived in..... He was a builder and the three children were Ian and twins, Barry and Barbara. The Pimpertons were the owners of the post office and ...see more
This is the pathway to the cottage, my grandparents - the Wilsons, and aunt and uncle lived in. It used to be a farmhouse, but was split into two attached dwellings. On the left, there was a snack bar, and I spent many an hour helping my aunt plate up' full english breakfasts' in the late 50's early 60's. There was a field at the side, where I used to drive my two cousins around in my father´s car. I must ...see more
I used to live at the Talbot Inn. In fact, it was the one and only time I have ever had a ghostly experience, I loved the place. My Dad, was the Landlord. I cried when I found out they had demolished it in 2009. So many happy memories xxxxx
The place you are referring to is, Ash Hall Ystradowen. I know this as my parents were there in '64/'65 doing exactly same job. The house was owned by the Charnauds, who owned The Pencil Factory. I lived there for a while with my two brothers, it was a lovely house and grounds, very much a hunting family. Mum had to clean all their gear, and cook and make afternoon tea - all very posh.We used to get snowed in and use a ...see more
I was evacuted from the Manchester area, together with younger brother Robert in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. We arrived in Accrinton, and were taken to a school where we waited to be billited. After we had something to eat, we were taken to Stanhill Post Office where we spent the next three years of the war. I was then 14 and had to return to Manchester, my younger brother stayed till 1945. The ...see more
I grew up in the house opposite the Brittania Inn from early 1940 until about 1960. The shop next door, in the right of the picture, was a grocers shop, Stovolds. I remember spending the day with them watching the Coronation, as not many people had television in those days.
This photo was taken from Western Avenue when it was a through road from Godington Road. Western Avenue was turned into a Cul-de-Sac when National Schools were replaced by new buildings in the 1990s and the road closed to through traffic.
When this building was sold and demolished by Ashford School, the site was turned into a Tennis court with a igh steel net fence placed along East Hill to prevent balls landing in the road or hitting pedestrians. It was only when this was not found to be effective ( could it be the girls tried on purpose to hit their balls over the the higher net ?) was it then turned into a car park.
My ealiest memory was the time I spent in my grandmother,s house. I believe the street where she lived was in South Ossett. As far as I know the street is no longer there. My maiden name was Hewitt.
I was born in 1952 and lived in this village untill I was 22. My home was no3, the red brick semi in the centre of photo and later no5, the white house right hand side. These houses were called Kerrsland Cottages and were owed by Guildford Council. To the right of the road was a disused bargate stone quary. My father's family lived here for nearly 70 years. Just looking at this photo reminds me of only happy times.
In the late 1960's I was a schoolgirl at the Derby School. When I began to be independent and join a tribe I chose the Northern Soul gang and sometimes I used to go to All Nighters, with my boyfriend and friends at the Twisted Wheel in Manchester. We took the last train from Bury to Victoria Station and walked up to Piccadilly Station where the gang met. My Mum made some really cool dresses ...see more
I was born in 1941 and as a child, lived at Park Head Row, Birdsedge. There was little traffic then and we used to play hopscotch on the main road. Around the age of three, whilst swinging on our garden gate, I vividly remember the unusual sight of a convoy of khaki army trucks entering the village. I watched in awe as they turned right at the Crown pub and headed up Park Head Row. As they passed our house, one of the ...see more
My grandparents lived in Braxted Park where my grandfather was a gamekeeper. They lived in Pundict Cottage, and having looked at local maps, I am wondering whether the house known as Pundict Lodge is built on the same site. Does anyone know?
After the war (1945) an elder brother was sent to a boy's home in Sidcup, Kent and two years later, I was sent to Chertsey. WE WERE SEPARATED. We had been sent to a family in Epsom Surrey for the duration of the war and with an even older sister were treated very badly, being regularly beaten and starved, Miss W.......y, a Surrey County Council child welfare officer was useless and was only ...see more
My family moved to West Horndon from Millwall during the war, my nan and grandad already lived at 13 cadogan and we lived at 9, later to be changed to 29. I lived in the village for twenty four years, got married at St Nicolas Church, Ingrave. We had two girls while living at Cadogan Ave.
I went to school at Little Warley and then to Brentwood Secondary Modern. My memories are fantastic of the village and ...see more
I was born in Hope Hospital 1937, lived at 4 Woden Street Salford 5. I went to St Bartholomews School On Tatton Street. At that time I was Ivy Stephens. Now I live in the USA in Las vegas, Nevada. I have lived in the states since 1980 and would like to find at least one of my friends from my school day era if there is anyone of them still alive - hopefully there is?!!!!! and will indeed write me and I wil reply asap.
My mum and dad always told me they had many happy days sat on Tom Burts Hill - where did the name come from? The building below is the original hospital I think. The view there is so nice compared to now, just houses and traffic yuk!!!
In 1957, having just completed my National Service I was living at home in Lindfield. Whilst looking for a permanent job, I had taken up a part time job at Haywards Heath Post Office. Each day for 6 days a week on reporting to H.H Post Office, I was driven out to Bolney Post Office with two others plus the mail. On arriving at Bolney we set about sorting the mail and delivering the same by bike. This was done ...see more
I first came to Gravesend with an advance party to re-open Milton Barracks in 1947. During my time there I met a Gravesend Girl and we were married at Milton Church in 1948. I was posted from Milton Barracks to the School of Artillery where I remained until my Demob in 1949.
