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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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:
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Displaying Memories 17441 - 17520 of 36828 in total
I lived in Oulton until I was 11. We then emigrated to South Australia but I have great memories of England and long to return, which I'm hoping to do in the next couple of years. We lived in St Johns St and I remember a rag and bone man behind our house who used to let me ride his horse back to its paddock, down a lane past the pub. I also remember playing in the snow in winter and making daisy chains in summer down near the beck.
I was born and bred in Sixbells. I went to the Arail Junior School and then to Bryngwyn. I left school at the age of 15 and started work in the garage of Jones the Buses. When the bus company sold out we started a football team. Our first year we reached the final of the national bus company cup but lost. My memories of Sixbells are a mixture of both happiness and sadness. If there is anyone out there that can remember me or the football team I would like to read their thoughts.
They let all the local English kids go home for Xmas and us north of the border nuts were allowed to sleep aboard the Vindi, where we got into a pillow fight!! and I finished my last 3 weeks in 'Jankers'.
Cheers Joe from Scotland.
I remember you, Deeping St James, I remember too a lady called Ethel Fennel, the orchard at gran's house, being late for mass and having to sit in the dock, the wind howling down Church Street late at night (spooky).
My sister attended Sutton at Hone school, catching the bus from Hawley or walking through the fields with friends. Such a quiet village . I used to cycle from Hawley to the paper shop and collect my papers to do 'my round' in Shirehall Road, Hawley. The ford I remember very well, cycling through with feet up in the air, heaven help us if the bike stopped half way and we got home with wet socks. So much ...see more
Does anyone remember the old ice cream vans that served Plato Road, Solon Road areas off the Acre Lane, Brixton? I have an uncanny and I'm sure not a healthy memory of remembering registration numbers from vehicles from years ago. We were well served by ice cream manufacturers in the mid 1950s and 1960s. Does anyone remember Ramona, he had a blue and white bedford van MCA 682 and owned the Ramona cafe near Railton ...see more
We, as a family, moved to Hawley in 1958 from Slade Green. We moved to 32 Harold Road. Our back garden was at the end of Mill Road and we had a very large corrugated iron shed at the bottom of this garden. Lots of the children came along to help when my parents decided to pull it down, no health and safety then! We had such fun with everyone lending a hand. I remember lovely summer evenings when all the ...see more
It was a good place to be living, in Caerbont, I had some real good years there. It was not too far from my grandparent's house and not too far from where I started playing rugby up in Abercrave. I had lots of friends which I have not really been able to keep in contact with, like Gary Evans who lived up on Phenrhose Hill, just up above my family home and was only one day ...see more
I too lived in Bell Street, Bell Terrace number 4. I lived next door but one from the Turners. I went to school with Teddy Turnner, and his brother. My mother was great friends with Ellsie. My family name is Walker, there were six of us dad, Bill, Mam, Edith, me, Don, Janet, Beryl and Nigel. One of my mates was John Longstaff, also of Bell Terrace, some other neighbours of ours were Olive Arnold, the ...see more
I lived at no 22 Farm Way, North cheam. I remember my father going off to rejoin the R.A.F when the war broke out. I was 7 years old. My mother went to work in a munitions factory. After spending a few years on a farm, we returned to our house on the corner of Farm Way. I started to work in London after I left school. I caught the bus to Morden Station, a no 93 I think, and then the underground ...see more
I was christened at this church, probably about 1967, I remember a fire a few years later. I have lived in Australia for the past 33 years but enjoyed our bible classes and can't quite remember the vicar's name around this time!
Seems to ring a bell, but I lived in 104 Newark Drive from 1960 till 1976 when I left town and moved to the Channel Islands and then Australia. I have lived here for the past 33 years, the past 22 on the Gold Coast, qld Australia but still have a lot of fond memories from Corby where I grew up. I was a student at Beanfield Comprehensive School and really enjoyed my time there. I am a bit of a book addict ...see more
Although I haven't yet managed to visit Ferryden, it is very much part of my past. My grandfather, James Farquhar Burnett, was born there and was an assistant lighthousekeeper at Scurdie Ness lighthouse. My grandmother, Eliza Summers, was born in Ethie Haven, and her father, Alexander Summers, was born in Ferryden in 1837. The family lived in Victoria Square and Alexander was a fisherman.
