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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Woodbridge's local history

Share your own memories of Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge

Displaying all 7 Memories

Fantastic Reception.
I was married in the Easter of 1969, and the reception was held at the Melton Grange. What a superb place, with its beautiful gardens where many photographs were taken, which I still treasure today. The splendour of the Grange certainly added the finishing touches for a perfect day. Such a shame that it no longer exists.
Woodbridge, Melton Grange Hotel c1965
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Added 29 January 2014

First Job
1970s I worked here while in high school, I started at age 15! They use to hold dinner dances, every Friday and Saturday night, for about 300 hundred guests all staffed by the local youth. After I finished school, I went on to work full time as a waitress, I also was a chamber maid for a while. So sad that it is no longer there!
Woodbridge, Melton Grange Hotel c1965
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Added 06 November 2012

Growing Up In Ufford
After reading all the nice memories of the area, I just want to add that my father was stationed at Bentwaters, and we lived in Ufford as well as Woodbridge. My mother was from Ufford, and I was born in Melton - best time of my life as a child living there. I went to Ufford school and Woodbridge. I went swimming at the 'big bridges' in Ufford and worked on a farm - I did it all there. I still have family ...see more
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Added 21 May 2012

A Spy At Raf Bentwaters No Just My Dad Aircraft Spotting!
Dad recalled that when the USAF were based there, probably around 1955, maybe earlier, he'd decided to take a drive up the road that skirted the base to see if he could spot the new fighter which he had heard about. So, having left my mum chatting with her sisters, he donned his black leather riding gear and rode his motorcycle up to the gates, got out his binoculars ...see more
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Added 06 April 2012

Charles Welton Coates Owner Of The Old Bell And Steelyard
My grandfather owned the Old Bell and Steelyard through WWII until the mid 50's. Unfortunately he died before I was born, but I've been visiting Woodbridge to see relatives who still live there, for my entire life. If you visit the Old Bell, which is, I believe one of the oldest pubs in Britain, look at the far left window ground floor. This used to be a shop with a ...see more
Woodbridge, the Bell Inn 1894
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Added 06 April 2012

Melton Grange In 1959
I was 7 years old in 1959 when I stayed in the Melton Grange Hotel for about 2 weeks with my mother, father, and 3 brothers. My father was in the US Air Force, stationed at RAF Woodbridge. As Americans, we were in awe of this large, ornate building and what seemed to us an enormous garden. We were introduced to the tradition of "Tea" at 4:00 p.m. each afternoon and soon realized that the dinner in the ...see more
Woodbridge, Melton Grange Hotel c1965
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Added 16 April 2010

Boulge Was My Home
My family owned the Boulge Hall estate at the time of your photograph. I was christened in Boulge Church in 1940. I am the 3rd Baronet of Boulge Hall and the last of the line. The summer house on the right of the picture was built by my grandfather Sir Robert Eaton White. I remember Boulge well throughout my childhood. How sad that it was demolished. I have some faded photos of the interior and a couple of others of the outside. Nothing else remains.
Woodbridge, Boulge Hall 1929
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Added 18 July 2009