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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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  4. Memories

Nostalgic memories of Old Coulsdon's local history

Share your own memories of Old Coulsdon and read what others have said

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.

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

Add Your Memory for Old Coulsdon

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 18 in total

Taunton Manor High School
I attended this school between !971 and 1974 before moving on to Purley High School. It was a truly awful school run by a Dickensian character, who still used corporal punishment. He was aided and abetted by like minded teachers who didn't seem to like children, although there were a few exceptions. I too was bullied while there by children and a teacher. Dreadful place. Remembered for all the wrong reasons. Many years later, returning to the gates brought back tears.
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Added 27 September 2021

Prefabs Goodenough Way
I lived in a prefab at 234 Goodenough Way during the 1950's then moved to 102 Ellis Road. Nee Searle.
Prefabs at Goodenough Way, Old Coulsdon.
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Added 03 January 2018

Happy Days
I was born in 1942 & lived in placehouse lane, attending down land school then passing the dreaded 11plus & spending the next 6 years at purley county grammar school for girls starting in 3 upper r which was an extra class founded for the post war boom babies. I really loved those days, looking back I wish I had worked harder, it was a great school with great teachers including the incredible headmistress Miss ...see more
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Added 18 August 2014

Prefabs At Goodenough Way, Old Coulsdon.
Does anyone have any pictures, ground or ariel, of the prefabs in Goodenough Way in Old Coulsdon, around 1950/5. I used to live there. Many thanks Lesley nee Boxall.
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Added 26 March 2014

School Days
Interested to hear from anyone who went to Taunton Manor School between 1969 and 1972 also Purley High School for girls between 1972 and 1974.
Old Coulsdon, the Parade c1955
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Added 24 May 2013

Jamboree Bags
Wow, I remember these sweet bags; flying saucers, liquorice boot laces, pear drops, yes it was a lovely place to live growing up. Have not been back there for many many years.
Old Coulsdon, the Parade c1955
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Added 24 May 2013

Purley County Grammar School
My father taught at what was then Purley County Grammar School for Boys, from about 1935 to 1948 (with a break for war service), when we emigrated to South Africa. Like another memorist, I remember the sweet shop on the parade, where I used to buy liquorice sticks which my mother hated, as they invariably made hands, mouth and shirt dirty. She, incidentally, was a daughter of another Purley ...see more
Old Coulsdon, the Tudor Rose c1955
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Added 03 September 2012

Fond Memories Of Old Coulsdon
Remember Old Coulsdon well, moved there when I was 9 or 10 in 1963. My father worked for the CEGB in Croydon. We left Old Coulsdon in 1972 for South Africa where I still stay today. Went to Keston Primary and later to Taunton Manor High, worked at Newby's as a paper boy and also at South Downs Timber Coulsdon on Saturdays and have very fond memories of Oak Hall Youth group Caterham. When I ...see more
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Added 19 July 2012

Rowntrees Fruit Gums
I used to go into the sweet shop and I had to say "a tupenny tube please, Florri".
Old Coulsdon, the Parade c1955
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Added 27 May 2012

Downlands Nursery Old Coulsdon
My father was killed in the early part of the war, therefore my mum had to go to work and find a nursery placement for me. We lived in Caterham-on-the-Hill and the nearest nursery was Downlands, at Old Coulsdon. I was just over l year old when I started, and was heartbroken when my mum left me, I cried all day, and the next. With the kindness and patience of Matron and her staff, I got used to ...see more
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Added 10 March 2012