We lived with my Wife's mother in one bedroom for 7yrs. We got a House when my wife was expecting our second child - ...see more
I remember well having to walk from Greenway estate to collect parafin from the machine outside of the garage on the right. Every day we walked to school in the village and we would call into the shop and spend our pennies on sweets, ice pops on the way home if it was hot.
Memories for Meidrim 1943 and 1957.
Evacuee 1943
Yes me and my brother was evacuees from London in 1943. We arrived in Carmarthen and were lead to the cattle market - all we had was a box with a gas mask in it. There was a label on our coat with our name and our address on it .
There were lots of other children there too. Some were crying, it was very frighting because we did not ...see more
I was born in Ballavare Farm, Ballakilpheric, Colby in 1959. I remember my mum taking me to the little shop in Colby in her Austin a 35 car. Sorry to see its not there anymore.
The RAF Ely Hospital 1950's Reunion will be held again this year on Saturday 29th September 2012 at the Lamb Hotel in Ely. This year though I am pleased to say there will be an addition to the Reunion..... A Flypast by an RAF Spitfire. How exciting is that! I received confirmation this morning but have yet to hear at what time it will occur but will inform everyone as soon as I know. So join us if you can in Ely on ...see more
I lived on Shepherds Hill and attended this school until I went on to Redden Court Secondary Modern at age 11. My name was Marguerite Valentine at the time. I would be interested to hear from anyone who attended during this time and especially those who lived on my route to school. Linda who lived just before the bridge that crossed the river Ingrebourne. Or Ann Swain who also lived on ...see more
Does anyone remember Colin Maddoox who worked for a pipeline company named Turriff construction and drove a red E Type Jaguar? I would love to get in touch again, Miriam Lawrence.
My family have lived in Sway all their lives. My father, Peter Veal and mother, Pam Veal my grandparents Jim and Ida Dukes.
i now live in Ireland but still remember the the New Forest and all its changing seasons. I still have freinds in the village, John Webb, a local artist,who now lives in Lyminghton - I have known John all my life and still keep in touch. The place of Sway has not changed that much from when I ...see more
I was born in Fleetwood in Flagg Street (which was called Flagg Alley ). My Father worked in a rock and easter egg factory with Harry Bentley and I used to taste the rock for them. My Father was called Walter Lawn. There used to be a pigery not far from there and I used to go round when going to school. My relative was the skipper on one of the boats (trawler) cannot remember when though. My Memories are still ...see more
My family moved into the Well Cottage on Low Lane in late 1948 and about a year later moved 20 yards up the lane to Half Moon Cottages, then in 1954 up to Woodland Avenue on Kirkthorpe Estate. I remember Lynda and her family extremely well and agree with all the memories she has posted. Life for children was ideal - a vast adventure playground, not least that Lynda's father Eddie Barr was a farmer and as ...see more
Maybank was a large house, formerly a doctor's surgery, situated off St Anne's Road, in Aigburth. I was in "digs" there with the Jones family (Ron & Nell and their children Peter & Helen) in the 1960's. I met Peter at Cardiff University and became friends. His father was the conductor of the Merseyside Youth for Christ Choir. Maybank was the venue for an informal Sunday night meeting, the Squash, attended by ...see more
Dont have a memory of the hospital itself only that I was born there 2nd Oct 1950
I lived in Horton from my birth to my 22nd year. I went to the Horton Church School first in 1941. There was a separate playground for both boys and girls, and a small door leading into the shelters. When the air raid siren went we all had to go into the dark, windowless shelters until the all-clear. One day a Nazi plane machine-gunned the pavement near the school. Being a church school, we sang "Now The Day ...see more
I was with the USAF and had just spent a year in Morocco. We were assigned to RAF Bentwaters but worked at RAF Woodbridge with the 79th. Coming into the country we first stayed at the White Hart Inn in Wickham Market and learned that we spoke American, the English speak English, similar for sure but different. Alhough we finally settled in Felixstowe for our tour, we really enjoyed our ...see more
I remember Ashgill well, my mum was born and brought up there. They lived at 51 Bogside Rd, granda was a miner. I never met my gran, she died when my mum was very young - their name was Dodds. There was Lizzie, Mary, Matt, Jeannie and John. Can anyone tell me if there was a wee shop at the bottom of Bogside Rd called Queenies? I am sure there was - anyway great times was had in Ashgill.
My Great Aunt Edna used to be a teacher. She started teaching during the late 1940's after the war. I have a picture from St.Blazey Infant School from 1947 (amongst others). On a brief visit I got my aunt to name some and hoping to get more names on a future visit. I wonder if anyone recognises some of these names: Ivy Winterbottom, Ann MacPherson, Fay Allen, Sonia Docherty, Ann Gillespie, Fran ...see more
Hi everybody,
I lived in Nutfield Road for 5yrs.Having returned to Merstham after arriving at the LCC Estate in 1952. My first memory of St Merstham was when as a 5yrs old going to the Sweet Shop from the LCC Estate to buy some sweets, as Portland Drive had no shops at the time and being asked by the man who worked in the Sweet Shop if I was from the Estate.When I told him I was he told ...see more
Does anyone remember the Hounslow Welsh Society which used to meet in a room in the grounds of Hounslow Hospital? My surname was Richards then & my Dad was a producer of the amateur dramatics & we also had a choir...I lived on the Great West Road where I was born, went to Springwell School & then to Heston Junior & Senior School, but we left in 1953 to move to North Wales....happy memories ...see more
