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 12481 - 12560 of 36828 in total
My parents, Bill and Jill Oliver met at Mountview theatre club in the 1950s and married in 1955. Their first home was a rented flat at 45 Ridge Road in Hornsey and both I and my sister Judy were born while they lived there with their cat Sylvester. Our back garden backed on to Stationers School and we had a great time playing in that garden where my dad put a swing up for us. I remember ...see more
As a child growing up in Bath, I remember walking across this bridge with my parents and being taken into the shop to meet my uncle Harry Langer who made us very welcome. I remember the smell of leather and the interesting goods for sale. His son Brian Langer, now living in Basingstoke, still keeps in touch with my 93 year old mother and we exchange Christmas cards.
My father was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Surrey Constabulary. We were moved from Coldharbour in Surrey to the police house in Bagshot. My father is Eric Shields and was the police Sergeant for Bagshot, Windlesham and Lightwater until his retirement in 1979. We lived in the police house (on the left side of the building) for a few years before moving to Millfield in Bagshot.
I was pleased ...see more
We moved to Lewisham in 1939 to 18 Crathorn Street which sadly is no longer there. Can remember vividly the war and having to walk the streets one night - my mum pushing my little sister in a pram - shelters all full. We had to leave because incendiaries bombs were dropped on a building at the top of the turning, had to be hosed out by firemen. Someone mentioned the Gaumont cinema, well during the war the home ...see more
In the row of cottages on Pill Creek mentioned by Malcolm Macmeikan lived "old Searle" who built small boats in a shed on the quay on the opposite side of the creek. At age 11 or 12, I painted one of them, a rowing boat called Iris, but when painting under the seat got my hair caught in the wet paint. A visit to the barber in Truro put it right. Iris belonged to Mrs Sheers, grandmother of Owen Sheers the ...see more
I started there in 1949, William (Billy) Bourne was Headmaster, a large portly man. Some of the other teachers names I remember were, Hooper, Griffiths, Stone, Houghton, Gibbs. Mr Gibbs took us for gardening & we had to walk up the Malvern Rd to gardens in Pitmaston Park. I left Chrissies in 1951 having passed to go to the Worcester Technical High School.
August 2013
I visited Shaldon with my family as we are staying nearby for a week. We were hoping to see the childhood home of my late father which he always referred to as Platway.
I spoke to a lovely lady in tourist information wondering if she had ever heard of it and she immediately produced a local map with Platway House marked on it and said it still existed but is quite derelict and may be demolished in ...see more
Hi there,
Anyone out there who went to the Sec Mod from 1964 to 1970. I was in 1A1, etc all the way through the GCE classes. I was also Head Boy in 1969-70 (not much choice I know).
Does anyone also remember the Christmas plays - my last role was Bill Sykes in Oliver and had a great time in other pantomimes in previous years.
We had some great characters in the year - Richard Houghton, Kevin ...see more
I lived in Stakes Hill Road between 1957 and 1970. I used to play with Tamblyn Thornton who Lived in South Africa Lodge and Alex Robertson who lived in the flint cottage in front of South Africa Lodge.
Our house was No 54 opposite the farm and as a kid I used to walk with farmer Smith when he walked the cows over the London Road to the fields in Hambledon Road.