Because my grandfather, ...see more
When we were down in Pembrokeshire we sometimes walked back from Hakin Primary School to Hazelbeach and Black Bridge was a landmark on the way. I remember the rotting hulks of the old barges in the Pill and the transformation of the tide, turning a muddy inlet into an attractive little valley. On the turn of the tide there was a flood from the culvert under Black Bridge as the waters behind flooded out towards the sea.
I can remember swimming here and it seemed luxurious after swimming in the Haven, but it was easier to swim in the sea as this involved walking and a bus to get there.
We moved to No 4 Barrington Court Cottages (the first cottage right of centre) in 1947. My father arrived as head gardener in April and mum arrived in July when I was three weeks old. Mum was disappointed to find she was a mile from a bus stop and that the cottage had no electricity. At that time No 2 was occupied by Metcalfe Bailey the handyman, No 3 by Charlie Bowdrey, the chaffeur and his wife ...see more
I lived in Dormanstown till I was 10 and my family emigrated to Perth, Western Australia. We lived at 134 Broadway West. I have only been back once in 1996, but only for a day to bury my mother who passed away over there. I Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me or my family from that time.
Hello, Does anyone remember the family Trimmer or Twyford or Bratton who lived on Ship Lane and Russel Rd? Hope someone does. My grandmother and grandfather, and my cousin, Keith lay in Sutton churchyard.
Born at 14 Greenford Gardens, my late parents Dr & Mrs Erskine founded Greenford Surgery at 297 Greenford Road.
Earliest memories were of chilblains, no proper heating at home, and the door bell always ringing day and night, my father had open house for his patients 7 days a week.
Bethams and Costons were wonderful schools, warm, strict and encouraging.
Memories of visiting ...see more
l remember when at the school l was not well, so was taken to Miss Marshall's house and was looked after by her elderly mother (I thought she was so old but probably wasn't). She told me about when they had the tea rooms and there where rowing boats on the pond. The room we were in was the old tea rooms, it looked out over the pond, it was wonderful. The next day, when l went back to school, every one was ...see more
My name was Glynnis Campbell when I attended St Patricks in 1963. Can anyone remember Michelle Lawrence or Sylvia Young who also attended at the same time. Can anyone remember me or any of the other girls. I remember sister Paul, sister Alison and sister Berlingus.
Hello, Does anyone remember Phillip Ladd's nursery on Goldsel Rd? I worked there 1955 to 1961, was in the boilerhouse in the winter and outside in the summer! Frank Weatherby was the Foreman, remember Len Christmas he came from Swaffam, Norfolk, and Tom Broad, they lived in Swanley. They both also worked in the boiler house. Also Albert Cant, I think he lived in Crockenhill. So many memories.
I moved to Chislehurst in 1936 in our "brand new" house in Oakdene Ave. Cost about £475. Primary school was Willow Grove, long since gone. Secondary school was the new Edgebury School, very big, even had a playing field. With the advent of war the village became a tempy home to lots of Londoners living a simple life in the Chislehurst Caves. The main attraction for the young was the Cinema opposite the ...see more
The tall chimney in the photo was Toby Stotes bakery oven. My grandmother regarded his as 'proper' bread. Next to the bakery was a farrier or blacksmiths yard.
I remember during the war that landing craft were assembled on the quayside - a spectacle which was a magnet for 8-year old boys. We passed this way every Sunday making our way from the Sunday School in Rumbridge Street to Eling Church.
