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.
Search for Local Memories
Search for your favourite UK places and read memories of the local area in days gone by.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
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!
Enjoy browsing more recent contributions now.
Subscribe
Join the thousands who receive our regular doses of warming nostalgia! Have our latest blog posts and archive news delivered directly to your inbox. Absolutely free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Displaying Memories 14961 - 15040 of 36957 in total
Kilbirnie Central School and music teacher Mr Brawn. Mr Brawn was a most gifted pianist; if you recall he always wore a grey shiny suit. Mr Brawn would often give a piano recital at the start of class, this was as he put it, to warm up the piano. When school started after the summer holidays we all came home with stink bombs. We knew the drill by this time so we slipped in and placed loads of stink bombs inside the ...see more
I lived in Taunton from about 1953 until I left for London and then on to the States in 1969...I lived in Stoke Road and went to St. Joseph's Convent and then to Weirfield, which is now a part of Taunton School, I believe. A wonderful childhood when it was still safe to make a picnic and head out for the day into the hills on our bikes.....only to come back when it was getting dark. I do recall the major hang out ...see more
I remember Chelmsford, my dad used to work on the Eastern National Buses for twenty eight years as a 'clippy' til 1973 when he died. We used to live in Waltham where he cycled down to the village to catch the bus, which was two miles away. Does anyone remember him? He was Gorden Redman.I remember when the Queen came to Chelmsford and have picture of her in a car on Broomfield Road.
Me and all my mates had many hours and plenty of fun playing in the woods. Best friends; Jimmy Peers, Terry Orr, Alex Maxwell, Mike Smith and many more. Could not wait to get home from school to have a good game of football for hours on end. There were some great footballers around Speke then, a few names were; Harry Lester, a Newcastle fan, Mike Morris, Arnie Sampson, Terrry Orr and ...see more
As a child we used to visit Margate on a regular basis, before the war. We used to have a tray of tea from the Nayland Rock Cafe which had a special smell and distinctive china. I would love to obtain a photo.
I recall as a young boy of 7 or 8, that I was among a group of friends playing on the siding at the bottom of Margaret Street. We, as friends, found the bomb on the Rhigos Mountain and carried it back to the siding and were throwing stones at the bomb, in an attempt to explode it!. After a short while, I had a call of nature and left the siding, went up the Gooly to my ...see more
My mother went to St Polycarps school from 1913 to 1914. The address I was able to find from the schools archives where they lived was firstly at Beech Villas, Park Rd, Farnham and then Figgs Yard, Long Garden Walk. I would dearly love information on Figgs Yard and if known, some photos of both addresses. Before I knew about Figgs yard I went down to Farnham and found Park Road but alas the property ...see more
I was sitting on the riverbank seat at the end of Blacksmiths Lane with another girl and three boys, we were laughing and chatting one summer evening at about 8pm. Suddenly and simultaneously, we saw a hooded monk like figure dressed in brown, 'float' off the misty river about 40 yards away. We all stopped talking and stared in silence and amazement. The ghostly figure came up the bank, crossed the narrow road, up ...see more
All my family come from Murton, some are still there. I remember as a child going to the harbour and getting fresh crabs - they were big ones, and once one grabbed my granda`s coat and we had to free him as the claws were big too. Seaham harbour beach, Crimdon Dene, Blackhall. We didn't live in Murton as my dad moved to the Midlands before I was born, but I spent a lot of my childhood in and around Murton.
My father was killed in 1941, and my mother re-married in 1945 a gentleman who owned a nursing home in Cheltenham. It was in Victoria Walk along from the Town Hall and had huge cellars that stretched to under the Town hall. My holidays from school at Christmas were spent 'helping' Gill Sharp in his friut shop on the Prom. Virtually no traffic, so my parents could park just outside to let me off. Coffee ...see more
I can remember that stall, my old mum used to buy live eels from the stall opposite outside Manzes pie mash shop. Unfortunately I can't remember your partner's Grandad but I'm sure my mum would have known him, she seemed to know everyone.
I well recall helping to pull the 40th Epping Forest Scouts trek cart with its iron shod wheels loaded with camping gear, along here on the way to Gilwell Park.
