Nostalgic memories of Stanwell's local history
Share your own memories of Stanwell 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 11 - 20 of 24 in total
Stanwell Palace - This was a stately residence which we as children always called Stanwell Palace. It was indeed owned by the Iraq Royal Family and was the Official residence of the Ambassador. I went to Staines Preparatory School with the Ambassadors 2 children, Azhar and Leif Hamdi. After one summer holiday, I think in 1956, the children did not return to school and rumour had it that they were ordered back to ...see more
george rayner &is wife ran rayners stores since prior to my birth in 1st foor front bedroom on 5nov. 1946 at oaks road stores store -grocers run by my grand parents fred & elsie sherwood
I was born at my Grandparents House in Long Lane Stanwell in 1966, my Grandad Jack/John Thornton helped deliver me. My Grandad was well known in the Community and Catholic Congregation of both St Michaels in Ashford and St Davids in Stanwell. My Grandmother was Freda Thornton.
I grew up in Stanwell, went to school at St Davids when the school was on the Church grounds, now used as the Church Hall. ...see more
Many happy years spent here as a choir boy and helping mother do her duties as Verger. The Rev Hoyal was resident vicar then. Mother has a tree dedicated to her long and loyal sevice on the village green.
This view is of Rayners Stores on the left looking towards the Wheatsheaf pub and Village Hall with Oaks Road off to the right. A public telephone call box stood on the right as did a Police (Tardis) Box.
Village Hall - I remember Fri night film shows by a travelling projectionist that cost 9d. Sat mornings was a good time to watch Mr Cole shoeing horses next door. The building beyond the blacksmiths was Lands Newsagents and I had a paper round there in the early 50's delivering to Gibson Place and Roberts Close that had been newly built, up by Stanwell Place.
My mum used to run the off licence...she started working there the year my older sister turned 11 and passed her 11+. My mum ran the off licence until she had to leave in 1979 when my dad had his first heart attack. Dad is still alive but mum died last year (2012) aged 77 years. We lived in Canopus Way and my sister, my brother and I all went to St Marys Church School in Park Road, Stanwell and Lord Knyvetts School....
Had my 21st birthday party in the village hall, I am now 73 years old.
I lived with my sister Mrs E. Hewitt and her two sons, Peter Hewitt and Mark Hewitt. We lived in the high street, no 83.
Many happy memories of Stanwell.
My memories are of the hairdressing salon in Clare Road. It had only been open for a short while. All the shops were new. I went to work there as a hairdresser's apprentice in April 1959. My first job after leaving school. The salon was called Joan Basten. Joan Basten was the owner and she and her husband, Dennis, had a lovely flat upstairs, really 1950s modern. I worked at the salon till 1962. It was very busy; we ...see more
I moved from Egham to Stanwell in 1966 when I was nearly 6 years old. I remember Clare Road shops having a christmas tree on each balcony, it looked like a magical fairy land making Christmas even more special.
The shops were so much nicer then. 'French's' was the posh sweet shop which sold 'cut out dolls books' which I spent many happy hours playing with.
There were two lovely green grocers, a ...see more