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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  • How the location features in your personal history?
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  • 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!

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Displaying Memories 23281 - 23360 of 36828 in total

I moved from 'the slap up' to the new scheme of Shawhead in 1955 and remember walking up Hermitage Crescent when there was no tar on the roads or pavements. I was with my father and he bought me an icecream cone from Berts van. My grandfather was the 'watchie' and his hut was on the circle in Hermitage Crescent. I also remember the wooden bridge over the railway at the shops which we had to cross to get to St Bernards PS.
My aunty Jenny and uncle Albert Stockton used to live at the house in the triangle which used to be the old jailhouse. My dad, Ivor, used to take me and my brother John there and he used to cut our hair in the old shed.
The small porch at the front was put on in about 1958, we made it in the workshop at H A Vickers & Son who were builders in Bunbury.
From 1976 to 1981 I was a member of Shildon Operatic Society. How I loved to be part of this talented, enthusiastic team. I started as a dancer and enjoyed taking part in "Carousel" and "The King and I" then small speaking parts in "The Pajama Game" and various pantomimes. We played in the Civic Theatre, Darlington in those days. What a thrill! I left only because I moved from the area. It was a ...see more
This brings back memories of 1953-55. The large building in the foreground was Robertsons Cafe and both my parents worked there in the summertime, I also helped out by peeling potatoes in a shed at the back, I was 12. Next to the cafe was a children's theatre, does anybody remember Uncle Ken? Then Uncle Jack did a season (maybe it was Jack Douglas). The building behind it is the Palladium Amusements, run by Curly ...see more
I have so many memories of growing up in Ferndown during the Second World War, when it was just a village. Collecting pigswill and old papers to aid the war effort. Scouting adventures with scoutmaster Doug Gabe. Playing games on the common and collecting tadpoles and newts in jamjars. The bomb that fell in Victoria Road, and the night when incendiaries rained down - a neighbour beat "ours" out with the ...see more
My father was born in Carlyle Gardens in '33. He was a Middlesex then London Fireman. He married my mum who lived on the other side of the street. My paternal grandparents (Bradbury & Swain) lived nextdoor to each other in Bankside. My grandfather left his house in about 1916 and returned (severely injured) to work for the Council working in the Town Hall and tarmacing the roads. His future wife lost both of her ...see more
My family can be traced to the 1700s and back to Robert Beckley. I hope to visit the area later this year to see where they lived. If anyone is related to Robert Beckley or any of his descendants I would love to hear from you. My grandfather moved north with his parents but my sister has moved to oxfordshire so "back to her roots" They were a large family so there must be lots of relatives to meet!!!
This church was home to Wellingborough High School's Carol Service. Every December we crocodiled down for two performances, afternoon and evening. We always enjoyed it and learned many new carols. We were conducted by Miss Thomas and were in the choir from the fifth form onwards. Wendy Nicolle, nee March.
Wellingborough Zoo had the saddest Polar Bear I have ever seen. Its enclosure was roughly three times the size of the bear and its pool was hardly bigger than a bath tub. Even as a small child, I knew this was cruel. It really upset me. Wendy Nicolle, nee March.
My name was Pat Dean in my days at Warnham Court. Mr and Mrs Savage were in charge. Mr Berry was our teacher, his wife was there also. We had a lovely housemother named Miss Reed and my friends' names were Eddie Croxford, Sylvie Twelvetree, Anne Williams and Marie Biargi (?), and others whose names I cannot remember. I often sit and think of the fun we had there. I also remember the Deers ...see more
I went to Earlstreet School and my great aunt was a teacher there, her name was Miss Trace, she was well known for playing the Welsh harp. I grew up in High Street which is no longer there. My parents were Helen (Nellie) and Billy Jones, we lived with my gran, Mrs Trace, until I was 9 years old then we moved to no. 4 Rhoslan and then to Laburnam Avenue. My best memories are of High Street though, where my ...see more
Priory pond, also known as Fletcher pond, was so called because the lane that ran up to the school was Fletcher Lane.
When I lived in Plymouth as a child in the 50s and 60s I went to a primary school at Keyham, part of Devonport. The bus would drop me off near Camel`s Head Creek, which was part of The Hamoaze. In those days the water came right up to the main road and you could walk along and look out. It was known as Perfume Corner due to the stink from the sewage works. There was a pub called The Camel`s Head, with a ...see more
The shop on the corner of the market place was a cobblers, A very small shop, ran by a Mr George Green as I can recall. Mr Green had a bad foot and had to have one shoe built up. He used to work with a dirty apron on.
I moved to Great Waltham with my mum and dad, he was head gardener for the squire at Langleys. We lived in Cherry Trees Cottage opposite the Rose & Crown and up a set of concrete steps, for a few years but later moved to Water Falls Cottage, I think it's called North Lodge now. I have been back to view the gardens a few years ago, now it's a shame how these ...see more
I can distinctly remember visiting Marsdens with my gran, she used to buy loose butter and loose lard, it was cut from a large block. Te guy who worked there had been there years, I think his name was Geoffrey. Greens shoe shop, where I was measured and fitted for new school shoes, was run by Mrs Green, that was the shop next door (the other side of the jitty). Pure simple times, pure memories.
