Recent 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

Not sure what to write? It's easy - just think of a place that brings back a memory for you and write about:

  • How the location features in your personal history?
  • The memories this place inspires for you?
  • Stories about the community, its history and people?
  • People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
  • Has it changed over the years?
  • 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 11921 - 12000 of 36864 in total

I was at the Grange School from 1939-1944 and would like to hear from anyone who was there then, or who has any photographs of those days.
I had my first child in this hospital in 1968 then in July 1970, my second child was unfortunately a stillbirth at 32 weeks. I was not allowed to see my child and I never had a death certificate... I feel I was treated well with my first child, but felt my second child was brushed aside.
My husband has always wanted to go back to his grandfather's home, we live in Canada, but never could. We retire next year so I am researching the area. He was only 3 when they visited. Baptism: 1 Jun 1884 St Mary and All Saints, Goodshaw, Lancashire, England William Ashworth - [Child] of John Ashworth & Elizabeth Born: 6 Mar 1884 Abode: Crawshaw Booth Occupation: Wheelwright Baptised by: ...see more
My mother, Marline Eager, of 125 Clarence Road married my father, John Mcgonagal McKeeman. Marline's sister, Dourthy married John's brother William, the first and only double wedding in Fleet on 12th March 1952. They moved to Scotland for a short time and then returned to Fleet. Years later Woolworths was built on the site and my mother worked there and her fixtures were about the same place as she ...see more
I was born in Six Bells in 1940. My aunt lived in Brynithel, her name was Olive Gummer, mother of Colin and Malcolm. My grandparents lived in Alexandra Rd. I left Wales in 1949. I still have relatives there but have lost touch would love to find them. Family name was Gwilliam .
Remember Mr Lockwood very well used to smoke a pipe and grow his own tobacco and lecture us on the evils of smoking. Big excitement when the older girls who slept in the annex were caught smoking and were moved back into the main building in disgrace. One day the gardener dug up an old WW2 live shell near the classrooms that caused a stir. My bedroom looked out at the Happisburgh lighthouse, boys on the top floor girls ...see more
I have a very good photo of a small branch of Barclays with some well dressed children in the street outside. It appears to date from the 1920's - 1930's. Bought on another website in 2013. The website also featured other photos of Prees, including what I recall were many timber huts in a field which resembled a military camp of some kind, or was it a prisoner of war camp at Prees? Farther down the street on the ...see more
I was born on 29th November 1928, and lived in Southsea in 1939, and during August my parents, little sister, and I went for a short holiday by coach to stay with an Aunt and Uncle at Overton in Hampshire. The threat of war was very imminent, and as we lived near a big Naval port, my parents decided to arrange for me to be privately evacuated with the ...see more
My father worked on the air base in Upper Heyford and my mother, brother and me were evacuated to Upper Heyford. We lived in the Old Rectory with the then Rector who was very kind to us. The Rectory was haunted, one room in particular and I believe there is a book about the Ghost which I would love to find. I could also tell stories related from my mother and her sister but not room here. This ...see more
Does anyone remember a bakers shop whose trade name was " Percy Joyce" or similar? Trying to trace for family tree.
I married Jack Raphael in St John's Church and was his wife for thirteen years. It used to take hours to go up one side of the street then cross over and down the other. It's not like that now - five minutes does it! There was Wallace the bakers at the bottom and Easons too, not forgetting Trains the bakers in the middle of the street. At the top was the Co-op hardware. There was Hinksman the chemist, Mary ...see more
Is there anyone reading this with memories of Barry Island in 1955? I am writing a book and two of my characters stay in a holiday cottage late summer of that year. Where can you suggest would be an area at that time that had holiday homes. You may even know a street name or two. What was the name of the nearest pub to the holiday home. What visitor attractions and what else would our holiday couple ...see more
I was born in Dorset in 1940, my mother living there as an army wife. My name then was Gorringe. We returned to my grandmother's house in Freshwater Road at the end of the war. We visited Tooting many times during the war, and I remember the bombing, which my family made quite fun to stop me being scared. I was in Tooting the day a bomb dropped in Southcroft Road. Our house was shaken, but the only casualty was ...see more
Oh, what memories came back when reading other people's; I was one of five children that went to Emmanual School. I have 3 brothers and one sister, we attended there between 1953 - 1964; there was Megan, Dennis, Noma, Trevor, Edmund,our surname is Gill (I married a McGill). When I look back I am sure we were looked at as the poor family but we were happy. We lived in Colmer Road, the Norbury End of Streatham. We use ...see more
I also remember seeing Del Shannon, Adam Faith, Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball and Jerry Lee Lewis and Poonah (not sure of real name) and of getting on stage shaking his hand. Met my husband there, now live in Sydney Australia.
