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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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:
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Displaying Memories 12241 - 12320 of 36892 in total
I lived with my family, Mum, Martha Annie (nee Lumb), dad Arthur, sister Marie (now Richards) and brother Allen at the bottom end of Gas House Lane, now known as Gas Works Lane. We lived there until around 1951/2. I went to Elland Grammar School. The Gas Works were fully operational, we used to collect coke from there every Saturday morning (6d a sack).
The canal was also busy with horse drawn barges, the ...see more
I lived in Heckingham at the time he used to give me paino lessons every Tuesday lunch time; I went to Heckingham School. He played the organ at church as well, the lessons were 5 shillings for three quarters of hour. I remember he then got a moped and I remember him saying to my old chap the lessons would have to go up to 7 and 6 to pay for fuel. By the way I still can not play!
You'll all go "Oh yes", when I jog your memory that Seaview was formerly named 'Kite Farm Camp'. It changed its name to Seaview around '61/62 when Arthur Fitt the garage owner on the other side of the station bought it from Old Mr Prout. I was born in 1955 and my mum and her step father (Oscar French from Chatham) had a caravan each. They were both of treated hardboard and were wonderful to us kids (the ...see more
My maternal grandfather had a shop in Eckington in the early to mid 1900`s (by 1946 he was livng in Wadsley). I understand it was a grocers that also sold beer. His name was William Stephenson, he was married and had five daughters. Does anyone have any information?
Hi Jenny. Glad to hear that both Jimmy and Pete Cox are still with us. I remember that Jimmy took over Cha Coull's garage while I was there, and also remember his elder brother and his younger sister. I spent quite a lot of time with Pete as we were both in the RAF and both stayed at Bella's. I'm sure Pete played alongside me in the Auchenblae Summer football team. My email address is ...see more
Having gained my Air Gunners wing in Egypt I was posted to the Air Crew holding unit in Harrogate where I stayed for about three weeks early on 1945, and again a few months later. I remember the dance held in a marque in the Valley Gardens in August on VJ night (what a night that was!) I was billeted in the Grand Hotel. The CO of this unit was the English wicket keeper Les Ames On parade one morning in the forecourt ...see more
I moved to Foyle Drive when there was only a few houses built. I lived across the road from the church and went to Ockendon Courts School from the first day it opened. I used to walk up to a Mr & Mrs Philips at North Stifford about five thirty in the morning to pick up papers to deliver to the estate, it was a long and heavy walk. Then on the evenings I used to sell papers to the site ...see more
Paul, I remember you building huge constructions in your garden. Happy days. I still talk to uncle Jack Edwards.
Oh, my goodness, the memories come flooding back when I started to read some of the stories. Yes, mine was very much the same as most of yours was. I was taken to Victoria Station and put on the train with a nun. I remember sleeping in the dorm and wetting the bed. Eating dry boiled potatoes that made me gag. Walking one direction along the sea with the wind blowing so hard they made my cheeks red raw and ...see more
I used to walk home this way from school in the early 1970's passing "Jack Hills", a grocery store that is just out of shot to the left of this picture. I remember the little roadabout with a lamp post on it in front of the hairdressers - my mam and nan used to go each week. It was an odd shaped building at the Junction of Orange Street and Countesthorpe Road. Really weired seeing a picture of how it was..
School days and Becketts Close.
Carol Jakes used to take me to school! The cinder path to St George's school (now tarmac and very steep) collecting wild flowers in the fields, swinging on the tarzan and making dams! New Mills Grammar School with bottled green uniforms and the dreadful velvet green jockey hats we had to wear the first two years. Local delivery vans brought weekly groceries, rag and bone man swapped soap or goldfish, pop man ...see more
Hi my name is Doug, when I left school at the age of 15 in 1955 I worked at the Hawkes sweet factory as a sugar boiler, amongst other things, and it was there that I met my first girl friend. Although she married someone else, as I did. I have kept in touch with her all my life, she, as I, have very fond and vivid memories of the place. I am writing one long letter to my ...see more
Hi all, was in there 70/73 would like to hear from any one that was there at that time. Some good posts, exactly how I remember my time there.
