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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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:
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Displaying Memories 24161 - 24240 of 36955 in total
We used to walk past the pond everyday on our way to Lingfield Primary School. This was about 40 - 45 yrs ago now. One memory I will always have in when the pond was frozen over and my brother and his friends decided they would try their talents out at ice skating. We were all surrounded watching these boys and, I have to admit, to feeling really frightened when the ice broke and I watched with utter terror as ...see more
I remember good times even though I hated it first day, we had loads to do, virtually every sport you can think of and the camping trips were amazing. The trips to watch the spooth film airplane had me in hysterics, also I had my birthday party there. I met some good people like Ron Symington and Eddie Mcdonald. Visiting the set of 'Corrie' (I still have the picture of us all outside ...see more
My paternal grandparents were one of the first families from Aberdeen to have a holiday home, called Mecca, in Newtonhill pre World War 1. I have a photo of my father in a wounded soldier's uniform sitting at a loaded table in Mecca after his discharge from hospital. The uniform, he told me, was a blue suit, a white shirt and a red tie.
Alex Fraser, a well known local artist and etcher (one time ...see more
I was born in Olney in May 1945. My mum had been sent from bombed out East London to a safe place to have her baby, me. I was taken back to London 2 weeks after I was born. The house where I was born had been set up for pregnant women to have their babies. I was told that the library in the house was designed by Sir John Soane. The house was later turned into a health farm.
I should love to go back to Olney for a ...see more
My memory of Quebec was the Co-op store and the swings next to the football ground, also when I was a boy I worked for Tommy Quinn on his farm delivering the milk then helping out with the animals, them were the days, hanging on the back of the milk truck, you would never get a way with it these days. Does anyone remember Austin Simpson who lived over the beck at Esh Winning? They say he went to hospital and when ...see more
I am looking for my paternal grandmother or her relatives. Her name is Lilla Allan (nee Bryant). She was married to my grandad Haydon Fraser Allan who owned Allans Bakery at 147 Windsor Road in Neath. They married in 1928, had my dad Peter Allan, but divorced in 1938. She had 2 brothers who worked at Coney Beach in Porthcawl. Their surname was Bryant. I know she went on to have at least 2 or 3 ...see more
I well remember the King George Dock as I embarked here with 33rd Signal Regiment (a TAVR unit formerly known as the Lancashire and Cheshire Yeomanry).
We were en route to Germany having a posting to RAF Gutersloh for annual training and we travelled to and from Rotterdam in rotten winter weather in November 1968. The entire regimental vehicle pool went aboard - everything from ...see more
I was a child living in a large house next to the river at Horton Chapel adjacent to a bridge. In the Second World War in 1944 prior to Normandy, a squadron of Canadian Engineers camped next to the river and built a Baily Bridge next to the existing bridge. As kids we hung around the cookhouse and were given some ggod food. Many years later in Canberra I played golf with the Canadian High ...see more
I want to know what the farms' names were in Brentwood Road, Bulphan in 1425.
In reply to Keith Hawkins' appeal to anyone that knew of F.W. Hawkins shop on Hosier Street, Reading, I used this shop during the 1950s as a small boy while spending the weekends with my Nan & Grandad who lived at 61 Hosier Street.
My Mum & Nan referred to Miss Hamkins as Fanny, I have no idea if this was her real name. The shop was very dark inside with gas light brackets on the walls. On ...see more
Ohh...if there was ever a place to find peace ...it was/is Chellow Dene. I was born at St. Lukes hospital in 1967. We lived on Manningham Drive until I was about five ...then moved to the new Dale Croft Estate on Sandy Lane and our house backed on to the quarry view. I had a west Highland Terrier called Tina and we spent so many happy times at Chellow. I remember the lovely fountain...it must have been copper ..as it ...see more
I was born in a road which was a turning of Whipps Cross Road in 1957. Most of my childhood was playing on the hollow ponds and swimming at the open air Lido in the summer months. My parents took me to see the Batman film at the Odeon which was situated in the High Road in 1966. I can still remember the old Leytonstone of yesteryear, playing among the trees where we were free not to think about dirty old men in ...see more
I remember my early schooldays very well. I started at Bush Corner Open Air school in 1953. I was born in Ealing Road Brentford in 1947 and first went to school at Ealing Road school. When I was 6 I went to Bush Corner Open air school as I had suspected Polio and had a problem walking. My best memories of this school was the fact we started the day with breakfast ! we also had to have a sleep after lunch, camp ...see more
My early years were spent in Monken Hadley. When I see photos of Hadley I can say I have been there. There's a little row of cottages oppisite Hadley Church, St Mary's, and my aunty Molly Ratling (nee Longland) lived there. My granny lived in the Chauffer's Cottage by the church and next to the Grange? owned by the Death family. I have been inside the Grange to the bedrooms and the kitchen. It ws ...see more
My brother was stationed here during his National Service. I was 9 years old in 1953 and I remember very vividly writing letters to him and receiving the same from him. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there. He was also able, when he got a 48 hour pass, to get a lift home with a potato merchant, who had a depot in Thirsk, and one in Motherwell where we stayed. All Bill had to do was phone them and they would ...see more
St Quivox had a primary school in the 1950s and while my family lived in farm cottages near Prestwick airport, my brother and I attended the school. The only two teachers were a married couple but I cannot remember their names.
