Favourite Memories
Reconnecting with our shared local history.
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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Tips & Ideas
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How the location features in your personal history?
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The memories this place inspires for you?
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Stories about the community, its history and people?
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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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Has it changed over the years?
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How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?
This week's Places
Here are some of the places people are talking about in our Share Your Memories community this week:
...and hundreds more!
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Displaying Memories 1551 - 1600 of 2029 in total
Tring hosts a lovely Christmas shopping evening each year when the High Street is decorated, the shop windows have illuminated Christmas displays and stay open late and the place is transformed into a fairyland of old-fashioned entertainment and street traders. There are hot chestnut vendors, roundabouts, fairground organs, traction engines, musicians and dancers. The ...see more
Howden School opened on a cold and snowy January day, I think it was the 17th. Before leaving our old schools we were each given a number and on arrival at the school we had to line up behind cardboard boxes with this number displayed. It turned out to be our houseroom number.
Everywhere smelt so -- new. After attending a small village school this school seemed so big - would we ever find our way around? Amazingly, we ...see more
I lived just outside Hexthorpe Flats, next to the shop called the Dell Chocolate Box. I remember that sometimes on a Sunday they had a talent show in the Dell. All those who had entered were taken into the bandstand to wait for their turn to go 'on stage'. The weather always seemed to be sunny and warm and everyone enjoyed the flowers in the Dell. We were allowed to sit on the grass over the little bit of ...see more
The Rivera!! Once a week after school in 1964- 65, a group of us (mostly 6th-formers from the Grammar School, which was co-ed by that time) used to gather upstairs in the Rivera Restaurant (on the right in the photo) and order tea and buttered teacakes - all we could afford - and we'd make them last an hour or more. I'm sure we were often noisy, and took up a lot of room, much to the ...see more
I can recall many happy times as a trolley bus driver in Doncaster , I started work with DCT as a conductor in the mid 1950s and passed a trolley bus driving test on the Wheatley Hills route by the late 1950s; in those days the bus service was the main form of transport. The first trolley bus left the depot at Grayfriars just after 4:35am to start service at 4:45am on the Balby route, others came onto the ...see more
I spent many very happy holidays at my uncle's house, number 8 Beach Street directly behind the pub in the photo. It was an old house with very steep stairs with large ropes instead of handrails. It had no electricity although gas was fitted later. The large building to the right of the photo was bombed in the 2nd world war, it stayed a ruin until it was pulled down and made into gardens, later to become a crazy golf ...see more
My friend and I, still best buddies to this day, used to go to The Mayfair every Saturday night. We loved Motown and Northern soul and still do. Then we progressed to The Femina, at the back of The George. The name implied to my Mother that it was for girls only! Oh no. We had some good times there. Then, outgrowing Walsall, we were avid visitors to Top of the World, Stafford. We used to book our ...see more
I left Walsall at the age of fifteen, at the time of the date of this picture. I loved the trolley buses and watching the trolley conductor change the rails. I remember the Bridge well, as shown in this picture. It was my task on a Saturday to collect and return my younger nephew every Saturday morning from my older sister, taking him home to Mom for the day so my sister could work in one of the shops on the Bridge. On ...see more
I read the letter from someone who remembers the policeman in the top floor of a shop overlooking the Bridge at Christmas. Well that policeman was Gordon (Sandy) Lewis - a cheeky chappie, who gave everyone a smile when they crossed the road. Sandy died a few years ago. I was a policewoman at this time in Walsall Borough Police, and many times I did 5 ways point duty on the Bridge, at the bottom of Park ...see more
I was a pupil here and Miss Dickie ('The Bird' as we called her) was our headmistress and much respected and revered. I believe she retired a while after. It was an excellent school though we did take it all for granted sometimes. We were always looking forward to when we could raise the funds for the swimming hall, which did happen eventually. The school's reputation was very good. The setting on the edge of Nonsuch ...see more
As a young child, I lived at number 5 Mill Terrace. It was my grandparents' house. Their names were Stanley and Alice Timberlake and they were able to rent the house because my grandad had worked for a local landowner by the name of Fitzhugh. My mother, Jeanette, was born in that house. We moved to the midlands when I was 5 years old but continued to visit until the mid-70s when Nan and Grandad moved to nearby ...see more
My father was killed in 1941, and my mother re-married in 1945 a gentleman who owned a nursing home in Cheltenham. It was in Victoria Walk along from the Town Hall and had huge cellars that stretched to under the Town hall. My holidays from school at Christmas were spent 'helping' Gill Sharp in his friut shop on the Prom. Virtually no traffic, so my parents could park just outside to let me off. Coffee ...see more
I was called up under the Bevin Scheme in April, 1944, and after a rather indifferent training at Annfield Plain Training Centre, was sent to the Hobson, as I was staying at the time in lodgings in Burnopfield with a Mrs. Crisp, husband Tommy and her two sons, Stan and Robert.