Two brothers used to switch the road gas ...see more
Used to love going on holiday to Salford, yes, Salford as far I was concerned it was the greatest place ever when I was a nipper. My dad was a Salford lad born and bred, my gran stayed at number 6 Derby Street, first house on the right coming off Regent Road. My dad moved to Scotland in 1948 when he married my mum but a Salford lad he was and proud of it. My gran's house was opposite the baths, which although ...see more
Although I want to come back and add more odds and ends (and I will do), I had a message from someone I don't know, and in my reply rambled a little. It might be of interest..... The message was: "Are you thinking of Lynwen Rees and her brother Elwyn?" and my reply: Hi ******, Yes, thank you! I didn't know them well but I remember so many people, then a name will slip round the ...see more
We moved to 30 Dean Road in 1948 and I went to St Andrews school then onto Dudden Hill Secondry Modern School. Our flat had a side entrance which came out onto Grove Road. We also used to play out in the road with my 2 brothers Ron and Colin. I joined the Boys Brigade at Huddlestone Road then later I joined the 1906 Squadron ATC in Neasden. In 1954 I went into the RAF and trained as a photographer and then was posted to ...see more
I do not have memories here, but my Great and Great Great Grandparents are from Yorkshire. I have a photo of my Gr Gr Grandmother, Mary Salton, wife of Fletcher Salton. The photo is of her tomb stone. On the back it says taken in Yorkshire in 1893. She was born in Quebec, Canada in 1824, died 1893. Fletcher Salton was born 1823-1899. Samuel Salton, my Gr Grandfather born West Hartlepool in 1848 died in London, Canada in 1934 were I lived my whole life.
I was born in Hope Hospital in 1946 and lived at number 2 Arm Street, Salford 7. I went to Grecian Street school and every Sat. me and my friends used to go to the Tower picture house - it was 6p to get in and 3p for an Orange Maid lolly. After that we would all go to Albert Park to play on the swings. As a treat my dad would take me and my mum to the Priary pub, I loved it there. Oh happy days.....
My mother is now 91 and attended Bacton school from 1927 to 1936. Her name was Marjorie Finbow and she remembers Walter Finbow, Frank Talbot, Mervyn Gull, Phyllis and Elsie Kilby, Kathy Reeve, Sylvia Blake. Does anyone know anything about people and if they are still around. She talks a lot about the past and would love to hear any news.
My family moved to Great Dunnmow 1959/1960 from West Yorkshire. We lived on the High Street in a large red brick house that used to be, then a hotel. We lived downstairs (then called Janet Taylor) and my cousins lived upstairs (Simpson). We went to the local primary school, which was a few minutes from Doctor's Pond. The pond froze up every winter, the ice would be several inches thick and deemed ...see more
I was born in Jersey Road in 1960. Just around the corner, my nan used to own a grocery shop in Devonshire Road called Smiths. I had loads of good times there as a young boy. There was also a chip shop very near but I can't remember the name of it. I was sometimes treated to a bottle of coke at the Nottingham Arms - my nan's favourite pub. She had a very good friend called Vera Cooper, a lovely, very ...see more
Does anyone remember the elephants walking from Crayford Station along Crayford Way to the circus at Slade Green.
Any memories of a Terry Barnett.
My christening, three months old, with my two older sisters we were all christened here, and we also went to Sunday school each Sunday where my older sister took our class.
The Queens Head is where my Mum and Dad had their first date, after meeting on Burley Street, and went on to live in Burley and have six of their seven children, before moving to Surrey.
My sisters and I would spend our pocket money of 6d old money at the shop, on a Saturday, and walk past here everyday we walked to and from school.
Our Dad worked as the gardener for the Manor Hotel, and they lived at Park Lodge, on the edge of the grounds, where my two older sisters were born.
My sisters and I would walk along here on the way to school, no traffic, quiet and peaceful, lovely times.
Walking to school, looking out onto these grounds, at weekends our Dad would watch them play cricket.
Sandbank House centre left of picture.
My Granddad Harold Barns built this house and the shops next door - also owned Sandbank Holiday Camp.
Does anyone know anything about - or even remember - Mary Collingwood? She lived at "Beck Side" and was the Postmistress for a number of years. She lived with her mother Eliza until her death in 1917. Mary herself died in 1949 aged 83, unmarried, in the workhouse in Wigton.
Mary was my great-great-great-aunt - the sister of my great-great-grandmother Agnes Eliza Phoebe Collingwood (later Mitton), who sadly died at the age of 38 in 1891. Agnes is buried at St Michael's Church in Ainstable.
Hi. Does anyone have any memory of a jewellers/ watchmakers near Eccles station from 1930s to early 1950s? It was owned by (William) Arthur Witten, father of Arthur, Dot and Mary, who lived at The Park, Eccles. I married into the family and would dearly love to trace any items made by my wife's grandfather who she never met.