I remember all this so well. The coffee bar was the Alassio first frothy coffee, first coca cola and dancing at the Gaumont seeing The Beatles, Helen Shapiro and so many others... great days!
I lived in 38, Gertrude St, when I was 4yrs old, we lived with our grandparents, Mr and Mrs Goyne after the war. I started at New Bottle School at 5 and I remember moving to 2 New Bottle Row (a colliery house) opposite Clifftens butchers, sharps post office shop and cummins grocery shop. I used to take the daily note to the shop for the daily groceries, not like we do these days.... We played on those ...see more
I'm pretty sure the hunts used to leave from outside the Worcestershire Hotel which had a wide off road drive, rather than the Raven, which was on the street. I remember going there to watch them set off.
My dad worked at Mathews the iron founders, little Ernie Worsey. He was a shift worker, always dirty covered in black sand from head to foot. My dad used to cobble his own boots, and big boots they were. It was hard work and very dirty, but it was work. We had several factories along the main road, but as years went by there was no need for iron, so one by one they closed. When you look back and remember how much work we had locally, it was amazing. It's a lot cleaner now, but alas no jobs.
My Great Aunty Rissa married Mr John Dunckley of Collingtree and they lived at The Poplars (still there) until John died. After his death my aunts, Rissa Dunckley and Ethel Peake, remained in the house until Rissa died. We moved to Wootton in the 30's and I remember my great aunts well. Very fond memories of two ladies already in their 70s. They were well educated and refined, spoke ...see more
My mum had a sweet shop on the Hertford Rd and we lived above the shop. Our neighbours were the Silverman family and I remember Philip Silverman well - I think I had a crush on him. Another neighbour (the Barber) killed himself, it was awful. I cannot remember the poor man's name. I went to Enfield Highway School as did my two younger brothers. I still have the reference my teacher gave me when I left, handwritten in pencil!
I lived in Wath for only 8 years from aged 1 to 9 (1954 to 1963) when we moved to Mexborough. We lived at No1 Melton View which was just off Well/Cat Lane opposite the old lock up building. We lived at number 1, next door lived the Shuttleworths, and Mrs Frost was at number 3. Number 4 was Jim and Joan Radford with daughter, Catherine. Number 5 lived Mavis and Peter Furr with daughter, Susan and son, ...see more
I was born in Ebbw Vale in 1953, my family name is Price. I remember being on holiday at my grandfather's and grandmother's house - it was called The Slate House in New Town, I believe. My grandfather's nickname was Dinkey; he was a blacksmith at the marine pit where my father worked and 3 of his brothers. We moved up to Cannock when I was only 9 mounths old, but spent many school holidays there. My ...see more
My dad owned Robinsons Chemist and I lived over it from 1963 till I married in 68. We lived on Anglemead Crescent prior to moving back over the shop! I remember John Moore at Pinner Park/ Headstone and Moira Francis was my friend! Playing in the allotments, down the air raid shelters smoking! Such sweet memories. My maiden name was Shoobridge. I received my share of casings from Mr Manson and his nickname for me was "nicotine Nancy!"
