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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Search for your favourite UK places and read memories of the local area in days gone by.
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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:
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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 13201 - 13280 of 36960 in total
Please forgive me if I shouldnt be here... I am researching my family history and found a big suprise, Marther Pearce had 6 children, she was a widow and worked as a char woman, I dont know where. 1881 census said she lived at 5 Bridge Street...I so need to know more ... please can you help?
The "Rec" was the place to be in the 1970's when you lived on the Cedar Rd Estate. We lived just round the corner on Elmdale Rd and had a garden which backed on the Rec. This was a good short cut into the Rec. Lived there as a young lad until we moved in about 1978 or so. Played with Tim Fletcher, Mark Reynolds, Harold Maples, Colin "Mapsy" Maples and John Cooper to name a few. Still see Harold in town from time to ...see more
My great Aunt Hilda Reffold used to own the Old Pump House which is behind the shop and I had many a wonderful summer with her. My younger siblings were not sure of her as she was quite a strict woman. Previous to that she lived in Gaddick House on Lombard Street and that was even better - she had a horse called Glamour and chicken and ducks and a piano in the barn at the bottom of her ...see more
Hi
I used to go to Easington Technical college at Peterlee between 1967-1969 doing a secretarial course for two years. During this time the mining lads used to come along and there was a guy from Witton Gilbert called Eddie, I just dont remember his surname. He was a tall and distinguished looking guy. I just wondered if anyone knows of him because I know Witton Gilbert is not a massive place. I used ...see more
Family legend has it that Grandad took a small party of friends for a pint or two in Oakengates. At the end of the evening for a lark he undid the traces and when they set off the horses went and the cart tipped up, to great hilarity.
I also remember Mrs Hitchen, at the end house a few houses up from Gran, who's address was 61 Stafford Road; she would be sitting on a stool wearing a sack apron ...see more
I remember Mr Colwill & his son, I used to keep my horse on the land below the hotel owned by the local coal merchant. As I met more locals we used to have parties in the old ball room with Nigel Portman-lewis, Jon Emuss, Gay Sutch & so many more. A super gang of teenagers. My parents came back to Bookham to look after ageing family at the Old croft where we also had parties, ...see more
This is 1950s, before that there was a lower smoke stack, I used to live in Christleton Road and can remember the old one!
For six years, when my children were small, we rented various cottages in Collieston. Two of my children took their first steps there on the sands to reach the sea when the tide was in. We walked every good day to Hackley Bay and often took our picnic with us. I carried the youngest on my back, We got speldings from the shore and toasted them on an open fire, many of our friends came out from Aberdeen to share ...see more
I've tried really hard to find out when the school was built. I can't find the info anywhere. I wonder if anybody out there can tell me? I'd really appreciate it.
Does anyone remember Mr. Stevens? He used to keep the village tidy; always sweeping the roadside. He had a daughter Betty who I would love to know of her whereabouts as she was a friend of mine when we went to Perins school in Alresford, and when we left she came to work with me at Hindhead
regards Marian Plummer
This was the view we enjoyed as members of the ROC which used the church tower as its look-out post. On exercises we would man the post round the clock. Formed to assist in the tracking of enemy aircraft in WW2, the role was extended post war to include monitoring radio active fall out following a nuclear attack, something which thankfully never became a reality. I was a member here in the early to mid 50s.
Does anyone have any memories to share about my Great Auntie Margaret Ainley MBE who was head mistress at the school, she was headmistress for many years and I would love to know if the school house where she lived with my great grandparents is still in the village.
She is buried in the local cemetery near to the village school.
Thank you
Four Kilbirnie men were walking home after a shift in the steelworks, this would be after ten at night; it was a Friday and in those days people were paid in cash. Archie Allan, better known as Big Airchie, Wullie Mcgookin, Johnny Mason and Alex Irvine were waylaid by six would-be robbers. The problem was dealt with in typical Kilbirnie fashion - they went into the local Police station to report the incident. ...see more
I lived in Keighley Drive, opposite Crossleys sportsfield until I got married and moved to Bradford with my husband. I have so many lovely memories of Illingworth and Ovenden. My brother went to St. Thomas More school and I attended Clare - Hall. When we grew up we used to go to the pub across the road called the Queens Head, but all the locals called it the Hens Face because it was named after Queen ...see more
My two great uncles were at Horton Kirby Home in 1880's, aged 6 and 10. The 6 year old died of pneumonia there, and the 10 year old went into the army when he was of age. He eventually emigrated to Canada.
