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Nostalgic memories of Figheldean's local history

Share your own memories of Figheldean 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 Figheldean

Displaying all 9 Memories

Figheldean In The 50s
I was born in Figheldean, at 7 Avon Banks. Lived there with my family until the end of 1960, when we moved to Southampton. I remember freedom to roam in the area; climbing trees, messing about by the river, so very different to youngsters today. There wasn't much money in the 50s, so it was an austere life, but terrific in retrospect. Last time I visited, the school was closed and the site up for sale. What ...see more
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Added 08 December 2024

Happy Childhood
I lived in Figheldean from about 1949 - 1953, my parents and I lived in the Red Bungalow near the Wheatsheaf pub. My best friend was Wendy Stanfield, sadly no longer with us. Her father owned Stanfield's garage situated in the village, what fun we had playing in their garden which because of the war had been neglected. The garden was large and full of old rusted cars, great for playing in. Wendy's mother Doreen was ...see more
Figheldean, Ablington Road c1955
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Added 25 February 2016

The Mill
My grandmother Minnie or Minna Shepherd, was brought up at the Mill as part of quite a large family. She married a guy who also lived there for a while, by the name of William, James Nash. Does anyone have any further knowledge? I also have an old photograph of The Post Office, Durrington which I would like to know more about.
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Added 14 May 2012

The River
The River Avon dominated most of the kids' lives in the village! I remember swimming 'down the mill' and at Gunville where my Great Grandmother (Sarah Marks) lived. We used to scrounge used inner tyre tubes from Mr Stansfield (who owned the Tourist Coaches next door to the Workingmen's Club) and float down the river on them from the bridge. Also used to get the watercress from the bridge too! So much to do! Making ...see more
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Added 30 July 2011

Addition To Con's Entry
Being Con's older brother, my memories go back a bit further, having started school about the day war was declared, going to the village school, with Miss Burling(?) - rumour had it that she changed the spelling of her name from Berlin (for obvious reasons). There are a lot of hazy wartime memories as well which would occupy a lot more space. I have memories of winding the church clock, back in the early ...see more
Figheldean, Ablington Road c1955
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Added 19 October 2009

Post Office
The post Office was run by a Mrs Titt in the 1950s and the post lady was to be, in later life, my aunty.
Figheldean, the Post Office c1950
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Added 19 August 2009

Born And Bred
Born in Ablington just after the war we moved to Avon Banks, where I lived until married in 1970. My mother's father, mother and brothers (Fenners) all lived in Figheldean. Having read other peoples memories it brought back probably the most enjoyable part of my youth.
Figheldean, Ablington Road c1955
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Added 19 August 2009

The Mill Pool

I lived at Netheravon from 1968 - 1972 (my father was in the RAF based at Old Sarum) and went to school at St Michaels Figheldean. I remember we used to go swimming in the mill pool by the weir. I remember nearly drowning there, showing off in deep water under the big tree (still there) near the weir. I was saved by a girl called Sharon Parsons and probably never thanked her and certainly never told my mum when I ...see more
Figheldean, River Avon c1955
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Added 04 August 2009

Figheldean Manor
In 1945, just before VJ day, I moved from Scotland with my mother, to Figheldean Manor, to join my father who was then based at RAF Netheravon. I had never seen houses with flint walls and thatched roofs before, moreover, I had never experienced the type of food that was then available. My first experience of asparagus, watercress, fresh trout and partridge, all food provided to or by residents at the Manor, to ...see more
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Added 14 February 2009