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.
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Stories about the community, its history and people?
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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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Has it changed over the years?
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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!
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Displaying Memories 35281 - 35360 of 36828 in total
My Mum, sister and I used to go to the Savoy at least once a week, and used to walk from the Sample Shoe shop down the High Street to the Savoy, passing on the way Croydon General Hospital. Along the left hand side of this High Street was a sweet shop that sold their own sweets "home made" and they were delicious! Coconut Squares were my favourite. The shop used to smell gorgeous. I wonder if any one remembers ...see more
Aerial photo AFA77116TR: "Leiston from the Air 1959" Is a view taken looking toward the East and clearly showing the Garrett's "Bottom Works", which formed a large part of the town centre at that time. This very old facility, part of which is now preserved as a Museum, housed some of the main manufacturing facilities for the "Richard Garrett Engineering Works". Garrett's were the towns main employers and were ...see more
When I was stationed at Catterick in the RAF regiment, 1966 to 1971 we used to walk down to the lovely village and go for a drink at the Oak Tree pub. Then on the way back to camp would stop just past the Bay Horse pub and call in the chippy. Lovely. Have been back to see the village in 1976, 1985 and 2006 2008. Will call again sometime. Anyone who comes from Catterick or who has a love for the place please get in touch. keethyboy@aol.com or 07919927546
It was so good to see the photos, the memories came flooding back. When I was a child I too used to go for walks on the downs and into Kenley. I lived in Derwent Drive near what was then called Riddlesdown Secondary Modern School. The shops we used to go to at Riddlesdown. My mother would send us there every Saturday to buy 2 loaves of bread. Then when I was older I worked in the hairdressers called ...see more
The Tea Rooms are charming and re thatching has taken place (every 10 years), the food served by the charming lady was superb and affordable. I glanced into the lovers nook and it is very cosy, afterwards a pleasant walk around Shearwater which is but a few yards out of the front door. Food for the soul and eye !! Warminster Community Website ( www.warminster-forum.co.uk )
This photo was taken from a spot very close to Vyrnwy House where my great Aunt Winifred Morris used to live. Broniarth Hill is behind the photographer. I used to visit her quite often in the 50's, usually on a Sunday when my father and I used to catch a fishermans coach from Liverpool to the village. In those days she had no electricity and water was obtained from a pump in the yard. The garden had a beautiful ...see more
I used to have holidays in Graffham with my Great-Aunt, Lottie Bridger. We loved climbing the hill; collecting eggs from the chickens and even the adventure of visiting the outside toilet. My family lived in Graffham, going right back to the 1500s, and I still have a wonderful feeling when I visit the village. My aunt had no running water, except in the wash house outside, where ...see more
I lived in Plymouth at the time and our family spent two or three holidays in the village of Darite, the years would be around 1951-3. My father would organise a cricket game in the field where the Quoit stands, we would play three or four times a week and a lot of the local lads would join in. My mother would sit beneath on the base stones and do her knitting. Although it's over 50 years ago my sisters and I have many happy memories of this area.
Dose anyone know the History of the The Crown Inn
In 1851 my Grandfather had a sixty acre farm at 109 Finkle Street in Thorne. His name was also Richard and his wife's name was Harriet. Is there anyone in Thorne that could share any information with me about the Watson family in Thorne. The earliest Watson I have found in Thorne in my family line was John Watson, born about 1740, and married Ann Glew about 1770 in Thorne.
Podburys Cottage was my Grandfathers cottage. (William Cooper). It was then named Ginko Cottage. My grandfather was a gardener at Harpford House and I believe that this was a "Tied" cottage. I personally lived in Ginko cottage from birth in 1940 to my grandfathers death in 1946.
I lived in Kingskerswell as a young child and emigrated to Australia in 1986. I was 10yrs. I missed it dearly and have fond memories although I forget the names of streets etc. I went to the local Primary school both old and new. I played conkers with my friends where the trees were opposite the church on bonfire night. We had days off school when it snowed heavily and tobogganed down my street (Park Rd) on my ...see more
I remember seeing this tree in St. Mary's churchyard. It was growing out of a grave, and the story was that the tree was growing out of the buried person's body.
