Nostalgic memories of Wickford's local history
Share your own memories of Wickford 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 21 - 30 of 54 in total
My parents moved to Wickford in 1955, we had a bungalow built in Highcliffe Road, by local builders the Gunnets, and my sister was born there in 1956. It was a lovely place to live, across the road and a short walk where a few shops. A general store, a butchers and a newsagents, which then was run by a Mr Lovekin. The other way up the hill was the Hilltop Stores run by Mr and Mrs Usher, their son was Brett, I ...see more
A part of my boyhood was spent on a smallholding just outside of Wickford, the smallholding was called Littlemead. When I first went to Wickford my uncle Ted picked us up from the railway station in a pony and trap, the horse was called Lady. At Littlemeade there was no running water, no electricity, no gas, the source of heating and cooking was a black range in the main room. All I can remember of the ...see more
Although I am relating to a time a little earlier, around mid and late 1940s, the scene in the photo still resembles the countryside as I remember it. Wantz Corner branched off in three directions, and for me, all leading to aunts, uncles and cousins, living in the area, fields to roam and play all day, haystacks to build tunnels in (I can't ever remember being chased away by a farmer), and of course school. ...see more
I remember going to the Gospel Hall to Mr & Mrs Potts and family every Sunday afternoon from Woolshots. We used to have magic lantern shows and sometimes if we were good we got tea and bread and jam. I think we were sent to get out of Mum & Dad's hair for a while. Dad used to work in the greengrocers on the corner. Happy days, even my kids have happy memories of trips to Wickford when they were young before we left in 1980.
We elite from Rayleigh Sweyne were already on the bus when it got to the Broadway just no room for the other passengers. Always got a cup of tea in the Arcade Cafe.
Looking at the pics on here I don't see Warders Bakers, does anyone remember them?
My name is Kevin Mears, I lived in Wickford from my birth in 1958 until I got married in 1980.
I shall describe my memories of Wickford in the 1960s and 1970s as a couple of walks around the Wickford area.
This walk starts where the Southend Road joins the High Street I start my next walk down memory lane. Starting to walk along the Rettendon Road towards Rettendon there ...see more
Continued from Part 2
On the south side of the fire station were a few houses and then a footpath that led to the other entrance to the recreational ground. Also in this area, Laburnum Avenue, were a lot of war time prefabricated houses, which were later demolished.
A little further on, on the left hand side was an old village hall type of ...see more
Continued from Part 1 below.
Next to Martins Bank was a record shop, where I remember going with my parents and standing listening to records in the small listening booths. Next to the record shop was a row of weather boarded houses, which were set back from the road a little further.
Opposite these was a row of old cottages and the ...see more
My name is Kevin Mears, I lived in Wickford from my birth in 1958 until I got married in 1980.
I shall describe my memories of Wickford in the 1960s and 1970s as a couple of walks around the Wickford area.
The next walk again starts at the Shotgate Baptist church and ends in the town.
Leaving the church, turn right in to Bruce Grove, then you immediately come to ...see more