I'm trying to find where Yew House would have been in 1911, can anyone remember this house? It would have been big as it had 8 rooms .. possibly Croft Road. I'm researching my Turner relatives namely John Bilney Turner. Would love any response please .
My memories of Naburn Hall are of when my mother, twin brother and younger sister used to spend our summer holidays with my great aunt, Miss Edith Pawson, in Fulfold. Aunt Edie was the housekeeper for Commander Palmer at the time and we used to accompany her to the Hall when she went to work. We found it very exciting running around the grounds and exploring the Hall, once we even found a tunnel which ended with a ...see more
In 1974 I began researching the Buchan Lineage, which of course lead me back to Scotland, and Auchmacoy. My own blood had been three brothers who were local masons in the early 1700's and I longed to see their work. I had contact with Chief Captain David Buchan and his secretary Barbara Playdon, who were very gracious when my son and I arrived the summer of 1991. Coming from the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ...see more
shops going down towards the high street
I was born in Lower Sunbury, I'm the youngest of the White family, 1 of 7 kids. I can remember my mum and her friend walking with me down the village, I was in my pushchair, we would walk past the Vienna bakers and get that pungent smell of baking.
And the white horse regulars, the flower man out side a shop what was Anthonys hair dressers, Bishops food store, Kents news agents, and ...see more
I spent many a summers day playing in the rec as it was known. My mum's side of the family lived on Corringham Rd .
My nan and aunt used to live on Corringham Rd. I spent nearly all my summer hols at no 60. My aunt Molly Mcdade was organist at the church. I remember the smell of bonfires on a summers evening. My nan was called Nin. My aunt always rode a Raleigh bike.
I am fortunate to own a part of this lovely cathederal, my auntie bought me a brick when they were building it.
This is where I met my husband for the first time in 1969, two years later we married, and now have 4 children and are still very happy together.
My nan and grandad lived down here, I can remember walking down here hundreds of times, sometimes with my mum and others with my auntie Joyce, I really loved her she used to give me tomato ketchup sandwiches, and my grandad's front garden was a cushion of forget-me-nots - we weren't allowed to walk on his grass. We would be taken over the common to pick bluebells and primroses, and see the bullrushes in the pond. Such fond memories.
I have some fond memories of this place, how I used to love queuing for jumble sales with my nan or auntie Joyce, and of going in the working mans club and having a bag of crisps and a drink, and the best one is it is where I had my wedding reception in 1971, where have the years gone?
Yes I can also remember Mr Cookson, his shop used to be open on a Sunday afternoon (very rare thing those days) and I can remember going there for our Sunday treats chocolate peanuts for my dad and 3d worth of sweets for each of us girls, oh they were the days.
I remember my father taking my brother and me there to see it. I think the National Trust had just taken it over. I was totally rapt by the whole village and went back there often. In later years I took my wife and 2 daughters to see it. Last time was in 1991 while on holiday from Western Australia where we now live but I still think of Culross. JHFP
One motor car - Charles Wilcox - and the dust would have been raised to make photography impossible. But probably nothing passed all day and you could sleep in the middle of the road. I remember Sandridge in the 1950s when I went to the appalling Aylesford House School.
I am searching for a Pam Holloway who lived in Southall Middlesex (London) around 1950, I attended school with her at Dormers Wells School. We went to Switzerland on a school trip around 1950.
Pam had a sister, I think her name was Jean, and she lived in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
My family immigrated to Massachusetts USA in 1953, and I now live in Ohio USA.
Is someone out there that may know ...see more
That's the beach at Combe Martin, Sandy Cove is round the coast from there. In 1965 I was living in that building you can see in the middle of the picture.
Note from Editor: Thank you for the information - we are now changing our records.
My sister Wendy and I went to school at The Sacred Heart Convent on Erith Rd in the early '50s. I remember being taught by nuns in traditional nun's habits. But one teacher who wasn't a nun I remember because she was called Miss Suds and we used to call her Soap Suds.