For more information on the men from Ewhurst who served and fell or returned from the First World War, details can be found at www.ewhurstfallen.co.uk. "The number of volunteers from Ewhurst and Ellen's Green was 'second to none'. The memorials show the price they paid" Walter Stemp, one of the village's veterans.
Our stay with Dot and Bob, very close to this Crondall Church. We were there on the 'Fair Day'.
I can remember going up onto Southwick Hill with my son Gary and his friend Ben the day before the opening of the Brighton bypass. I told them that it would never again be as quiet as it was now!! Dave Smith.
I was born in Mountain Ash, my nan was Mrs Florence Huntley of 74 Penrhiwceiber Road. My parents are Violet Huntley and Les Jones, we used to live in Harcourt Terrace, Penrhiwceiber. I spent all my holidays with my nan as we now live in the Midlands and even to this day I miss the people and the place. My nan cleaned the school, she lived next to curtis greengrocery shop. I remember Willises shop and the ...see more
I remember as a young girl going to visit my grandparents house in Monega Road, Manor Park. They lived in a three-up, two-down with a funny type coal shed under the stairs! I can remember walking down the tree-lined street with my grandad, I must have been about 3 or 4 and he knew everyone he saw in the street. They lived a few doors away from the Monega Road School, which both my Mum and Uncle went ...see more
My dad worked in the Hotel Continental around 1973/74. He met my mother there and he has told me many stories about this beautiful hotel. He visited again recently and by all accounts it is in a very sorry state. That is why it is so nice to find this fantastic picture of the place. By all accounts, the large conservatory was the dining room. If anyone has any memories of the Hotel Continental then I would be grateful if they would post them here.
After the war in 1946 my father, a sergeant in the MPSC, was transfered to Darland camp in Gillingham but as there were no married quarters available there we, as a family, were billeted in the Coastguards quarters on the Isle of Grain. These were a row of houses with a bedroom in the attic from which we could see across the Medway to the Isle of Sheppy. I went to the village school briefly for a year, and was ...see more
The building on the right-hand side of the photo in the foreground is in fact the wall of the garage which belonged to Treasury Farm, my home for many years. Many a time I was in the forge with my ponies getting them reshod ... to think this is how it looked just one year before I moved there.
Street still looks much the same today. Photo is from early 60's though. Ford Anglia (centre left) didn't come out 'til Sept 59. 63 - 65 I'd say. "Charlie Hills" bus in the Circle is also 60's as is, I believe, The "Red and White" Bus pulling out of the Circle
We used to go on holidays almost every year to Littlehampton, so far as I can remember. We took the train there. Then we walked - lugging our suitcases. There was a butcher's shop on the way and it had a little statue of a pig outside. We always looked out for "Wally Pig" as we called it. We stayed at a boarding house - Mrs Wyatt's at 34 Pier Road. So far as I can remember I shared a bed with one of my ...see more
My first husband, David Beames, and I, moved into Eynesbury House in July, 1968, and our first son, Andrew, was born at Mill Road Hospital, Cambridge, a few weeks later. William was born in 1971, also at Mill Road. Both boys went to St. Mary's Primary School, Eynesbury. (They are now both married and living in America. I have two lovely grand-daughters, Mary and Catherine (Andy's children). Will married a nice ...see more
When I lived in Purley, there weren't many stores. I can remember when Sainsbury's opened across from Purley Fountain. There was a toy shop in the High Street called Morgan's. I stole a whistle from there when I was not very old. I can remember it to this day. It was yellow plastic with one of those pea things in that made the whistling noice. I must have taken it home but I was soon on my way back to ...see more
I went to Whyteleafe Grammar school. At the time it was an all girls grammar school. We used to go on a coach to swim at Reedham Orphanage. I didn't know how to swim and I can remember to this day, telling Miss Edwards, the phys ed. teacher who was very strict, that I had read in a book that if you put your shoulders under the water, you would be able to swim and I asked if this was true! She said ...see more
I was born in Skelmersdale in 1958 to Wilfred Conder and Freada Price. I moved to Newcastle in 1960. My mum used to take me there for my holidays. Her parents lived on Hollands Lane in a cottage. I have not been back since 1980 for an unsuccesful attempt to visit my aunty and cousins. They lived by Skelmersdale football ground, although it is gone now.
