Recent Memories
Reconnecting with our shared local history.
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.
Search for Local Memories
Search for your favourite UK places and read memories of the local area in days gone by.
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
Tips & Ideas
Not sure what to write? It's easy - just think of a place that brings back a memory for you and write about:
-
How the location features in your personal history?
-
The memories this place inspires for you?
-
Stories about the community, its history and people?
-
People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
-
Has it changed over the years?
-
How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?
This week's Places
Here are some of the places people are talking about in our Share Your Memories community this week:
...and hundreds more!
Enjoy browsing more recent contributions now.
Subscribe
Join the thousands who receive our regular doses of warming nostalgia! Have our latest blog posts and archive news delivered directly to your inbox. Absolutely free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Displaying Memories 1841 - 1920 of 36832 in total
I have been tracing my family tree and have the 1911 census for Lottie and Herbert Davenport. They lived at 48 Watling St. Herbert was a Confectioner in Church Stretton. They had a lodger called Walter Davies who was a boot repairer. Mt grand parents moved to Colwall in Herefordshire approx 1916.
Lottie Perks lived in this village and was working in service here when she got married to Herbert Davenport on Feb 5th 1910. Herbert was a confectioner in Church Stretton. I am Lotties grandaughter
She lived on 577 Zouch Cottages in 1946-1947. Her name was Shulamit Liberman Norriss (or Tucker). Would love to hear from anybody who knew her
I was born in Rake on 30:12:1937. This was in my grandparents house. Rake Cottage. My grandfather used to drive for a lady called Mrs Oliver. So was given the cottage to live in for the rest of his life. My father was also born on the corner of Hatch Lane. My dream holidays when growing up were spent in Rake. My father used to take me for long walks down the Combe. Picking primroses, or Hazel nuts and Chestnuts. My father’s ...see more
Does anyone have knowledge of Frank Newton being an employee of the Bradbury Steelworkers? Or the Newton family of Romiley, well known in the 1920s and 30s for the their footballing prowess? Any information would be most appreciated.
our family lived in the huts at cross keys militia camp for around 10 yrs or more.yet nothing much is revealed in the history of roxwell about these camps.the cross keys camp housed homeless families till it was closed down.yet no one seems to know the original purpose of these camps or mention it in roxwell history.the larger military camp on the chelmsford road near mizams park was very much larger than the ...see more
My father was born in North Kyme Farmhouse in 1897. He showed me the farm about 40 years ago. I searched for it recently and could find no trace. I wonder if the RAF bought the land. I would be so happy to have any information as I am trying to write up family history for my grandchildren. I know my great grandfather was church warden for the parish church as his name is inside on a wall mounted board.
I lived at Bearstead and i attended Vintners park boys school, I remember boating on the Medway my friends and i used to go to the granada theatre to see all the big stars of that era, spent many happy hours in moat park,
a truly fantastic place to live such happy days,
Alwyn Oldfield
Aldershot County High in early 1950s
I well remember the girls in my years. I started at ACHS in September 1951, aged 10 years eight months, having taken my 11-plus when I was barely 10! I recall the Stubbs twins, Ann and Susan, not identical as we could tell them apart quite easily. They lived very near the school. Also Jennifer Springate - with long plaits!! Another girl was Gillian New whom we teased as she ...see more
My Great Grandfather Thomas Lewis came over from Ireland around 1901 was Trainer at Druids Lodge from 1906.
He trained the 1913 Derby winner Aboyuer. I have a Derby scarf with his name on it.
His daughter, my Grandmother bought it from a jumble sale for 6d. many years ago!!
Hilary Aitchison
My mother was evacuated , and I was born in Greenhedges, Westmeston on 22/12/1940. Servicemen came from a nearby camp - USA I believe - and one made the comment “Looks just like Winston Churchill” 😂 I might add, I was due on Christmas Day, but the Dr. didn’t want to come out - so I was induced! A towel was pulled tight under Mum’s boobs, and a nurse laid across her to force me out! BARBARIC😂😂 that’s why I’ve got big, wide feet!