Charlotte Gibson was born in the middle cottage in 1846. Her father was Joseph Gibson a farm labourer. In 1876 Charlotte had an illegitimate son Joshua whilst in the Bletchingley Union Workhouse - Joshua was my grandfather. I recently took my granddaughters to visit the area and these cottages have all been converted into a wonderful country pub - The White Bear.
The girls now have a photograph of themselves stood ...see more
I remember Ann Andrew's dress shop.
Hi all, I was in Stanhope from 1970 to 73 I remember lots of bad things about the place but also some good times. There was a few good teachers but most would be jailed now for what they did to some of the kids then. I remember going camping to Whitby once a year. They put all the tents and camping stuff in a cattle truck then made about 20 of us from Bewdley House get in the back and drove us from Stanhope all ...see more
I hope someone can help me. All I know from the census is that my great grandparents and their family, Mr David and Mrs Hannah Gorge, lived in Craig-Cefn-Parc. Their children were Catherine, Phillip,John, May and Jennet who married my grandfather, Thomas Griffiths, from Abergwili, Carmarthen - my father's father. I have found out about Thomas and Jennet and their family but know nothing about the Gorge family, or if any of them or their descendents are still alive.
This photo shows the common looking southeast towards Liphook. The common was a favourite haunt for Canadian troops and local girls during WW2. Spent many hours gathering bracken for bedding for my rabbits, and roaming across it's expanse of gorse, bracken and birch trees with the odd larger oak. As one of the few long straight stretches of road in the area there have been numerous accidents over the years due ...see more
I grew up in Kettlesing after moving there as a toddler in 1971 and leaving in 1984 but my dad remained living there until he died in 2013. I attended the village school until leaving to go to secondary school in 1980/81 and my teachers were Mrs Dunmore and Mrs Morse. I remember Geoffrey Smith the tv gardener visiting the school to give talks and a weekly visit from our recorder teacher. I ...see more
I was born in Hurlingham Road, off The Pantiles during the war. The air raid shelters were still there for many years, and the allotments. School was a walk to Bedonwell Primary, joining others on the way. Weekly trips to Bexleyheath Broadway shopping and I remember there was a tea shop somewhere halfway up where occasionally mum would treat us to iced cakes. The Trolley Buses were also a memory ...see more
My father, David Lamb, had a watchmaker / jewellers shop firstly at 13 Bogie Street and then from 1963 until 1984 at 30 Duke Street, Huntly. From the Royal Oak pub owned by the Yules, there was then Connie and Eric Stephens the newsagents, then Mr Law the fiahmonger, dads shop, then Norman Connel the chemist, then the Huntly Express. I remember Duke Street being renamed Dook street when there were so many pot holes the ...see more
My great granddad, Thomas Henry Smith, was a Bathman at the Hydro having come from Melrose in Scotland where he was a Bathman at the Melrose Hydro.
Does anyone have any recollection of this please? It took place during 50's or 60's each year on Boxing Day. My grandfather donated the shield which was competed for and one of my uncle's names is on it. Would be great to locate the shield if anyone knows if it is still about. It was the Greaves Shield. Thank you
I was born in a house on Main St, Bogside (Newmains). There were only 3 railway cottages there and lots of fields. Neighbours were Archibalds. Wonder if this is the same Archibald mentioned in a previous memory?
Can sort of remember it! Was there a bakery on the corner?.. .
I was strolling past a while ago,
This wonderous place we used to go.
When I got this thirst that needed quenched,
So I turned on heel and in I went.
With a feather boas you could've knocked,
me down you see I was so shocked!
Could this really be the place we came
and laughed with girls like Louise Graham?
No juke box lending atmosphere,
just dimmed back light,and awful beer.
Now I've never ...see more
Wallsend is sliding down the slipway,
to use a shipyard metaphore.
Now just widswept open spaces,
stand where the workman stood before.
They've allowed all of the trades to die,
and made the workforce unemployed.
Now just evaporating memories,
of working lives we once enjoyed.
This river's steadfast reputation,
was throughout the world renowned.
You could have searched the whole world over,
no ...see more
I saw the old hop scotch in Battle Hill,
when out on tonights walk.
