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 1921 - 2000 of 36890 in total
Upon researching my maternal grandfather/grandmother I have discovered that from the 1925 Electoral Register they were both living at Reinacharn Lodge. I am led to believe he was employed as a gardener and/or turner.
This photo has troubled me for quite a long time. I spent my childhood in Alderley and the surrounding countryside and I feel this young boy is me. Unfortunately the date doesn't stack up, if it is me it would have been about 1965 and the girl was called Christine. Only she could verify!
Thank you for your enquiry. I have checked with our Archivist, and although we cannot pin point the actual date ...see more
My gr-gr-gr-grandfather, John Parkhouse worked at the railway station c1880’s. His daughter Ellen was my gr-gr-grandmother. The family lived at the Railway Station Yard. I was able to visit Holsworthy a few years ago and see some of the area, and also visited the lovely museum.
Mum and Dad would regularly drive down to West Wittering from High Wycombe in our ancient Ford Anglia and queue for ages to get into the car park for a days bathing and playing in the sand dunes. As a treat at the end of the day we used to walk to East Wittering where we would stare into the toy shop at the toy soldier’s. Fond memories. I’ve been back in the last couple of years and the sand dunes have gone but the car park is still there although a bit updated.
The Beehive School was evacuated from Bexhill to Lydham Manor. The School closed in 1964 but I have a book about the school published as a tribute. My mother always spoke fondly of her time in Shropshire.
I was born at Rosemead Ongar Road Pilgrims Hatch in 1942.Nearly opposite Dazleys shop, we were bombed in 1945 and went to Lowestoft for some months before returning to Pilgrims Hatch, I went to convent school in Brentwood.
I often wonder if Rosemead is still a family home.
We had an idyllic childhood and in summer months loved to help farmer from Caldcott Farm, John Widdison with his harvest and remember riding home ...see more
I used to go to Vicky Burkes quite a lot with Norman Atkinson, Ron Jones and Malcolm Allport. We were taught to dance in the first half , then across to the pub ,then back to see if we cud walk a girl home, most times we were unlucky as no cars then just our bikes . We all went to Kneller school
I have an old "Farmer and Stock Breeders" magazine, dated Monday 9th September 1929
The front cover has a picture of Mr Jowitt and his prize winning boar "Norsbury Woodman 8th".
His address is Strode Manor, Bridport, Dorset.
I know this is a little later, but it might help?
Having lost my original birth certificate I have just received a new copy and find I was born at Gate Burton Hall on the 1st April 1944. I have no memories of the Hall but I reckon its why I love the country, I spent my early years in Hull. Pleased to add a photograph of the Hall to my family history
My name is Susan my family were the Dungey’s living in Turnchapel.My grandmother (Maud) lived at house 3 Beach view until she died in the late fifties. Bringing up a large family including my Mother who was the youngest born in 1922. She was born in beach house as was my brother Alan and myself, and a large number of my late aunts uncles and numerous cousins, My mother is still alive and well at the ...see more
My mother was raised as a child in the Labour In Vain public house in Oldswinford, Stourbridge from about 1910. It was owned or “kept” by my Great Grandparents.
i attended this dreadful school as a boarder when i had just turned 9. The headmistress was Miss McVicar, a remote and outwardly very Christian woman, though this never translated to any kindness or compassion to the pupils. The head matron was a sadistic woman, who would pull our pyjamas down and spank our bottoms if we talked after lights out. Two of my friends ...see more
Reading all the memories, mostly happy, and recollections from both staff and pupils at Warnham Court has opened the floodgates to my own happy, carefree school days. Gosh, so many people and recollections! I have to start with the lovely Ernest and Marjorie Savage, they were such a wonderful, caring couple, whom I adored! I remember Ernest always wore a brown and cream checked shirt ...see more
When I was at the High School my form was taken out to the beech woods to see Bodgers at work. I think that this was organised by the History Mistress. Miss Owen.