We had to move from the area when the cottages we lived in were being demolished because another runway was to be built for the airport. That said, it was a nice area to live and we ...see more
As an American, stationed at Aviano AFB, Aviano, Italy, I met a young lady, Rose Graham from Greenock, Scotland. We met At Jeselo beach, while she was on holiday. When she returned to Greenock, we maintained our relationship. We were truly in love with each other. I flew to Greenock in 1967 for a 27 day visit. After returning to Aviano, we finally lost contact with each other. But through all these many years, I ...see more
Just after the war we visited Saham Hills quite regular from Hull. We stayed with an aunt and uncle of my father's by the name of Smith. He was called Charlie, his wife was Pat and they had a son who was called young Charlie to distinguish him from his father. The house was next to the Post Office and had a water pump in the yard and an enormous garden out the back which had an enormous Victoria plum ...see more
This looks very much like the rectory in Stambridge, but I know it's not. Does anyone have any memories of it or photos? My family lived there in the 1960s for a couple of years.
My dad used to run the rowboats and collect fees from fisherman, me and my brothers used to help, we were there every day of the six weeks holiday, it was all done from the little green hut above the cafe which is still there, every day was like a great adventure, happy days.
My great gran lived in Chadlington, Oxon, next door to the Sany's Arms. Her name was Francis Clare Hatton. My grandad was Frak Hatton although I never met him. We used to visit my great gran and I loved it there. I remember Morris Hatton, Mary Hatton, Dale, Barbara, Ron and Barbara, Malcolm and Diane, Auntie Olive and Uncle Wallace.. and someone called Roly who used to play cricket in the village. I'd love to say hello if any of them see this.
My mum was Judith Slaughter (nee Hatton).
Hi I just came upon this website completely by accident. My Mum was Judith Hatton, sister of Graham, and Tont Wills was their adoptive brother although he was a cousin. I used to stay in Blaenllechau with my gran when I was a child, my brother and myself loved it there. Now I'm almost 50 I am doing a history degree and we are studying the Rhondda valleys and the coal industry. It's brought it all back to me, the ...see more
I used to visit the Fullers Arms in Brightling on my motor cycle, starting at the Banks Cottages and making the circle around the reservoir to Brightling, then to Dallington, and then Netherfield and finally to Johns Cross. It made a nice evening's ride and I had a few beers, happy days.
My paternal grandparents came from Evesham, they moved to Birmingham in the 1930s I think, but we still had relatives still living in Evesham. On a Sunday we would go and see my grand auntie Lott and my second cousin Patricia and her husband Ron, they all lived in this huge bungalow just off the main road that was set in in fields. Patricia was a hairdresser and she had her own salon in the bungalow. Ronald and Patricia ...see more
The memory of that quaint old village reminds me when we lived there in the 1950s, in the small white cottage called (Welsh sounding) Te Revil, or Te Effiel. I was two years old, a twin with my sister Carol, the local children took us out in our twin pram. We came back many times to camp down at Owen's farm, Grif was the shepherd and it was nice to see the sheep being dipped. The tin roofed post office also sold toys ...see more
I worked for the London Provincial Tax Office in the mid 1960s dealing with the tax affairs of employees of some of the big London shops. I used to get off the train at Knott Mill and walk to the office. I went back about five years ago and found that I could no longer recognise the place and could not even begin to get my bearings! The office was big and bustling. I remember Mr Topham who was an ...see more
Mobberley Boys School was a bit of a misnomer as it was way outside Mobberley (at Knolls Green) and was a junior boys approved school. I was sent there for pinching a box of chocolates! Nowadays I would have probably got a medal for initiative. Mind you we was always hungry, but 3 years? Well, really. The punishment worked though, I was never in trouble again.