When we turned seven our parents, who were managers at the department store, Mitchells of Erith, on Pier Rd, inexplicably sent us away to ...see more
Yes I remember Saturday morining pics very well at the Gaumont. A well spent tanner for the highlight of my week.
Hello, I was born in Cairns square Buckhaven in 1949, sadly demolished in the early 60's I think. My gran lived there - I was born in her house before she moved to Bayview overlooking the bay and Mc Duff castle in the distance, next to the swing park. I remember canoeing in the harbour at Christmas having to break the ice to get paddling, I made the canoe in the Braehead boating club paid for by picking ...see more
Firstly, my grandad John (Jacky) Gibson was very much a regular at the Blacksmiths and my nanna, Mary Ann, worked as a tea lady at the glass bulbs and my mom worked on Durdy's farm.. My mom met my dad at the Blacksmiths..Wish I could wind the clock back to the good old day's.....
My name is Margaret Saunders. I was born at 3 Theobald Street, but at sometime we moved to 18a Theobald Street. I went to Furzehill Infant and Junior schools, then on to Lyndhurst. We lived over the shop that was the stationers, owned by Mr & Mrs Feeley; next door to that was Tompkins the butchers and then Freestones, the bakers. On the other side of the stationers, was a grocers and the hairdressers. At the ...see more
I remember the old Bussen and Parkins in Mildenhall High Street burning down. I was only young then but have lived in Mildenhall most of my life. It was the night it burned down I was with my parents, coming home from visting my gran in Gazley village near Newmarket. We was just coming up to Barton Mills and we saw this red glow in the sky, so my dad, who used to like taking photos of things happening, like ...see more
St Lawrence Church holds special memories for my wife and I. We were married there in April 1961 and renewed our vows to each other some thirty years later when we were holidaying and reminiscing from Australia. It is a beautiful church, we were made to feel very welcome by the congregation. It is sad to see the surrounds have changed so much though.
I recognize all the places you're talking about as I lived in Durham until 1970. I remember having piano lessons from Mrs Pratt, I was friends with Kenny.
I now live in Cyprus, happy in retirement .
Worked at Bata shoe store in 1962 /1964 would love to see a pic of this store - was next to Mac Fisheries and near Craven A Cafe. I worked with Gloria Oliver from Wortley. On Sat nights we went to the ladies loos opposite to have a wash and brush up and change our clothes so we could go on our night out! great times.
By the way, my name then was Janis Furlong. I have a brother called Alan and some body may remember that my dad was an artist and used to hang all his work out on the walls on a Sunday :o)
My maternal grandparents lived at Old Rectory, School Hill, Alderbury (now called Court House). They were Charles and Elizabeth Sheppard and grandad worked at Longford as, I believe, a woodsman or carpenter? I still have 3 cousins living in Whaddon and try to see them at The Green Dragon for a reunion when we come over to UK as I have lived in California for 46 years. I remember well going across the fields to ...see more
My grandparents grew up in Collyhurst, when they got married they lived on Elizabeth Anne Street. They were Betty and Jim Butterworth - my dad Jimmy and aunty Maureen were born there. Then they moved to Blackley. When I was born we moved back to Collyhurst on Forland Ave. Some of our happiest memories are in Collyhurst.
Hi :) I was wondering if anyone has any memories of 127 High Street, Penge as a piano shop? A few people have said it was called Hicks but we have no images of the shop. Any memories or images of the piano shop, or even as the jewellers in 1960 would be amazing!
Thank you,
Charlotte
Hi
I am trying to find the relatives of Peter Hutchinson who lived at the Manse, Wrockwardine Wood, Oakengates possibly just before/during WW2. I have no idea whether he was the Minister or a family member. If you know anything about him, I would be delighted to hear it.
I have found something of his.
Thanks
Jo
I remember a slaughterhouse entrance tucked in the corner where the cattle entered. One escaped one day, charged up Chapel Street in a rage.