They lived in a camp and hand made chair legs for thr Furniture makers in Town. I remember that we were shown how a Pole Lathe was used. I still have rolling pin made by one of the men, and sold to me. It would ...see more
Spring Grove Central was one of the happiest times of my life. Sadly the school closed and we were all moved to Heathlands in Wellingron Road South. I have been long gone from the area, leaving to train as a nurse at Guys Hospital. But recently returned to work in a recovery team several years ago based a few minutes walk from Thornbury Road. Schoo friends were:Lynn Meredith, Wendy Hankin, Maurèen Kavanagh, Lisa Mcdonnell and Penny.
My Uncle Tom Daltons Father lived in the thatched cottage/s past the petrol pumps. He was a cobbler. I was born in 1944 and can only just remember the inside of his workshop and can still smell the leather. I remember going to school with Bob Burrows, whose Dad had the Bakery.
I recall around the mid to late 1950's going down to Joydens Wood along a small lane off Vicarage Road. In the woods there were a number of deep holes or shafts dug into the sandy soil for a depth of about 20 feet or more. These were just large enough to climb down by pressing hands and feet to the sides and then using footholds cut into the sand descend to the bottom. Some of the holes had small caverns ...see more
I was born in Streatham Road in 1948 and my life long love affair with cinema began when my parents took me to the Majestic Mitcham when I was five. I could see my infants and junior school Gorringe Park out of my bedroom window and I was late nearly every day, even though I only had to cross the road. Streatham Road got busier and busier which made life more difficult, especially when I had lots of homework from grammar ...see more
When I was born in 1949, my family were living in the above referenced house. Does anyone have any history on these houses, and perhaps who now owns 1?
Some of my brother's relatives lived in Dagnall Street until it was demolished in the 1950s to make way for a new council estate. Would anyone remember the Duffy/ Callaghan family who lived there? Are there any photos around of the street as it was and, perhaps, some of the people who lived there? Crossing my fingers. Thank you.
I remember being taken to see Christmas panto at the Odeon with mum and dad and Herman's Hermits were one of the acts, also getting up on stage with other kids to get Cadbury's Roses from compere Norman Vaughan, must have been late sixties I guess.
I remember working at the Llwynderw Annexe in Blackpill as a Pre Nurse in 1970 it was a very dark and cold place. I had to sleep upstairs which was really spooky it felt very uncomfortable. I remember Sister Parry and there was another Sister in charge I can't remember her name it might have been Jenkins. They were not very nice to work with. Back then my name was Tina Dodd.
My memory. Is my family and friends meeting up there seeing Aunty Joyce behind the bar. Everyone was Happy to see each other. Paper straws. Never. Lol. Mam playing bingo would buy me pop and crisps. Then thwack me for making a noise. She missed a number lol. Dad. Always Always laughing. Miss it All. ❣️😞
Going through some old photos with my partner recently, I found two family photos, taken in the early 50s (no exact date) of Lansallos Street and 'The Fish Quay' and in the photos (taken on a 'Brownie' no doubt!), there was the hull of what I believe to be an ex-WW2 'British Power Boat Company', Motor Gun Boat or Motor Torpedo Boat (or possibly an ex-RAF ...see more
does anyone remember Howard's bakery at the bottom of tillery st. It was run by Jack (my dad) George and Frances. My name is John Howard and I left home in 1962 to join the Royal Air Force.
Anyway I would like to hear from anyone who knew me all those many many years ago
Does anyone remember the mini-skirted art teacher, Sue Bennett and her huge mural from found china and glass?
Did anyone on this site go to this prep school. I was there in the late 1950's... Would live to hear from you.
Anne (Boden) as was.