Now back to Mobberley: We used to attend ...see more
In the 1950s ICI had what was even then a slightly old fashioned ethos - they cared for their employees beyond the workbench! In those days the workers participated in a share scheme which meant that workers benefitted financially from the company's successes. But more than that each Christmas this once great company organised a Christmas party at Marbury Hall for workers and their families - and all of the ...see more
I grew up in Shirebrook and I can state without hesitation that it was a miserable place to live. Particularly during the miners strike when the whole community was polarised and full of hate and anger. I was only too pleased to leave home and get away..
My memories are of the ending of the war, the German one in the Second World War. My family and I went to a VE party down the Greenford Road in Kings Avenue, I was about 7 years old at the time and while I was dancing with my elder sister, my elastic broke in my knickers and I was trying to hold them up and trying to tell my sister what had happened and she took not the slightest bit of notice of me and carried ...see more
I remember Linton Locks very well as the upper lock gate enabled me to visit the Power Station that was manned 24hrs a day, year in year out. There were three attendents, Aleck Musgrove, an unknown, and Ernest Muir. In the 1940's the power station was generating electricity for the York Electric Supply Co. To feed the turbines with power to turn them, the water came from the river via "The Cut" which was of ...see more
I was sent to Warnham Court about 1953. Mr Savage was the head master. I can remember a boy called Ernie and one called John Knowland. I was understudy to a boy called ? Green who played Widow Twankey in the panto. I was head boy. I won top prize in woodwork, it was the happiest time of my school life and would love to hear from any one who remembers me.
Tony Jeffery
I was born in Forest Road, Walthamstow, in 1927. My father was a councillor in the thirties, on the entertainments committee organising film star visits and concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra. He owned the ironmongers, Cole and Deakin, in the High Street. I went to a private primary school called Linda Lodge, and later Clarks College, Churchill, in Upper Walthamstow Road. I was married in St Peters ...see more
My favourite memory of living in Blackhall Colliery was of going to meet my dad from the pit baths, I used to sit on the top steps or swing on the hand rail waiting for him and listen to all the men sing, it was the best feeling even now. Then when some of them would leave they would shout "She's there Jimmy" to my dad. It's a shame those days are now gone but my memories will live with me till the ...see more
My grandfather, W. W. Share, was a mining engineer who worked at Walsall Wood Colliery. After he died, his mining engineering journals were transferred to the college.
There was my mam Norma Keller, my dad John William Keller, sister Mandy Jane Keller, other sister Tracy Joanne Keller and of course myself, Claire Margaret Keller. We lived a small 2 bed terrace house in Eldon Lane. it was like any other morning, except my mam had gone into hospital, I can't recall why but I missed her. Dad was looking after us for a few days. Dad said we were going for a little walk that day, ...see more
I was born on Rodman Street, Woodhouse Mill on the 15th November 1931. That makes me 79 now. I remember the Second World War and the shelters in the back garden. I remember the poppy day ceremonies at the cenotaph in Woodhouse, I was a scout with Skipper Edwards as our leader. Bob Graves was the Akela for the cubs. We played Kick Can on Rodman Street in the blackout. I live in ...see more
I attended this school 1974 to 1977, doesn't seem to have changed much, that's how I remember it. Can't say that I enjoyed school when I was there (spent many a time wagging). But looking back now, yes they were the good old days. I had many great mates and we use to get in trouble quite a lot, caught smoking in the toilets, skipping class, talking in class etc. Mind you I must have done something right as I came with my certificates. Oh to be young again and back at school.
Ah Brentwood swimming pool, such happy memories. Taking the Green line bus from Romford, Mum with picnic packed would take my sister Noreen & I to the pool regularly during the summer holidays, arriving early and leaving late. I remember paddling in the kiddy pool & swimming in the big one, buying rainbow popcorn in the shop & lots of children to play with, sheer bliss. My Auntie Jenny worked in the ...see more
We first arrived in Sandiway in 1956. I remember getting off the bus at the top of Mere Lane and walking down towards our new home in Cherry Lane. The house was a 'tied house' belonging to the ICI and our tenancy of it was dependant on my father working at the ICI. On our right near the top of Mere Lane was a small mere, or flash as they are called in Cheshire, in a field (now under Sandown ...see more
Maiden name Winter. I was born and raised in Gelli-gron Terrace, which you can see in this photo was a side street off Waunrhydd Road. The location from which this photo was taken we called 'the tump' where we children of Waunrhydd Toad used cardboard sheets from Mrs Bridge's shop (next door to Carpanini's cafe) to slide down the hill, to end at the high wall above the then Penygraig bus stop.