I attended the junior part of the school (Form 1) 1963-64 at the age of 5. My name was Felicity Hayton. My teacher was Miss Coulter who I think was Australian. My mother taught Biology In the senior school for that year, and my younger sister Jackie attended Kindergarten. Her teacher was Miss Smith; and Miss Smalley played the piano for our assembly, and “music and movement” classes.
I feel I had a good ...see more
I found all these photos fascinating, I have been researching many aspects of Greenock since I began working on the family's history i was hoping to see photos of some of the streets I have come to know quite well, like William St where the family spent years first on the east side then at number 15 on the west side, apparently there was also a shop at number 3 . there these was number 5 Orangefield ...see more
John and Charlotte/Mary Fox lived in Sheepcote Lane, Dagnall Street, Culvert Road, Renshaw Street.
They were there from about 1882 to 1939, although their daughter Daisy lived there for a longer time.
Can anyone help with any memories or information about this family please?
Everywhere that they lived doesn't now exist unfortunately.
I am 85 years old and live in Australia. I remember the mill as a working mill just before the war. After the war it was a toy factory that made stuffed toys. I was lucky enough to catch loads of trout in the mill's pool. I lived in Warrington Road just opposite Glebe Road.
If anyone remembers me my name is David Watts
Yep, it was definitely Goodness Records from when I was born in SW17 IN 1974 until I started spending all my Saturday job wages there in 1990.... About 92 name might have changed to Jingles but still the same guys running it, along with the shop up the road towards Tooting Bec
My mother and father lived in Holmesdale Road when they were first married in 1957. My mum used to go to the nearby Catholic church - is it St Chads?
my grandmothers family came from pwllheli before her family moved to liverpool. we know very little about her childhood there or the relatives they may have left behind.we were also told she worked at butlins when it opened,by then she would have been in her 50s.the family name is jones,
father - I Allanson Jones born 1857
mother - Elizabeth born 1852 plus 5 siblings,
i seem to be hitting brick walls trying to ...see more
Does anyone remember a small toyshop in the Deansbrook Road call Dodo's? I can recall it from the 60s and think it survived till the late 70s but would love to see a photo of it if anyone can point me in the right direction.
I could not believe it when I discovered this photo of 1 Fernville Terrace as it belonged to my Mum's parents George & Marion Pickup. My sister and I spent every Christmas and Easter there when we were growing up. We travelled from Essex each time. We fondly remember climbing up the extreme (or so it seemed to us) hill at the back of the sloping garden and using tea trays to sledge back down again. Boy ...see more
The first home I had with my wife and children in 1966 was one of those flats over the shops in the photo of Willesden high road until we got a tied Railway cottage, as I worked out of the Willesden Steam Locomotive Shed as a Fireman on British Rail.
I lived just across the road from where the photo was taken in Church Cottage as my dad was the verger sexton at St Johns Church. We would spend every day playing football in this park with the grumpy old parkie after us for bashing the ball in the tennis court fence. If we weren't playing football we were playing in one of the 5 woods around our house, Shirley woods, Bridle Woods, Penny farthing woods, Coombe ...see more
Upon researching my maternal grandfather/grandmother I have discovered that from the 1925 Electoral Register they were both living at Reinacharn Lodge. I am led to believe he was employed as a gardener and/or turner.
This photo has troubled me for quite a long time. I spent my childhood in Alderley and the surrounding countryside and I feel this young boy is me. Unfortunately the date doesn't stack up, if it is me it would have been about 1965 and the girl was called Christine. Only she could verify!
Thank you for your enquiry. I have checked with our Archivist, and although we cannot pin point the actual date ...see more
My gr-gr-gr-grandfather, John Parkhouse worked at the railway station c1880’s. His daughter Ellen was my gr-gr-grandmother. The family lived at the Railway Station Yard. I was able to visit Holsworthy a few years ago and see some of the area, and also visited the lovely museum.
Mum and Dad would regularly drive down to West Wittering from High Wycombe in our ancient Ford Anglia and queue for ages to get into the car park for a days bathing and playing in the sand dunes. As a treat at the end of the day we used to walk to East Wittering where we would stare into the toy shop at the toy soldier’s. Fond memories. I’ve been back in the last couple of years and the sand dunes have gone but the car park is still there although a bit updated.
