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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of West Auckland's local history

Share your own memories of West Auckland 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 West Auckland

Displaying all 7 Memories

Memories

My mother was born and brought up in west auckland in the 19 20 s she lived in a small miners cottage in a small street which I think was called New Street lived there with her parents 2 brothers and sister I remember going there when we were very young. Our aunt had the sweet shop along the front. Just trying to find photos of the 1950 s of the place.. and anything anyone remembers from that time
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Added 02 September 2021

Holme Mill
I didnt live in West Auckland but had a lovely holiday there in 1962. I stayed with a Mrs Vart at Holme Mill in Spring Gardens. I can remember going to the milking shed for a jug of fresh milk for the breakfasts and collecting the eggs.
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Added 15 September 2015

Shops In West Auckland
my mothers mother:gladys raine owned the grocers shop on 2 station road in the 1930s,the numbers changed and now it would be no 8... i have a lovely photo which i will add shortly
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Added 27 March 2014

West Auckland
My mum was also born in the Nursery at West Auckland and later moved to Bishop Auckland. She has loads of memories of both places. Do you remember the matchstick bridge and getting lettuce and spring onions from the allotment holders on a Sunday? Also brambling and having the odd bit of raw turnip from the fields over the river.
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Added 16 June 2013

The Nursery
I was born in 4 The Nursery in 1944. My gran Elizabeth Bayles, my mother Emma Bayles. I went to Millbank School at age 4yrs. I can remember my first teacher there Miss Watkins. My Mother worked at Lockeys buses as a bus conductor. I remember Walter Wilsons shop. Reas my half cousins had an ice cream shop next to the WMC. The Nursery was Gaunless Terrace. It was changed due to the amount of children that ...see more
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Added 02 March 2012

My Aunt
I wasn't from West Auckland, my dad was. My Aunt Belle lived there, who still wore a long black dress in the 1940s and 1950s. She made and sold vinegar, she also kept hens at the back of the house, she had names for them too like Hetty and Dolly. She would give me a can to go over the road for milk. She would say "If you don't behave, I'll get Mary Cotten to you".
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Added 23 February 2011

Swanson Store
Bob and Sarah O'Neil owned a store at Swanson back in1927 to 19?, they died in the 1950s, apparently they lived there too. I think the old homestead is still there. Does anyone have old pics ofthe store, perhaps even pics of the shops back then? There weren't many.
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Added 02 September 2010