I've never heard of this being referred to as Queen Bodicea obelisk. I have always known it as the Royal Observatory obelisk, created as a referral point for the Greenwich 0 (zero) deg line of longitude which it is placed on. The area close by on top of Pole Hill was private land once owned by Lawrence of Arabia and in my youth it had a range of fruit trees - pears, crab apples etc which we utilised to full effect - the land was incorporated into Epping Forest at Lawrence's bequest
I spent a lot of my childhood at my G.Grandmother's auld hoose in the High Street, Linlithgow across the road from Alva House. Through a close, a Mrs Swan lived up right and Liza Dalrymple on the left. Next door was a Jimmie O'Connor (?) and Ian (?) who sang like a linty. On my only return visit, was devastated to find those houses gone, taking precious memories with them. I remember Tyndall McClellands, the ...see more
I used to live at North Lodge, which I believe is now a Barclays Bank. I went to school at St Francis in Crawley, then to Collyers in Horsham, then to Ifield Grammar School.
I moved to Canada in 1959, and have been here ever since. I have been trying to find people that I went to school with, or knew when I was a child.
Does anyone remember me? I am writing on this site, because the name David Randall rang a bell!
I remember playing trains with him. Wow! A long time ago!
So far as I know never was called Oxford Street its always been called Oxford road. My grandfather also Frank, met my grandmother, Dora, when they both worked for Macilroys before the Great War. I believe Macilroys was the large department store situated under the white awnings in the photograph. My grandmother lived in, which was not unusual in those days, I am not sure if grandad lived in as well but shortly after ...see more
I have fond memories of visiting my Grannie Graham, who lived in the miners rows. My Aunt Grace lived in Breith for years, she was actually the gala queen years roughly 1938. She was married to Jock Willkinson, had a daughter Agnes and two sons James and Graham. If anyone remembers them let me know.
I was born at 32 Pisgah Road which was the bottom end cottage of a row of three opposite Pisgah Chapel. The cottages had no back entrances. There was a pathway running in front of the three cottages with an outside toilet opposite each front door. We were five in family, my dad, Fred Smith, was a miner and worked at Blaensychan Colliery. My mother, Nellie Caroline, had, at one time worked at Jones and Porters ...see more
I was born here, don't know much about the place, wondering if anyone has any information. Dad was in the army about 1961 Royal Artillary, John Collins. Any information or photos would be great.
I lived in Beach Terrace until 1948 then moved to Christie Street. I went to St Bedes school and the Fisher More until 1955. I went to work at the Co-op in Albert Road,it was a great job and I made lots of friends. I love living in Widnes and wouldn't live anywhere else. I remember getting knocked down by a motor bike coming off the transporter bridge and been taked to the Accident Hospital in St Mary's Road.
deleted...deleted...deleted...deleted...deleted...deleted...deleted...
I was born in 1951 in the first house on the right number 7 and grew up in the village. My parents were farmers and I lived at the house with them, my sister Barbara and my brother Christopher. We all went to Marton School, as did my mother. Fabulous village and a fantastic era to be a child.
I remember walking along Station Road to school after getting the bus from Haringey. I can remember there was a swimming pool not far from the school where we used to go for lessons. I can also remember the Barrett Sweet factory and the smells that used to pervade the air. My mother was friendly with a lady who ran a sweet shop on Station Road near to the school and I just loved going in to visit as I was ...see more
Although we lived in Balham, many hours were spent on the common and the pond en-route to the open air swimming pool. I can remember with fondness, especially during the summer holiday, as money was in short supply we would either walk or get our bikes out and mess around the pond area for hours on end and by the afternoon we would go to the lido and as you quite rightly say,we all ...see more
I can remember 1963 very well. I lived in Kingsway Close. My father was an insurance agent
named Reg Dady and later became an assistant manager. I attended Swindon College and then joined my father as an insurance agent for United Friendly. I had many friends, including Geoff Exton, lead guitarist of Trigg and the Sapphires. I also was in the same class at Swindon College as Mary O'Sullivan. I wonder if she can ...see more
I lived Bents Green from about 1934 till 1963 apart from about 8 years, which were taken up by 6 years in the Merchant Navy, 2 National Service.
I went to Ecclesall Church School for my school days, a Reverend Turner was the curate for the school at the time and needed new Choir Boys for the Church, so my mum urged me to be part of it, so began 4 or 5 years of constant choir practices with a Mr ...see more
The girls at home through the day or at Ma Petries at night and they were all ladies, Vera, Mavis, Dot, Norma, Iris, Pat . A couple of years later I was a member of the cricket team which won the N C B knock out competition final, played on the welfare ground. I remember myself, Boxer Ward, Tommy Sewell, Vince Taylor, we got the Friday off work to play - I've still got my medal. New years ...see more
Today, its called a gap year. After being educated at Rutherford Grammar School everyone was shocked that after a couple of years of working I 'dropped out' and became a conductor on the old buses ran by Newcastle upon Tyne Corporation Transport. Looking back it was a great time. Eventually, after 11 months, I found what I wanted to do and eventually became a partner in a business in Gosforth and was ...see more
Alfred Ernest and his wife, Violet Emily, lived at 65 Trefelin Street, Penrhiwceiber, and had children there. They were probably members of the Salvation Army - does anyone have information on the family and of the Salvation Army there please?