The Beehive School was evacuated from Bexhill to Lydham Manor. The School closed in 1964 but I have a book about the school published as a tribute. My mother always spoke fondly of her time in Shropshire.
I was born at Rosemead Ongar Road Pilgrims Hatch in 1942.Nearly opposite Dazleys shop, we were bombed in 1945 and went to Lowestoft for some months before returning to Pilgrims Hatch, I went to convent school in Brentwood.
I often wonder if Rosemead is still a family home.
We had an idyllic childhood and in summer months loved to help farmer from Caldcott Farm, John Widdison with his harvest and remember riding home ...see more
I used to go to Vicky Burkes quite a lot with Norman Atkinson, Ron Jones and Malcolm Allport. We were taught to dance in the first half , then across to the pub ,then back to see if we cud walk a girl home, most times we were unlucky as no cars then just our bikes . We all went to Kneller school
I have an old "Farmer and Stock Breeders" magazine, dated Monday 9th September 1929
The front cover has a picture of Mr Jowitt and his prize winning boar "Norsbury Woodman 8th".
His address is Strode Manor, Bridport, Dorset.
I know this is a little later, but it might help?
Having lost my original birth certificate I have just received a new copy and find I was born at Gate Burton Hall on the 1st April 1944. I have no memories of the Hall but I reckon its why I love the country, I spent my early years in Hull. Pleased to add a photograph of the Hall to my family history
My name is Susan my family were the Dungey’s living in Turnchapel.My grandmother (Maud) lived at house 3 Beach view until she died in the late fifties. Bringing up a large family including my Mother who was the youngest born in 1922. She was born in beach house as was my brother Alan and myself, and a large number of my late aunts uncles and numerous cousins, My mother is still alive and well at the ...see more
My mother was raised as a child in the Labour In Vain public house in Oldswinford, Stourbridge from about 1910. It was owned or “kept” by my Great Grandparents.
i attended this dreadful school as a boarder when i had just turned 9. The headmistress was Miss McVicar, a remote and outwardly very Christian woman, though this never translated to any kindness or compassion to the pupils. The head matron was a sadistic woman, who would pull our pyjamas down and spank our bottoms if we talked after lights out. Two of my friends ...see more
Reading all the memories, mostly happy, and recollections from both staff and pupils at Warnham Court has opened the floodgates to my own happy, carefree school days. Gosh, so many people and recollections! I have to start with the lovely Ernest and Marjorie Savage, they were such a wonderful, caring couple, whom I adored! I remember Ernest always wore a brown and cream checked shirt ...see more
When I was at the High School my form was taken out to the beech woods to see Bodgers at work. I think that this was organised by the History Mistress. Miss Owen.
They lived in a camp and hand made chair legs for thr Furniture makers in Town. I remember that we were shown how a Pole Lathe was used. I still have rolling pin made by one of the men, and sold to me. It would ...see more
Spring Grove Central was one of the happiest times of my life. Sadly the school closed and we were all moved to Heathlands in Wellingron Road South. I have been long gone from the area, leaving to train as a nurse at Guys Hospital. But recently returned to work in a recovery team several years ago based a few minutes walk from Thornbury Road. Schoo friends were:Lynn Meredith, Wendy Hankin, Maurèen Kavanagh, Lisa Mcdonnell and Penny.
My Uncle Tom Daltons Father lived in the thatched cottage/s past the petrol pumps. He was a cobbler. I was born in 1944 and can only just remember the inside of his workshop and can still smell the leather. I remember going to school with Bob Burrows, whose Dad had the Bakery.
