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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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?
This week's Places
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Displaying Memories 29521 - 29600 of 36890 in total
I have many fond memories of the chalk pit and the pug hole, of Borden and many great adventures I had as a boy, along with my chums, Tim, Lou, Roger. There was also a council tip where we got old pram wheels to make up go-karts. I remember hop picking there, and all the scrumping we got away with! The whole area was awash with fruit and veg. I lived just down from Borden by Westlands School (Newlands Avenue). More to come.
My parents had a shop in Balsall Heath Road not far from Cannon Hill Park - there was a murder committed there around that time. I used to catch the tram to town and in Lewis's basement you could get crabs' legs loaded with meat! Also caught the tram to the Lickey Hills along the Bristol Road (South?). Always a great film fan, at aged 9-12 I used to go to the Luxor, Moseley, and Imperial - even the ABC at ...see more
Dad used to take me to help on the market stall he had right outside Woolworth's as he and mom had a Ladies & Children's Wear in Birmingham. His cousin was Mayor at the time - hence the prime spot? I remember the Tilley Lamps, and the stout lady who ran the fruit and veg stall on the visible corner, who used to hitch up her skirt to reveal £1 and ten-bob notes stuffed into her stocking tops! My ...see more
The public house in this picture is 'The Eclipse'. I lived in the Eclipse as a small boy in the mid 1950s. My bedroom was on the top floor. I use to lie in bed at night and watch the Bovril electric sign across the road. My grandfather and grandmother kept the pub, their names were Charlie and Elsie Haigue. As small boys we use to take our toys and play in Cheapside, just ouside Walkers the butchers. The Eclipse ...see more
I remember (just) this church being built, in 1963 I think it was. I also remember going to the school Christmas services. Good days!
My father was a teacher at Pyrford School when Len Cowie was the headmaster. I remember Mrs Jones and Mrs Bugler and Miss Mcdermot and Mr Stevens, who lived by the old school in Engliff Lane. I remember being privileged to sometimes miss class and go swimmimg in the pool when my dad was taking his class for a swimming lesson (he helped build the pool), and once when swimming the Beatles came on the radio with 'I ...see more
My grandparents Robert Owen and Anne Davies lived in the cottages next to the church and I spent many holidyas there, I remember when the A5 went right past the garden gate, that was before the lay by was made.
I was 11 years old in 1957 and during that year I transferred from St Stephen's Junior Mixed School to Lodge Farm County Secondary. I lived at number 12 Wellington Street, which has been virtually destroyed by the new town development. I have many memories of Alcester Street through the 1950s and early 1960s. There never seemed to be much traffic and the shops catered for a variety of needs. My aunt would give me ...see more
We moved to Lymm from Altrincham soon after the war when my mother remarried (she was a war widow). It was lovely having a new Council house which had a bathroom and inside toilet - I had been used to an outside toilet and going to my grandma's for baths. The school was just further down the road and Miss Nutley was our teacher and Mr Davies the headmaster. They worked really hard with us to get as many ...see more
I was born at Southbrook, Lenten Street in 1949. Father ran a shop called A Jones Tobacconist on High Street, which had earlier been my grandfather's (Arthur Jones - known as Jack). I went to school at Mayfield, opposite Anstey Park. I moved to Devon in 1959 and now live in Sweden, so have no modern memories of Alton. Has anybody any photos that show our old shop? It was on the corner of High ...see more
My grandmother, Beatrice Lay, lived in Byfleet during the 1940s and up to her death in 1998, only ever moving as far as West Byfleet; my mother, Cynthia Lay, was also born there in 1941. I believe they lived in Petersham Avenue with the Williams family. I am researching my family history and would appreciate any information about my family at that time. Also, any information about the ...see more
It's where I have been living for the past 8 years.