We lived in Dale Road, right near the bottom of Downscourt Road and we spent a lot of time on Riddlesdown because it was near to where we lived. When we got a bit older, we used to walk along the downs towards Kenley or maybe even further along where there was a railway crossing. We used to get pennies and put them on the rails and wait for a train to come along and squash them. That was in the days ...see more
Does anyone have any photos of Freeks Lane, or Freaks Lane as it used to be? - Thank you.
My wife's maiden name is Gigney and I know the family had busineses in Wickford and Stanford le Hope. Can anyone supply more details? - one was a saddlers and general store. Do any photos exist of these shops? Indeed can anyone advise if they still stand or where exactly they were?
I remember well the Saturday Night Dances at the Bluecap Hotel in the 50's & 60's, now pulled down. The Bull's Head was more up-market. I lived at St Dominick and remember the Cattle Market. I was going to Callington Grammer School when King George V1 and family came to open the Royal Cornwall Show at Callington we all had the day off to go to the Show. There was a Youth Club where we played table tennis etc. and learnt to dance. I have nothing but fond memories of Callington.
When I left school in 1962 me and my pal Chris Marks used to go to the Lyndale over Burton's tailors. We saw some great acts - Herman and the Hermits, Rockin Berries, loads of local groups that didn't make it, Brian Page and the Chapters..Stylos, and lots of others. Then we graduated to the Jungfrau in Manchester where you could dance the night away without the need for alcohol - it was coffee (frothy) and coca cola ...see more
I was born in and grew up in Salford. My dad had a pub "The Farriers Arms" off Bury Street, and before that my dad was caretaker of Ladywell flats. We lived in Flint House, the blocks were alphabetically named, Albion, Barry, Corby, Danby, Easton, Flint and Goole. Afacing the flats was a quarry where we used to play and a shop called Stories. When we moved to the pub in the early 50s things were so different than ...see more
I was born in the "White Horse" on 7th October 1937. Mrs Woolard helped in the pub and looked after me when my Mum and Dad were busy. Mrs Woolard and her husband Alf lived on the other side of the Green. There were lots of her relatives in the village and everyone was very friendly. We moved to Hare Street, Great Parndon in the early 1940's and I started at Great Parndon Primary School which was near to St. ...see more
My father's family was from Northleach going back to at least 1795. In 2006 I finally was able to visit the town. My Great Grandfather, Herbert Charles Earle was organist and choirmaster at St. Peter and St. Paul for fifty years until his death in 1949. He was, like his father and grandfather, a carpenter. His wife Annie Dance was schoolmistress at Hampnett nearby. Their son William Herbert Earle died at Arras, ...see more
Hi Martin, It was in fact Peter Frampton who lived there at number 12. His dad was the head of the art department at Ravenswood School for Boys (then Bromley Technical High), and I went to school at Pickhurst Primary with his younger brother Clive. I was in Peter's bedroom one day and saw his electric guitar hanging on the wall, must have been before he got famous though because I was about 10, so it was about 1965/66.