There were 2 other Bevin Boys occupying the house as well, so sleeping arrangements were cramped, to say the least!
I finished up ...see more
I attended Rosary Priory from September 1960 until July 1967 and was known as Shirley Hayward. I now use my full Christian name and have done for many years which is Shirley-Anne. I loved every minute (except for the Maths lessons - I was hopeless but Geometry was a doddle - strange that!) I didn't want to leave. My class spent the first couple of years in the huts while the new school was being built. ...see more
My maternal grandparents lived in Palmers Green - firstly in Elmdale Road close to what is now the North Circular and then moving to Wentworth Gardens off Hedge Lane. I have many childhood memories of visiting my grandparents and looking around the shops on a Saturday afternoon in the 1970's. We used to cut through the small park at the end of Wentworth Gardens along Hazelwood Lane onto ...see more
"Hold his hand and, don't let him fall in", were my dear old mum's famous last words. As an 8 year old when this photo was taken, keeping an eye on an accident prone 6 year old brother was no easy task. Off we went on the old steam train all the way from London to stay with our grandfather in Pier Plain, and I remember little brother Billy literally running down the road with his brand new yacht under his ...see more
I lived at Reighton Gap from early 1948 to 1951. The picture of the shop brings back many memories as I worked in it aged 11 during the summer school holidays. My jobs were to handle the dirty jobs, handling of potatoes, paraffin, and fetch the soft drinks from the back of the store. It was a very busy cafe in summer so I had to also wash up and dry the dishes, my reward was 2 meals a day and 7/6 per week ...see more
I and my family stayed at the Ferry House, next to the Boat House from 1965 to 1973. The house was then owned by the wife of my dad's boss and we used to be able to go for a fortnight each summer. We used to park our car, with permission, on the drive of a big house opposite Dylan Thomas's writing shed, and then everything - bedding, food and personal belongings - had to be carried along the cliff walk and ...see more
I remember S C Cummins quite well, their factory was close to the corner of (I believe) William Street. My grandparents lived at 55 Martin Street for many years and my aunty lived on Earle Street. My uncle lived on William Street and indeed he worked for Cummins on a part-time basis delivering the vans. Crewe makes up a large part of my life, I was born there in 1955 and left there in 57 to move to Scunthorpe, but the ...see more
It was nice to read of some familiar names that lived in Seaton at the same time as me, Jon Sandy for one. I often think of Jane Sandy and where she is now.
I came to live in Seaton when I was 2 years old in 1954; my parents, Jane and Harold Wood, at the time lived in the house 'Trenance' which was Mrs Pearce's property at that time. Seaton holds fond memories as a child growing up. I ...see more
As a young lad we visited the Constitutional Holiday Camp for a number of years, as far as I can remember I went with my parents from about 1949 to 1955. At that time my parents were living in East London which even by then was still suffering from the results of the wartime bombing, and to visit Hopton was of course a breath of fresh air (in more ways than one). I can always remember the chalets ...see more
One of my friends was Ivor Usher, and he had this unusual place of residence - Prudhoe Castle. Together we were able to run around the castle walls with our bows and arrows, catapults, etc... We didn't need much imagination to see ourselves as soldiers defending the castle from the attacking Scots. Ivor must have been quite brave, as I believe that one day he scaled the ruined central tower. Apparently when ...see more
Prudhoe Castle has always been a part of my life since I was born in 1938. My mother moved to Prudhoe Castle, where she was employed as a maid, to be nearer to my father who lived in Castle Dene. They eventually married and produced my brother Don in 1934, then me in 1938. After the war ended in 1945, various residents came to the Castle, one of them being Senor Hosea Paniego, who was ...see more
Hello, my name is Mick Turnbull. I was born in 1957 and lived at 1, Cairns Avenue. My parents were Robert Davison Turnbull and Jean Turnbull. My mother's parents were Adam and Nellie Chirnside and had lived in the same house of which the ownership went back to the Smith family who, it seems , was the Manager of the mine leading up to the closure of the Colliery. Robert Chirnside had moved south from ...see more
I remember Valence swimming pool from the late fifties. I lived in Bushgrove Road and went to Valence School and used to go early on a Saturday morning with my mates to be first in there before the crowds. I couldn't swim, but that didn't matter 'cos I had an old van tyre to keep me afloat (I've still got the damn valve marks in my ribs now). I remember jumping in and not being able to breathe for about a ...see more
