Nostalgic memories of Acton's local history

Share your own memories of Acton 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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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 27 in total

I lived in Tudor Gardens West Acton, having been evacuated during the war. I attended West Acton infants school, then John Perrin Junior school followed by John Perrin Secondary ModernSenior School. I Started Senior School in 1952. It was "dreadful" The reason was being bullied nearly every day. I could not wait to leave. I remember many of the people that attended with me. To name a few:- Les Allum, Brian Ratcliffe, Keith ...see more
My name is Derek Price, and I was born in Central Middlesex Hospital and lived in Court Way, North Acton, until moving to Birkbeck Avenue when I was married in 1965. I attended West Acton Primary, Acton Wells Junior, John Perryn and finally Faraday school Bromyard Avenue until I left in December 1957. North Acton playing fields was our main playground together with the back alleys of the local houses as well as exploring ...see more
I was born in 1946 and raised in west Acton. Went to John Perrin school and yes the head master was a piece of work, I think he was called Mr. Hatfield. When I was 8 my parents finally agreed to allow me to have my ears pierced after me begging to have it done for a very long time, on the condition that if it hurt having the first one done I would still have the second one done, this was my 8th birthday present. Going back ...see more
dear helen, searching for info on the bromyard avenue school i came across your piece about goodhall street. everyone who lived in stephenson street, goodhall street, and old oak lane cottages, as they were called, had a connection with the railway. my dad was a signalman in the box at willesden junction situated at the end of the cattle dock, opposite the station. just down the road was the tobaccanist shop, ...see more
Hi, I lived in Mill Hill Road Acton for 8 years as a child in the 1950’s and remember all the shops in the High Street, all except one, the department store/ haberdashery shop on the corner of Market Place and the High Street. They used to have a strange pulley system where cash was put in a container for your purchases then it was pulled up and went all around up to the cash office then your change was sent ...see more
I lived in The Vale flats from 1953. First in Beech Avenue and then Larch Avenue. I first went to East Acton school before John Perryn and finally Bromyard Avenue, which was later renamed Faraday School just before I left in 1966. I enjoyed my time in the area before leaving to join the Royal Navy in 1967. I remember the shops over the road from the flats. The small post office, the butchers at the end and the ...see more
Hi all I lived in Vale grove Acton and enjoyed good times in Acton park I remember Sean Connery house. Churchfield road grocery store my uncle managed playing on the railway crossing gates etc Saturday morn pic odean & Granada
I lived in the vale it was really nice in 1960 very cleannot like now every one was happy we maynot of had much but we had fun.I remember the hall in the vale also people used to hire it out.the shops across the road there was a butchers paper shop chemist and buses across the road.good memories.but I married and moved to australia still come back for a holiday but so so diffrent , none of my family live in the vale anymore thank god not a nice place.but the memories I still have
My father was a train driver and I was born in Railway Cottages Goodhall Street Willesden Junction 1945 which came under Acton and lived there until I got married in 1966. I went to Acton Wells school from infants until I was 11 unfortunately I had a head injury when I was 10 from falling off a dustcart which I was having a ride on the back of the paper wagon with my sister and her friend. I had amnesia and ...see more
I have always been proud to be called an old Actonian and lived there through the forties, fifties and early sixties, returning regularly to visit my mother until she sadly passed some years ago. I went to John Perryn Infant & Junior School and very happy times they were. My church was St Dunstan's at East Acton where I married and my children were baptised. Remember well the Doll's Hospital on Acton Hill and ...see more