I am trying to trace a very old friend. She was Ann Williams and her father was the landlord of the Dyfryn Hotel in Caerau. Ann married someone ? from Clarks Shoe Shop in Bridgend in around 1953/54. Is there anyone out there who knows of her or any information they can give me. Thanks. Brenda Smith(Horton)
I was wee girl year 1982
I remember in the late 50s and early 60s playing in Priory Park and following the brook from Priory Park all the way to Westcliff, including going under the roads, and playing along the brook and swinging across on ropes, constantly falling into the water, lol, good days!!!!
Thinking of my time in the aforesaid Cadet corps I clearly remember an exercise on the Heath when we were playing soldiers. To make things realistic we were using thunderflashes. Unfortunately the weather was hot and dry with the result that the "bangers" set fire to the gorse and bracken and the exercise had to be abandoned. Red faces among the staff, great amusement among the cadets.
I went to Luton Technical College in 1948. I remember the balcony surrounding the main hall. We had to march all the way to Popes Meadow for our sports afternoon, quite a hike as I remember. I spent 2 years there. My main memory was the fact that you weren't caned there, you had to write lines instead, no fewer than 500 times. I can still remember one of the lines although I am nearly eighty, it goes like ...see more
My Uncle Fred had a watchmaker and Jewellers shop in Liphook Square. (F H Payne) Also my Uncle Percy (P W Brooker) was manager of the chemist shop also in the Square. (Smorthwaites)
My half-brother, Ian, was sent to a hospital after his accident. He was paralyzed from the neck down. He was only about 15 when this horrid accident occurred. It was Hexham spinal unit. Was it this hospital does anyone out there know - could you kindly reply back to me. I would like to know if any one worked there at the time. It was many years ago and appreciate that there were many people that came and went to Hexham spinal ...see more
Hi, my grandfather, Hans Major Embleton, was born in Sacriston 1895. He grew up with his brothers and sisters, 10 in total in Victoria Street. He went down the mine at 14yrs, a mine putter, he then signed up for the Durham Light Infantry June 1913, trained and went to war in France. He survived, taken prisoner of war near the end. He returned and went back in the mine, ...see more
We lived in Chalfont until 1961 when we moved to Leigh-on-sea. I lived up the footpath in a bungalow at the side of the garage, opposite The Pheasant pub. I remember putting pennies around the green, and shopping in Paynes shop, where they had a barbers in the back and Paynes paper shop. We spent a lot of time behind the church playing in the Misbourne, also dancing on the village green on May ...see more
Can anybody remember when you walked up the fells at Throckley, half way up you passed on your right a farm or house where a girl called Cheryl Lawson lived. Straight past that and carry on to the top and turn right, on your left was a row of terraced houses and further down was an old stone cottage. There was a bus stop there, right outside that cottage. Can anyone remember what it was called? I think it ...see more
We lived at Anton Mill House above Rooksberry Mill on the River Anton. My father kept cattle during the war in a field below the level crossing and I had to cycle after school to pump water for them in the field. The crossing only served the mill and came down from the Salisbury Road. Sterling Poultry owned the land behind the crossing house.
Idlerocksdeer park has a wind turnie and is getting 440 solur panles
My father was mill manager and a company director from 1937 to 1961, and we lived in the mill house. I was assistant mill manager from 1963 to 1967. My father ran the local Home Guard during the 2nd world war, and was in the auxiliary fire service. I have many happy memories of time spent there, with my brother and sister.
I lived in Lilly Street with my family from 1955-1961. Family name was Briggs. We lived in no 59. Mam's name was Laura. There were seven children in our family, but only six lived there.
We went to St Edmunds school and attended St Edmunds Church, great times although money was short, we made our own entertainment.
Great memories of Whit Week walks, although no photos, sadly, and May Day, making our ...see more
I was at Warnham Court school for 2 years, 1972 until '74, great friends, great teachers, great memories, the school did so much for so many.
Does anyone remember the children's home in Packhorse Road called Crosfield House? I lived there from 1952 to 1965. I don't seem to be able to track down any photos of the home so if anyone has any or even remembers the place, would love to hear from you.