1948 was the year I was born. Apparently I was quite privileged compared to the rest of my siblings as I was the only one born in Zachary Merton. There were nine of us and most were born at home including twins, which my mother, Dorathy Mable delivered one by herself before the midwife could arrive just in time to deliver the second twin!. My father, Geoff Masters, was in the RAF and we all lived in a ...see more
My sister attended Minsthorp High School when it first opened. She only went there for her last year and left in July 1969.
I have fond memories of Dante Fair where I used to meet my old mates and the gorgeous Christine Harris. Every time I listen to 'The Carnival is over' reminds me of her.
The 60's in the Park we would swim through a break in the wood and swim under water to the centre of the pool. And great times in the big pool with the diving boards the old changing cubes and then a nice warm cupa and something to eat in the cafe. ...see more
Lived on Clapham Common Westside, just 3 minutes walk to work.
Pauline, your granddad was my great granddad I was very young when he died and just recall him. Granddad, your uncle, his car was a Austin Seven.
Nan or auntie Hannah to you was a great lady I loved her dearly, Aunt Ivy and Uncle Les where always nice to us kids, Did your dad like bright colour shirts etc, and what about Uncle Eddie.
It would be nice to catch up, oh yes your children must be grown up by now. Scott is 28 on the 31, Jan 2013 and Penny is 25 in April.
Luv to all Col
Opposite the Town Hall were the old swimming and slipper baths. If you didn't have bathroom you get a towel, soap and bath for a shilling (couple of pence new money).
Next the the baths was Treaty Road Evangelical church where I became a member in the 80s. This had a compulsory purchase order from the council to build the Treaty (white elephant) Center. The church was rebuilt at the junction of Bell Road and Hanworth Road, strangely on the site of the original Evangelical Church.
I used to go to the Saturday morning 'flicks' at the Odeon (got thrown out a couple of times too but mum didn't know). Sometimes went to the Ambassador dance school above. Spent most Saturday evenings in the Odeon at the time when you could see 2 films. Sad it isn't a cinema now. I also remember waiting at the bus stop for many an hour for the 203 only to find it had been cut. Could have walked it 3 times while I waited.
I lived at what is now Old County View at Hett Hills from 1959 to 1963. My sister and her husband - Sam Wears, had a house built in the garden next door to us. There was a square of about 6 houses behind us which were demolished around 1966. There lived Arthur Strong and his wife and children George and Linda. Arthur was a Cockney who drove the loading excavator at Sam's Hett Hills Quarry. Also living there was ...see more
I remember North Stoneham Church from a favourite walk my family and I used to take of a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. We set out from Kelvin Road and made our way towards Stoneham Lane with the blacksmith's shop on the corner, and the Cricketers Inn just up the road. I seem to remember that a barrage balloon was set up on this corner during the war. A quiet stroll along the lane with little traffic ...see more
I was fortunate to live in Milford for two years when I was 7 and 8. They are my clearest memories of the past. Went to this school, wooden floorboards that were quite an accompaniment to country dancing class. Nature walks and drawing plants on the plain side of the notebook. Warm milk on the radiators, a lovely light art room, queen of the may. And Mr Pontin too. My mother would walk me to school ...see more
I was evacuated to Drumlithie in September 1939 - being from Glasgow - and Germany was threatening war. I had just turned six years old.
I lived in Ford Cottage - close to Kabog House - with Jim and Liz Scott. Went to school there. A Miss Adams - and a Miss McCallum I think
I've lived in California for over 50 years now - but still have a 'thing' about Drumlithie. Have looked and looked on Google but can't ...see more
Hi my name is Barbara Ottewill (Nee Hutchinson). I have just had a very enjoyable walk down memory lane by reading articles about growing up in Brentford, written by Alf Winkworth, Eunice Burridge and Pat Gardiner (to name a few), friends that I knew in my childhood years when I lived at 3 Bedford Road, Brentford. All the people and places came back as if it were only yesterday. Does ...see more
One hot afternoon, Mum, my younger brother & myself were drifting past the Silver Lounge. And it looked bright, clean & refreshing. "Three knickerbocker glories, please."
