Recent Memories
Reconnecting with our shared local history.
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Search for your favourite UK places and read memories of the local area in days gone by.
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Tips & Ideas
Not sure what to write? It's easy - just think of a place that brings back a memory for you and write about:
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How the location features in your personal history?
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The memories this place inspires for you?
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Stories about the community, its history and people?
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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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Has it changed over the years?
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How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?
This week's Places
Here are some of the places people are talking about in our Share Your Memories community this week:
...and hundreds more!
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Displaying Memories 4881 - 4960 of 36914 in total
When I was Five we lived in Byfleet and often visited the Woking Lido in Summer. I nearly killed myself by sliding down the slide unsupervised. Fortunately my father saw me and dragged me out.
When I was Six my sister and I boarded at the Frithe Knowle School, in Wych Hill Lane (1948). The principal was Miss M Windsor and our teacher was called Miss Robinson. In the afternoon we went for walks all over ...see more
My mum and dad and I spent many summers at the Talacre Warren. My father was a Co-op branch manager in Woodley, Cheshire and knew a couple, Mr & Mrs Taylor who had a wooden chalet on the Warren. In addition to the Chalet there was a small "Robin" 2 berth caravan and most excitingly for me the converted fuselage of a World War 2 Glider, which slept 3 or 4.
I remember vividly gazing through the plastic ...see more
First visited Dronfield in the late 60's when I met my first proper girlfriend would then be 20ish. The first date was with her parents to The Contact Club I was mesmerised by her she was so besutiful cant think what she saw in me I was in awe of her totally smitten. We would later go to the Rock Tavern and meet with members of The Dronfield Players such lovely people so friendly and outgoing, ...see more
At 16 I joined the Essex Police Cadet School in 1970. The School was built in the late 1960s. Training at the School was for two years. On site education, accommodation and sports facilities was provided. We also were 'bussed' to Chelmsford College of a Further Education - here on a part time basis we obtained qualifications.
Part of our training included participating in athletic events ...see more
First arrived in Longmoor as a young soldier in 1969. Met and married Carole Day who lived at Glenorne Cottages with her parents Dereck and Jean Day she had three brothers Alan Colin and Tim. We maried at Greatham Parish Church on 2nd September 1972. Our wedding reception was held at The Woolmer which I bellieve was later changed to The Silver Birch. The local garage was called "Flackies" if memory serves me ...see more
Yes I remember all of them has anyone got photos of that time 1968 to 1970 my name is Colin Burton
In 1963-1968 there were mystery trains from Ealing. They were not frequent but I remember in 1963 three trains. Also two around 1968. A diesel car set would leave Paddington calling at Ealing, Southall, Hayes, and Slough. It may have called at Langley I Cannot remember. You would leave Ealing around 0830hrs and go on long journeys. Typical destinations could be Weston Super Mare, Banbury, ...see more
Hi, I have just found this great site - thank you! I am trying to write some family history, especially about our life in Birkenhead, for my two daughters - who have grown up in Scotland - where my own father came from.
I was born in June 1939 at our house in 2 Huskisson Street - where the imposing St John’s Church once stood before the whole region was demolished to create ...see more
Hi not sure if this is the site for this but here goes..
I'm looking for anyone who knew or knew of the late KENNETH CHARLES COOKSON BORN in 1947...His mother was Euphima Dalgarno from Lithiemuir they imagrated to South Africa but they did come back to Scotland where his mum died..He has a brother but not sure of his name any help would be great..
Is there anyone who can share similar memories
of Barking particularly of the Eastbury and Town areas.
At 81 time passes so quickly that memories are the only thing w have left.
Clifford Smith
Started working for tcl in gairloch. Ted reedy was the je cable jointer I was training as his assistant. I wasn't very good but Ted was exceedingly demanding. Eventually he got fed up with me. I was sent down to join a team of lads in the south west of England. Charles Griffith (Chas) being notable also Stu (Stuart) I presume. We had fabulous times if anybody has any news of these guys I'd love to know more
When I started at Cronkeyshaw School I went straight into the second class as I had missed out on the baby class. In those days some children attended from the age of 3 years and the little ones went to sleep on mats in the afternoon for a short period.
The classrooms were far removed from the ones in the present day. In my first class we had an open coal fire with a fireguard. I can ...see more
My grandparents Bill and Alice Guy lived in a cottage on the farm at Lock where my grandad worked and I believe my Granny did starching for the 'big house'. She used to tell me of the happy memories on the farm and the great respect she had for the Harvey family. My father born in 1911, and uncle both attended Jolesfield School and also sang in the church choir.