I was wondering if anyone has any old picture of Hope Hall Sunday School, it was "set back" off the A41, Little Sutton, more at the "top end" of Little Sutton, on the left hand side. Also could anyone tell me more about the Sunday School, how old it it? Who built it etc, , many thanks Valerie
One year I arrived early the day befor the camp was due to open.With nothing much to do I gave Joan I think that was her name .She was to be in charge of the camp .That night we all went to the pun in Wisbech .When there Joan offered a job in kitchen.I thanked her and said that I would rather work in the field .There was also an italian boy with us who was then offered the same position which he exceped .I ...see more
The park cannot have been built long in this photo - our house at the north eastern end of the park was built in 1904 and was bought by the station master of Ulverston at the time. we moved there in 1968 and as we had no garden to speak of the 'Park' was our garden and many a happy hour we spent there. We could squeeze through a gap in the railings and played from morning to sunset when 'Parky' came to lock up ...see more
I am interested about a children's convalescent home called, 'Birds Nest and Grange House, 41 Brunswick Square, Herne Bay, Kent.
In about 1958/59 as an 8 or 9 year old, my 10 year old sister, (May) and I were sent from London to a seaside convalescent home after recovering from an operation. Over the years my memory has become somewhat hazy as to where the convalescent home was ...see more
I will never forget the day when I and my friends met Ralph Mayo who came to our school Abbey Road to see if any of us wanted to join his gymnastics club, we were nine at the time and I think my best friend then was Carole Neale. My life changed on that day and I went on to represent Great Britain in gymnastics. My mum was always my constant support. I left Aylesbury to get married in 1973 and sadly my mum ...see more
In 1950,s my father Jack Hilli. Used to load salt from Droitwich Worcs He was a driver for Marsh and Baxter Brierley Hill Staffs owners of Harris He had an ETC and trailer and Ipswich was a long way no motor says legal speed limit of over 3tons was 20mph never saw him when kids have photos Bob Hill
When'd to Fornethie house 1976 I was made to stand in corridor for 5 hours in my underwear it was freezing I was slapped kicked the cruelty they inflicted needs to be told.
I spent a short time there in the 60s I cant remember the exact dates but maybe I could work it out .
I was sent there from Seacroft hospital in Leeds, after having suspected rheumatic fever. It may be possible to get the exact dates from discharge papers from the hospital records?
It was horrendous, and at 63 years old am still scarred by the experience.
The food was horrendous and pretty much inedible. If ...see more
Dreghorn Drive 1970's. I live next door to Guido Bott, friends were Anita Ravenscroft, Ami Straiton, Janice McKay, matthew Fife, Sean McCoy, Christine Cummings, The Watsons ecky.
Bill was the odd job man, Barry Burns dad was the barrack warden. Vics ice cream van, fruit and veg was Clayson and Quinn. We made dens in the woods just behind Hunters Tryst pub. The Good Compaions and Ewarts paper shop was a hang ...see more
My Grandmother lived in South View. I live in Ashford Kent now, but back in the 50s when I lived in Beckenham Kent we used visit my Grandmother and Father. I many happy memories spending our two week holiday. On our visits to Scotland to see my sister and brother in law I have to visit Collingham. Of course the ravages of time has taken it's toll on the village gone is the railway cricket ground etc all in the name of ...see more
Hello. Does anyone remember Harry Green who lived at 54 Station Road, Witton and sadly passed away 16th Jan 1966,
or his friend Dennis James Preece, who I am told was a decorator.
The address 1 Western Road Birmingham is mentioned in details of Harrys passing also.
Harry was my estranged maternal Grandfather and my family would love to hear anything about his life!
Thank you.
Please email dellasutton@hotmail.com
I am guessing the year would have been 1944.... I would have been 6 and my brother would have been 5. I dont know how we were evacuated exactly...because we didnt go through the School system, we went with our Mother and our Grandmother who was also staying in Chamberlain Road ? Ilfracombe at the same time. We stayed with a family called Walden in Hele village in a 3 storey house with lots of Hydrangea bushes in ...see more
I was born in 1945 and lived in Kenton between 1948 and 1968.
I have lots of memories of Uxendon Manor primary school and Claremont County secondary school and remember quite a few of the teachers.
Gooseacre Parade were our nearest shops and memories of them are still quite clear.