After 4 or 5 dips, kid brother's trumpet-glass turned turtle. "No, you did it yourself!"
Crestfallen, poor thing. Mum relented; (what are Mums for?) Sympathetic waitress - table mopped up in a jiffy, a fourth Glory set in place.
PS The 1934 facade is in need of a valet, judging by Google View.
I was raised in Swanwick, went to infant school, then moved on to junior school on Pentrich Road. Good times were had by all, well almost, caned by the Headmaster once or twice, but taught you a lesson. I remember school hols, when it was hot in them days, going scrumping apples, pears,etc. playing cricket on the road, with a metal dustbin lid for the wickets, if you hit the ball over a garden you were out. Rumstickabum ...see more
Maggie Cook had a sweet shop at the bottom of Milton Road. She would have done well today with the Garnock Academy business but she served us well and we all have our favourite moments. Maggie was small and petite and in order to access the top shelf she used a ladder. Six of us went in one day and the first asked for four ounces of anniseed balls. Maggie replaced the sweets on the top shelf and asked the ...see more
That Ice Cream Parlour was called the Silver Lounge. Real coffee served there, but best of all the awesome Knickerbocker Glories! A birthday treat for us kids.
I'd love to get a photograph of the Silver Lounge (even if it's in the distance) as a memory for my sister's 'special' birthday next year.... anyone?
M
Happy memories of my first born in January 1952. He celebrates his 61st birthday today and this will be the first time he has seen where he was born. The weather then was very much like it is today, snowing.!! I spent two weeks here and my Doctor was Dr. Finian Stack and lived in Somerton. My husband was in the Royal Navy and we lived in Ilchester. I am so thrilled to see Balidon Maternity Hospital after all these years. I am now 83 years old and live in Witheridge, Tiverton, Devon.
Approx 1970 this shop used to sell the most beautiful ice cream with a big scoop of clotted cream on top. This was a lovely treat after a busy day sat on the lock gates crabbing !!
I spent some happy times whilst a boarder at Sheephatch Camp School, Tilford. I was staying there in the very bad winter of 1947 when we were snowed in for several weeks. Had long walks in the snow to Crooksbury Hill, Frensham Ponds and the surrounding countryside.
We were all non-the-worse for our experiences. Certainly didn't have the warm padded clothing of today but kept warm by the walking we did.
Anyone else out there remember Sheephatch in the 'old' days?
Memories of bringing up three daughters in the stables nest door to this house, as my husband worked in the stables under Dick Hern. Going on lovely picnics with the children and their friends in the summer within the fields etc.. surrounding the stables. Blackberry, picking a major memory at this time. Memories of cleaning this house for Mr & Mrs Colling who still lived there at that time. It is a ...see more
We moved to Nanpantan from Birmingham in 1949, I was almost 6 years old. We lived there down Snells Nook Lane until 1954 when we moved to Kent. I loved Nanpantan and its area and have always considered it home. My best friend was Diane Mathes who lived at Alton Lodge in Snells Nook Lane and also Janet Smith and Josephine Illsley. Josephine had very bad asthma and I often wondered if she ended up doing ...see more
The gas lamps in Station Road, Kilbirnie, were the responsibility of staff on duty at the High Station. This line went right through to Glasgow Central Station and of course it was the age of steam. Sanny Dillon was the lamp lighter and being small he carried with him a large pole with a hook on it. The idea was to hook onto a chain and pull it down, thus lighting the gas lamps that were on ...see more
I'm researching my family history and I'd like to know if anyone remembers the Knighton family who lived in Whittlesey. My great great grandfather Ernest Knighton, lived on 11a St Mary Street in 1943. His son, my great grandfather Tom Knighton, owned a lorry yard in King's Delph. I'd also like to know if anyone remembers a Samuel Knighton as a landlord of the Railway Inn on Station Road? He was Ernest's brother and would have been there in 1950.