One of my first memories was hiding underneath the sideboard in the dining room with silver ornaments on our heads; my sisters Judy, baby Michele and myself, Deirdre, listening to the bombs falling quite close to us. We wanted to go and see the 'fireworks', my Mother must have been petrified for our safety. Luckily they fell on the golf course across the ...see more
Anybody know of Dr Steward? The big house, The Shrubbery, 1850's to 1900's. Today seen old wall parts, arches, shapes....may have been left after demolition. It was his home, but a few asylum patients there, was helping Southall Park across the road - an asylum there till 1883 (burnt down). 1900's Ivy Terrace etc.. built along Shrubbery Road. Do you think this old wall backing ...see more
I recently discovered during the 1911 census; my grandmother, Elizabeth Lennon Wear, was living & working at the Post Office in Moore. She was twenty three & was a postal telegraph clerk. Elizabeth had travelled from Liverpool to take up this position but by 1914 she had returned to Liverpool & had married. I could not help but think what a lovely area for her to have lived in, even for such a short time, after being born & brought up in a very suburban area.
My name is Ken Pickles, I have been in the Western Gazette may times over the years. Stories on my life that I had in Kingsdon and Somerton in 1963 to 1966. Visited Somerton every year since I left in 1966. I want to move into Somerton when I retire in 4 years time when I will ave sold my business up here in north England. Now my memories of Somerton is when I was at school in Kingsdon; we was let out 1 ...see more
I remember the train set that used to run around the toy shop, you used to put a penny in the slot and it would run into the back of the shop and out again. I was born in Mitcham in 1950 and lived in Glebe Court on the top floor looking out onto the post office, when I was about 6ish (long time ago).
I first visited this church in 1957 while visiting my uncle from Halstead. My father's family came to Canada from Little Maplestead in the early 1900's. Two of my uncles are listed on the plaque of servicemen from WW1. Several relatives are buried there.
My husband and I celebrate our Golden Wedding on Sat 5th Oct 2013. We had our wedding reception in the barracks, I remember we ran out of beer and my husband had to go the pub next door (The Blue Bell Inn) and buy more beer. We had a great time there, the only thing to marr the night was that our wedding video was stolen from a car while we were in the hall. But happy to say we are still together and looking forward to celebrating fifty years together.
My mother was born in Hartest in what was then, the police station, in 1925. Her father was PC Alfred Edward Dewy. As a child in the 60's and 70's, I was taken to Hartest and shown the house. I loved going, and now I live near Bury St Edmunds, I would love to go again, but I cannot remember where the house was in the village. Can anyone help?
My late father, Bill Clements, always took me shopping on a Saturday morning and after hair cuts we would end up a Woollies for sweets and a matchbox toy before catching a bus home to webheath from the old bus station just down to the left of Woolworths.
I remember as a child walking past this pub with its revolving doors and when someone came out there was a strong smell of beer wafting out.
If my memory serves me correctly, this junction had the only set of traffic lights in Redditch at one time.
I worked at Rainscourts at the rear on Fridays after school and Saturday mornings, preparing food for the shop.Tthe manager was Mr Whitehouse, a good boss and alround nice chap.. happy days. The shop was to the right of picture.
I remember Regent Motorways coach garage just up on the left of photo and going on day trips and holidays to Weston from here... good memories.
One of my biggest memories is playing British bulldog and when the South African Navy came to build the swimming pool also the Christmas pantomines we used to go to at the various navy bases. Do you remember that massive chocolate Easter egg we had given one year, it's funny but my biggest memory is similar to yours; going to Hayling Island in the yellow comma mini bus Leapy Lee on the radio singing 'little ...see more
Playing at Breakels, having ice cream, also walking up to the top shop.
I grew up in Stalmine, went to St. Aidens school, used to catch the bus home from the round house. I remember the penny lollies, and walking home if I missed the bus. I knew Eric Butler and his family, he was our best man at our wedding, also I was friends with his sister Susan, happy memories..
The road in the picture, St Mildred's, is where I grew up, opposite the "rec". As a young lad growing up, Minster offered all sorts of adventures; the marshes, the river Stour, Watchester Lane, the woods, fishing, catching newts & tadpoles in the local dykes and the annual flower show, is that still going? Playing in the woods around the vicarage and evading the vicar, the reverend Wagstaff! Mum ...see more
Hated St James, Sr K Smelly and the Walsh Sisters. Sr Imelda used to peer in the prefab classrooms and carry a large strap with her blue lips. St Thomas's was not so bad. I often wonder what happened to my friends there; Krystyna Idczak, Jocelyn from Malta, Catherine West ( I heard she died tragically) and Veronica from Apex Corner. I've been gone so long, I live near Phila in US and I am now Grandmother but I still think of those days and wonder where you are.