I lived in Inkerman Barracks with my Spanish sister-in-law, Josie, and her family for a few months and was married out of her house on 9 August 1969 and then moved to Guildford! Then my Gibraltarian brother-in-law returned from a posting in Malaysia, he was in RAOC, and we used to visit frequently with our baby son and I also remember picking fat blackberries there. Josie kept the little house spick and ...see more
Knusford Heath was our playground as children. We used to burrow tunnels in the sand pits, play hide and seek, Cowboys and Indians, or simply roll down the hills. I only lived across the road in Tabley Road. We'd be up at dawn and out all day, called in for dinner or tea by the sound of Mum ringing the bell. There were loads of us kids - first the elder 4 Elsmores, the Lynches, the younger Yellowlees and first ...see more
As a teenager I used to go the King's Coffee House with my neighbours, Penny and Harriet (before her family was moved to Brussels). We had such fun, pretending to be grown up and sophisticated; in truth the toasted teacakes were a real treat and absolutely delicious!! I till savour them today.
I remember walking into the playground with my Mum and 2 older brothers, when Jeremy pointed out that I couldn't go to this schools because it was for 'boys' only. The main entrance to the imposing Victorian building was through the original boys' entrance - the girls' entrance was at the other end if the building! I was very upset!!! Jane Bell nee Elsmore
I was 9 in 1959 when we moved to New Malden. Hence I spent almost my entire childhood and all my teenage years there and I know it well. My father was caretaker of the Methodist church on the corner of the High Street and Cambridge Road - opposite Tudor Williams. I went to school in New Malden, worked in New Malden, married there, and later, my son went to school there as well. Looking at the old photos on this ...see more
My dad used to have a stall in the Market Hall in Wolverton selling groceries. I remember going with him in the van on Fridays and on the way back we would call into to visit old family friends who lived in Cosgrove ' the slaymakers'. Not sure exactly where they lived but seem to think it was on a corner in the village and remember a yellow stone wall and a lovely garden. I was fascinated to ...see more
The Old Vicarage Cottage in Church Street is now home to the Parish Office and is a local access point for North Kesteven District Council. There is a good display of village photos, the building itself is about 350 years old, and is of interest as it is a rare example of the mud and stud buildings found in the village prior to the fire in 1864. Old photos are often reproduced in the 'Billinghay Times' ...see more
My father had a scrap-yard in Nuns Street. It was right next to the bridge over Markeaton Brook. I remember always asking to be picked up so I could look over the bridge - I don't know why! Markeaton Brook was filled with old bed-steads and all sorts of rubbish in those days - but it always fascinated me. There was an old building opposite Dad's scrap-yard. I remember it as Bennet and Sayers - but know nothing else about it. Can anyone enlighten me?
I was born and raised in Borden until I got married at the age of 22. My mother and her family all grew up in Borden. My grandfather was the local blacksmith, and I remember very well watching him shoe the big Shire horses and helping him by operating the bellows on the forge to get the coals hot and then watching him shape and fit the shoe to the horse, and then that wondrous smell of the horse's hoof burning so ...see more
I can remember Narrow Lane, Gresford although I lived there for a very short period. My Uncle Bob lived in the lane with my Auntie Peggy, he used to have a smallholding just across from where we lived. I am sure many people will remember him, his name was Robert Martin, in fact some of his family still live in Gresford. I also remember the dance group called the Gresford Bells, if anyone reading this recalls them I ...see more
My sister Pat and I lived first in Sutherland Road then Monument Lane. We went to Granville Secondary Modern in Stone. I loved growing up in Tittensor as it was a lovely village, my best mate was Sandra Wagg. My maiden name was Powell. It would be nice to hear from anyone who lived there.