My name at the time was John Hancock and I lived in Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire before Philip Road was built. With fields opposite my home and the Convent Church along the way, it was so idyllic. The horse and cart milkman and the Corona drinks delivery still in my mind. I went to the Waterlooville primary school with the tin huts along the main road and then on to Cowplain secondary School, that ...see more
Stan and Helen Vaughan met me at the Leicester Train station after my long journey from California. I had won a Rotary International Scholarship and the Vaughans were my host family. I was a scared young girl and I immediately relaxed when I met this kind couple originally from Birmingham. They told me we were going to their home in the village of Desford, Leicestershire and my eyes were taking in the ...see more
I resided as a child at The Cedars for 14 years. I would like to know the history together with details of other children that were there from 1953 to 1964.
I moved to Holme on Spalding Moor, just after Easter 1953. My gran had a pub in Hull called The Black Boy, and she retired to Holme to run the Railway Inn in Holme and as I then lived with her I moved too. I was very excited to live in the country, as I had always lived in Hull before, which was a very dirty and sooty place in those days. I went to school in Market Weighton for the last few weeks until ...see more
This memory is written on behalf of June knight.
All my sympathies to Ja Ja's family. I have a lovely poem written in my autograph book from when we were at Arley in 1946.
When the V2 Rockets started to land in London, (June 1944) our whole school was evacuated. We did not know where we were going. We arrived by steam train at Doncaster and were taken to Skellow Village. Various households came and chose children from the tired little souls very late in the evening. I went home with Mr and Mrs Yapp to 60 Xfields Lane and met their son Raymond. I learned a lot from those 10 ...see more
My great grandmother was born in Little Waltham (Alice Eva Hart) and her sister married James Ennos (earlier comment from John) I visit their grave in St Martin's churchyard whenever I'm passing....I need to bring my gardening tools for next time ! Love the village and feel at home there
I first attended this camp in 1954 as a baby of 10 months of age and my first experience of the sea was with my father at that tender age. I attended for at least the next 10 years and learned to swim in the sea at Pagham and often played in the penny arcade and in the dunes behind the beach. I also used to fish for crabs at the old harbour and also fished with my father at the ...see more
Syd and Chrissie Harvey used to live in the flat above the archway when he worked for the town council as the foreman gardener. I lived on the other side of the building. To the right of the archway, on the ground floor, were offices. Previous to this photo there were lovely grounds and mature planting which had been removed to make a carpark?!!! what a lovely resource this was. We played and learned to ride our bikes on the undulating lawns in front of this building.
What was the old swimming pool called?
I was born and brought up in Maresfield and have wonderful memories of a very happy carefree childhood. Along with my brother and sisters we lived with my mum and dad and my dear old Gran. Gran had lived in the same cottage since she had married my grandad and in that 2 up 2 down cottage she had raised 8 children (it would have been 9 but 1 son passed away after an accident), my mum being ...see more
Moved into Long Riding in Jan 1957. I was 15 months old. I lived the other end, in the town houses.
HI
Curious to see if anyone ever reads these memories- before I submit any!! Hate to be reader of my own memories!
GEOF JONES
EX Cowley!
My dad was at the children's home in Mere from about 1952 to 1957/8. I am unable to find any information on the home on the internet, I do know the house isn't there anymore as it was demolished to build a road, but wondered if anyone has any old photos they could upload onto this site. I know my dad would love to see them :)
Born in 1957, I was brought up in Hatfeild Mead near the George public house. Went to school, firstly at Willows nursery, then Morden Primary, then on to grammer at Mitcham. Can remember many happy weekends spent in Morden park, especially running up the big hill at the back of the park. Used to walk down to Morden Court Parade every Sunday morning with my dad to get his paper and my shillings worth of sweets, which ...see more
Got married here on 25th January 1975, wonderful church and I didn't have far to travel as I lived in Hatfeild Mead, opposite.
What I am most interested in writing about is how Highgate Village has changed so much since my school days, growing up there in the 1960s. Today most of the shops are coffee shops, estate agents & charity shops. But in the 60s there were all sorts of shops. There were 2 newsagents, both on the Haringey (East) side of the High Street, one of them is still a ...see more
My dad, Jack Stanley (born 1937 ) told me of a lion which escaped into a back garden when the train it was on was hit by a bomb. I have found a clip on pathe news so I know it happened, but can't find much more information. Would love to hear more about my dad's tale.