My father was demobbed in 1946 and soon we moved from Grandma's house in Elstree to a brand new prefab in Eldon Avenue. It was the spring of 1947, one of the coldest on record with deep snow into March. Borehamwwod was still just a village but building sites were starting up everywhere. The only infants school was in Furzehill so every morning and evening my mother and I trudged the mile or so whatever the ...see more
First impressions of Corby
We moved to Corby, then known as Corby New Town, in 1954, when I was 10. I hated it with a passion having been brought up in the country. Born in Suffolk, where my parents kept a pub in Elmswell, we had moved to the delightful medieval village of Barrowden in Rutland to keep The Exeter Arms, another old coaching inn. Then my dad was a forester in Fineshade Woods, still happiest ...see more
I am trying to contact someone who lived in and around the Mayford Rd area during the 50's and remembers in particular the Coronation and the street parties circa 1953 and any photographs taken during this period. I remember fondly the shops up and down Mayford Road, there was Goffin the fishmonger, Coopers with their fruit and veg, Perkins on the corner of Gosberton Rd who sold ...see more
In the mid and late sixties my family would travel from Glasgow to Kent every summer to visit relatives. Our overnight stop was always at the Old England Hotel and I have fond memories of walking round the village and finding it so different to where I lived in Glasgow. My memory is also of Mr Pike bringing a pre breakfast cup of tea in the morning, and greeting me with a very cheerful, ...see more
Many years ago I met with Muriel Watson in the 60's. Her father was a miner in the local pit, I remember the community centre which was a vibrant place for the miners to chill out on a weekend.
I think this was the year. I was sick with chest problems, I loved it there. Getting all the new people's hair washed in little basin and watching all the fleas fall out. Having naps after lunch, sometimes in the dormitory, sometimes in the field. Listening to teddy bears picnic at Sunday tea time. Going down the clift steps to the beach. My name at that time was Frances Smith, I was only little at ...see more
I have been trying to find any Arbuckles that are in Australia as I know they would be family because my uncle came here after the 2nd World War. He was very young and married a few times; as I was told by my mother and did have children, so if you are out there please get in touch barbara.hudspeth@hotmail.com
I lived in the High Street in Ferndale from 1948 to 1961, my parents had a grocery/cafe next door to Margaratelli's fish shop. They were good years and I have lots of great memories. Ann Rasmussen, Marilyn Coopey and myself went to the Lower School and were fortunate to pass to Porth County School in 1953. If anyone knows the whereabouts of either and others that attended Porth County at this time, I would love to ...see more
Does anyone remember my mother's family who lived at 57 Thornton St when my mother Isabel Birchall was born in 1927? Her parents were William and Mary and her brothers Harry, Bill, Thomas and her sister Alice. She ended up living in Failsworth where I was born in 1953 but I don't know when they moved. It's been fun reading everyone's memories to see what life here was like. Some of the memories of events like Whitsun and Bonfire night and childhood games were exactly like I remember.
I was at the Junior School on School Street, Hillmorton, Rugby (it was 'lovingly' known as 'The Old Dump'). I haven't been able to find any pictures of it. I've been telling my husband and children about the building. It had outside toilets at the other side of the playground, which froze throughout the winter and an oil heater in every classroom! We didn't have a field or any grass at all, just a playground. If ...see more
I could not think of a better place to spend my early years than overlooking the old reservoir. My grandmother's timber cottage was one of eight built long ago, probably to house estate workers. Each cottage appeared to be occupied by a relative, an uncle or an auntie, everyone seemed to marry someone who lived just two doors away.
Before the war, water came from a communal well out the back but ...see more
I loved crossing the white bridge which led to Mottingham horse stables, as I was horse mad! Sometimes when quite young (7 or 8) a steam train would go underneath the bridge and I loved the smell of the steam and the fog!
My mum used to run the off licence...she started working there the year my older sister turned 11 and passed her 11+. My mum ran the off licence until she had to leave in 1979 when my dad had his first heart attack. Dad is still alive but mum died last year (2012) aged 77 years. We lived in Canopus Way and my sister, my brother and I all went to St Marys Church School in Park Road, Stanwell and Lord Knyvetts School....
My partner's mum remembers once a year as a treat (may be May Day) the children were given striped lollies on hazel sticks.Can anyone else remember this?
its many a lang and weary day since 1889 when a cam tae kilbirnie toon tae let folk see the time. theres lots o things that i hae seen, keep mind am tellin ye especially oan a satrday night an no through drinking tea. yon institute that stauns ower there was gifted for your pleasure and folks they cam fae far and near tae spend an oor a leisure. the robert knox memorial hall wae its bricht shining light is there for ...see more
The picture house was nicknamed the Swimming Pool, because of all the breaststrokers. Ritchies ferry was great and could be depended upon unlike the farce of a ferry which now only operates when there is no wind and no waves. I remember when Rab Ritchie would stop for a wee bit of fishing if he was quiet! Nowadays a rowing boat would provide a better service. (well nearly). They have even emasculated the formerly reliable service to Dunoon, never mind Blairmore! Progress backwards.