During the war, my cousins Colleen and Joan, together ...see more
went to Tyler's croft early sixties good memories so many talented kids in terms of athletics, art , football
Maiden name Sandra Banbury.
As far as I know I was admitted to St Mary’s for convalescence following pneumonia, early fifties, and 4- 5 yrs old. Dr Fuller paid £4.4 s weekly, no idea for how long. He held a special place in his heart for me as I gather from the few times it was mentioned (within earshot) he saved my life.
My Mother and our neighbour took me there by coach. I was ...see more
I lived in Southall as a child in the 1960's and have many happy memories of it. I wend to Clifton Road School and lived in Endsleigh Road.
My family moved from Tottenham in 1949. There was only 5 children and Mum and Dad at the time. Nice new terraced house in Faringdon Ave - Gooshayes end. I was born in that house in 1954. My younger sisters (twins) were born in Oldchurch Hospital in 1961. I attended Mead Infant/Mead Junior schools. Helped across the road by Mrs Watts the lollipop lady. Then on to Harrowfield Girls School. Headmistress Miss Macgill. Her ...see more
I am looking for any information about my grandparents. I recently found out that my Mum, Patricia was adopted by my grandad, and there is no father's name on her birth certificate, only my nana's, Sarah Gorman (Sally). Sally lived at 1 Westmoreland Street, Harpurhey and she gave birth to my mum at 21 Collyhurst Buildings on 4th Nov 1946. I am not sure why she was born there and who lived there. ...see more
I am looking for any information about my grandparents. I recently found out that my Mum, Patricia was adopted by my grandad, and there is no father's name on her birth certificate, only my nana's, Sarah Gorman (Sally). Sally lived at 1 Westmoreland Street, Harpurhey and she gave birth to my mum at 21 Collyhurst Buildings on 4th Nov 1946. I am not sure why she was born there and who lived there. ...see more
I went to Lady Margaret after leaving Featherstone Rd Infants , left in 1969 for Walford sec mod while all my mates went off to Southall and Greenford Grammars. Lived over the Woodstock Parade shops just opposite the Seagul pub.My fondest memories of my time there are Maurice the mynah bird outside the heads office, i think it was Mr Lewis at the time. loved the quadrangle where the chickens and other things were, ...see more
Ebbisham Hall for dances.
White Hart next door.
Spread Eagle opposite.
Eclipse pub West Hill.
Nelsons open air pool.
Snooker hall above Burtons.
Cafe in South Street.
Arthur Wheeler Waterloo Road where I bought my first bike.
And I loved the racing.
My husband recalls his grandfathers dairy farm was in HighHalden but cannot remember the name of it.
His GF was Percy Tyler and wife Florence. They had three children Walter. John and Thelma. If anyone can recall above I would really appreciate a reply.
Walter was born at Eugene Cottage HH in 1920 before they moved to the farm.
Anyone have any photos perhaps of the Cottage. (Or farm)
Thanks
Jane
I had two gap years between school and college. I worked at Brown and Polson I. PERIVALE in 1967.
I remember Barry Spicer, Roger Wallbank, Cliff Treadwell and Cheryl Whittamore
The office was next door to Perivale Wood nature reserve which I as a member of the Selborne Society could visit.
I worked at H E Randall shoe shop ( now part of sainsburys store) opposite the odean cinema on streatham high road and lived at 5 Kingscourt road for most of the 1960's also worked as a bus driver out of telford ave and streatham garage by the ice skating rink.I haven't been back in over 30 years but looking at streatham now through google maps its not the place I knew and loved, but I suppose time changes everything. sorry for the spelling errors not good at typing.
john riordan
I was born in Askern Yorkshire in 1945. When I was 2.1/2 we moved to Bow
That was where my dad came from. When I was 5 we moved to Myrtle Road
Harold Hill. The buses ended outside our Prefab. After coming up Straight Road, the bus turned right into Briar Road the left into Waverley Crescent, then left to Myrtle Road and stood outside our Prefab, no 6. I started at Hilldene Infants School in 1950. The Headmaster ...see more
I remember the coastguards cotteges at the bottom of Mariner's Road. They were on my way to school. When they were demolished, I was about seven years of age and my friends and i would play in the foundations which were there for some time. It wasn't until about 1970 that the bungalows that are there now were built.