I had a flashback of wor Sandra,
Scrolling numbers with some chalk.
Ali Ridley, Lesley Gibson, and other lassies roond wor way.
Would wear their Dunlop Greenflash,
and hop scotch here sometimes all day.
Those chalk marks have long since faded,
but in my memory linger still.
I still recall that sweet sweet laughter,
Of friends and neighbours on "The Hill!"
We sailed a ship on concrete oceans.
Well over forty years ago.
Imagination fuelled the voyages,
To far flung places we would go.
These days she's firmly anchored,
Surplus to childrens needs.
So sad to see her list to port,
Amongst a sea of weeds.
Having had a great neet oot,
on just twenty quid or less.
I'd boonce aleng the High Street,
until I reached Kebab Express.
Ad pull oot all me loose change,
and through my lucid gaze.
I would slaver on and dither,
With all the other drunken strays.
"Take it oot of the son"
I'd say with an ootstretched hand.
To John behind the coonter,
he could always understand.
They always did fantastic pizzas,
and tasty ...see more
Catching Bumble Bees in coffee jars,
and Sticklebacks in bowls.
Kicking the tops off Moth balls,
catching newts and water vowels.
Chasing after Butterflies,
magnifying slugs.
Gazing up at starry skies,
collecting Lady Bugs.
Plodging in the clearest stream,
Wellies squelching in the mud.
I'd love to be that boy once more,
if i only could.
We seemed to have so little then,
but things aren't always how ...see more
Sat just off Byker High Street,
On this cold and wet March day.
The intermittent windscreen wipers,
On the car wash rain away.
The patter on the car roof,
Of the raindrops as they fall.
Remind me of the caravan,
When I was only very small.
Fortunate am I to close my eyes,
And transport anywhere with ease.
Why stay in rainy Byker?
I can go any place I please!
James Bridgewood,
On this cold and windy winters day,
we will gather all as one.
Trying to find the words to say,
now that one of us is gone.
There will be much sadness,many tears,
a sombre mood throughout.
The friends Daz made over the years,
will show their grief no doubt.
But afterwards this the mood will lift,
like the early morning dew
For as the crowds all file away,
all the folk that Darren knew,
Will all meet up in ...see more
They knocked the Boys Club down today,
folks came from far and wide.
To see it come down brick by brick,
and reminisce with pride.
They knocked the Boys Club down today,
if you drive past in your car.
That famous landmark's gone for good,
all that's left's a giant scar.
They knocked the Boys Club down today,
it was more than bricks and beams.
As it came crashing to the ground,
so did a thousand ...see more
Eyes closed I can recall at will...
my childhood spent at Battle Hill..
As I walked amongst those tall tall trees,
it stirred a thousand memories.
The Steel Igloo, swings,and triple bars,
the plough made out of twinkling stars.
Denis in his big red van,
was a truly charismatic man!
The owl hooting in the hawthorn tree,
became a nightly thing for me.
The daddy long legs in the bath,
pitch and toss ,the ...see more
If I could have picked the ideal weather,
for my walk home from work today.
It just could not have been improved upon,
it was perfect in every way.
A clear blue sky,bright sunshine,
not a breath of wind throughout.
As I set foot outside in Kenton,
then I traced my usual route.
Warm Autumn sun upon my face,
and in my step a kind of spring.
As I walked through my old stomping ground,
I wondered ...see more
Great Britain is in disarray,
I've never seen the likes.
Worse than when Thatcher telt us Geordies,
to get on wa bikes.
They closed the yards and factories,
we had them by the score,
These places now just memories,
of better times before.
Ten thousand men walked up Swan's bank,
with cloth caps and haversacks,
Now there's only cold winds blowing ,
down that old deserted path.
The sweet factory on Norham ...see more
Just opposite the Buddle School,
There stands paper shop,
Throughout my youth I as a rule,
Would almost daily stop.
From Nineteen seventy seven,
Until the Eighties took their bow.
This shop was ran by Tommy,
Sadly no longer with us now.
He looked like a young James Coburn,
With his smile and year round tan.
We all thought the world of Tommy,
Such a charismatic man!