Hi there,
I am looking for anyone that knew my sister, she was born Marion Adair and lived in Holytown with my gran (also Marion). My mother Mary Adair married Alex Anderson who had an ice cream van and worked all over Bellshill and Holytown area. She left Bellshill and married (in Slough) James Underwood, also from Holytown area.
Any informaton regarding Marion or my family would be great.
Janet
My grandfather, Charles Lawrence, was manager of the St Neots paper mill during much of the 1940s. He formerly worked at the Dover mill and brought a great many workers from there to St Neots in (I believe) 1939. While at St Neots, he and my grandmother resided in a lovely house on the banks of the Ouse in Eynesbury where, during the war, various members of their family also dwelt. Me too. I was born in the house in 1943.
I now live in Gisborne in New Zealand and turned 70 on 29 September this year.
Born in Sheffield I was evacuated to York in 1940 along with my mother (Mary) and older brother John. My dad, Reg, remained at his work in Sheffield. Unfit for war service he was a truck driver.
We lived at 23 Winterscale Street, where, in later years my mum and my grandma (Elizabeth Allison), ran a small off-licence and ...see more
I was born in Ravensthorpe in 1937, went to school at St Saviour's infants and the Secondary Modern school until I was 15 years of age. I began working at Hartley Bros, a leather mill at the bottom of Scout Hill, later I worked at MKM mills down Calder Road. I joined the army in 1956 in the KOYLI along with many other lads from the area and served in Cyprus and Germany. I returned to the area upon de-mob and married ...see more
My memories of Taunton don't go back too far. I'd arrived one summer evening in 1970 on the back of Tony's chopper, and stayed with friends for a while at 5 Cannon Street. Amongst the friends I eventually made were: The Colonel, Jake and Ricky, Busking Battersea Bill Smith, Colena, Angie, Ally, Sharon, Big John the biker...to name but a few.
Those were really carefree days. Mornings we'd usually meet up in the ...see more
I moved with my family from London to Tithe farm Road in Houghton Regis in 1972....aged 6. My dad got the offer of a job at Vauxhalls in Luton where he worked for many years. I have fond memories of Tithe Farm Road, the Rec and St.Vincent's Church Hall, which sadly was burnt down. Our family moved to the new estate ' Parkside' in 1975 and my parents still live there. Houghton has many happy memories for me, and I still live there close to my family.
I live on Melville Street and would appreciate any photos of it or any streets nearby. Even the part of the High Street at the bottom of it. I want to know what it used to look like. Thanks.
I was born in Netherfield and worked at the Gypsum Mines, as did my father. When I was eighteen I joined up and served for the duration, when I came home I eventualy went back to the mines. My father was killed in an accident at the min es, on the surface while I was under ground, around 1950. I was married to a Mountfield girl in 1949and lived at the Banks Cottages. I played football for Mountfield, the football ...see more
I lived in Theobald Street (no 194) from the age of 7 in 1959 until 1977, and my parents lived there further until 1984. I often used to walk from the Village (as we called the town centre) home at the top on the right was a pub called the Crown and next door to that another pub called the Wellington. On the opposite side of the road was a barbers shop called H Battle and next to that a coal yard which ...see more
The picture of the Cornmarket in High Wycombe pictures my father-in-law, Guilford Emery (now deceased), his daughter Jen (now deceased), and one of his sons, my brother-in-law David Emery. We discovered the picture when it first appeared framed in what used to be Safeways supermarket (now Morrisons) where it hangs on their wall by the checkouts. I had shopped there but never noticed it until another ...see more
Also my Uncle Ken was born there too. My grandfather lived there and worked at Ratton Manor. As I am researching the family history, does anyone have any information on the Manor, which was owned by Lord and Lady Willingdon? If so, email me please with any info at: daveparris977@btinternet.com
I lived in Walker Dwellings in X Block, directly opposite of one of the entrances to Walker Park, from 1943 to 1946. I am looking for old photographs of Church Street and Walker Park. Also I would like contact with anyone from that time.