Like Mr Somers, I can remember Crosby Baths being built - I can still remember the ...see more
My earliest memories are during the war of hiding down the Andersen garden shelters in King Edwards Saturday Road and St Erkenwald Road with my parents and brothers listening to the shrapnel pinging around us as the incendiary bombs dropped around us and watching from the open doorway as the doodlebugs flew over at rooftop height. One landed in St Awdreys Road demolishing a row of houses and another on ...see more
lived their
I and my two sisters were born in the station house,my elder sister went to the USA in 1958 and I left to join army in 1960 my younger sister also went to the USA in 1980. My father was the signalman on the old railway station from 1938 until it closed
Hi,just hoping someone can help me.My wife has been tracing her family tree.Her relatives came from the Bere Heath area.Her maiden name is Stroud.
I have noticed on my ordnance survey map there is a bridge close by called Stroud bridge.Has anyone got any information about this bridge,and the Stroud family?We are visiting the area the first week in July this year.
Here's hoping,best regards John.
I went to Styal in about 1956/1957.My name then was Sandra Kelly.I loved it didn't want to leave.The nurses I remember were nursePinfold and nurse Williams. In my house at that time were sisters called Linda and LauraJackson.My friend was Beryl Wilde.Also a girl called Jennifer Gore. I lover the school and remember the teachers Miss Curtis and Mr Kingsley I think the headmistress was Mrs Webster.My other friend was ...see more
I spent many a happy hour in this, then very new, building in the early 60's., ostensibly studying for GCE's. But much to my everlasting regret, failing to take anything seriously, and with scant regard for the future, despite the best efforts of "Mac" McKinley and his excellent teaching staff.
How the years have flown since, and I often rue my lack of application, particularly when trying to answer questions on ...see more
During the mid-sixties I worked for Bell and Billows, the ironmongers in the left of the picture.
A large part of their business was horticultural equipment, and many spring and summer evenings were spent demonstrating mowers and cultivators to prospective purchasers.
Sales and repairs of sporting weapons were also undertaken, and I recall the famous local Author, Artist and Naturalist Denys Watkins-Pitchford, ...see more
In the early 60's I worked at the far end of Montagu St, in the Ironmongers of Tutty Ltd, when their business and premises were bought by the Kettering Industrial Co-operative Society.
Eventually it closed and the remaining stock sold to Newmans Ironmongers, to the right of the car in the picture.
For many years the showroom on the right was known as Cleavers.
My mum owned a delicatessen on Upper Green West in the early 70's.
I used to 'borrow' the odd Luncheon Voucher, and treat myself to soggy chips at the Wimpy.
We lived above the shop; And I remember a fire at Huttons chip shop.
Old Nags Head used to have go go dancers!
I learnt to swim at the small local old baths.
I also remember, when I was skint; charging drivers to park their cars in ...see more
I used to live near Burgh Heath. The Sugar Bowl had a swimming pool, as did the Galleon, across the road. I went to school at Greenacre, Banstead, and the school children had swimming lessons at the Sugar Bowl
I have so many happy memories of my childhood in Camberley. I lived in Stockwood Cottage, Crawley Hill. My parents worked for the Thomas family in Stockwood House. Sadly it's no longer there but now there are many houses and I think it's still called Stockwood. My sister Pauline & I had a huge garden and woods to play in & make camps. We had a back entrance through the wood onto Crawley Ridge. ...see more
Hi Heather & Briony & Kate
I was also a boarder at St Oswalds Girls School,Rowena Steveson was the head mistress(Rhino).I remember the dreaded morning run having to eat a spoonful of molasses every day(supposedly to head of the ills) the sweet tin only 3 during the week and 4 on the weekends. I loved the Midsummer nights dream play I was Cobweb, I learned to swim in the pool in the old ...see more
As a toddler in the early 70's I have fond memories of going shopping with my mum. Cross Street and Hyde Road are unrecognizable today compared to how the were. There was still some heavy engineering as well. I remember standing by the railings In Peacock Street Primary school as Massive engines slowly traveling down Gorton lane with Police escorts.