My younger brother and I used to go to Woodcock Park which was quite close for the swings
roundabout and seesaw which I have many happy memories of
Vic Hall
After the war, the cafe was owned by Mr Frank W & Mrs Cecile Gunston, I know this because I married their daughter Margaret. It was the Gunstons that gave the cafe its name.
My dad returned from the war in 1946. My mother and I were living in Eltham with my grandparents and her brothers and sister. It was pretty crowded. We moved into the prefabs on Kidbrooke Way shortly after and my sister was born in 1947. We all loved it. They were not large but there were only 4 of us and we were only about a mile from my grandparents.
I went to Ealdham Square School as there was ...see more
In the early 1950s Mining undergraduates at the University of Birmingham practised land surveying at Llanfairfechan. They lodged for most of June at Newry Cottages, now Plas Heulog. The task was to traverse the area south of Newry to where Afon Llanfairfechan is formed by the confluence of three smaller streams. Teams of three lugged theodolites and notebooks along the lanes and over the hills for at least ...see more
I was born in Westow Croft in 1953 which I believe was a mother and baby home then. I was adopted and until I was in my 30’s had no idea of where I was from or any information about my biological family or the circumstances that led to my adoption.
I actually lived in York in the mid 70s and had I known would certainly have gone to see where I was born.
Times were certainly different then but I strongly believe that ...see more
My parents used to rent a couple of weeks in a flat on (I think) Atlantic Terrace. I vaguely recall that a Mrs Rudge owned the property - although I may have that wrong as it is such a long time ago. My memories are of lovely sunny days on the beach wielding a bucket and spade along with my big brother. Being keen swimmers we went body surfing with our father, who taught us how to catch the waves.
We lived in ...see more
I remember going to ingys to buy hock end of bacon for about shilling.playing on bombsite in friern rd.happy days.i remember irene plant.mrs howell.linda and jean lipman.
I started work as an engine cleaner at Old Oak in 1973. At that time steam engines were rapidly being withdrawn and replaced by diesel locomotives. Because of the filthy nature of steam locomotives and everything associated with them it was almost impossible to recruit staff to work in the engine sheds anywhere in the country .
Old Oak suffered particularly because it was in an area where lots of ...see more
Visited the settlement with others who were cone collecting for RSPB
Would be interested who lived here and when?
I was told that last occupants were called Henderson? He was a keeper with a family Children walked to Dorback School
He would travel into Nethy for a pint!
Any information would be appreciated
I was so lucky to grow up in Barnes and haven't moved far away at all. We live in Sheen now so we still spend a lot of time in Barnes.
Our family christenings, weddings and funerals were in St Mary's and I was a Brownie and attended Sunday school in Kitson Hall in the 1960s. Later, when I had my own children I would take them to playgroups in Kitson Hall and then on to feed the ducks. No doubt I will be doing the ...see more
I was at the school 77 I think possibly 78. I remember trying to run away a couple of times & also being mortified at having to stand naked in a queue while we were ‘bathed’ 2 at a time in a small room, & being washed.we weren’t allowed to wash ourselves.Your letters home were read & ripped up if you didn’t write about what a great time you were having. Being made attend church on ...see more
i left school in 1961 and still remember most of the teachers, does anyone remember the school tuck shop which I helped to run, good memories, happy days. I still remember most of my class mates does anyone remember me?
We moved in to our new house in Rosemary Avenue in 1938. We had a Triumph car and my father built a garage of timber and asbestos sheets and laid concrete runways for it (they're still there). I started school in 1939 at the infant school in Down Street. One of our neighbours had a daughter Shirley, the same age as me and we went to school together. When the Blitz first started in 1940 we couldn't ...see more
I was born in Purley in 1953, at No 3 The Short -- off Colyton Way
13 Colyton Way was my grandparents' address, changed at some point to No 15, The grocery store was next door.
My grandfather introduced me to fishing and I spent my very young years fishing along the stretch from Mapledurham Lock going back to Riverside Gardens.
Fantastic to see these old photos -- it's still very clear in my memory.