I have such memories as a 17 year old of working in the 'Admins Office' in Oldchurch Hospital. I think I just walked in one day, got an interview and started on the Monday - no job centres or CVs needed then. The boss was Mr Totts and Mr Izzard and Mr Jarvis were his under colleagues. I used to have to walk across every morning to the Matron's office to collect the personal belongings of anyone who had ...see more
Does anyone have any info about this pub? It appears in my family tree, and my family were living in it in 1911, they are shown on the census for that year, but I can't find any contemporary reference to it.
Any info or old photos would be welcome.
I have very fond memories of Coldbackie. It’s one of those fantastic undiscovered gems in Sutherland. My grandparents bought a croft there in the 1950s and I spent much of my childhood playing at the beach, in the woods, or by the burn separating it to Blandy. Have a look at the link below for more info on the township:
My memories on Coldbackie
I was born in 1940, and came home from India with my parents (military family) in 1943. We stayed at Coldrenick House and I remember being introduced to Mrs. Trelawney and being invited to tea with her a couple of times. I cannot remember the connection my father had to Coldrenick House, or how we came to stay there. On a nostalgic trip in the 1980s, my mother and I visited Coldrenick House and were sad to ...see more
I was born in Oldcotes and we emigrated to Australia in 1959. I remember people when I was young, there was Ms Bridgehams who used to be my teacher in Oldcoates School who I will always remember her with fond memories and then there was Mrs Brown who used to live in Main Street, I used to visit her as a little girl, and Father Athill. As I live in London now I visit Oldcotes and pay my respects. It brings back ...see more
I believe that the photo is taken looking towards Shrivenham coming up Station Road. The next turning on the right is Charlbury Road and we moved into no 24 around 1965 - perhaps a bit before. There was still lots of building going on and I can remember getting my wellington boot stuck in the mud and falling over - did I get it when I got home! I remember the Coventrys who drove a green Ford Consul and lived ...see more
Does anyone have any old photos of Bekesbourne Primary School, especially between 1950 and 1955? I attended this lovely little Church of England school and would love to learn a bit more re its earlier years and see any photos as mentioned earlier 1950 - 1955.
If anyone can let me know how I can find some details I would be most grateful. 01227 769708
pamgraves2010@hotmail.com
My great-grandfather Stephen Whiting Easton was a watchmaker who had a shop in Hartfield Road. He was also a master carpenter and he made a scale model of the local church. On his death the model was kept by his daughter Eva Luck. My family went often to view the model, but on one occasion Eva announced that she had sold it.
Does anyone remember the model or know what happened to it?
Onwards and upwards through the years, I had an aunty and grandmother who lived there. Ending up at No2 Mount pleasant after living in Low Lane. Lilly and Bill Stone, parents of my mother Jaqueline Stone (now Stevens). Lucy Traves was my aunt.
I used to remember Billy Saville, Brigadier Clarke and the famous Oscar Cooke, the chippy, broken crisps and Dandelion and Burdock, shrimping in the beck ...see more
My best memory was Sister Rose, the smallest scariest women ever xx; I loved that school sooo much, my happiest memories as a kid are of there. We left Pailton in 1981 and moved to Norfolk but have never forgotten my roots xx
I worked at Enton Hall in Witley, and often saw actresses and actors who were there for treatment, ie. Anthony Newley, Rita Hayworth etc. On one particular morning I arrived to clean Anthony Newley's chalet and found that some young girl, or girls, had plastered his door with a million lipstick kisses...to say that he was not amused would be an understatement?
The proprietors were Norman Jarvis and Mr Reddell.
I have happy memories of childhood days living in Cawood and I still live here. I remember the bank and Wethralls' shop although I was very young but they are still very fresh in my mind, also the butchers' shop on the left which was Kettlewoods, then Baileys, then Summersgills. My uncle had a van like what is parked up in the photograph. We all used to get in and go to the east coast for day trips, 7 altogether, that included 4 adults and 3 kids, passing time but happy days.