I recall around the mid to late 1950's going down to Joydens Wood along a small lane off Vicarage Road. In the woods there were a number of deep holes or shafts dug into the sandy soil for a depth of about 20 feet or more. These were just large enough to climb down by pressing hands and feet to the sides and then using footholds cut into the sand descend to the bottom. Some of the holes had small caverns ...see more
I was born in Streatham Road in 1948 and my life long love affair with cinema began when my parents took me to the Majestic Mitcham when I was five. I could see my infants and junior school Gorringe Park out of my bedroom window and I was late nearly every day, even though I only had to cross the road. Streatham Road got busier and busier which made life more difficult, especially when I had lots of homework from grammar ...see more
When I was born in 1949, my family were living in the above referenced house. Does anyone have any history on these houses, and perhaps who now owns 1?
Some of my brother's relatives lived in Dagnall Street until it was demolished in the 1950s to make way for a new council estate. Would anyone remember the Duffy/ Callaghan family who lived there? Are there any photos around of the street as it was and, perhaps, some of the people who lived there? Crossing my fingers. Thank you.
I remember being taken to see Christmas panto at the Odeon with mum and dad and Herman's Hermits were one of the acts, also getting up on stage with other kids to get Cadbury's Roses from compere Norman Vaughan, must have been late sixties I guess.
I remember working at the Llwynderw Annexe in Blackpill as a Pre Nurse in 1970 it was a very dark and cold place. I had to sleep upstairs which was really spooky it felt very uncomfortable. I remember Sister Parry and there was another Sister in charge I can't remember her name it might have been Jenkins. They were not very nice to work with. Back then my name was Tina Dodd.
My memory. Is my family and friends meeting up there seeing Aunty Joyce behind the bar. Everyone was Happy to see each other. Paper straws. Never. Lol. Mam playing bingo would buy me pop and crisps. Then thwack me for making a noise. She missed a number lol. Dad. Always Always laughing. Miss it All. ❣️😞
Going through some old photos with my partner recently, I found two family photos, taken in the early 50s (no exact date) of Lansallos Street and 'The Fish Quay' and in the photos (taken on a 'Brownie' no doubt!), there was the hull of what I believe to be an ex-WW2 'British Power Boat Company', Motor Gun Boat or Motor Torpedo Boat (or possibly an ex-RAF ...see more
does anyone remember Howard's bakery at the bottom of tillery st. It was run by Jack (my dad) George and Frances. My name is John Howard and I left home in 1962 to join the Royal Air Force.
Anyway I would like to hear from anyone who knew me all those many many years ago
Does anyone remember the mini-skirted art teacher, Sue Bennett and her huge mural from found china and glass?
Did anyone on this site go to this prep school. I was there in the late 1950's... Would live to hear from you.
Anne (Boden) as was.
I was wondering if anyone has any old picture of Hope Hall Sunday School, it was "set back" off the A41, Little Sutton, more at the "top end" of Little Sutton, on the left hand side. Also could anyone tell me more about the Sunday School, how old it it? Who built it etc, , many thanks Valerie
One year I arrived early the day befor the camp was due to open.With nothing much to do I gave Joan I think that was her name .She was to be in charge of the camp .That night we all went to the pun in Wisbech .When there Joan offered a job in kitchen.I thanked her and said that I would rather work in the field .There was also an italian boy with us who was then offered the same position which he exceped .I ...see more
The park cannot have been built long in this photo - our house at the north eastern end of the park was built in 1904 and was bought by the station master of Ulverston at the time. we moved there in 1968 and as we had no garden to speak of the 'Park' was our garden and many a happy hour we spent there. We could squeeze through a gap in the railings and played from morning to sunset when 'Parky' came to lock up ...see more
I am interested about a children's convalescent home called, 'Birds Nest and Grange House, 41 Brunswick Square, Herne Bay, Kent.
In about 1958/59 as an 8 or 9 year old, my 10 year old sister, (May) and I were sent from London to a seaside convalescent home after recovering from an operation. Over the years my memory has become somewhat hazy as to where the convalescent home was ...see more
I will never forget the day when I and my friends met Ralph Mayo who came to our school Abbey Road to see if any of us wanted to join his gymnastics club, we were nine at the time and I think my best friend then was Carole Neale. My life changed on that day and I went on to represent Great Britain in gymnastics. My mum was always my constant support. I left Aylesbury to get married in 1973 and sadly my mum ...see more
In 1950,s my father Jack Hilli. Used to load salt from Droitwich Worcs He was a driver for Marsh and Baxter Brierley Hill Staffs owners of Harris He had an ETC and trailer and Ipswich was a long way no motor says legal speed limit of over 3tons was 20mph never saw him when kids have photos Bob Hill
When'd to Fornethie house 1976 I was made to stand in corridor for 5 hours in my underwear it was freezing I was slapped kicked the cruelty they inflicted needs to be told.