The heart of our community,
Is where all ...see more
ODE TO WALLSEND
I was born at Wallsend Village green in the heart of Wallsend Town,
I spent my childhood in an era great to be around,
We all grew up together and played in our back lanes,
My cousins and my neighbours in the shadows of the cranes.
At the top of each old terraced street there stood a corner shop,
I often spent my pennies there on Black Jack chews and pop.
The last sweet shop to ply its ...see more
When I first moved to Easebourne parish I lived in Moor Lodge; my dad was a cowman on Moor Farm. My friends were Bobby Etherington, John Shotter,and Freddie Misslebrook .When my dad retired we moved to the top flat in the Priory. I went to Easebourne School with Ted Muller,Colin(willy) Dummer, Ian Kiernan, Colin West, Dennis (buddy) Karn. I was in the church choir with some of them. When it ...see more
I lived at No.10, loved the Sunday afternoon football match up on the hill. Some days we would have 30 adults/kids, god help you if you kicked ball down the hill! There was only one public phone in middle of village, if it rang you answered it and walked to persons house and told them they was wanted on the phone. 1965 - I was dux of school, won a bronze medal for art at Glasgow Art Gallery.
I was brought up on Ackworth Road opposite the Park. The park was my playground from being about 4. I remember Mr Cole the park-keeper ,the grotty toilets and the old men's cosy corner.
I was born in Quarella Road Hospital in Bridgend, but grew up on Cwmdu Street, Maesteg. Often went to the top of the street to get sweets and pop for myself, and a fresh gooseloaf for my mother.
I remember it as a very happy time and place to grow up, with plenty of local friends, and a safe environment.
I was born at number 15 Swan Street before my parents moved next door, No.14. My family had people living all around the area, maternal in Swan Street/ Hargreave and paternal, from Model Place. We had a shop on virtually every corner and of every type within a couple minutes walk. Billy Ramsdales was next to us, a pleasant version of Arkwrights store; opposite was the Chippy and in the ...see more
I grew up in Kenley Oak Cottages, Little Roke Road. I went to Roke Primary and Senior School. I was also a member of the St James youth club which met on Wednesday evenings and once a month had a Saturday night event. I remember Grimes the bakers (we could get yesterday's cakes for a couple of pennys, and Marge's sweet shop where my grandma would buy me a candy stick for 1 penny. Long hot summers....! We used ...see more
I remember walking from Roke Primary School to swimming lessons at Reedham Orphanage. The pool did not look very inviting, I only went a couple of times.
I found an old postcard of Porthminster Beach recently in a charity shop in Devon. I was intrigued by the message, it was addressed to a Miss Johnson at Pedn Olva House and something tragic had obviously happened as it talked of being 'verily verily sad' and 'great sorrow'. I would love to know more, or even to pass it on to the family.
My mum, Georgina Saville, was born in Gt Clifton on Dec 23rd 1923, she lived in William Street. She is now 90 years old with severe alzheimers. I can remember going there every Easter and staying with my grandmother Riuth Owens. I still have a aunty Margaret who still lives in Gt Clifton.
I spent most of my younger life in Bexleyheath, we lived in Oaklands Road. I went to Upton Road Primary School, I remember that the Head Teacher was Miss Hughes. From there I went on to Bexleyheath Secondary Modern School for Boys, in Graham Road. I remember Mr Piper, Mr Bottomley, Mr Klien (History), Mr Cullem (English), Mr Morgan (French), Mr Locke (Sports), Mr Glover and Mr Jones (Metalwork), Mr ...see more
Three small roadside cottages existed on the roadside below the Pentre Farm; at this time occupied by Robert Edwards, Hawker, his children, his sister Sally, and old Mary Edwards. Collectively known as 'the Sugars', the original family had occupied the cottages for 100 years previously. Also listed as 'general dealers' by trade, they travelled the county of Montgomery and surrounding ...see more
I moved to 81 Walmington Fold when I was 7 and a half .Went to Frith Manor School.Then I went to Hillside School, had a really happy time in Finchley. Then at 14 and half I moved to Stamford Hill where I was born, stayed friends with Judith Holmes all this time. We went to Frith Manor together. Even though I had left Hillside I came up every day from Stamford Hill to go there and left at 15 in 1965.