In the 1950's, I forget, but I lived in Risley Avenue. I remember climbing every tree there, and people shouting that the radio license van was coming up the road. Of course everyone pulled their curtains and turned off the radios. Still the same even now with TV licenses. Anyone from Topham Square??? It was just around the corner from our house and all my friends were living in this area. My best friends were ...see more
My parents, brother and I moved to Loughton in 1959. Our next door neighbours (Mr & Mrs Angel) were already retired and called Loughton 'The Village'. My mum got a job working in the sweetshop next door to the cinema (I think it was called Barber's) and I remember having a 'Jubbly' (of Lovely Jubbly fame) there. I remember them pulling down the cinema - I was playing in the back ...see more
I was a pupil at the Tin School in Gilesgate Moor staring in 1954, leaving in 1961. It was at the crossroads of the road that now leads to Tesco, but opposite was the Durham District Services garage where my dad was a driver. I remember playing in the air raid shelters in the playing fields with the sausage factory out the back.
My mam was Mary Thurlow, and my uncle John (Jackie) Thurlow, Mayor ...see more
My family moved to Tetchil from Lancashire in 1956, the year after I was born. My Dad got a job as a meat Inspector at the abbattoir in Hordley. We lived in Val View until my parents purchased a cottage & some land at the 'top' of the village, 14 Ellesmere Road, now known as Long Acres.
I remember the village having two shops including a Post Office & a thriving garage, all now gone. Fred Davies ...see more
Can anyone shed light on my grandfather's shop on Glanamman Square. As a five year old in 1970, I used to help my father 'Keith Rees' deliver items to customers on a Saturday morning. The shop itself was just before the turning into Bryn Lloi Road. Since my parents were divorced at that time I lost contact with my grandparents. I would like to know about the shop, and my grandparents.
Thanks, Adrian Rees.
Hello, I used to go to this cinema on Saturdays, to the shop next door for my sweets with my friends, 'hay ho' good old days. Across the road there was a ladies clothes shop, this is the shop where I got my first job after leaving school in 1963. I loved my time there, Mrs Drouter was the owner of the shop (I'm not sure if this is the right spelling of her name - sorry). When I first started my new job we had to ...see more
Performed there in Royal Follies 1961 - can't remember all the cast but remember the tenor, Barry Harries, Jack Escott and his 'wife/partner', who was the choreographer. The comic Jimmy Malbourn, and his wife Joyce - they had a little dog called Sonny which they treated like a baby and it drove Herman mad. Jimmy used to fish through a trap door in the dressing room for flat fish during the show ...see more
My father was minister from 1961-1970. I spent many happy years growing up in Godalming - sad to see this is no longer a church.
I lived on Lilley Street (off Queens Road) and used to go in: The Bottom Derby, The Osborne House, The Milan, The Forresters, The Salvage, the Robin Hood and occasionally Bernard Mannings Embassy Club. I used to go out with the landlord's daughter at the Robin Hood, she was called Sheila Inman whom I believe went to live in Australia, not a bad judge but to ...see more
I really disliked that small dog the Headmaster had, always barking at everyone and tryng to nip them.
I was at Orchard Portman school in 1956-1958. Learnt to play cricket (I was the only American bowler), played on the tennis tear (both clay and lawn) and ran cross country. One time when we crossed the clay courts the barrier erected from the foot path to the court collapsed, and to this day I carry the scar on my right knee. It was a good thing however for when I was called up for the draft in 1973, ...see more
My family moved to Gamblesby when I was four years old. Mum and Dad, ran the Coach and Horses in Penrith and decided to move to the country. I have such wonderful memories of village life. I went to the village school which was literally across the road from my house. My best friends were Janice Greenup and her sister Claire. I spent a lot of time at their place - we played, nursed newborn lambs and played in ...see more
I think this is now a McDonald's outlet...?
George Harrison lived in Esher in the early 60's, he used to pull into what was Triggs Garage in his E-type with Patty Boyd quite regularly. Michael Bentine of the Goons lived round the corner from us in Sandown Road, where all the wealthy people lived at that time. We lived in Hillbrow Road that had Triggs at one end, and George Harrion's dentist Powell Cullingford. Great memories in the early 60's ...see more
We lived in the Paddock, Merrow opposite the shops in 1965 and I can always remember the kind, Mr Cookson (with sunglasses) running the sweet shop in the 1960's. I lived there until 1977.