Born 1943. I briefly attended Lonesome with Roger Watts. He lived in Eldertree Way and I lived in Eldertree Place. Then to Bordergate and Bond Road School in 1948. Met David Grayson, Dale Foster, Robin Theobold etc.. On Bordergate I played with Dereck Stevens, Alfie Sallis, Micheal Barnet and many others. We would hang around Stuart Place and the old rent office. We also roamed Mitcham far and wide. Fishing in the ...see more
It was the 118 bus Colin. It went from Clapham Common to Mitcham Cricket Green. I also remember well those wonderful Leo's ice lollies. After those awful slabs of lard between 2 wafers that went soggy they were magic - Walls's! My family moved from Northborough Road to Rosemead Avenue in March 1940 as all the Lcc schools were closed. My sister and I went to Pollards Hill School. Both of my brothers went there or to ...see more
I have just been reading the memories of a Ms Hamilton. I used to cross the bridge on the way to and from Goldsworth Junior School as I lived in Horsell. My sister and friends would stop and fish for newts or frogs - especially when tiny frogs appeared in the spring, which would make us late home - obviously we got told off for being late. I loved that bridge it has happy memories. I now live in ...see more
My memory of Budleigh Salterton is spending a couple of months or so at a childrens convalescent home in the spring/early summer of 1955. I revisited the town a few years back to find that the old childrens home building is now a hotel and named Tidwell Manor. I was 6 years old, recovering from meningitis and to find myself in such a wonderous and tranquil part of the world was quite truly ...see more
Wow! I was taught to swim in the Woking Pool by my mum. I could be in this very photo but preferred the quieter sessions. My sister or friends and I would cycle there and take a Thermos of Bovril to warm us up after our swim. There was a chalkboard at the turnstile entrance warning us of the water temperature! The changing room lockers were locked and unlocked by very sun-burnished attendants, and we had to poke ...see more
I was born at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey in 1971 the eldest of 3. We lived in Orchard Mains until I was 4 when we moved to Hook Hill Park. I have fantastic memories growing up. We made friends with all the children on our road and spent hours playing in the woods which backed on to our road. In the winter we went sledging down the steep slope of our road. I went to Greenfields School which again I have fond ...see more
The shop with the blind outside was built by my grandparents in 1932, they already had two shops in Milford High Street, opposite the Post Office, a confectioners and a grocery shop. Grandpa and Grandma decided to expand the grocery business to the new premises and the old shop became an off-licence. Cecil and May Knight lived in the flat above the new shop with my dad Frederick, and his first wife ...see more
I remember my first day at Willingham School. I was so daunted by Mrs Readers presence. She was so authoritative and strong of mind and confidence. She never demanded respect, she would never have to because she earned it. Mid-morning milk was not a favourite as it seems it was always necessary to put it next to a radiator, so it was always warm...yak. Dinner times involved a march up the road to the ...see more
I was brought up on Broomfield Lane; wonderful memories of Wares Creamery which was a cafe and sold amazing ice cream, where Hale Grill is now. We used to play with dentist, Mr McKnight's daughter Amanda; they had a tortoise who lived in the garden...so exotic! Hours spent in the library and the reliable 'bobby' in the police station on the corner of Leigh Road. Such a lovely place to grow which we took so much for granted.
Jack & Unice Spencer were my grandparents, they owned the boats on Pickmere Lake. My life after the war was idillic when living with them, thousands flocked from Salford & Manchester to camp, fish and row my grandad's boats. We charged 2 bob an hour, 10p in to-days money. On a Saturday, before dark, I used to row across the lake putting eel lines out with my grandad, then on a Sunday, row ...see more
I was born in 1942 and brought up in Walthamstow in NE London. We were a working class family and Dad always provided us with 2 week's holiday, if possible 'by the sea'.
In 1951, Dad chose Dawlish Warren. I was 9 at the time and we probably travelled down by train from Paddington, changing at Exeter St Davids and getting a local train for Dawlish Warren but I have no recollection of that. ...see more
We used to live in Phrosso Road, off George Vth Avenue, and I used to be allowed to go to Marine Gardens on my own, or with my friend Katharine Green. We loved daring each other to jump over the long channel of the fishpond! Oh what simple pleasures! My sister used to work in the cafe, which I used to think was incredibly glamorous! Judy (Harrop) Hemery.