My name is Irene Harriett Potts (nee Bryon), I was born 18-1-1921 at my granny's house in Bishops Wood (her name was Harriet Robinson). Our home was number 23 Offoxy Road, Tong, I lived there with my parents Louie and William Bryon, two sisters Eileen and Hilda and my brother William. In 1924 after my father was killed in a road accident our family moved to number 22 Offoxy Road because it was ...see more
My husband and his cousins were born in Burford Lane over 70 years ago and the pictures are just as the lane is now except that cars may be seen parked. In the 1950s there used to be a taxi business at the top of the road and the soldiers who were stationed at High Legh Camp were their constant customers. There was a butcher (Mr. Gregory) and next to him a fish and chip shop which Alice Walker owned. ...see more
Dear Mr Lord, My sister Jean Marie Church and I, Marie Elizabeth Church, attended Findern School for four years plus during the Second World War. I was almost 7 years old, my sister almost 6 years old. As I recall, Miss Cassandra Sanders was Head Teacher. She was my mentor, friend and companion. She took me under her wing and spent considerable time grooming me for the 11 Plus, though at the ...see more
I recall the mayor of Choppington being a short, rotund man of about 50 years. He was balding and had a gruff voice. He hated children and outlawed toys. Things became so horrible that he threatened to jail anyone caught giving a child a toy or a child who possessed any kind of toy. Terror squads were formed and they marauded the streets of fair Choppington in search of play criminals. One day, a ...see more
My memory of that fateful evening is somewhat hazy as I was completely blotto and fragments of what happened come to me in flashes... I was havind a few pints at The Goose & Pedophile when in walked Shaboobala; Choppington's only negro. She was a tall, very dark woman with several rings around her neck... possibly 9. I vaguely remember wondering why in blazes I was so attracted to this ...see more
Living nearby at High Meadow Crescent I used to go to Holy Innocents for Sunday school as a youngster then church as I got older. Apparently I was christened here too. I have gone on to become a Christian writer of devotional articles, songs and poems. Thank you Holy Innocents for my excellent start!
I lived with my family in Kingsbury NW9 and we used to holiday at St Osyth from 1960 -1965. Mum, Dad six children, plus Nan, Grandad and Auntie! The first year we had a caravan on the then magnificent beach, then a caravan per family on the only site at the time. Nan particularly enjoyed our evenings up at The Monks Head clubhouse - plenty of Guiness! We also enjoyed searching for cockles and winkles when ...see more
My dad was in the RAF and this was my first secondary school after leaving Feltwell junior school. It was the best school I ever attended. But for injury I narrowly missed getting the Victor Ludorum (sorry if spelling incorrect) the highest prize for sports. I was in the school band and played the cornet. The outdoor swimming pool was a great memory and in summer there were lots of competitions. I was ...see more
I am researching the history of the 'Vasna'. It was a hospital ship in the Second World War and my late father served on her from 1941-1945. It was broken up in Blyth, in 1951? Does anyone have pictures or information about it? Regards Andrew Bond
Just after my father brought Borwick Hall in 1946 I went with my mother to a shop and she brought a tin of paint. I was all of eight years old at the time and when we got back "home" I looked around and wondered just where she would start!
I was posted to joint services staff college as it was then, I was there for 6 months during which time as a cook I served many famous people, including the Queen! Many fond memories for me, it was a very nice place.
Our PE teacher used to throw boys in if they didn't swim - being a dainty soul, I used to hide underneath the slide, quivering with anxiety! I didn't learn to swim till many years later (INDOORS at Shewsbury baths). We used to go down when it was raining - the theory being that the water would be warmer! I think the lowest temp was about 50 degrees and the highest 74. The fountain was great ...see more
My grandparents - George & Winifred Lowe - lived at The Black & White House, Betton (aka 9 Betton, Betton Old Hall) for many years (leaving in about 1977). My grandad was a gardener for Colonel George Wade of Brand Hall (Norton-in-Hales) and managed the local football team as well as rang the bells at the old tin chapel in Moss Lane (where I was christened in the early 1960s). Outside the ...see more
I have fond memories of living in Liverpool. I lived behind Hope Street and paced the pavement of Bold Street most days. This is a wonderful picture for me.
My mother was born in Sandy Lane, at the very top of the road above Hutchinsons Chemists!
This picture shows the house I live in! My father renovated this house with loving care and now I am lucky enough to reside here.
When I was about 14 the A30 by-pass finished at Treswithian and my sister and I used to walk our dog beside the huge pile of earth where the by-pass ended, I also remember a little later, walking him on the then unfinished continuation of the road to Hayle.