We have restored and love living in this historic house where the author of Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Graeme use to be a regular visitor. You can read about it in Diary of an Edwardian Childhood. The house has changed little, apart from being extended and enlarged over the years, but the grounds and trees have grown up all around in abundance.
Hello, I was born at Franks Hall in Horten, Kirby in 1940, moved to Dartfod 1941, to Waldeck Road and went to St Albans Infants then York Road Juniors then to Dartford East. I have good memories of it all. I wonder if anyone remembers me such a long time ago. Some names I remember: Peter Bates, Peter Jarvis, Brian Tucker, Colin Hoyle (not sure about the first name), Brian Kember, ...see more
I spent my summer holidays at Halbeath with my aunts who lived at 'Hillview', Sandybank, Halbeath. It was one road from Halbeath to Crossgates, there was a few cottages on the left, I think it was called Praytus. I have many happy memories of staying at Halbeath, the chip shop the fod hotel and friends I made.
In the late 60's, I was a WRAC PTI and was posted to Aldershot. During the summer I had been out with others on a practical map reading course and we finished early, so the guys suggested we go to the lido for the afternoon. As it was nice and sunny and I didn't even know it existed, I said why not. Later, on sunny days when I had a smaller class, I used to take the girls on 'bike rides' but told them ...see more
I lived in Gainers Terrace in the 60's with me ma, da, and brother Tom. I loved seeing the ships being built from my bedroom window, late at night the room would be all lit up with the light from the welders! My mother's cousin Thommasenna, known as 'Enna' lived downstairs to us with her husband and little'uns. It was a lovely little road to live in mind, the women did used to moan when they brought the washing ...see more
The boys of Nantmelyn were good friends of the Coedely lads. There was always a rivalry in most things, one of which was Bonfire night, we would spend weeks building our bonfire only to find it burning nights before the 5th courtesy of the lads from Coedely!
My name is Mike Wilson, I was born in 1952 and lived in Lochore in the prefabs, and then later on Kenilworth Terrace. I moved to the states in 1967. I have great childhood memories of those days. My friends were George Whiskers and Duncan McGalloway, who lived one street over. I went to St. Kenneths Primary school and then to St. Columbas school in Cowdenbeath, and played on the football team there. I am trying to ...see more
I too, went to the Nursery School on Broad Street. I remember Miss Massey who slammed the desk down on my fingers squashing my signet ring, which resulted in my finger swelling and the ring having to be cut off! Such a nice lady to be teaching five year olds.... After the nursery we went to the infants school on Broad Street with Miss Cotton as our Headmistress. Then, for the first year of junior school we ...see more
I was born in Gas Lane, Blaydon in a house on the banks of the Tyne, next to the Black Bull Pub. I spent the first five years of my life on our small-holding on Summerhill, where we had chickens, horses and pigs. I have happy memories of playing by the burn and climbing through the derelict Summerhouse tower. I remember the miners passing the back of our house in the early hours of the morning. I have a distant ...see more
Annie Dawsons - all the pillars were covered in mirroflex (tiny bits of mirror tile), Garners second-hand shop, next shop down? Mrs Garner lived in the house attached to the Travellers Rest, till she died (always had golden collies). Castle firelighters across the road by Windhill Liberal Club (still standing), and jam shop offices. Paddy's Park and Curries Chemist, the post office was at side of ...see more
My Dad, a countryman born and bred, went to London in the late 1920's for work - since there was a huge depression in his type of country work (farm labourer). He met my Mum, and I was born in Thornton Heath, Surrey, in 1930. On December 21st 1934, we moved to the gorgeous little Huntingdonshire village of Abbotsley - I adored it from day one. We lived at No 7 New Row (now some unimaginative 'High Street' ...see more
I was born in 1931, Middlesbrough. My parents were Thomas and Lily Hunt. My sister Sylvia, was born in 1937. From an early age, before and after Sylvia was born, mum would take us every August by bus to Durham city and on to Brandon Road, Eshwinning. There lived my Uncle Tom, Aunt Liza, and Uncle Jimmy. An older girl called Ursula was sometimes there, but I do not ...see more
I spent my first years in Mt Pleasant Rd and went to Bruce Grove School during the war and recall many lessons taken in the playground air-raid shelter. I used to run all the way home with the 'doodlebugs' overhead. I left in 1947 and later moved to Talbot Rd. I occasionally went to the Royal Ballroom and was very amused to watch the teddyboys strolling past the local Police station opposite. My ...see more
The horse and waggon is under the control of Mr Walter Bowers. He was our carrier. He would take my rabbits and my mother's chickens and eggs to market.
