Nostalgic memories of Woking's local history
Share your own memories of Woking 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 - 39 of 39 in total
This is a picture of the main entrance gates of Woking County School for Girls, known as the Girls' Grammar School, at the corner of East Hill and Old Woking Road. Girls were never permitted to use these gates: alternative means of access were to the right and left of the gates shown in this pic. The bus-stop that pupils used to travel into Woking was immediately opposite this entrance, probably just about where the photographer would have been standing when this photo was taken.
Small gardens in central Woking always known to me as Sparrows Park in those days, before the War Memorial was moved. This picture shows the modern redevelopment of the buildings behind the War Memorial.
I have happy memories of Woking's Victoria Hospital 1963 - 1965, where I completed my State Enrolment training. It was a very small training school giving excellent tuition by Mrs Mockett. Sister Burns was our Home Sister who looked after our health. Matron was Miss Horsefield - very strict as far as I can recall.
I attended this school throughout 1975-1980 and I always found it absurd as to why an almost H shaped building would have a rule that you were not allowed through the central corridor. I remember pupils (bouncers) at either end. I also remember my first headmistress sitting sternly on the stage like a judge. I don't remember her ever speaking, always leaving that to the deputy. I am not sure if the school still ...see more
Who remembers the good old 1950s in Woking? At this time I was a teenager. I used to go dancing at the Public Hall which was named 'Atlanta'. My girlfriend at that time was a schoolfriend, and we both went to Goldsworth School. Her name was Georgina Burt, and she lived in Horsell. There were a lot of soldiers dancing there at that time. We also went to a dancing club in Brookwood. In my early school days I ...see more
Just on the edge of the Commercial Road car park is the building on the left where I, and just about every other teenager that couldn't afford to go to London to socialise, spent our Monday nights. I an remember paying 5/- to see Tom Jones just after he'd released 'Delilah'. The place was heaving and nobody could move. There was also a small bar in a cellar area where we drank Cherry B's. There was also a dance hall at ...see more
I discovered the swimming pool during a bike ride with a friend and we thought ourselves very daring for cycling through the park even though the park attendants were watching. You didn't have to lock your bike in those days and there were racks and more racks for bikes outside the entrance to the pool. Those lovely ladies in the changing rooms were always smiling but woe betide you if they caught you avoiding the ...see more
I remember being taken to Woking swimming pool every week with Byfleet County Primary School, we had so much fun, I too remember the smell of the chlorine in the air and everyone was slim in those days, there were no fatties. I can also remember having to wear a swimming cap and the chattering of teeth while we were put into lines to go into the foot bath before we could go into the changing room (also remember being ducked by the boys - horrible!). Lovely times, from 1955 - 1960.
Wow! I was taught to swim in the Woking Pool by my mum. I could be in this very photo but preferred the quieter sessions. My sister or friends and I would cycle there and take a Thermos of Bovril to warm us up after our swim. There was a chalkboard at the turnstile entrance warning us of the water temperature! The changing room lockers were locked and unlocked by very sun-burnished attendants, and we had to poke ...see more