Nostalgic memories of Bedford's local history
Share your own memories of Bedford 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.
Add a Memory!
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 21 in total
I was evacuated to Bedford in 1939 aged 7 and stayed first of all with a Mrs Drake ,the wife of a captain Drake who was in command of a ship called the Warspite. I remember it was off Goldington rd. by the school where all the evacuees were taken and sat around the central hall to be selected and billeted with various families. Mrs Drake had a housemaid and I remember the air raid sirens sounding at 11.00 am ...see more
My mother used to work at a factory called "proper pride" making lingerie does anyone remember it
I think it was in mile road, it would be lovely to hear from anyone who knew it. My mother was called
maria longo
In 1956 when I was 17 years old my brother in law built a sailing boat but neither if us had ever sailed.
We took the boat on a trailer to "Kelpie's" yard on the river Ouse at Great Barford near to Bedford and were soon leaning the skills of gybing until a late gybe left us stranded in reeds. I was the lucky one having been elected to enter the water to clear a way (picture Humphry Bogart in African Queen). ...see more
I spent many a happy afternoons here , watching film's . Beautiful old place , so sad when they tore it down . It was supposed to be a listed building , thank's BB Council , they also pulled down the old Granada, which was also ' a Listed building !!!! It was also in a lovely setting by the river , i miss those days ...
My mother Dorothy was from Bedford and when she met my dad they lived there until the 60's. I used to go back every year with them to visit the relatives in the 70's and 80's...many many fond memories of the place... walks along the embankment and the weir, feeding the ducks, Newnham Baths, The Harpur Centre on the high street, the playground at Jubilee Park near Fenlake, The Red Lion pub in Elstow, my ...see more
I have lived in Bedford for most of my life and I have a vague memory of a cafe called "Barbara's bun shop" in the town centre. This would have been around 1964/1965... can anyone shed any light on this for example, where in Bedford it was
I remember going there with my friend in the summer holidays as it was owned by a friend of hers
Would love to know if anyone else remembers this
Thanks
Born and bred in Bedford (1945) so many fond memories... The Granada cinema...I played at that venue many times with my band back in the 60's... I was born & lived in Cardington Road at the time and the fields and river were our main "playground" and seat of learning. Newnham swimming pool was our main (leisure) activity where many of us learnt to swim as a school activity, besides learning in the nearby river...!
When I spent a couple of years training as an RNMS at Bromham Hospital, I used to live in Nurses Quarters at 1 Albany Road, Embankment, Bedford. I celebrated my 21st Birthday whilst there & my parents brought my brother & sister-in-law down & we had a meal at The County Hotel. My parents allowed me to invite my girlfriend at that time to the meal. Her name was Lynn Mathers who lived in Rothsay Gardens ...see more
So long ago! I remember looking at it when passing by car on our way to seeing friends in Bedford.
My parents had just moved to England from Italy. I wonder if they met here...