I have fond memories of Mardyke. I remember Mr Childs (Headmaster) who sadly died before I left in 1961. We had 48 kids in my class. I used to get in the queue at the beginning of a lesson for help and I never got to see the teacher ever. This went on probably all term. I don't think I learnt much but I did enjoy the sports side. I remember Miss Powell Jones (or that may have been in Culverhouse Girls) ...see more
t the house he retired to in White St Green. My brother in law, Colin Lewis, served his apprenticeship and became a proficient bricklayer with his building company.
I wonder did we know each other or did you know me.
My family and I lived in Lynham from 1954 till 1963. Although I was very young at the time, I would love to go back there again and hear from anyone who lived there at this time.
Hi does anybody know anyone that used to have an ice cream van rented from Leach Brothers. Would of been Nielsons or Lyons Maid or Mister Softee ice cream.
My granddad was William Pollington, he was a shoe repairer and lived in the village before the war. He lived with a Mrs Chadwick who had three sons, George, Fred and I don't know the name of the other. I would be so interested to know if they married and also Mrs Chadwick's first name. Grandad was a widower with four children; Beatrice, Elsie, Albert, my father and Ivy. His wife died in 1907 aged just 37, her name was ...see more
A good skating could be had at Monmouth Rd where the road surface was smooth tar. All the kids from Penfold Rd, Charlton Rd areas would descend en block pre the busy car times, our Jacko skates loving the road surface.
The photo you have has my dad waiting there for my mother while we went shopping and it would have been a Saturday morning.
I spent 3 years at Dumbrell's Farm, Milton Street, Sussex. I was a little Birmingham evacuee (aged 9 years). I went to school at Alfriston, my 'Uncle John' took me fishing in the River Cuckmere and we went shooting wild duck at night. It was an unbelievable experience for me, as I had never been out of Birmingham before. One dark night in 1940, I was alone in 'Pond Cottage'. My 'uncle' ...see more
The love of my life took me home to meet his mum and dad. You might imagine the nervousness I felt wondering if they would approve of me. I already knew their son was the only one in the world for me. I was welcomed as a member of the family, and instantly added two more very precious loves to my life. Many very fond memories there followed in the years to come. Montagu Gardens in Wallington will forever remain extremely close to my heart!
Hi, came across memories of Aveley by chance and found this very interesting as we were also the first to move into the experiment house, number 37 Central, and like you said was very cold. When we moved there there was no houses except fields next to Olive and Geoff King and I could see my nan getting off the bus at the Top House Public House as a small child. I can remember Marylyn who I can remember had a ...see more
I remember the lovely old donkeys that gave rides to children in the 1950's. There were usually more than two of them and they walked along the back of the old Kennards store. I had a ride on them.
There was an arcade that ran from the front to the back of the store, and it was lined with little shops. One one them did piercing of ears.
Also along the road at the back was the Swap Shop - a ...see more
I remember the Holme School from when I arrived in 1956. It was large and rather frightening, especially being told by Miss Watkins to sit down and write on my slate, wasn't used to that. Fell in love with Miss Richardson later on, who then left to have a baby, very upset. Remember being caned on the hand by Mister Lee for going into the girls toilet with Fiona Munroe. Pieces of the ...see more
During the course of converting Warnham Court in 2002/3, the original floorboards were lifted in what is now the library but was the dining room in the days when it was a school.
When the floorboards were lifted an envelope was found addressed to “A CURIOUS PERSON”.
In it was a letter written by a pupil at the school, Elaine Clark on 9th March 1983.