I was at Sir Freds until about 1953,'Rocky' Lane was the art teacher,later renamed Frankie I think,he was an ex circus strongman even though he wasn't very tall,at the school concert he would bend an iron railing into a U shape and drive a 6' nail through a block of wood.He told us in the circus he'd lift circus ponies on a steel girder using shoulder strength only.Needless to say we didn't play up in his class
My father was a Constable in the Metropolitan Police and in 1937 he transferred from central London to East Molesey. He bought a house in Rosemary Avenue but we had to move to Molesey before it was ready, so we rented a house in Island Farm Road. The first morning my mother woke up and saw a bed bug on the sheet. My father got on his bicycle, rushed to the telephone box and phoned the council. He got ...see more
My great great grandmother's younger sister, Jessie Davenport was a children's cottage maid there - bit of a long shot but I'd love to hear if anyone remembers her or recognizes the name! She was there from the 1930s onwards I believe
Hello, my mother was born in Battersea in 1920. I know she was living in Duffield Street in 1939 but it does not appear to exist on modern maps and I wonder if anybody could tell me where it was in regard to current roads. Many thanks. Sue
I started here in 1971, we were in the technology block, Windsor house. I remember in the 3rd year my form teacher Mr Phillips ran away with one of the pupils and it made the Sunday papers. Mr Webb then took over. I left in 1977 and joined the Army and travelled the world. I have many fond memories of Corby. I had a different name back then that everyone took the rise out of, I wonder if anyone ...see more
My Mother was born at Barrock Gill in 1929. My Grandparents were tenant farmers at the time. I've never been near the place but seen it from a distance when driving . It would be nice to know a bit of it's history. Also any photos would be lovely.
I lived at 99 Appledore Avenue, Barnehurst from 1956 - 1975. My school friends from Appledore were David and John Owen, Steve Beard and his lovely Jordy family, Christine , Jennifer and Alan Jones. My next door neighbours were Mrs Fullylove, Fred and Dot Cutts. I went to Barnehurst Primary and Junior School where Miss Cardy and Miss Mumford were the respective headmistresses. Mr Attwood who put on the Xmas plays ...see more
hi,i was a nurse at st peters hospital,chertsey,i lived at lindsey smith house,nursing comodation ,in the 80s ,brings back memories,best part of my life ,nursing.
I was in 1935 and in the early 1950's lived in Thurlestone. I initially attended the Thurlestone Primary School but after sitting the 11 plus exam and failing I went to Kingsbridge Secondary School (it was called Kingsbridge Modern Secondary School in those days). I travelled on the School bus driven by Bill Wellington who picked us up every school day at Thurlestone and took us home in the afternoon. ...see more
hello yes I went yo West norwood mr and Mrs Miller and hopgood are names i rember from there i live in a house with 3 or four others in the 1969s regards leon mitchaelovitz
Hi there... great to read these posts. Seems like most are from alumni who attended earlier than me but clearly some of those teachers had been there forever. I started in the second year in 1964, and immediately started a friendship with another girl who also had done her first year elsewhere...her name was Marian Langdale and we are still best friends to this day, despite living 6000 miles apart now.
Then the ...see more
If this is the same house now known as Meadow Cottage in Little Comberton,, then I lived there as a very small child (about 2-3 years old) for a short time in 1955 or 1956. My father was in the RAF, stationed at Defford and he rented the Cottage for a short time before we moved on. I can remember my father going off over the back fence to play cricket for the village in the ...see more
Sold the most marvelous pasties. Boat shaped and therefore crimped across the top. We took them down onto Oddicombe beach and enjoyed them for our lunch. Delicious and filling.
While doing my family tree I discovered My grandfather Hugh Midlane worked At May and Bakers for 35 years as an industrial chemist. He was presented with an engraved pocket watch in 1948 which is now in the possession of my son. My uncle worked at the Ford Motor company and my mum went to a school(don’t know the name) which was over a railway bridge. They lived in Reade Road.
I am told that in the 1950's a number of families from Penrhiwceiber would come to Tarrington in Herefordshire to help with the hop picking.
