Nostalgic memories of Kettering's local history
Share your own memories of Kettering 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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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 17 in total
I spent many a happy hour in this, then very new, building in the early 60's., ostensibly studying for GCE's. But much to my everlasting regret, failing to take anything seriously, and with scant regard for the future, despite the best efforts of "Mac" McKinley and his excellent teaching staff.
How the years have flown since, and I often rue my lack of application, particularly when trying to answer questions on ...see more
During the mid-sixties I worked for Bell and Billows, the ironmongers in the left of the picture.
A large part of their business was horticultural equipment, and many spring and summer evenings were spent demonstrating mowers and cultivators to prospective purchasers.
Sales and repairs of sporting weapons were also undertaken, and I recall the famous local Author, Artist and Naturalist Denys Watkins-Pitchford, ...see more
In the early 60's I worked at the far end of Montagu St, in the Ironmongers of Tutty Ltd, when their business and premises were bought by the Kettering Industrial Co-operative Society.
Eventually it closed and the remaining stock sold to Newmans Ironmongers, to the right of the car in the picture.
For many years the showroom on the right was known as Cleavers.
Can anyone remember the name of the shop on the corner of market St which is now Barclays Bank. It was a haberdashery shop. I remember going in there with my nan and aunt in the 60's. Thanks.
At the junction of Station Rd. and Northampton Rd. was the much feared driving test centre. I took driving lessons during 1962/3 in the instructor's car an Austin A40 or A45. The usual matchstick was placed in the rear window to aid reversing. A simple idea but it certainly worked. Satisfying my instructor that I was ready for the test I appied and was given the time and date. I remember it was a 10am ...see more
The shown photo is how I remembered it circa 1955 when I was 10 years old. Very popular venue for Sunday brassbands and the occasional visiting magician/children's entertainers. When the bandstand was not in use during weekdays, folding chairs would often be stored within it. Prior to an event, council workers (possibly council park staff that lived in a house on the edge of the park) would empty the ...see more
Opposite Morrissons below where Windsor Gardens is now situated in Lower St. was a car sales lot known as Jock Bone. I bought my second car from him, a Standard 10 after trading in my Ford Prefect. He sat in a caravan at the rear of the lot and would pounce upon you as soon as you drove or walked in. He was very slick with his patter and was not interested in what car you were looking for but what car he ...see more
Worked here aged 15 - my first casual job and first real job of any sort - when the pavilion had a 'proper' restaurant, mostly clearing tables, laying cutlery and (on my first day when I had the temerity to wear blue jeans, rather than black) serving orange juice from a jug to a party of ungrateful kids upstairs. We were provided with a wholesome lunch (no, really) and I recall 'Tobacco Road' ...see more
Sorry to disappoint you, but this is S S Peter and Paul church and not All Saints
Not sure exactly the last time we were at this park, but it was after 1960, that's the year my brother was born, and we came to Canada in 1964, so it was sometime or several times in between. I am pretty sure I still have an old photo of us (me & siblings) playing in the sand pit, and sitting on the wall in the middle. We also played on the Merry-go-Round (and fell off a few times) cos my brother would ...see more