Of course there was Belle Vue, endless terrace streets with Pubs and ...see more
The posting by Edwin has brought back many memories of the1940's. I know exactly the locations described in his "memory". The hut was owned and operated by Johnny Irvine. Johnny only had the use of one arm, but could wrestle big jars of sweeties with his good arm to sell to the children. I well remember "the huts" and also remember Marion Matheson (who went to school with me) and who was Edwin's neighbour). ...see more
Time has passed quickly and over the years my brother, husband and son passed away. Wonderful memories return as I view this picture. My husband took part in the Penarth Gilbert and Sullivan production of Rudigore and later in Canada became the musical director of severaI local choirs e.g the Barbershoppers. I attended Glamorgan Teacher Training College in Barry, and after a three year training course ...see more
Tom and Doris Drew owned this garage and lived their with their daughter Brenda
Peter and Valerie Channon lived in this house around 1956 until the late 70's with their three children. Peter owned and ran the local machine tool factory and put on a yearly bonfire display with fireworks.
Before this shop was Taylor's it was Roy and Joan Alwards (my in-laws) They lived in the adjoining house with their two children. They owned the shop from around 1953 to about 1962 and have many happy memories of the village and some especially lovely customers. Frank Sawyer, the author and broadcaster lived opposite the shop with his wife and son Tim. The local bobby was called Peter Carter who ...see more
I have very fond memories of growing up in Aveley.
I was born in a prefab in 1947 at 4 East Walk, my dad worked at Thames Board Mills clocking up over 30 years of service (he died in Field Road in 1970), like everyone born there I attended Primary School and the Junior school and entered Bushy Bit in 1958, what a great school, glad to know I am not the only one who enjoyed their early teenage years.
We ...see more
I visited the old Culpho Hall in the 1950s, full of dark wood and sloping floors.
In 1963 it was clear from the road that all the roof structure had been removed, together with windows, you could see the sky from the top windows; part of the façade had been retained.
Visiting the rear, the old hall had completely disappeared, the site was clear and flat, without building materials new or old. The remains of the façade was propped on giant props. A.Ditton
My twin brother Brian and I are Barking born and bred. We were born at 10 King Edward Road in May of 1936 (now 81) where we stayed until about 5 years old when our parents moved to 43 St Erkenwald Road off Ripple Road opposite what was to become DOES clothing store where their son Dennis became a school chum of ours at Eastbury School.
We were schooled firstly at Westbury ...see more
Personal History of Jack Wright, son of Thomas Roger Wright and Mary Gibson.
Born November 15, 1908, in a suburb of Sunderland, Durham England, a place called Ayers Quay, in the industrial part of town, being near the docks on the River Wear, where coal was loaded on ocean going vessels to all parts of the world. I remember the gas works and the bottle works and the many railway lines, the electric power station.
I lived in Ilford Lane when this happened. We heard fire appliances going past most of the night as I believe they were bringing in water tankers from as far as Tilbury. I remember reading that fire watchers were called out to nearby buildings for the first time since the war. The 691 and 693 trolleybus routes ran past our house. I know they were disrupted but I still got to school although I can't remember if it ...see more
I was flicking through this site and was amazed to come across this photograph that features my mother Joan Sington (nee Phillips) along with her Spaniel 'Major'. The picture was taken before my mother had my elder brother Jonathan (in 1944) and looking carefully at her, I would assume it was taken before she was married in 1942. Major was given to her for her 21st birthday (June 1940). Prior to marriage, she ...see more
From the ‘Local Chit-Chat’ column in the Newbury Weekly News, October 6th 1966
SWAN AT NEWTOWN CHANGING HANDS
Due to take over the Swan Inn, Newtown, when Mr R. C Coxworth retires on October 19th after 23 years is Mr David Foster, a partner of T. N. Foster Ltd, of Clere Chase, Burghclere who is leaving the family business to take over the Inn. Married with three sons Christopher ...see more
Shureys the shoe shop
Mrs James the bakers
Petrol station and the paper shop I remember it well
I was very lucky to grow up at The Cottage Twiggs lane marchwood , i was Michele Ingram then ! we had a lovely place to grow up and being cut off by the bye pass it was a place where everyone knew each other . The people I grew up around Bundays, Seviers, Smths, Nobles Strides,Dellers, Butts and Longmans to name but a few!
My happiest days were playing in the forest , we live on Barker-Mill ...see more
In 1954 atthe age of eleven I joined the south Featherstone school choir, our music teacher was called Ronald Nuttall, who came from South Kirkby,
I can remember two occasions when we came to Kirby ,one was to give a concert for the Derby and Joan club at the Methodist church and the other time was when we decorated up a double decker bus and took part in the Gala parade then we went to a big field and sang to ...see more
I was born in Lewisham Hospital and went to St Stephens school, left in 1959 after l did the 11 plus and we moved to Marden Kent, l think my Father knew he was sick and he died in June 1963. Our lives were very ordinary as were all others at that time, we were always at the Royal Naval association clubs, first at Belmont Hill then to Slaithwaite Road, my Father was Secretary of Lewisham club and treasurer of Woolwich, ...see more
I was born in Ash Road Dartford in 1929, moved to Miskin Road about 1934, then to Halford Way, where we spent the war, and from where I left to get married at Holy Trinity Church in 1951. Earliest memories were of Miss Jolly comforting me when I started at the C of E. Primary School at the bottom of West Hill aged five, in tears.