Who still alive remembers the several small bombs dropped on the right side of the mountain looking down the valley. The 2 larger ones dropped on the left side and the three bombs dropped in the village itself that killed a family of 3 and cut the main sewer line going down the valley.
The unexploded bomb dropped in Ynysddu which was made safe by the army and when
excavated put on trolley by ...see more
Hi, I've been trying to chat to people about the Wood St walk, my dad ran in it for quite a few years until he and my uncle were disqualified for catching a bus! It was a big occasion back then and I have no idea why or what time of year it was run. I also remember a children's fancy dress parade, I must have been about 6 - that would have been 1957. I have a photo of us all in the playground at the side of the ...see more
My memories are that my late mother and father had the public house The Crown Inn in Market Street, Norman and Elizabeth Rowe, I was eight years old. My sister got married at St.Georges Church in 1962, I was eleven and went to school at Wrockwardine Wood school and was girls only. We left when I was 13 years old and we moved Dawley Bank to another pub The Old Red Lion, and then finally to other pub The Royal Exchange, Burton Street.
Hi, I went to Collingwood in Peckham. Do you know Joan Davies, Maureen Greenwood, Janet Spry and Mrs Ann Ford, love to hear from you.
I remember the teacher well, she wore glasses and did shout and bang on the changing room door if she couldn't see our swimming costumes under the door.
I lived in Raglan Road and Wray Common was my playground! There was a little stream, lots of conker trees and one spot that was especially good for playing cricket (girls did that sort of thing in the 60s). There was a large house, I can't remember the name, by the post box at the beginning of Gatton Road, one day they were selling off the contents and my friend and I went home with loads of ...see more
Have posted this before, but can't find it ! Dad John Frederick Lumb -was born 11/03/1909 at Barkisland Hall. Several family members lived there, Ernest (father), Marmaduke (Uncle) , Frederick etc Apparently Marmaduke lost the family assets fighting a water abstraction case up to the House of Lords, and losing ! Any pre 1850'ish info ? Regards Graham Lumb
Hi, I was born & bred in Gawber. I lived in old back to back house, inbetween Church Street & Intake Lane. No electric, no bathroom, no hot water - did it bother us - did it eck! Most families were in the same boat. Most old Gawbers will remember little LES TAYLOR the David Bailey of Gawber. I wonder what happend to all the photos he took in & around Gawber - he must have took thousands over the years. I would ...see more
I lived in Brockworth and rode bus into Cheltenham each day to attend Pates, Very happy memories. Now living in Brunswick Maine,USA .
Olma Crompton (Sullivan )
My first visit to Strabane was for my honeymoon, I married Susan Lafferty and it was my first introduction to a large family. There were 8 brother and sister in laws that I had to get used to, thankfully they were all easy to get on with and made me feel at home. Over the last 57 years that I have visited Strabane I have always enjoyed myself with the family, unfortunately now all her brothers have passed ...see more
My abiding memory is of the harvest festival service when all the village children would arrive at Sunday school with fruit and veg which would be auctioned off afterwards. My father and grandfather were farmers, farming Woodburn Farm and Mill Hill Farm, so it would not be unusual for myself and brothers and sisters to turn up carrying sacks of produce which we bid for, much to the ...see more
I attended St. Joseph's College in nearby Ledsham and one day Brother Brown walked us all down to Rivacre Baths, which was absolutely freezing! Another school was visiting at the same time and offered to take us part of the way back on their double decker bus, which was welcome, but we found their kindness a bit surprising as it was a Protestant school. Life was less ecuminical in those days!
I was born in the cottage (not on the photograph) attached to the cottage to the right of the picture. I lived there until I left home in 1983. My parents lived there from 1955 until 2007.
I have very many memories of Lealholm and always like to go back and visit.