Hello everybody! I am Graham Cross - I used to work in the record shop 'RHYTHM Agencies' of Redhill (1961- 68, I started at 16 yrs old) as a musical instrument repairer and l also served in the radio & TV department whilst helping out in the downstairs Record part, more towards the end of the decade. I was the tall one, dark brown hair - towards the end I had a gingery beard - and sometimes ...see more
I believe my Great Grandfather owned or ran a shop or shops in the Pantiles. I would be pleased for any photos or memories that anyone has. my email is alan@flower-studio.com
I was born in 1949 at home in West Wycombe Road and lived in the area until 1969. My family owned one of the two Corn & Seed Merchants businesses called Jones and Rivett Limited in Oxford Street and Dovecote Mill on the Dovecote Lane. I went to school at West Wycombe Primary and Wycombe Technical High School in Easton Street and then worked in my family business from 1965 until I left home to ...see more
I will always consider myself fortunate to have been born in West Wycombe as it presented the ideal place for people growing up in the 50's and 60's. The village was a dream location and the school even better with a super set of friends and teachers well managed by Mr. Holdbrook the Head. We enjoyed one of the best playgrounds on The Hill that anyone could have wished for. The Summers seemed long ...see more
Despite its northerly location The Broch was the Summer Holiday destination for our family from my birth in 1949. My mother had been born there in Grattan Place where the Scottish side of the family had originated. They were called Summers and were deeply connected to the Fishing Industry with my Grandfather managing the George Walker business for many years. Fraserburgh was such a change from ...see more
This photo is of the temporary classrooms and main building of Weyford Junior School where I was a pupil from 1964 to 1969.
I was born in Canada, but grew up in Pulborough as did my mother and uncle, Maureen and Frank Darby. When I knew we were returning to Canada, a place I didn't remember, it broke my heart, and I vowed never to forget the people and sights of Pulborough. My Grandparents are buried in the cemetery at St Mary's, and I have a brass rubbing from the church. The baptismal jug was donated by the family. I was home last October for ...see more
My husband was stationed here in WWII, and married a girl from Bulford. They divorced but the family ties are strong. We met the first wife's family and had a wonderful time. Also the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Vets had a great time revisiting and reminiscing.
I was born in Ventnor and although I have lived in Kent for many years Ventnor will always be "My home".
I know the picture very well, as I have a copy of this on my wall. My mother purchased this copy about 20 years ago and I brought it back to Australia with me on my father's death. He had been Group Chief Confectioner/Director at Trebor sweet company. The reason this photo is of so much interest to the family is that my mum, grandma and me are in the picture! I'm the little girl holding a bunch of flowers! ...see more
This view is little different from the one seen by Whitethorn Morris at the Sidmouth International Folk Festival on several occasions in the 1980's. We danced and I played my accordian for the Whitethorn Band on the prom and in "The Arena". On the last Friday night of the festival we danced our way through the town in a torchlight procession and extinguished our flaming torches in the sea. ...see more
Does any one know if you can still by the book of Gilfach Goch (Gilfach Goch in cameo)? Thanks, Alan Thomas.
In about 1967 my mother and father moved to this lodge after selling the Corner Store in Child Okeford. It belonged to Hanford School. It was sad to return a few years ago to find it had burned to the ground. Opposite was one of many tracks leading to Hambledon Hill, my Father used it most days to walk his dog Gladys, if he could not go she took herself! About half a mile further along the road to Steepleton ...see more
Not a memory just interested as you can see my name is Beckington !!!
October 1st 1983 - we became Mr & Mrs Oliver in here
In February 2007 I was able to revisit Combpyne church. I looked at the little St Francis carving in the chancel, and saw that the carving had suffered somewhat from woodworm. Also, I noted that my note, that I had scrawled on a card a few years earlier, was still there; but that I had incorrectly stated that my father had carved it. It should read that a tramp had carved it, and given it to ...see more
I was born in Spring Hill nursing home in 1933, corner of Hill Lane and Howard Road, and I used to take short cuts via the bomb site on the way to school, sometimes I would find a coin or two. We lived near the Dell football ground and all Dad's friends would park their cars in our front garden while they went to the match. We could hear the roar of the crowd and after the match Dad would invite his mates in for ...see more
this was the start of being in out of hospitals
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is of great interest for me, as many of my ancestors lived there. I was able to visit St. Bartholomew's Church and discover the gravestone of the Harbottle family, one of whom was my great great grandfather. It made rather sad reading as many died so very young.
