Nostalgic memories of Westerham's local history

Share your own memories of Westerham and read what others have said

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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Add Your Memory for Westerham

Displaying Memories 11 - 17 of 17 in total

Pitts Cottage

About 1963 - I was a waitress at Pitts Cottage when it became an exclusive restaurant. The owner was a race driver ???? Parker, and the manager was Bernard Audergon from Switzerland. I also worked after school and weekends before that at the Old Way, across the street, which was a boarding house. Would love to know what Pitts Cottage is used for now. It was a magnificent house with some incredible antiques. I am now 65 and live in the U.S.

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Added 05 January 2012

Hosey Churchill Schools

I remember Hosey School very well. My mother used to clean for Mr Goldsmith way back in 1952-54. I went there from the age of 7 until I was 11 then graduated to the big school... Churchill, and yes I remember Mr Russel-Jones, any lad would remember him. If anyone can remember me or wants to contact me, I'll be more than willing to chat. My addy is goringj@yahoo.co.uk Thanks, John

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Added 17 January 2010

Memory Of Valance Residential School

I remember being at a convalescent/residential school called Valance in Westerham. The building was a large estate house with a round turret, and set in beautiful gardens. I have not been able to find out what happened to the house, whether it was sold privately or became another school. I would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers it or knows of its existence and use now.

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Added 16 November 2009

Dr Barnardos

I was one of the children at the home from 1950 to 1952 and remember Mrs Gunn the matron. It was a beautiful house with lovely gardens. We had quilts on our beds and every night I would go round the room and pick up all the teddies that had fallen out of the other children's beds, and put them under my quilt so they wouldn't get cold. I started school in Westerham but don't remember the name of it. I do remember ...see more

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Added 11 May 2009

Westerham From 1954 1965

I moved to Westerham in 1954 from London aged 7.. the smogs were too much. I went to Hosey School and remember teachers, especially Mr Goldsmith. Memories include parading outside the school and raising our caps when Winston Churchill was driven by. Living in Granville Road I remember the Barnardo's children's home, in fact my mother used to do some domestic duties there. I was very friendly with Mrs ...see more

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Added 29 September 2008

Farley Croft Westerham

Farley Croft was a beautiful house, in Westerham, converted for use as a Dr. Barnardo's Home when I was there in 1953/54. It was a wonderful place to be living. We junior Nursery Nurses were paid £4 a month while we trained. We mostly spent it on chocolate and sweets in the village on our off duty periods. I spent 10/- (50p) a month on riding lessons in nearby Limpsfield. We attended the church which was ...see more