They would arrive at Stoke Edith Station (which was actually in Tarrington) and stay in a disused Mill just over the other side of the lane. The farmer's name was Newton Williams, a bit of a character from all accounts.
My friend Bob, who was one of the Paget ...see more
I descend from the Twyford family of Tewkesbury Road. My nan and her brother are Annie & Walt, their parents were Mabel & Walter. Does anyone have any memories of the Twyfords? Or any photos of that area from 30's - 60's?
I was raised in Mountsorrel in the Soar valley near Leicester. It was a Norman village that lay alongside the river Soar under Castle Hill. The hill got its name from the mote and bailey type 12c castle built by the Beaumonts – Earls of Leicester who were given land by William the Conqueror. It is first mentioned in 1150 when its strategic position for a castle was first noticed. Some say the name of the ...see more
I used to live in Lechmere Road, the road opposite the library and went to Pound Lane Secondary Modern School. I had friends Mary Quilter, Jackie Mangan and others. Pamela Game and Peter Game. Have fond memories of Willesden and wonder whether anyone remembers me. My grandfather have an antique shop in Willesden High Road, which is no longer there, think it is maybe a clinic.
Does anyone remember the palmer family who lived in lechmere road from 1945 to 1966 when I left to get married.
William Ford was one of the many skilled horse collar and harness makers in the Frome area in the 1700s. Such equipment was vital in those days when horses were depended upon for farm work and transport.
William began as an apprentice in 1755 when aged 13, and continued right through until his death in 1799. During that time he took on apprentices to help ensure the ...see more
1969 -72 I was a student at Coloma and have very happy memories of my 3 years there.
My friends and I attended when it was still an all female college.
Four of the friends I met there got together last year to celebrate 50 years since we first met at Coloma.
We decided to visit the college to see what had changed.
The hostels we stayed in for 2 years are now a care home. The old building which was ...see more
Ah yes, May & Baker...
As a keen amateur photographer in the 1950s and 1960s, I remember using M&B chemicals all the time. Brown, black and white labels - right?? Or was that Johnson's?
I remember one particularly impressive and effective advertisement in Amateur Photographer for an M&B fixer sold in small portion-sized plastic pouches (M-packs). The trade-name of the fixer was "Amfix". The ad ...see more
The Runnacleave hotel was a seasonal base camp for me from 1967 until 1970.
I worked as a waiter, and had so much fun in working there.
I remember the Thursday night dance with Anita and Al doing the Cha-cha-cha fab.
I worked with almost every major nationality and it was a learning curve for me, sitting down for dinner after work and talking about life with all the other catering staff fab.
It was ...see more
Our family have owned Glevering since 1936, firstly my Grandfathers cousin, W.H and then during the war, the Royal Tank Regiment commendeered the Hall and Parkland and also some of the soldiers were stationed here before the D-Day landings. After the war, my Grand father, C.W.H bought the Hall and 500 acres and it's been our family seat ever since!
In 1951 CW decided to convert tthe Hall into a grain store as ...see more
I am trying to find my wife's Great Grandad who lived in Kilburn in the same road as the school in Netherwood Street
He was a Lamp street Lighter worked for the G.L.C in 1911 name was Albert William Farrant he lived in Kilburn
up till 1928 when he died
I was delighted to find this site which brought back many memories for me. I was born in 1942 and lived in Landseer Road until I left to get married in 1961. I then moved to Motspur Park and in 1969 moved to Maidenhead, Berkshire. I attended Malden Manor Primary School and then went on to New Malden East (Burlington Girls' School) in Burlington Road. I was very happy there and when I left ...see more
dear helen, searching for info on the bromyard avenue school i came across your piece about goodhall street. everyone who lived in stephenson street, goodhall street, and old oak lane cottages, as they were called, had a connection with the railway. my dad was a signalman in the box at willesden junction situated at the end of the cattle dock, opposite the station. just down the road was the tobaccanist shop, ...see more