When the then Duke of Kent paid a visit to West Hill Hospital we were ...see more
hi, robert [nobby] jordan, born temple hill in 1949 and now live in australia.
have great memories growing up in dartford, especially going scrumping as a.
kid at an orchad near the old chalk pits close to stone house.
have great memories hanging out at the wimpy bar and scala
left dartford 50 years ago and still remember my first love who lived
just off the top of east hill, like every body in life i ...see more
I am trying to find out about my family history and my fathers family were from Bedwas, they worked in the mines and for the GWR..My father Stanley was born in 1907. His parents were Charlotte and James Morris. He had many brothers, Charles , henry,Reginald, clement,Albert and James, and one sister Dorothy. She married a Roland Tyler. Albert married 'Margo' and James wife was known as 'Topsy'. Reginald was a ...see more
Many happy times at Tribalis cafe with the D'angelo family. My dad was one of the part time drivers among many that I recall. Went to school with Paul and Philip. Vito and dad were great mates.
My family worked at the Folly House in the 1700's and 1800's. They lived in a row of the farm cottages. Their surname was Hawtry and although there are now only two cottages remaining, there is a road off Watling Street called The Hawtrees, spelt rather differently but named after the family. One of my relatives Thomas Hawtry climbed out of his bedroom window and took himself to Canada. There he ...see more
In the late 50's, early 60's, my home as a young boy was in the flat above The Book Club (white building on the right). My father worked in The Book Club for an Elese Santoro.
Does anyone remember this shop, the owner and has any pics of the shop close up?
Unfortunately, when I was 10-ish. I was not into taking photos of old buildings.
Nicholas Back
My name is Barry Felton and I was born in Feniton, what is now called Old Feniton, in 1945. My grandparents, Norman and Phyllis Wilson ran the Post Office in the village. My mother Patricia, their daughter, was in the WRNS based in London, and she moved to Feniton when she became pregnant and was discharged on compassionate grounds.She stayed with my grandparents and I was born in the Post Office. I have very little ...see more
Hello does anyone remember St Albans Catholic School on Hall Street in Macclesfield? They had infants and older years i think but certainly up to about 9. I am trying to find just about anyone who remembers this school before it was pulled down. I used to go there in the late 40s and into the 50s. I would love for anyone to share their experience of this school and do you ...see more
I was born on the 13 February 1957 at No2 Station cottage Escrick. No.2 was the middle cottage of 3.
My father (Kenneth Hudson) was a fireman/driver on L.N.E.R. steam locos. For along time we had no electricity in the house, Lighting was by gas light or candle. There was no running water, That had to be delivered everyday in 4 milk churns which were dropped at the station behind the cottages. These 4 milk churns of ...see more
I am looking for former location of Mc/MacDonalds fruit shot, also 343 Bank Street know it is near to Eagle Inn
I lived in Boileau Road from 1948 to 1962.
We heard the cuckoo every year.
In Hanger Vale Lane there were Tawny Owls, Woodpeckers, Spotted Flycatchers and Blackcaps. There was a wood where Thackeray Court now stands, the overgrown grounds of the Nuffield Nursing Home.
I visited the disused Fox Reservoir where I found woodcock, kestrels and warblers. Now it is the Fox Wood nature ...see more
I remember seeing CITY OF TRURO come through one evening. It had been taken out of Swindon museum and restored. I also remember seeing the BROWN BOVERI GAS TURBINE on several occassions. It had been ordered by THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY but delivered after nationalsation. Also THE GWR railcars (flying bananas). Jacobs ladder West Ealing was also another point of observation. Here you could see ...see more
I moved to Park Lane in 1948.I was about 2 years old.Lived there with my Family till about 1956.It was all fields at the back of our house.At the top of the road was the Junior School I went to.It had about 4 class rooms.I can still remember how young my Mum and Dad looked then,as if it was now.At the bottom of Park Lane was the main road,with hardly any traffic at all.We used to wait for my Dad there to come home from ...see more
In the fifties I was mad on trains, steam ones that means!