My grandfather lived in Chopwell most of his life, he and his siblings lived in Hamsterley Colliery with their mother Mary Ann and father William Errington, b1881 in Stafford. Their father was killed in 1915 in Gallipoli leaving them to a bleak future. Joseph was born in 1902 but was killed in Greenside pit in 1960, he had two sons Joseph born 1934 and Thomas born 1936. My grandfather William was born ...see more
I remember the bus station opening as my uncle, Councilor Tom Talbot was Mayor of Crewe at the time and he laid the comerative stone in the then Royal Arcade. The comerative plaque was covered over in about 2011 but I intervened and had it taken down and was assured it was in possesion of the town centre manager (in their office). Earlier beliefs is that it is still in situ; if anybody would care to tackle this historic part of Crewe, I would like to pursue further.
I remember Whitoff bakery at the top of Wast Street as this was the year I got married and we hired our cake stand from them.
I grew up on the Braes o Tullymet and the past was all around me. We lived in the former manse of the Baptist Chapel - why had a chapel been built in such an out of the way place? By the chapel was an old drove road, I could almost hear the shouts of the drovers and smell the cattle herds as they passed on there way to where? And behind our house was the MacDuff Institute with its tennis court from former ...see more
My god how things have changed! My family moved to Whiston in the early sixties and I remember so much, but haven't looked back for forty years. I was always sent to the post office as a lad, the woman was very stern and scary. Some of the best years of my life were spent there! My brother and I were there when they were building the motorway, we used to go via Whiston Woods (another favourite playground). As we ...see more
My name in the 1960's was Pamela Ambridge. I was born in 1958 and went to Hillbrook Infant School. I remember the teachers there were; Mrs Tinkler (nice), Miss Bedford (she smacked me!) and Miss Shoot (nice). I lived in Brudenell Road, there is a big Church on the corner called All Saints and my mum and dad got married there in 1950. Then I went to Franciscan Juniors in 1965 until 1969. My ...see more
In the late fifties I went to the Cathedral School in Chelmsford and we lived in Rainsford Road then. Sometimes after school I would come home via New Street, and also later in the sixties when I went to the Grammar School. There was a junk shop with sweets on the ground floor. I wasn't interested in the sweets, I just headed up the stairs to a treasure land where there were old books, records and assorted ...see more
From a very early age, my older sister and I would be put onto the Yorkshire Traction 9:15am Barnsley bus by our Mam. She would have a word with Percy, the driver of this service for many years to come, give him some money to get us some refreshments at the halfway house, and off we would go. I myself was not yet old enough to go to school. Grandma Ineson would meet us at Barnsley bus station at 1:15p.m. We ...see more
Do you remember the Tomlinsons who lived at Bradney Farm and moved down to live at Hillside? I worked at the mushroom sheds in the summer of 1953, while I was waiting to start nursing at Moxley Hospital. Margaret Evans (nee Tomlinson).
I lived in a flat at 185a Kensington. I recall watching the Lodges marching along the road on the 12th July. We would walk down Brunswick Road into town. At Xmas, we would go to the grotto at TJ Hughes, I remember being very impressed with the Dancing Waterfalls one year. It was always a treat to walk round town and see all the shop windows dressed for Xmas. I went to Butler Street Primary ...see more
My memories of Brook Street from around 1955 through to 1969 are numerous. Schooling at University Place and Brook Street primary, junior and senior school which I left in 1963. From one end to the other I must have walked it thousands of times. Playing around the stream way and getting sweets in the little hut at the bottom of the hill near the cemetery, which I would walk through looking at the names ...see more
I bought here in Surfleet in 1993. The house would be out of shot to the right and at the top of the bank. Whilst this shot is instantly recognisable, then viewer would now find far more property down by the riverside. In autumnal and spring high tides, this area is know to flood as it did in October 1993 and also earlier this year. The Environment Agency do take more measures to reduce the normal river level ...see more
I stayed here for the weekend with members of Walton Baptist Church. Remember walks and playing football in the grounds, when for simplcity the team just called "Addlestone" rather than my real name, Mark. But then, if that last memory is correct, then it would actually have been later - more like 1973 or even 1974.