Salcombe of the past.
My wife, Florence May Wilkinson (nee Davies) stayed in Southowram circa 1940 with a Grandpa Farrar. He was an elderly gentleman, quite deaf, and he used to read aloud from his Bible – whilst Florence hid under the large table listening. He had a great influence on her life. He still taught in a non-conformist Sunday School in the village. Florence’s Aunt was in service to him – the house was in a terrace.
I used to go there all time when I was young and even took my own children, it was the best shame when it went.
I have many fond memories of visiting my late grandma Edith Smith when she lived in the prefabs in Tealby Walk. Love listening to stories from my mum Lesley of her childhood growing up there with her sisters; Glenys and sadly the now late Susan and Janet. If anybody remembers them or has any pictures of the prefabs or memories, please get in touch. My mum 'n grandma worked at Birdseye for a long time and all the girls attended Chelmsford Girls School in the 50's/60's.
The picture shown is of the junction with Main Road and Victoria Street, Windermere. The nearest building is obviously the Queen's Hotel (still there) and the one behind it is the Oakthorpe. To get to Orrest Head from here, take the right fork to the top of the hill where it joins the main A591, cross the road, and take the winding path to the left of the Windermere ...see more
Walter was at Stanhope Castle until 1953, does anyone have a memory of him? I am assisting him with his life story.
Does anyone remember the Childrens Home in Lower Wick, it was demolished in 1974?
I remember the Debden and Loughton Rockers on motorbikes and Mods on scooters.
They used to come to St Barnabas Youth Centre on Friday nights. Would love to know what became of Alan Flanges and his friends, David and Keith. Good lads enjoying their youth, never any trouble. Alan used to ride a scooter and motor bike.
I was born in 1938 at Higham Square - to the left down Well St (demolished in the 40's) then moved to Astley Street where we played on the sand hills and Gin Pit yard pushing railway wheels. I went to the Upper George St School and can remember all the teachers names still. Often they used to run lots of cows from the railway yard past our school to the local abattoirs with a lady on a white horse in front. Mr ...see more
I'm not sure if I'm right about this but I think that for a while our Matron, Mary Powell, lived here in the cottage opposite the hospital gates. In 1963, after we had sat our final exams, a small group of us were invited over for coffee. We were in fear of this lady and her enormous frilly lace hat, but she was very pleasant to us as we sat in her chintzy parlour sipping from her best china. We had a post office in the hospital grounds, near the shop and the laundry.
In 1955 I was 4 years old - I grew up in this street No. 50 Victoria Rd - that house is not in shot but further down the road toward Station Rd & The Prince Consort. I went to Netley Infants school on the corner of Victoria Rd & Station Rd. I rode my trike around the block doing wheelies around the corner of New Rd & Victoria Rd - once knocking a poor old lady off her feet - what a terror!
Memories..... of being a student nurse Sept 61-63. The nurses home. The long corridor. The beds on wheels. The white starched collar cutting into my neck. Sister Piper. Sister Rowlands. The Saturday evening dances at the Army camp. Dilute gin and orange. The the Burma Road home. The Derwen. The EMS. Trying to sleep on night duty. The pay phone in the corridor. The train line past the end of ...see more
I was born in 1946 and lived in Caldbeck Avenue. When I was 6 on the way to Cheam Common School one morning I was running trying to keep up with a motorcycle and ran into this lamp post and split my head open. The motorcyclist put me in his sidecar and took me to St Anthony's Hospital where a nurse stitched me up and gave me a jelly baby for being brave - I still have the scar. My father grew exhibition ...see more
My granddad, Charlie Davies, owned the post office and it was where my dad, Arfon Davies, was born. When my grandad died it was taken over by my Auntie Nellie, my dad's sister. My brothers, Gwyn, Iwan and Geraint came to the post office often with my dad. I remember being the centre of attraction as we were different as we came from outside the village. In the 1950's I remember the village being a busy ...see more
My dad was manager at Deniably Main in the early 1960s; he'd started work at 14 and come from a very poor background, so to move into the big house on Station Road was quite something for him. As a child I would go round the pit yard on a Saturday morning with my dad. The best part for me was riding on the odd locomotive or spending time with Bill Bisby, the horseman who tended to all the pit ponies. He would ...see more
I was delighted to find this lovely photo of Aberystwyth on the website of The Francis Frith Collection, as it was taken in 1925 – the same year my grandparents got married and went to Aberystwyth on their honeymoon! I imagine they must have looked very like the people in this view.