I was born in Rettendon in 1938. My father (Ernest James Hazell) and mother ( Ellen Wiseman) were both born in the village as were my maternal grandmother and great grandmother. As a child I remember watching aircraft flying home from bombing raids in Germany with holes in and engines smoking. I remember the V2 that fell in the village and the incendiary raids on Rettendon Place farm that caused the haystacks to ...see more
The clock tower has two dates on it - one from the original building, and one from when it was restored. Apparently the village council sold the clock to a visiting Australian who wanted to take it back to his country. The villagers were outraged, dismantled the clock overnight, and hid it in a local field for twenty years until they were sure it was safe. Ealing comedy via Cornwall! I lived in the house in the photo, so the clock is very dear to my heart.
I spent holidays in this magical place as a boy, staying year after year with my beloved aunt and uncle and my two cousins. It was a vibrant and exciting English village that buzzed and thronged with life and activity. I watched each dawn from my bedroom window as the village street and the busy post office slowly came to life. I ran the lanes and glorious fields with my cousins and our friends ...see more
I was born at Harp Road Garage, the eldest of 4 boys. I was educated at boarding schools and played cricket for South Petherton. My grandparents and great grandparents owned the original Wheatsheaf Inn opposite the Blake Hall. My grandmother left the Wheatsheaf to live in The Little Thatch, St James Street. My father, Ernie Giles, was born in 1901 and died in 2003 at Hayes End, having lived all his life in South Petherton.
This photo brings back many happy memories of Meifod in the 1950's when I used to go on holidays there with my family. The white building in the centre was the bank and the photo was taken outside the Lion Inn where my grandfather used to go for his pint. Next to the bank is Liverpool House where we used to stay with Mrs Edwards and on the opposite side of the road, on the corner, was the Post Office. The only ...see more
I lived in East Runton as a child somewhere around 1960 and I have a couple of memories. More than likely they are for my own purpose but here goes. I used to play in the white pillbox that was up on the cliff edge. When I went back in 1992 it had fallen down to the beach by then and I really wanted to play in it again. Also in the center of the village there was a little pond. I fell in one time and it ...see more
I have been told some information about the Jamaica Planter which was sunk off the Port of Barry, but cannot remember all the details. Is anyone able to help me? My father-in-law was aboard her on the two occasions she came in to the Port to be repaired. He was discharged from her company before she was holed the third time, thus surviving to marry and father five children, four of whom survive him! Sincerely, Caroline Scott.
My Great-grandfather, Edward Stanley Carpenter, was in the ROC during WW2. He did not fight as he had emphysemia and pneomoconiosis from the mines, but he used to lecture his colleagues on plane-spotting to inform the relevant people of all aircraft movement in their area. After the War, he joined the RNVR and eventually became a Lieutenant Commander, a rank he took with him to the Sea Scouts at TS Cossack in Barry. Sincerely, Caroline Scott.
My Grandfather, Clifford Taylor, was a Civil Servant at RAF St. Athan during the Second World War. He could not join the Forces at all because he had club feet and was rejected at his Call Up Board. He used to be involved with giving out the uniforms, as well as other duties, which obviously changed when Peace broke out in 1945. Grampy had a fantastic sense of humour and would sometimes be allowed to bring one or two of ...see more
Does anybody remember my Great-grandfather on my Father's sdie of the family, Police Inspector William Hole? He had a few children, one being my grandfather Walter Trevor Hole, another being Police Sergeant Harry Hole. I know William Hole was in the Tonypandy Riots as a Policeman and Harry Hole was a Policeman in Tonypandy sometime after 1935, as my father remembers him. I would be greatful for any memories people are prepared to share with me. Sincerely, Caroline Scott.