Yateley, from my researches,was a very quiet village, yet being close to Sandhurst Military Acadamy & not that far from Aldershot, was a bolt hole for the military top brass, hence some large elegant houses. One, Glebe House, in Vicarage Road, was converted into a hospital for the Military during the 40/45 war, as it had several RAF camps during that time. Having moved to Blackwater from Staines, (see my memories of ...see more
I remember being a young whippersnapper in the good old Kippers Junction and the man who lived on the end of the street was named Joe Bigs. But he was always smoking about 20 snouts at 1 time. So we used to call him Old Smokey Joe - he didn't like the name but no wonder we called him it.
Kick the can, blocky, true dare, will, force, cant tell,or promise, I think it went something like that. I can't remember the game but we used a word 'skinch' that meant you where neutural or something like that. I was talking to my old friend Greg about our younger days and he said to me, you know all the things we did as kids we never were that far from home, and I thought about what Greg said and he was right - but ...see more
As a boarder at Danes Hill School in the 60s I well remember a strange pudding we were served, the unlikely combination of Weetabix, prunes and custard which I hated! Prune stones were saved and on Sundays we were all given an old-fashioned thruppenny coin for the collection. This we saved, the prune stones went into the collection box!
On Sunday afternoons we were all taken onto Oxshott Heath, dressed in football ...see more
In the mid 50s my grandparents moved from Bedwas S Wales on retiring from the local colliery. He chose Arlesey and moved in next door to his sister, Olwen, on Station Rd no 21. I also had another great aunt, Beatrice, she lived over the line and down the lane and had about 200 chickens and some pigs. I loved the smell of the hot mash but didn't like searching for eggs in the field between the lane and the river. Aunty ...see more
Hello, I was born in Greenford Road in 1951 and moved to Rochester Dwellings in 1954 on N block with mam and dad, twin sister Doreen and brother John. I had great mates, Dennis Lancaster, Geordie Robertson, Ginger Kennedy, Jimmy Glendening, Geordie Cockburn. I've lost touch with all of them. I would like anyone who knew me, i would be glad if they would get in touch - name Tom Elliott my email thomas-elliott2@sky.com cheers
I am trying to find out infomation about Stanley H Davies. He was the owner of Stanley H Davies Motor Engineers in the 1950s in Harborne Lane. I believe he lived on Harborne Lane next to a pub and was possibly married to a woman called Margaret who he had 2 children with. His father was Arthur and his sister Betty (Elizabeth).
On leaving school, at fourteen years of age, I received basic training at a wartime school established by Captain O M Watts, of the well known ship chanderly firm. The school was based at Old Bursledon and its main function was to train army officers of the War Department fleet in seamanship, navigation and stevedoring. The army officers were accommodated in large houses in the village. The waterborne side of the ...see more
My mum and uncle, Eva and Arthur Hadfield, and grandad Robert Hadfield, lived on the left when the riding school was a poultry farm. It would be 100 yrs ago, maybe longer. They used to tell me about a shop on the right owned by Pickstons where she got her sweets from. Mum talked a lot of Windlehurst memories.
Dad (John Frederick Lumb) was born there 1909, and the Hall features large in his pre-history. Ernest, Marmaduke, Frederick etc. Any contacts would be welcome. Have photos and some records, but stuggling with Fredericks parents, three lines possible, but need help ! Thanks Graham Lumb
Hi everyone, I'm seaching for an old pic of Napiers butchers which was situated in Lower Methil - now a house. I'm looking for a friend.