Cenarth, on the River Teifi, is set in a spectacular gorge with a number of waterfalls, and is famous as one of the last places in Britain where licensed coracles were used, both for salmon fishing and (as seen in this view) sheep dipping by the side of the village bridge. This photo shows sheep being washed prior to shearing, supervised by farmers using traditional coracles to guide them across the ...see more
I left the village in 1948, to join my parents, Cyril and Gladys Jones, and sister Pam who had moved to Gravesend, Kent. I had attended the Lawn following years at Abertysswg School, before going to Caerleon for my teacher training. The Army followed; 2 years in the East Yorkshire Regiment mostly spent in Vienna. Demob came and I went to join my parents in Kent, find a job and Dulcie who was to ...see more
I was baptised in the Parish Church just beyond the trees on the left. My sister-in-law lived in the cottage on the far right - almost next to the Vicarage garden. In the late 40's and 50's I used to walk to Church Street from my home in Foxlands Crescent quite often. Haircuts in the barbers nearer the top of Crown Street - hay and bran and other animal food from the corn chandlers on the left as you ...see more
My father was building the Power Station at Shoreham in the fifties and we had a tent here for many Summer months. The lads use to dare me to go to the Wardens control tower and say I was lost! They used to humour me and broadcast my name over the tanoy system on the high tower - they never tired of this game! I was watching a guy named Ralph hitting a golf ball on the grass and I stood too close behind his club and was ...see more
I spent many a summer at this level crossing as my grandmother, Kate Griffiths, lived in the house at the far end of the terrace. In fact the man you can see in this photo of 1965 standing in his garden is my grandfather, Owen Griffiths. It always brings back memories of childhood with me and my brother helping to open and shut the gates every time the train came. We used to be able to name all the engines ...see more
When I was under 7 in the late 1950's my parents & I lived in Offerton cottages just down the road from what my mother used to call the "Pretty House". The couple who lived there were a Mr & Mrs Dowdswell ( I may have got the spelling wrong). My parents were friends of the Dowdswell's and I remember going into the cottage. I can remember saying to my mother that there were even pictures in the ...see more
I attended Embleton Infants School and Embleton Junior Mixed School which were structurally attached but otherwise separate from September 1957 until July 1963. At that time the staff were very respectable and I liked almost all the teachers. The headmistress of Embleton Infants School was Miss Reece (this was how she was addressed but I never saw her name spelt). She was a middle aged ...see more
William Brothers on the corner of Ealing Road, Garners Bakery at the top of the steps leading down to Station Grove which is where I lived until 1956. We could hear the cheers from the football matches at the Stadium. Radio Rentals, Blands linen shop which was still there a few years ago. Wembley police station, the three cinemas; the Wembley Hall, the Majestic and The Regal.
George Dyson Fudge was in the RAF volunteer force and is recorded as having died in Little Stoke in 1941. Was he shot down? Did he crash his plane before he could land at one of the RAF bases nearby? Does anyone have any memories of such an incident or are there any records?
Can anybody please tell me the name of the pit(s) that was/were closest to Arthur Street in Crook during the period 1925-1935?
Hi, my name is Yvette (maiden name was Beaney), does anyone remember my nan and granddad, Ernest and Cissy Beaney, who ran the village shop that has now been turned into a house? My dad Don and his brother Lionel did local deliveries from the shop, there was a cottage at the back of the shop where I lived with my parents for a while. I was very young when they left Bethersden but can remember being in the shop with my nan and visiting some of her friends.
It is 1959 and I have been looking at a pair of Winkle Picker shoes (pointed toe shoes) in the window. I now have the money to get them £59/11, nearly three pounds. I enter the shop and try them...my they feel good. I walk home to Studley Grange Road with them in their box and carefully un-box them in my bedroom. I was on the edge of adulthood.