I am from Ellesmere Port, in the 1950s we always took our summer holidays at my Aunty Annie's in Manton. Hardwick Road West. Her full name was Mrs A Gornall and she was headmistress at Lincoln Street School, Worksop. We also used to visit my Uncle Tom Owen and Aunty Edith in Gateford. They had a daughter, Beryl, I wonder if she still lives in Worksop. Bll Owen, son of Charles and Irene Owen, who lived in Sealand, north Wales at the time.
Our family lived in Droitwich until 1965 when we moved to Australia. My brother and I went to Rashwood School and I remember that hill. I used to play rounders on the grassed area near the vegetable patch. The school lunches I remember as pretty gross except for the deserts. Mr Pointer was the Headmaster when we left, I had just sat my 11+ exam, never did find out how I went. We lived in The ...see more
I would love to hear from folk who like me went to Bruce Grove School. I went there from 1936 until 1944 when I left school, then danced at the Royal Tottenham. I lived in St Margaret's Road. I remember Ron West and his brother Albert West,m who lived just off West Green Road, and the rest of the gang, I would love to hear how they all got on. Best wishes to all folk from Tottenham. June.
Bankil's of Woodford Bridge was my uncle's shop. The two men in brown coats were 'Hock' and Dick Chinnery. My uncle was John Banks. My father Brian and brother Peter also worked there for short periods of time on Saturdays. My cousin John worked there too until the mid 1960 I think. It was a fantastic business supplying almost anything the trade may have needed.
I'm from the USA but my mom is from Yorkshire and we spend many happy summers in Filey with my grandparents (every is living here in Southern California now). They had a home near the beach and we would spend the weekends in Filey. I took riding lessons at Fox's. My husband and I took a trip over to the UK in 1998 and stayed in Filey a few nights. We took a drive based on my old memories and we found the ...see more
My mother Vilet Golder was born in Upper Heyford into a large family. She married my father who came from Newcastle, she met him whilst he was serving at the RAF base. Although there were quite a few families called Golder living there at the same time, not all are from the same tree. I have managed to trace quite a few over the years and there is still a Golder living there although that was her ...see more
My great-great-great grandad was vicar of Northleach church in the late 1700s until 1816. His name was Thomas wilkinson. I visited Northleach earlier this year and I love it. It was interesting chatting to the owners of the Red Lion which one of Thomas's sons was landlord of for a time in the 1800s.
I was born in 1946 and moved to Glappy when I was 3. Does anyone else remember the snow, the ice on the inside of the bathroom window, and who can name the three most popular sledging tracks down the rough meadows?
I grew up in Babbacombe in the 1950s and 60s and it was such a friendly busy place with the local shops Stephens and Bowdens the two greengrocers, Canns the fishmongers, the butchers and of course the fish and chip shop in Princes Street - so much nicer than the present one even though it has won so many awards. Also in Reddenhill Road there was a small Nat West Bank and a Creamery and also ...see more
North Somercotes played a large part in my growing up, I lived with my parents, sister and brother on the Lakeside Lido in St Annes Avenue, next to my friend Cherry Mayfield. I particularly remember when we both had chickenpox and our mothers ran a line through our bedroom windows so we could play noughts and crosses back and forth. I went to the local primary school, and The John Birkbeck Secondry Modern ...see more
I lived in Petersham Avenue, Byfleet, name June Bartram. We used to look over at the race track. I went to St Mary's School. There were two Miss Evans teachers. I was married at the Methodist church in 1949, 60 years ago this September. I now live in Canada, and would love to hear from girls I went to school with. Also went to West Byfleet Secondary School. It's a lovely village, we used to swim in the canal at Dodds Bridge and back of the church. Those were the good days. June Bartram Keddie
I think my father's birth family the Harts may have lived in this house. Does anybody know any history of the occupants of the house?
My grandmother Sarah Hewitt was supposed to have lived in Penny Bridge manor and had a sister, I think, who drowned crossing the river - before the bridge was put in, maybe? - but I cannot find any information on her or her family. I would really appreciate any information. What a beautiful place!!