Not sure of the year. My grandparents ran a fish and chip shop in Stanfree and a small holding; their names were Clara and Fred Mallinder. They had a son, Walter, and a daughter, Winny. They sold up in the late 1940's and bought a boarding house in Scarbrough. Walter married and lived the rest of his life in Bolsover till 1988.
I remember York Street very well, Saturday night people rolling out of The Ship pub singing for all their worth, I was a child of only 3 years. We left there when I was 4 years old that's why I can be so exact about the year. Sunday morning peering through the window loving every minute of the Salvation Army band. We lived 3 storeys up at 21 York Street and we shared outside toilets with the Chinese who ran the ...see more
From the age of 6 to 13 (1962-1969), I spent just about every summer holiday staying with two of my aunts in Woodingdean and what very happy memories I have of those times. Brighton Beach was obviously a favourite place to visit but I think what I enjoyed most was riding my bicycle for hours on the Downs. Not much traffic about in those days! The Downs were very close to the home of one of my ...see more
I was born at my parent's house at 33 Lemsford Court in 1956. I've heard that the house was demolished quite some time ago because of a structural problem and rebuilt. Maybe the problem was caused by the roots from the huge oak tree in the front garden. People came from all over to try to climb that tree but I can't remember anyone managing it. I attended school at Monksmead and Summerswood, then ...see more
I was wondering if anyone who lives, lived or knows anything about Abercwmboi, would be able to give me some information on the old lodge house/ gate house? It is just before the Fern Hill Estate on the left hand side? I would love any information or memory of it. The age of the house, if it was a lodge or gate house, any names of anyone who lived there or any ...see more
I was wondering of anyone who lives, lived or knows anything about Abercwmboi, would be able to give me some information on the old lodge house/ gate house? It is just before the Fern Hill Estate on the left hand side? I would love any information or memory of it. The age of the house, if it was a lodge or gate house, any names of anyone who lived there or any pictures. I have heard ...see more
When I was a very young child I spent many months at Black Notley Hospital suffering from bovine TB. Fortunately I was unaware of the significance of my bed being near the door to the corridor and one evening a kind nurse whispered to me that my guardian angels just above that door would always be with me. Following many months with little to amuse me other than to look out across surrounding fields ...see more
Went to William Blake School. I remember the headteacher Mr Rudd, he used to walk around school with his gown on and carrying his cane. Was a Grenadier at Wandsworth Road Granada and used to go to Harringtons for pie and mash after the films finished. Worked in Battersea Fun-fair for a lady who owned a few stalls; anybody remember the 'knock the lady out of bed' & the rifle range? Good happy memories of living and growing up in Battersea.
My name is Arthur Boyden, I was born in Stirling St, Old Monkland in 1940, but I remember the 50's. I went to St. Augustins Primary School then to St. Mary's in the Whifflet till I was 15. My first job, Frank Collins butchers in Bank Street. I am now 73 years old but still go back to visit now & again. My mother used to work in Joe Dinardo's chip shop and then in Old Monkland Commuity Centre, she was called Wee Maggie Gribben. I've still got some great memories of Coatbridge.
I lived at 71 The Ridge for 20 years from 1946 to 1966 when I went to Agricultural college. I still have happy memories of going to the youth club in the Church hall. Playing games and helping in harvest time at Top Farm, long walks down to the Nene on sunny afternoons. Lots of friends - Bob Digby, Tony Bond, Mick Arch, John Thompson and Jane Ingram etc. A few beers in the Stags Head or down at the club.
This is my ancestral home (unfortunately I wasn't born there) my ancestors, the Dixie family, owned the house and Park.
I remember the Bakers at the corner of Longfellow Road. My parents lived in Merrilands Road and my mother and I would do our shopping in Worcester Park and sometimes at North Cheam or even Sutton or Kingston! Fond memories.
