Haywards Heath, Victoria Park Paddling Pool c.1960
Photo ref: H252042
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Photo ref: H252042
Photo of Haywards Heath, Victoria Park Paddling Pool c.1960

More about this scene

The post-war environment meant that many clubs and societies flourished; the Haywards Heath Round Table was just one example. In 1956 they resuscitated the Dolphin Fair. It was a reminder of the much- missed old travelling fairs that travelled through the area during the summer months, giving the townsfolk an excuse to enjoy themselves. The 1956 fair consisted of a procession of various floats from some of the town's many social clubs, societies and businesses; there were collections for various local charities en route. It was also a chance for the crowds to see and cheer the newly elected Dolphin Queen, whose duties throughout her year of office would include attending many other social functions in the town. Originally the travelling fairs were held on Muster Green, and were biased towards rural interests. Sheep and pigs were given a particularly critical assessment by the very knowledgeable crowds, and some no doubt also enjoyed the ale from the nearby Dolphin pub! The revised fair was centred upon Victoria Park. Any livestock connection was purely coincidental, as the procession of floats gathered (or should that be 'mustered'?) at the livestock market site next to the railway station. The procession of floats meant that some of the main streets (particularly the Broadway and South Road) were closed to other traffic for the duration of the festivities. In Victoria Park the crowds could enjoy a traditional fair with numerous amusements to suit all ages; it was particularly popular in the evening.

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A Selection of Memories from Haywards Heath

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Haywards Heath

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

I was 10 years old when my parents, Mr & Mrs Arthur Easton owned the gift shop called Janet Ware in the High St. Arthur & Ruby Easton, me, my brother John, 3 yrs, & my sister Rosemary, lived in the flat above the shop. We moved to Braughing in Hertfordshire in 1951, but I have memories of pushing my sister in her pram in the park.
I went to Scracebridge in 1957 as part of the "Grammar Stream" waiting for Haywards Heath Grammar School to be completed. The"Grammar Grubs", as were were affectionately known, received a pretty hostile reception, and we were instantly recognizable by our brand new school uniforms, and we were only pupils in the school required to wear it. I remember it as being 2 years of sustained bullying by the locals, ...see more
I've always heard stories of my granny, Margaret Baldock, growing up in Haywards Heath. Her father, Arthur Baldock, was the gardener at Brook House as well as the village photographer in the 1890's - early 1900's. I've been searching for some details about this - any thoughts? This looks like such beautiful countryside; I would love to visit one day and have some first hand memories of the place!
Anyone have any memories or know anyone who lived in the Bentswood Road area during the early 1950s. I was born in Haywards Heath in 1949 and Bentswood Road is on my birth certificate. I was later adopted, but my birth mother was called Evelyn Mary Burlong who came from Lindfield and worked in the Cinema in Haywards Heath in her teens. She married a James William Storey (Jock) from Gateshead who was ...see more