I remember this hospital with great affection and gratitude. I was there for nearly 4 years as a student and then staff nurse 1966-1970. It was never ever called 'Royal', its title was The Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital. I lived as a student nurse in the nurses homes, Hitcham House and then Hitchambury House in my final year. The training for nurses was outstanding and stood me in good ...see more
My father worked for Eagle Star Insurance and during the war the company was relocated from London to Cobham in a large house called Oakmead (?) and my mother joined him (they lived in Westcliff Essex). When Dad joined the RAF my mother stayed in Cobham, she enjoyed the dances at the village hall and cycled around the area. Is Oakmead still there and does anyone remember the Eagle Star? After the war my father still ...see more
It was 1971 and as a 7 year old I remember my dad Stanley Mason (1921-2002) taking me to "Brooklands' stadium to watch Romford FC. We always stood in the same place on the terrace. I worked as a 'Saturday boy' when I was 14 for the greengrocers LW Moore & Sons at number 38 High Street, Romford for about 2 years. I delivered fruit & veg around Romford to various locations on an old black bicycle with a basket on the front. Very happy memories.
I grew up in Farncombe. My grandparents lived opposite the railway station and all my other relatives lived in the village. My grandmother had worked as housekeeper to the Phillips family whose son, 'Jack', was radio operator on the Titanic. I attended the local village school and remember the toilets had no doors, only sacking on nails, and the air raid shelters in the playground. My brother-in-law was ...see more
In the 40's and early 50's the Goodland family lived in one of the pair; with their son Norman, and during the war a boy called, I think, John Hunt lived in the other. No relation to the Hunt family who ran the Post Office and shop, and had a son called Bruce (nic name Rooster). This bus stop was just far emough from Wherwell School (run by the fierce Miss Strugnel) to qualify for a school bus pass, though we often ...see more
My paternal grandparents, Wright and Bertha Veall, lived in Ewyas Harold for many years at their small farm named, 'Woodside' situated on a hill about a mile from the village centre and just off the road to Rowlstone. To reach it, you crossed the narrow bridge facing the Temple Bar Inn, passing the Spracklings' house on the right and the Dales' cottage on the left, the last in a small row ...see more
So many happy memories of Maesteg - where do I start? I was born in 1947 and lived at No 3, Plasnewydd Street until I was about 19. My best friend when I was young was Paul Spracklen (with whom I re-kindled our friendship a few years ago, and we now chat by phone most weeks). Friends also were; John Eley, Ian Davies, Andrew Davies and David Hodder. My sister, was and is Helen. I went to ...see more
Dancing at the Sale Locarno; Bobby Charleton and David Pegg would be there with other Manchester United football players (Busby Babes), all of us girsl would be waiting for them to ask us to dance. Before, we would go to the Bulls Head to have a baby Seal or Baby Champaine. In those days they had a men's room and we would look over the counter to see who would be going to the Locarno, what wonderful memories of Sale. I was born there on Hope Road and left for California USA in 1960.
I recall going to the fairground which was on the Common; there were some stalls of which one could either test your skill trying to throw a hoop over a prize in order to win it; of course there was a catch and that catch was to make sure the hoop would drop dead flat on the stalls table. There was a square cube of which when throwing the hoop over the prize; in this case a bottle of Pompagne vintage cider (the ...see more
During the Second World War my mother lived in a flat opposite the Town Hall, above Partington's. She had been suffering with a very bad cold and had been recommended a cure that involved consuming rather more alcohol than she was accustomed to. Apparently she used to look out of the window each morning at the Town Hall clock, to check the time. The morning after the night before, she ...see more
I was born at 50 Nancy Road, Grimethorpe on the 12 December 1944. At this time this address was the White City police house and had the West Riding police crest attached to the front of the house. My dad, Robert Cox, had come down to Yorkshire in 1929 to join the police force from Durham where he had previously worked in the coal mines. He returned to Durham and married my mam Elsie and their first posting was ...see more
I accessed this print because it is a picture of my 'Aunt and Uncle's' shop which we stayed in on many happy occasions. My mother was cousin to Mrs Cooper but, as is often the case with village people, they were very close and spent time together rather like sisters; so we were and are treated as close family members. The shop for us was a special place as it was surrounded by a very large garden with a ...see more
My dad's uncles purchased a horse and cart with their gratuity from WWI and travelled from Cippenham to the market in the Guildhall. They sold crockery they bought from barges on the Grand Union canal direct from the Potteries, you could order replacements for broken crockery. There was the usual traffic jam on Castle Hill and dad would jump off the cart and race up Kings Stairs(?) (they were open to the public then) race ...see more