I spent a short time there in the 60s I cant remember the exact dates but maybe I could work it out .
I was sent there from Seacroft hospital in Leeds, after having suspected rheumatic fever. It may be possible to get the exact dates from discharge papers from the hospital records?
It was horrendous, and at 63 years old am still scarred by the experience.
The food was horrendous and pretty much inedible. If ...see more
Dreghorn Drive 1970's. I live next door to Guido Bott, friends were Anita Ravenscroft, Ami Straiton, Janice McKay, matthew Fife, Sean McCoy, Christine Cummings, The Watsons ecky.
Bill was the odd job man, Barry Burns dad was the barrack warden. Vics ice cream van, fruit and veg was Clayson and Quinn. We made dens in the woods just behind Hunters Tryst pub. The Good Compaions and Ewarts paper shop was a hang ...see more
My Grandmother lived in South View. I live in Ashford Kent now, but back in the 50s when I lived in Beckenham Kent we used visit my Grandmother and Father. I many happy memories spending our two week holiday. On our visits to Scotland to see my sister and brother in law I have to visit Collingham. Of course the ravages of time has taken it's toll on the village gone is the railway cricket ground etc all in the name of ...see more
Hello. Does anyone remember Harry Green who lived at 54 Station Road, Witton and sadly passed away 16th Jan 1966,
or his friend Dennis James Preece, who I am told was a decorator.
The address 1 Western Road Birmingham is mentioned in details of Harrys passing also.
Harry was my estranged maternal Grandfather and my family would love to hear anything about his life!
Thank you.
Please email dellasutton@hotmail.com
I am guessing the year would have been 1944.... I would have been 6 and my brother would have been 5. I dont know how we were evacuated exactly...because we didnt go through the School system, we went with our Mother and our Grandmother who was also staying in Chamberlain Road ? Ilfracombe at the same time. We stayed with a family called Walden in Hele village in a 3 storey house with lots of Hydrangea bushes in ...see more
I was born in 1945 and lived in Kenton between 1948 and 1968.
I have lots of memories of Uxendon Manor primary school and Claremont County secondary school and remember quite a few of the teachers.
Gooseacre Parade were our nearest shops and memories of them are still quite clear.
My younger brother and I used to go to Woodcock Park which was quite close for the swings
roundabout and seesaw which I have many happy memories of
Vic Hall
After the war, the cafe was owned by Mr Frank W & Mrs Cecile Gunston, I know this because I married their daughter Margaret. It was the Gunstons that gave the cafe its name.
My dad returned from the war in 1946. My mother and I were living in Eltham with my grandparents and her brothers and sister. It was pretty crowded. We moved into the prefabs on Kidbrooke Way shortly after and my sister was born in 1947. We all loved it. They were not large but there were only 4 of us and we were only about a mile from my grandparents.
I went to Ealdham Square School as there was ...see more
In the early 1950s Mining undergraduates at the University of Birmingham practised land surveying at Llanfairfechan. They lodged for most of June at Newry Cottages, now Plas Heulog. The task was to traverse the area south of Newry to where Afon Llanfairfechan is formed by the confluence of three smaller streams. Teams of three lugged theodolites and notebooks along the lanes and over the hills for at least ...see more
I was born in Westow Croft in 1953 which I believe was a mother and baby home then. I was adopted and until I was in my 30’s had no idea of where I was from or any information about my biological family or the circumstances that led to my adoption.
I actually lived in York in the mid 70s and had I known would certainly have gone to see where I was born.