I was married at St. Philp's, Worcester Park and we held the reception here on 8th August 1970. We had 100 guests and the large room was apply big enough. I remember that we had caviar!
I lived in Worcester Park from 1942-1970. I went to school at Sparrow Farm Infants and Junior School from 1947-1953, so went passed the Queen Vic every day. Sometimes my mother and I would go to North Cheam to do some shopping. I was christened, confirmed and married at St. Philip's Church in 1970. Has anyone any photos of this dear Church now pulled down, and flats built on the site?
My wife, Brenda, and I have fond memories of the Major Oak. On 7th November 1959 I drove in thick fog to Sherwood Forest and found that the sun was shining there. I led Brenda into the hollow trunk of the tree (access was unrestricted at that time) and proposed to her... she accepted. There cannot be many girls who have been proposed to inside a tree!
My dad went to the Episcopal School from 1940(?) with his twin brother after leaving Countess Wear School Rooms.
I spent a year or so boarding at St Joseph's Convent School and wonder if we were all in the same place? Does nobody remember; the winter cold, the dreadful food in the refectory, carrying bowls to the sink in the freezing washroom, older girls bathing the little ones, the scary Big Dorm, Sister Lawrence's beatings with the slipper, tiny children terrified, Sister Bernard's cane? Weekend letters "Dear Mummy and ...see more
Does anyone remember the Regent dance hall, top of Temple Street? The winding stairs of a Sunday night used to be packed with us trying to get in. Was I really stupid or just loved dancing? When in a dinner hour from work, rush to the Queens and then back to work exhausted. Back again on the night. Civic Saturdays.....whatever ever people say, with the coffee bars and dancing, I had a damn good time. Now at 69, it's great to have those memories. Diane Crofts (nee Roberts)
I was born in Harle Street, daughter of Alan an' Ruth White. The Browney was a lovely friendly place to live, all the neighbours in the streets got on so well. Everyone knew each other and would help one another. Have many happy memories from when l lived there when I was really young. There was everything you needed down there; shops - butchers, post office, fish shop and my ...see more
I visited & spent happy times in Ecclesfied Park when I was a boy and a pupil at Meynell Road primary, junior & senior school from 1944-1954. It was a very good school & I would like to hear from anyone who could share happy memories of those bygone days. Thanks, George Quixall.
I was born in 1935 at 25, Pickford Street and lived at that address until I was married. I have so many memories of those years. My first is about New Street Primary School. I lived 100 yards from the school and before I was old enough to go to school I used to go to the school gates and watch the children line up; girls in one half and boys in the other, divided by iron railings, which were later ...see more
Does anyone recall the old Wath Pavillion Club? I have so many happy memorries of my teens visiting 'the pav', as it was known. I lived in Denaby but visited the pav one weekend with a friend, it was there I met and began courting Julie Ogden who lived on Cemetery Road at the time. Julie and I married and had two boys; Harry and Carl, unfortunetly our marriage broke up and Julie moved to ...see more
As a child and adult, I remember the bridge and how long it was closed for boats coming up to the BOCM and Ranks flour mill. It had to opened in sync with the railway bridge and the trains. I remember the barges with big red sails towing more barges, and the year of a severe freeze when the river froze solid and looked like the Baltic with huge ice floes; people thought it might destroy the bridge ...see more
I was born in No 6 Pretoria Street in 1944 remember playing 'touch & pass' on cinders at top of the street near Ossies field. Fred Perry, Terry Jepson, Jud Gray, Les Lockett, Jud Watton & many more. We were always hanging round Welfare & down Green Lane. I remember swimming in the Resser. Went to Gordon Street, also remember John Kearsley & most of the other teachers; Eric Batten was ...see more
I will add my memories of Pinner Fair while I am able. 1946 and in my last year at Potter St School. A youthful man dressed in a sort of "cowboy outfit," faced a young woman spread against a board. He threw several axes each side of her; they stuck in the board. He then threw knives about two feet to the side of her body. I might add that I myself never thought this as entertainment. He then had her lie down and cover ...see more