In the 1800s my gt gt gt grandparents lived in Collingbourne Ducis, house numbers 5, 21, 71, 53, according to the booklet 'Memories of C. D'. My grandfather John Swatton b.1871, d.1951. My father Leonard Reginald Swatton b.1912 d. 1993 lived I believe for about 5 years with his grandparents about 1922. Whilst he was there his grandmother died and is buried in the church at C.D. ...see more
I lived in Holly Avenue, New Haw from 1941-1951, and I remember a very cold winter in 1944, when everything froze. I went to the Co-op youth club in Scotland Bridge Road, and eventually attended school at Woking County Grammar School. It was very rural then with open fields at the top of my street, and when I visited a few years ago it had changed greatly, but was still very beautiful. Regards,
Michael Isaacs
My parents lived in Sackville Street and our home caught fire, destroying everything. We lived there from my being five to thirty. My sister is called Susan and lives in Burnley. Anyone that remembers me please contact me, I have some lovely memories of living there. It would be amazing to meet up for coffee and a natter, anyone that remembers me will know my name so hurry and e mail me...
My Grandparents ran the post-office at Moorland when I was young, we used to visit every Sunday. I loved the atmosphere and the peacefulness of the village. My grandad was Charles Kitch, also named 'Fido', but I can't find out why. Does anyone out there know? Walnut Cottage is very much the same as I remember, and the orchard where pigs and chickens were kept had an abundance of apple trees, especially Morgan ...see more
Me and my mates had so much freedom to "play out". We all lived around William Hopwood Street in them days. I'd just left Audley Secondary Modern School, to begin an apprenticeship at Foster Yates & Thom, (Dad & brother worked there too). Met my first serious girlfriend, her dad was a cobbler and clog maker on nearby Audley Range. We danced our weekends away at the 'Mecca' in Peter Street (not in ...see more
What a beautiful memories... what beautiful times. Times still in my brain. If anybody knows anything about Jimmy, Scott, Grand mum, or that fantastic girl who loves Viviane Westwood, please contact me on oscarbrull@gmail.com. Please.
I live on the 1st floor of the black building next to the white block of flats... I can see the window where I normally have a nice view of Watford Way from the war memorial leading to Hendon central...swwweeet!!
I lived on High Street from 1959 to 1962 as a child of US Air Force parents. We rented from the Rabies who owned a cute shop (lived upstairs) on High Street. I remember the river was behind our house and because we were almost the last house on the street, the locks were right there! I am planning a trip back to show my husband this adorable town....can anyone give my any updated information? Thank you ever so much,
Suzanne..Washington DC
I was born up The Monkey in 1957. I moved from there to George Street in 1966. The name of the street was Dunraven Place. The name of the pub was the Dunraven Hotel. There were 8 houses up The Monkey when I lived there. My mother told me there used to be more street there years ago. There wasn't anyone with the name Deere living up there when I lived there. All the houses got knocked down not long after I moved from there. ...see more
My maternal grandmother, Sarah Oates, was matron of this hospital sometime during World War 1. My mother, who was born in 1914, remembers soldiers marching down the road past the hospital, presumably going to or coming from Catterick Garrison. Sarah had sisters who were also nurses. My mother was a nurse at the beginning of the second world war. I trained at the RVI in Newcastle and my daughter nurses in Canada! So Richmond Cottage Hospital is responsible for a dynasty of nurses!
I was born in Ilford, I lived in Romford then when I was 5 I when to Scotland, then about four and a half years later I went down back to Cranham, then I went to Romford.
I lived in Haywards Heath between 1948 and the early 1960s. I lived the other side of Victoria Park and walked each day through the town to St. Clair School. I seem to remember that there were some stables on the left of this photo in the foreground and often used to stop and talk to the horses.
When I was 8 or 9 years old our family moved from Clyde Street, Edinburgh to the High Street or, as we called our immediate area, 'The Tron', in view of living in the shadow of the old Tron Kirk. Our address was 'Fleshmarket Close' of Ian Rankin fame ref the book of that title. The number of the Tennement was 199 High Street.
The area now of course bears hardly any recognition to what it was like when I was ...see more
I remember climbing to the top of the pit stack and watching the world go by. You could see for miles sat there on those wooden sleepers. I also remember collecting bits of coal from the stack and dragging it down to the bottom to the pram wheels and marching up through the allotments, past Ginty Miller's bike leant against the gate to his allotment, and home to Carlisle Terrace where I lived.
White Webbs was a place that all my family including aunts, uncles and cousins went to for picnics and a game of cricket. The women would play against the men and all us children would hope they would let us have a go at batting as we didn't like fielding. One of the things that all us children would do is catch tiddlers in the brook. We had a handkerchief and two of us would hold two corners each and drag it under ...see more