My grandfather Robert John Roberts, born 1895, joined The Ynysddu Crusaders. When I came to visit from Portsmouth, he took me to watch them play. My father Donald Keith Roberts played football, bowls and cricket. He would be very proud today to know my grandson Andrew Bellinger often gets Man of the Match in football and is an avid sports fan. I have a print of The Team 1923-1924 Winners of The League Challenge Cup and Shield.
I lived in the village in the mid 1950s. I can remember that the owner of the Post office was a Mr Worthington. The granddaughter was called Celia.
I was late for the cutting of the first turf when Luton Technical College was being moved from Park Square to what became Barnfield College. It was a cold morning and I had overslept! The University was to expand onto the Park Square site of the 'Tech' and while the initial works were going on we had no playground and very few facilities. Indeed our last form photograph (1956) had to be squeezed into an odd corner near ...see more
I was born in Dysart to a mining family of 5 brothers, me being in the middle. My mum watched over us all and used to take us walks by the man in the rock along to Wemyss and back via the castle estate. Sometimes we came back through the Boreland woods, stopping at the chipper at the old railway crossing. My dad and all my brothers worked in the Dubbiwe and were very proud of the fact. Our ...see more
I used to holiday in Calstock with my parents, staying with my grandparents who lived in the village. I used to regularly take their golden Cocker spaniel, Vicky, for a walk up to the railway station. This was around the early 1950s to about 1956. I remember being taken, with my parents and by a family friend, to a place which I think would have been perhaps up to an hour's car ride away - probably much ...see more
I am seeking help in identifying two soldiers recorded on the Horndean War Memorial. I have found the details of all of the others. I intend to publish the results of my research. The two men are recorded as follows Turner C G Larcombe F G (possible a Corporal) I believe that Mr Turner is Charles George 315153 Gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery. He left the Army on 21st April 1919 and lived Lovedean ...see more
My uncle Alf and Auntie Mary lived in Main Street, Fleckney. Their son was Joe my cousin.
I lived in North Marston in the 1950s, at 25 Quainton Road My Grandfather Ezra Rawlings was a tailor. I remember bonfire night on the sports field, cycling down Church Hill, Christmas carols, Friday night youth club in the school hall and being sent to the Cox's shop for a packet of Woods or Weights cigarettes for my grandfather. I emigrated to Australia in 1961, but I will never forget the fun I ...see more
The old High Street was a hive of activity especially in the summer months, I remember the Acropolis coffee bar which was run by a Greek family including Archie Aggro who was a very tough character and stood no nonsence. The coffee and salami baguettes were the best in the town and Noel Reading, bass guitarist with The Hendrix Experience would vist the Acropolis when he was in town. Myself and ...see more
My grandfather, John James Lewis, was Station Master at Builth Road station and lived at Station Villa, (the first house in Railway Terrace). I was born at Station Villa myself, and lived there with my mother and sister, Helen, until the age of 16. My Uncle Ernie Lewis also lived at Station Villa and was a signalman at Builth Road High Level station during the years I lived there. I used to love visiting Uncle ...see more
I was born in 1959 at 20 Glebe Cour,t Mitcham to Percy Jack and Lillian Anne Agg. All my mother's side of the family lived in Micham - Ford - Atkins and Agg being the surnames. I have fond memories of Mitcham and of the parks and the pub next to the station where my mum worked in the kitchen. I used to love riding in the dumb waiter. We moved when I was still young from Glebe Court to The Beeches (number 31). I went to a ...see more
i world like a place of my own i want to live independantly
I remember my father's house in Station Road, it was called 'Wheatfields' and, as far as I know, had no street number back then. He had made a beautiful garden around it, flowers at the front and an orchard and vegetable patch at the back. When the apple harvest came in there were so many apples that he would put them in crates at the bottom of the driveway just outside the gates, and they were free for ...see more
I was born in South Luffenham in 1942, some time later (I must have 10 or 11) I can remember helping the butcher on his round, his name was Mr Lake and he came from Wing. He had a old blue van if I remember correctly. I can remember him stopping in the stream as it was still a water splash to wash his van before going on his rounds. In later years we would go fishing for minnows with jam jars after the bridge had been built, they were happy days when the sun shone all the summer holidays.
