Nostalgic memories of Reigate's local history
Share your own memories of Reigate 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.
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Displaying Memories 31 - 40 of 44 in total
Bell Street, Reigate. The address of my great grandfather, and until 2006 I had never been there. But on a nostalgic trip from Sweden, seeking my roots so to speak, I visited Reigate to see if any signs were to be found. Needing to buy a flower for a birthday, I went into a florist's on the west side of Bell Street, a couple of buildings down from the High Street. Then I went into the Old Book Shop further down ...see more
My Granny and Grandad Weller, in their cramped semi, took me, my mum and dad, my brother and sister plus 2 billeted soldiers under their loving wing in 1940 and I can honestly say that was the most happy household you could ever wish for. We knew things were serious when they installed concrete mini pyramids in the street outside which apparently would stop tanks from advancing. And people flocked to ...see more
I was born in the County Hospital, where my Mum worked as an almoner. My grandparents, Herbert and Frances Pink lived on Copse road in an old row house that I loved, especially the attic where my cousin Valerie (Davis) and I used to spend time rummaging around in the ancient trunks full of 20's clothing, cigarette tins full of picture cards, old tubular records and huge heavy pattern catalogues. When I was 4 ...see more
'The Market' - this was what we used to call the small hotel on the corner of High Street and Tunnel Road. It was the most wonderful time, hippies were in every night, there was a disco and psychadelic light show once a week upstairs. I drove a red Morgan and had a Dutch au-pair girl on my arm, all this and I was 21 years old, a most exciting time. Thank you Reigate.
This was the year I started school and my mum took me into the top shop after school for some sweets for being a good girl at school (I think it was called Berrys) and every Saturday my nan came over and gave me sixpence to spend at the top shop for sweets and they would have to last the week. AsI grew older my mum let me go on my own, I never moved from the village and I could do all my shopping there as well. We had ...see more
This is the exact location in which my family has placed a memorial bench for my mother Ann Gout (nee Edwards). She spend many happy hours on Reigate Hill when she was a Girl Guide and loved this view. A few years ago the trees and bushes has become overgrown, but thankfully the council have now cut them back. I think that the house in the background is still there, but is now hidden behind trees.
I also remember Meadvale Garage as Stan and May were my grandparents. I spent a lot of time there as a small child. I also remember the local shops at Meadvale and my parents Bill and Heather also were landlord and landlady of "The Old Oak" public house in the 1970s. There was also another shop opposite the post office called "Berry's" (I think) and we used to buy sweets there on the way back from school, St John's, we used to walk to and from school through an alley way.
my grandad was the head gardener, dick jenner. i have great memories of going into the caves and staying with my grandparents in their little house in the castle ground. my nan, eileen veness (jenner then) is still well and living in sussex.my mum, uncle and aunt all lived in that house for many happy years. Bridget Harwood (as was then)
The Farrington family of Reigate were the Lime Merchants that owned and worked the Lime Kilns at Reigate. The business was established by Benjamin Farrington my Great great Grandfather one hundred before Frederick Price Farrington (Alderman of Reigate 1889-1911) finally took it over until his death in 1927. The family lived at the Lime works on Reigate Hill, many of the children later lived in Nutley Lane. Thomasina Farrington
I live in one of these houses, and my children play on the green to the right of the photo. There is a great community feeling here. In the Queens 50th Jubilee year we organised a street party on the green for the residents of Springcopse Rd, Cornfield Road and Furzefield Crescent.