The Headmaster, who still lives at the lodge ...see more
That's why it's called 'Haigh' Hall and not Wigan Hall. It's NEAR Wigan.
My memory of Shandon is growing up in the old school flat above the old school/church hall. My dad was the grounds keeper/church officer of Shandon Church. We lived there till the church was sold in 1981 when we had to move to Garelochhead.
I went to St Andrews school in the 80's in Townfield Lane. We were often taken here to see the writing on the back of the church wall where children years before had written their names. The original school was attached to the church I think. I was also married here in 2004.
How lovely to see the wall on the other side of the road. Now there is open space in front of the library.
This is going back a bit - but I wonder if anyone knows or remembers a family with the surname 'English' who lived at this address in the 1890-1900's? My great grandmother was born here - Elizabeth Magretta English, her mother Mary English and her parents Mary and John Mancle English. Please, please get in touch if you know anything at all about this or have ever lived at this address?
Thanks,
Nichola
My great grandmother was born in Pontnewynydd, Pontypool in 1895 in no 8 Llanover Road. Her mother was Mary Elizabeth English and my great great grandmother's name was Elizabeth Magretta English. Does anyone know anything about this family, her father, John English, was a Marine Dealer (rag and bone I think). PLease let me have any info even if it's a little?
Thanks,
Nichola
Does anyone else remember the A5 Rangers? I was one of the early members of this cycling club - at weekends groups of us, boys and girls, would cycle all over the county, singing as we went. We usually stopped for tea somewhere - most often at Marsh Gibbon - before making the journey back to Towcester. Our meeting room was a cottage, off the Watling Street, which was loaned to us by Mr England - both ...see more
My grandfather was Albert Hern. He built the houses on the cliffe - Belgrave. He lived in the end house still standing. He was well known. I lived at 10 Beach Terrace as a child (now gone ) and revisited many times.
I was born in Brook Street, the bottom end of town. I started school at 3 yrs old, loved the old bottom school. We then moved to the big house at the top of Pen y Bryn. I went to top school. I loved singing and dance, so my mother got me and my sister, Enid, into Mrs Hughes dancing group. We won quite a few cups. Enid left but I loved it and stayed on. If anyone has photos of us could I have copy ...see more
I am now an 82 years old great grandmother and I have lived in Australia for many years. My family lived in Coventry, and when I was 12 my sister and brother and I were evacuated to Polesworth. At first the billeting officer, a Mrs Straughan who was running the local Womens Volunteer service, couldn't find anyone who could take all 3 of us, so she took us to her lovely home Pooley Hall. We had maids ...see more
I remember Martins swimmimg pool well, in Milton Road, Wokingham, just up from the Baptist Sunday school I went to. They had caves that the girls and boys changed in when they went with the school for swimming lessons,the cup of Bovril in the cafe and oxo flavoured crisps. The trolley buses didn't go as far as Wokingham, it would have been a ordinary double or single decker bus.
I was born in Milford in 1945 and lived at Stafford Lodge, Milford until in my early twenties. My maiden name was Susan Evans. The lodge was, and still is, the entrance to Shugborough Hall. My childhood was a very happy one as I was able to play in the woods and grounds surrounding the Hall.
My mother was Eva Evans, nee Mould, and my father was Harold Evans. I used to play with Mavis Douglas ...see more
My great grandfather was park keeper at Bellus Park for many years. I am not sure of his christian name or his wife's but I believe they were Charles and Louisa but I know their surname was Osborne. He was a wonderful man with a very distinctive moustache, a bit like a waurus and his wife was a lovely lady who had a deformed wrist, an accident from childhood. They had several ponies Tommy and Peggy. They moved ...see more
My grandparents were both born in South Ockendon. Arthur Charles Kettle and Beatrice Alice Kettle, nee Chapman. They were married in St. Nicholas Church on 15th October 1921. They had three children, Betty, Susie and 'Rusty' (Arthur, my dad.) I was born at the family home of 28 Cliff Place. My parents Rusty and Joan Kettle moved to Chadwell St. Mary in 1957. I was always at my ...see more