My viewing places were Hanger Lane, Haven Green, Acton Yard and Castle Bar Park Halt
I also visited Acton Central and Willesden Junction.
I still occasionally go on steam tours, the last on from Ealing to Stratford on Avon in 1994 behind the loco Nunnery Castle!
I have such happy memories of Ranmore school from 1945 until 1952
Miss Piper and Miss Martin, such excellent teachers, got me through my 11+
The dinner lady, Louie Luff, always gave me second helpings.
Using my sweet coupons in the post office on Fridays, punching Georgie Mackay on the nose for trying to steal my sweets !
Walking up through the woods from Yew Tree Farm to catch the bus across the common.
Such a happy and rewarding childhood.
I spent many summer holidays at Talacre in my Grandads 2 caravans in the late 40s and 50s. He had a large plot in the dunes, opposite was a very steep sand hill where we collected old bullet cases.
Also just by it there was a lovely wooden bungalow where a retired vicar lived the garden had roses
round the gate and fence
Just to the side of us was a neat bungalow where a family lived the father worked ...see more
IN 2008 I visited Doveridge to find any remnant of my great grandfather Henry Fenwick Pickering. His grave, "erected by public subscription" lies beside the pathway to the door of St. Cuthbert's under its enormous yew tree. No one I talked to remembered that Doveridge had had a cooperative store. My great grandfather managed that store for 3 years before his death at age 47 from a ...see more
Hello!
Help wanted! In tracing my family history, I have been given many old photographs, and one of them shows my grandfather (Albert Badnell) standing outside his shop.
I believe it may be where the general store is in Belmont Road, but can anybody confirm this for me?
The shop in the photo is definitely on a corner.
If anyone has any other information about the Badnell pits or other family history, I would love to hear from you!
Thank you,
Linda Vipond (nee Badnell)
I attended St. Mark's from 1953-57. We lived on George Lane. As well as Fanny Briggs and Mr. Thorpe, I remember a Mrs. Needham and particularly Laurie Sargeant, who took the class below Miss Briggs. I remember a few names from my time there - Kay Palfreman and her brother - they lived on Brookfield Avenue and Marie Wolfendon who lived down on the Mill Lane estate, Roy Higginbottom who had almost white hair, ...see more
I enjoyed Reg Ware’s reminiscing of Wealdstone and the YMCA. I know all of those places like the back of my hand. I am guessing you are perhaps 3 or 4 years older than me – I was born 1941.
I used to live in locket road. Spurriers must have been one of my very first shopping errand destinations for Mum. I would chew both ends of the bread off before I got home. Best bread ever! I ...see more
It was 4th June 1961 and John F Kennedy was due to pass by Brentford on the Great West Road. The M4 had not yet been built. I went with my friend Graham around 7pm and joined the many people sitting on Macleans wall opposite the Turriff Building. The calvalcade passed by and we started to walk away. As we did so we met three girls, Susan Geraghty, Jean Archer, and Dina. We walked up the Great West ...see more
I was an apprentice at Chastons from 1953, just after Alfred John Chaston (known as AJ) took over the business from his father. At that time there were about 70 employees, with a workshop, body/paint shop, tyre department, stores, and showroom. The workshop foreman was Harold Davies, unkindly known as 'Shorty'. The paintshop foreman was Percy Giles, originally from Cinderford. The chap in charge of the tyre ...see more
How many happy hours I spent in this park as a child, teenager and young woman. The gardens by the tennis courts were so well kept and I remember sitting on the benches there with my mother when we walked back from town. I remember hiring the clubs from the greenhouse keeper to play miniature golf on summer evenings, the duckpond too, although by then it had a railing round it, the wonderful huge oaks and beeches, and ...see more
Those balmy hot summer days on school holidays in the early to mid. 50's. Walking down the lane at the side of Haygate Cemetery, across the Holyhead Road, up Earcall Lane (picking ripe blackberries) to the Forest Glen, stop off for an ice cream. Then to tackle the Wrekin. As kids full of energy we ignored the official path and took a shortcut - straight up the side to the Halfway House then up to ...see more
My family moved in to their new prefab in 1946when i was 5. I lived in no 5 James Street there.In 1947 i remember the very bad winter when we saw roofs of some of the prefabs being blown off, aand the snow was so thick.The prefabs were so modern though, and had all mod cons compared with where we first lived in the front room of my Nan,s house in Phillipstown.
I remember the coal buckets ...see more