To G. Lilley, Your comment about the Mechanics Institute brought back many memories. Around the early forties I recall clearly the dances held at the Institute, the ladies with their dresses (pre-war designs) and the men, always in uniform of either Army, Navy or Airforce. I'd be around 7 years old then, and in summer was allowed to 'play outside in the streets' with the stern warning that if ...see more
I remember Bridge Street as I grew up in Coggeshall and was 8 when this photo was taken. The pub sign on the right is for the Portobella pub, which was on the left. In the distance is the bridge over the River Blackwater and when the river overflowed, water would cross the road and come up Bridge Street as far as the trees on the right. Bridge Street becomes Grange Hill once you cross the bridge and at ...see more
I remember going to church every Thursday to get out of a few lessons of school
I remember traveling to new Tredegar by train from Bedwas, changing trains at Pengam to let Lewis girls off. I remember police keeping Lewis girls in the front corridor coach to stop us mingling. They tried it with compartment coaches but as the train turned up the valley, boys would walk the running boards on the blind side of the driver to mingle. Also, now and again as the train passed my great granddad and his ...see more
Aside from the excellent Victoria park and the Cricket I both played and watched, my favourite memories, tho' all simple ones, was the scent and the sight of the Spring Bluebells which almost covered the entire Calverley woods. The Hedgerows of pink and white Hawthorn with its scent, a haven for small animals too. The fresh scent of the trees of all types which abounded there and which, as ...see more
My first job at 16 was working for Oldham Cleansing Dept, in the office. There was a man who gave me his handwritten reports every day. His job was to unclog the old tippler toilets outside peoples houses, this meant he had to hang in them and push so it would tipple. The paperwork was full of "marks" and they stunk, poor fella had been doing this for years and really earned his measly paycheck. At that time ...see more
Because there have been dishonest, fraudulent replies to my memories, for future correspondents I shall ask certain specific questions regarding Holloway Sanatorium that only a person who had worked there would know. PH.
My dad was a young soldier with The Kings own Scottish Borders. They were stationed (billeted) in Upminster around the old windmill area. Before they left for the Normandy invasion, they spent lots of time socializing at the Upminster Bridge Bridgehouse pub. There they came across the famously 'Gay' George Hurrell. George played the piano and sang. Evidently he played the 'camp' act to the hilt, much to the ...see more
I remember the nurse, she was called Codine Anne - you got that tablet for everything. We went to the Berkley gospel hall Sundays. We got tea and sandwiches and that was a luxury. Being at the sea school I had food parcels from home. I was glad when training finished. I went home for the weekend and had RMS LOCH GARTH on the Monday. I did not mind that run - it was one of the best you could have - I enjoyed it.
I grew up in Clifton Gardens N.15 going to Crowland Road infant and junior schools and later on to Markfield Secondary Modern, 1952 - 1962. My parents owned the grocery shop on the corner of Fairview and Walgrave Avenue. I enjoyed reading other memories from so long ago.
My grandfather was born at his family's home, Hydecroft, which I gather must have been quite a sizeable affair (advertised later as having 8 bedrooms, 28 acres including a tennis-court). I can find no record of it now, but does anyone have any family records or memories of it?
My direct line ancestors were farmers in Southleigh, Devon and farmed at various farms including Morganhayes, Wadden, Tottiskey. Where I have found them on the census returns. My maiden name was Hawkins. My great grandparents are buried in the cemetery in between Southleigh and Colyton. They were non comformists and my great great great grandmothers family (the Padys ) formed the Methodist church in Colyton, Devon.
Not sure of the exact year but my mum used to tell us tales of the riots and burning down of the old town hall. she was born in 1905 so I guess it must have been about 1920'ish.
I started work at Vauxhalls in August 1956. I was an office boy in "P" block for 13 months before going on to do a 5 year apprenticeship. There were 250 draughtsmen, about 50 engineers and me and 1 other office boy had 3 bosses. Bill Cox, John Soddy and Vic Cherry...they ran my ar$e ragged for 13 months, but on reflection they were great times...
Miss Star was my teacher at Bishopstoke Infants. I also remember Mr Collis - I bumped into John Collis a few weeks ago who informs me he is now retired.
I saw an article in the local paper and Mrs Cull who lives a few doors up from Mr & Mrs Collis has just recently turned 100 years old and has been in the same house for 69 years.
I can remember going into the house behind Smarts fish and chip shop with my brother John who was friends with Maurice.
This used to be a very busy street, with the Coop Store, butchers and the office at the back of the butchers, also the coal yard at the back.