My Great-great-grandmother on my Mother's side of the family was a cousin to William 'Mabon' Abraham, the miners' leader and first President of 'The Fed'. I was wondering if there was any way anyone out there reading this may be able to help me fill in some of the blank spaces in my Faniky History, please? Or perhaps point me to a local Society in Cwmafon/Llanfabon where I may find what I am looking for? My mother ...see more
My parents lived at Sprotborough and were great motorcycle and sidecar enthusiasts although by 1968, the Triumph Speed Twin and sidecar had given way to a Morris Minor, later to be replaced with a Triumph Herald. On Friday or Saturday evenings their favourite outing would be to Bawtry. Parking in the Market Place as in this photograph, they would simply sit and watch the huge variety of traffic ...see more
I was brought up in Tennyson Avenue off Sprotborough Road and at weekends in the Summer would cycle 20 or so miles all around south Yorkshire. If on the way to Conisbrough, Barnbrough or the River Don we would pass the Ivanhoe Hotel which, to a 14 year old in 1950 looked to be a very grand place indeed. If a cricket match was taking place on the large field at the back of the hotel we would often ...see more
This may not be relevant to many people or even to this photograph, but Laura Torn, sadly, brutally murdered, a resident of Owston Ferry, was a good friend to many. My main memory of Laura is biking down the village to the shop with her. She was a great girl, fantastic friend and super sister. RIP Laura - you will never be forgotten nor will our time in Owston Ferry as kids, playing on the reck, camping out, and ...see more
I lived in Erbistock till the age of 20, that was in 1981 when I emigrated to Australia. My mum still lives there, my dad passed away a couple of years ago, he was born in Erbistock and lived down Groves Lane for nearly 70 years. I remember the peace and quiet, the harvest times driving the tractor and helping milk the cows. My grandmother lived in the council houses, where my uncle still resides. I use to attend ...see more
This picture looks as if it is looking down the street with the church on the right hand side. The Post Office in 1940 was opposite the entrance to the churchyard. Every Saturday morning I would run to the Post Office through the churchyard to receive my weekly packet of sweets and comics that my mother would send to me from London. I would then run back to the Severals and lie in the field opposite the ...see more
This is not a memory as such, however I have been researching my husband's family tree. When speaking to elderly family members I have found that his grandmother's family, the Thorogoods, come from Shalford. I would like to know if there are any Thorogoods still in Shalford. We can't wait to find out more about your village and discover my husband's roots.
In 1962 I was in Cledwyn Evan's class at the primary school. In the Summer terms Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother used to visit King Edward's School in Witley, and Mr. Evans led his class to the roundabout to see her go by. He was enthusiastically ragged about it by the other teachers! We all stood just by the walnut tree on the left of the picture. We waited, but not for long. The Rolls-Royce came whispering ...see more
This is Church Road, 200 yards north of the church, not Haslemere Road. The building on the left of the photo is now a club. In the 1950's we children used to call it "The Wobbly Man's Club".
This picture is of Mousehill Green, Milford. You haven't a title for the picture, so I thought I'd let you know. I remember it from 1953 onwards, but this picture obviously predates that. The green was often used for fairgrounds. The shop by the road was the Delicatessen, now a craft shop I think, not sure though.
Many of my 'Huxley' ancestors were 'hatched, matched and dispatched' here. A most beautiful church in a very special place. Well worth a visit.
Now a busy crossroads controlled by traffic lights and with a Tesco garage/shop on the near right hand corner. Whilst many of the shop-fronts have changed the upper half of many look just the same.
A new housing estate, Chawn Park, was just being built on this field when I came to live nearby in 1970. The spire on St. Mary's Church has long since gone.
This would have been an everyday sight for my ancestors who worked in the paper mill at Hendon and for the NE Railway.
On the right was the Baker's shop. On the left the bus took you into Gravesend town. At the top of the hill was the crossroads known as Pelham Arm's where I once fell off my new bike on the way home from school!