Times were certainly different then but I strongly believe that ...see more
My parents used to rent a couple of weeks in a flat on (I think) Atlantic Terrace. I vaguely recall that a Mrs Rudge owned the property - although I may have that wrong as it is such a long time ago. My memories are of lovely sunny days on the beach wielding a bucket and spade along with my big brother. Being keen swimmers we went body surfing with our father, who taught us how to catch the waves.
We lived in ...see more
I remember going to ingys to buy hock end of bacon for about shilling.playing on bombsite in friern rd.happy days.i remember irene plant.mrs howell.linda and jean lipman.
I started work as an engine cleaner at Old Oak in 1973. At that time steam engines were rapidly being withdrawn and replaced by diesel locomotives. Because of the filthy nature of steam locomotives and everything associated with them it was almost impossible to recruit staff to work in the engine sheds anywhere in the country .
Old Oak suffered particularly because it was in an area where lots of ...see more
Visited the settlement with others who were cone collecting for RSPB
Would be interested who lived here and when?
I was told that last occupants were called Henderson? He was a keeper with a family Children walked to Dorback School
He would travel into Nethy for a pint!
Any information would be appreciated
I was so lucky to grow up in Barnes and haven't moved far away at all. We live in Sheen now so we still spend a lot of time in Barnes.
Our family christenings, weddings and funerals were in St Mary's and I was a Brownie and attended Sunday school in Kitson Hall in the 1960s. Later, when I had my own children I would take them to playgroups in Kitson Hall and then on to feed the ducks. No doubt I will be doing the ...see more
I was at the school 77 I think possibly 78. I remember trying to run away a couple of times & also being mortified at having to stand naked in a queue while we were ‘bathed’ 2 at a time in a small room, & being washed.we weren’t allowed to wash ourselves.Your letters home were read & ripped up if you didn’t write about what a great time you were having. Being made attend church on ...see more
i left school in 1961 and still remember most of the teachers, does anyone remember the school tuck shop which I helped to run, good memories, happy days. I still remember most of my class mates does anyone remember me?
We moved in to our new house in Rosemary Avenue in 1938. We had a Triumph car and my father built a garage of timber and asbestos sheets and laid concrete runways for it (they're still there). I started school in 1939 at the infant school in Down Street. One of our neighbours had a daughter Shirley, the same age as me and we went to school together. When the Blitz first started in 1940 we couldn't ...see more
I was born in Purley in 1953, at No 3 The Short -- off Colyton Way
13 Colyton Way was my grandparents' address, changed at some point to No 15, The grocery store was next door.
My grandfather introduced me to fishing and I spent my very young years fishing along the stretch from Mapledurham Lock going back to Riverside Gardens.
Fantastic to see these old photos -- it's still very clear in my memory.
I was at Sir Freds until about 1953,'Rocky' Lane was the art teacher,later renamed Frankie I think,he was an ex circus strongman even though he wasn't very tall,at the school concert he would bend an iron railing into a U shape and drive a 6' nail through a block of wood.He told us in the circus he'd lift circus ponies on a steel girder using shoulder strength only.Needless to say we didn't play up in his class
My father was a Constable in the Metropolitan Police and in 1937 he transferred from central London to East Molesey. He bought a house in Rosemary Avenue but we had to move to Molesey before it was ready, so we rented a house in Island Farm Road. The first morning my mother woke up and saw a bed bug on the sheet. My father got on his bicycle, rushed to the telephone box and phoned the council. He got ...see more
My great great grandmother's younger sister, Jessie Davenport was a children's cottage maid there - bit of a long shot but I'd love to hear if anyone remembers her or recognizes the name! She was there from the 1930s onwards I believe
Hello, my mother was born in Battersea in 1920. I know she was living in Duffield Street in 1939 but it does not appear to exist on modern maps and I wonder if anybody could tell me where it was in regard to current roads. Many thanks. Sue
I started here in 1971, we were in the technology block, Windsor house. I remember in the 3rd year my form teacher Mr Phillips ran away with one of the pupils and it made the Sunday papers. Mr Webb then took over. I left in 1977 and joined the Army and travelled the world. I have many fond memories of Corby. I had a different name back then that everyone took the rise out of, I wonder if anyone ...see more