I worked at the Coop 1957 to 1963, very happy times. In the winter, the manager, Ron Birch had to go down the cellar and light the boiler with coke from the coal yard to heat the radiators, but it still was very cold. We used to get grocery orders ready; they ...see more
My dad bought a brand new house on Craigwell Avenue in 1956. Builder was William Old. I was 4. The house was blue and yellow, 4 houses up on the left from Newberries Avenue. The construction went on for at least two years after moving in. My best friend David Spain (who was born on Dec 25, poor boy!) and I, used to help the builders unload the Marston brick lorries, with layers of straw between the free stacked bricks. By ...see more
I spent a month in 1978 (including Christmas) at Tan y Bryn home. I was a police cadet with the Staffordshire police and this was part of my course - It brings back good memories. We used to walk with the clients who were able to walk, down the hill to a big cafe on a corner facing the sea. We also used to go to the ship in nearby for a glass of pop. I remember a member of staff named Cynthia who lived quite close ...see more
In 1964 I started work as an apprentice mechanic at Selsdon garage, which can just be seen at the start on the right of this photo. The main range of vehicles repaired was mostly BMC though we would work on all makes of cars, from Fords to Jaguar. There was about 6 mechanics, 1 forman and 2 apprentices.The garage was owned by a Mr Bailey and his two sons Jeff and Tony ran it. It was a very happy time and we all got ...see more
I was born at Rilla Mill on the 1st of September 1934 in what was, in those days, the Police Station. This house was opposite the Manor Inn. My father was the local policeman, and he was called Ewart Pearce. His family were from St Blazey Gate. I lived in the Police Station with my sister Margaret Elizabeth, and my mother who came from Constantine. She was called Lilian Thomas. There were three shops ...see more
Hi
I wonder if anyone has any information about my Granny Walker (Great x 2 grandmother) . She lived in Greenfiedl House, Rectory lane, gelligaer. She was married to a Charles Walker.
Thanks,
Nichola
Hello, all I know is my birth certificate shows I lived in Q Block, Rochester Dwellings, 1952. Most grateful to read all your posts of all you guys who once lived there. I was only there from date of my birth 1952 until I was bout 5 years old. Cheers! Alan ( now living in California, USA!!)
I lived in Brook Bungalow between Latchingdon and Althorne during the war years and visited grandparents there into the 50's. I remember Barbie and Alec, the Mathams and the Plumbs (who ran the local garage) with such affection and would love to know if any of them are still around and remember us. Mrs Blackburn also lived down the road and our childhood was pure "Enid Blyton" with adventures, picnic and long, hot ...see more
I was born in Dumfries in 1965 we lived above a grocers shop in the High St in Lockerbie which my dad managed for 2 years, I cannot remember what it was called. We are planning to visit next week - I wonder if you can help me?
My memories start around 1946 and go on 'forever' - but the years I want to mention here are those of my Cobridge schooldays and the Burslem connection to those schooldays.
I lived on the Cobridge side of Burslem, at the top of Elder Rd ... Elder Place opposite the Park, a little row of 'two-up two-down' cottages built in 1852 (demolished circa 1966).
I lived in one of ...see more
I was born in Holbrook in 1942 and lived there until 1973 when I married and moved to Loughborough. I continued to vist my parents and family in Holbrook weekly. Last year I moved to Oregon USA, to be near my son and his wife, but I took loads of photographs of Holbrook which I have on my PC. It was a wonderful childhood growing up in Holbrook. Playing in the surrounding countryside, visiting the local farms and ...see more
I was a member of the swimming fraternity in the 50's and Isabeal's was a regular hangout for many of my friends. I still vividly remember Matthew who was quite a vivid character.
I was born in 1947 to Betsy and Leonard Mcgough on Railway Terrace, which I believe is now called Russell Terrace. My mother worked in the cotton mills all her life and retired in a mill at Read. We moved to Moor Lane where we lived for several years before moving to Blackburn Rd with my stepdad Andy Myerscough, who ran the Arbories school of motoring. I met my husband who came from Wigan and have lived here in ...see more