What a wonderful summer 1953 was, so sunny that I was burned and confined to a darkened room in our hostess, Miss Montador's, terraced house somewhere up the back of the town but easy walking distance to the harbour. I could go down there aged 10, with my younger brother aged 6, unaccompanied, and fish with a hand line off the harbour. Well do I remember a 'big' boy catching a huge conger eel and ...see more
I was born in Reading in May 1945, came to 'middle' Derinton Road in Tooting as a baby (mum had been evacuated) to live with her, my dad, nan, grandad and my aunty Joyce until we moved to Streatham in, I think in 1956. But my nan, Polly Harris, remained in Tooting until about 1963 when she came to live with us. We had many friends and neighbours in Derinton Road, and relations of my grandad (George) in Coteford or ...see more
Does anyone know where this was in Andover? My grandparents lived there.
I remember when we lived in Perivale, we used to walk to Wembley High Street where my dad worked in J Davy, the car place. My nan and grandad owned the bakers across the road to the indoor market. I remember going to the clothes shop Snobs which was round, there was a toy shop called Zodiac, and the Golden Egg Restaurant, also C&A. The Times furniture shop, Savonarola food shop, Ravells ...see more
I was evacuated to Compton, West Sussex, in September 1939. My brother Geff, was with me at the Manor house. Also there were the Gregory brothers; their mother had volunteed to help, and looked after us. The Manor was owned by the Langdale sisters. When we arrived at the village hall, we had to wait to be selected. The Vicar, acting for the Langdales, chose us - how lucky we were. Such a wonderful time in our ...see more
I used to live in the shop on the bridge in Cononley, my parents were the owners. What happy times they were, so carefree. The highlight of the year was the Gala. I once went as a golliwog (blonde frizzy hair). I borrowed the black tails from Mr Green who lived next door. Then the racing on the football field. Many happy hours were spent jumping the beck and playing kick the can. Not to mention the mischief we got ...see more
My first memories relate to living opposite the Church of St Peter and St Paul. Cubs up Charterhouse Rd with Miss Alden and later with Mr Keen or Kean (who worked for Gochers) as Scout Master. Then, the choir at the age of seven. The Rev'd Oldham was the Vicar. WWL Baker the Organist. My introduction to Church music and appreciation of it, which has lasted ever since. The 'Bell School', Mr Heptinstall the ...see more
I was born in 1950, Stephens was my maiden name. With my two brothers Bob & Barry, we lived in Bradfield Drive next door to Grahame Scott who was in the Tremeloes, before they were sort of famous. Remember the swings in Maysbook Park, safe to go to on your own even as small child! Youth club on Thamesmead? The estate, many nights spent there listening to sounds on the record player! Went to Manor then Park Modern, ...see more
My grandparents also lived at Diplock Cottage next door to the Sandys Arms pub. It was a church cottage which was rented out to those from the community who had undertaken some notable service for the parish of St Nicholas. My grandfather, Buster Cox, maintained the churchyard. He and my grandmother, Betty, lived there from the early 70's until around the start of the 90's when my nan was moved to a nursing ...see more
Going to my nan and grandad's every week; Frank and Ellen Cracknell. Meeting all the family there, going strawberry picking, swimming in the ford, cutting across to the Wellington Country Park through the back way, going to Sunday school with two sisters, I think called Mertal and Shiela, and ice skating on the pond opposite the Wheatleys house. We had cousins living next door to my nan and grandad, so always had so much to do when there, loved stayin for a week and never getting bored.
In 1953 my father worked as a builder contractor and was persuaded to allow the new vicar, the Rev .Lawrence, to hold Sunday school in a temporary bricklayer's hut. So every Sunday we picked our reluctant way through the mud and scaffolding to spend an hour listening to stories. Eventually, St. Michaels and All Angels was built and I remember standing in my scout's uniform waving a union jack when it was opened by Princess Margaret.
Just a few years after this photograph was taken they moved the war memorial to the junction of Theobald Street and Shenley Road; almost to the spot where this photographer was standing. I was a cub scout with our meeting room in Station Road opposite, and spent many an evening kicking the gravel around the memorial. For some unknown reason my grandmother always refered to 'Tibble Street'.