I have lived at Mobby House, Wyke Champflower for 25 years and was interested to read that Audrey O'Halloran was born there. The name of the house has always been a talking point, perhaps Audrey could shed some light on the matter! Look forward to hearing more memories from Wyke Champflower and perhaps Mobby House!
Pitts Butchers, the Misses Armstrong next door shop, Gargetts bike shop. Joyce Dick Granville Drive
My great-great-grandfather and family resided here, at 1 High Street. It was once a Fire Station!
I'm searching for a photo of a prominent man who resided in Bridgnorth. Does anyone know the best way to find out if he was featured in any magazines or newspapers in the late 1800s or early 1900s? Any help will be appreciated! Thanks!
My father Ewen Mackay was born in Quidinish. He came to New Zealand after the Second World War and died in Dunedin in 1958, aged 35 years. In 1991 my brother Ian MacKay, his wife Pauline and I travelled to Harris to meet our family and see where our father had spent his early years. My thoughts of our time there are tinged with sadness as my uncle Allan MacKay and aunt Rebecca Gillies (my father's siblings) have since passed away.
I attended the old primary school via School Lane through the 1930s and early 1940s, the teachers were E L Richards (head), Mr Withers, Miss Austen, Miss Lewis. The school by the old canal was a very happy school, and through the last war we had a big school garden where we grew food and shared it in the village. We also had to help on the local farm (Jim Llewellyn's, at Ty Gwyn) at potato picking time, we ...see more
I moved to St Giles Avenue with my parents in 1948 when I was 15 years old. Before this group of shops was built, there was a little hut run by Mr Hamer and I remember my dad buying his cigarettes and newspapers there. When the new shops were built, Mr Hamer's son took over. Of course, we were still using our ration books then! I remember how reluctant my mother was to buy the new Birds Eye frozen vegetables! ...see more
What do I miss about Pagham? Everything!! My love affair with Pagham began around the mid 1960s when my parents Marlene and Ray used to take me to stay at my great aunt's bungalow on the East Front Road - the second one in from the end. Eventually this was sold and my nan and grandad Grace and Stan Yates bought a caravan on the Church Farm Caravan Estate. The field in those days was called The Saltings ...see more
My mother was born and raised in Winchcombe. Her parents the Osbornes lived on Gretton Road. We lived across the street from them in the early 1970s while my father was away during the Vietnam War. I have very fond memories of the local primary school(?), Ginnie the donkey, walking to church every Sunday with my friend (?) and Mrs Mason's sweet shop on North Street, riding to Pates Junior School in Cheltenham on the ...see more
I used to live in The Pound at Goosey. As a pub it seemed massive to me when I was a lot younger, now I realise that in fact it was really small and intimate for a pub. I used to love the huge open fireplace, the smell of the wood smoke mingling with the smell of the beer. I used to spend many sunny afternoons exploring the village green with its ponds and marshes, fallen trees to climb, secret places to explore. As a ...see more
My twin brother Colin and I were born at Chiltley Place on the 28th of July 1942 due to the bombing of Portsmouth. My father was serving in the Royal Navy on the hospital ship HMS Liverpool in the far east when we were born. My parents and brothers last visited Chiltley place in the late 1950's. Recently I received a copy of Chiltley Place and Goldenfields as a gift. Colin now lives in Cornwall with his family, I now live in the United States. Best wishes, Barry.
In the early 1950s my mother would put me on a Metropolitan Line train at Baker Street and tell me to get off at Pinner Station and be met by my Auntie Dorrie. Its amazing to think I was only 7 or 8 years old at the time! This was around 1953, when I was living in Bexleyheath (at that time in Kent although now swallowed up in Greater London). Auntie Dorrie and I ...see more
I had never even heard of - much less visited - Sparsholt before receiving an invitation to join a group of teachers and advisers who were inspecting this splendid college. My work as a careers adviser meant that I spent a lot of time going to see colleges, universities and businesses all around the country as a means of gathering first hand information to pass on to my students as they made difficult ...see more