I am not sure of the year, somewhere between 1952 and 1960. Head Forester: Mr Frank Watson. Forester: Mr Ian Falconer Builders: Mr Jones and Chips Cooper. There were probably more men involved, but both the men named were forestry workers and carried out most of the work by hand, using only an axe which they could handle with great accuracy, a skill honed by years of felling trees all over High Meadow. Mr ...see more
I too am from Six Bells, and lived in Richmond Road and also Princess Street before that. If anyone remembers the picture in the papers next day of her visit, I was the little girl playing with her ducks in the cast iron bath whilst the picture was taken with the headline 'No respector of person'. My mother, Beryl Hughes, told me they wouldn't allow me to present the bouquet to the princess as I was too ...see more
I too remember Mrs Duckworth though she was not my teacher, my first teacher was Miss Richardson and also there was a Mrs Parrott. I then went to a class run by Mrs Donnovan, Mr Baird was head master and Ms Brown was the scary teacher, also I was in Mr Eliot's and Mr Smith's class. Of course all gone now and a housing estate I also lived on Chanctonbury Road (31) with sister Sue who also attended ...see more
Where has everyone gone to? Time passes too quickly, where are all my friends gone that I used to play with all those years ago in Gilfach Goch? Tony Mansell, Edwin Pothecary, Norman Baggs, Petro Pope and many others.
Balder Mill was the home of my ancestors on my Mum's side of the family. George (Senior) and Ann Parkinson (nee Bowron) were living and working there during the 1860's. Three of their children were born there, one of whom was my Great Great Grandfather, George (junior) who married Annie Ashmore in Barnard Castle and lived in Baliol Street. I think that it would be lovely if Balder Mill was ...see more
Robert Pearson lived in Pearson(s) Cottage in 1891, with his wife, Margaret Gowland, and their children: Annie (born: 1882) - Joseph (born: 1883) - Edith (born: 1885) - Robert (born: 1887) and Margaret (born: 1890). If anyone thinks they may be related to this family or have got any information for me, I would be very grateful. Also, if anyone knows the whereabouts of Pearsons Cottage?
I remember my Dad taking me out for a walk when I was visiting my great grandfather, my nan and great aunt who lived in Court Bushes Road at the time - I was only little, I think he ended up carrying me half way up - I remember losing count of the number of stairs too!!
I am doing my Family History and have got as far as Stanhope. Is there still a Pearson(s) Cottage in Stanhope? The surnames I have are: Pearson and Liddle, they came over from Northumberland.
I remember Lightfoots fishmongers in Legh Street, it was under Harry Berry's dance studio, facing District School on Legh Street. Does anyone else remember this?
I too have lovely memories of Church Farm, we used to take our daughter there in the 1980s, staying in a friend's caravan in the Salting. We made some good friends. My daughter had such fond memories of the place that she continues to visit there, and in fact this year my daughter, myself and my beautiful new granddaughter are taking a week's holiday there. I hope my granddaughter will fall in love with the place just as we did.
I suppose it's my age, but I am getting a little nostalgic about my youth. I used to live in Anvil Street (no longer exists) and remember well my first day at school, St John's on Altom Street, now a mosque. I certainly have some well etched memories of those times. I now live on 30 miles north, but do enjoy a visit back to Blackburn and a walk around town to see all the old places, corp' park, used to fish there ...see more
As a boy myself and my friends would gather our fishing rods and tackle and bike to the mill for a day’s fishing, I caught my first trout standing on the big outlet pipe from the mill, another time we were there and one of my friend fell in off the big pipe, I can see him now bobbing across until he reached the ford. The mill was also the place my sister and I would sneak off to on a Sunday so we didn’t have to go to Sunday school, we would take some bread and feed the ducks.
The store on the cross roads in Lindford was named Cross Road Stores. My parents bought Cross Road Stores in I think 1962-63 and ran the stores for about 4 years, the stores and the house were very old, I was about 7 or 8 years old when we moved to the stores. The house was 3 floors high, there was an extension built on the back of the house for a garage and a store room, and the garden at the rear which at ...see more
I went to St Felix School till 1966 and well remember Belli's right oppose Lloyds Bank. Recently this building has been on TV as The Indian Doctor's office. Cannot remember who were altar boys with me but in 1963 we all got chilblains at a funeral at Brynmawr Cemetery. Also we used to push Father Clancy's car to start it.
I have very early memories of visiting my grandmother (my dad's mother) in Whitburn. It's taken me a while to find the address, but I think it was 14 Cleveland View. My memories are a bit vague, I was very young, but I remember being fascinated by the shutters on the windows. Does anyone know the house?
I was born in East Dean but my grandparents lived in West Dean along with my aunts, uncles and cousins. I still have cousins in West Dean. My father was a Clifford and worked for East Brothers. I remember as a child playing outside the Red Lion, playing whith my cousins. Although I live in Canada I can never forget my childhood in Dean. My father passed away in 1977 but he always wanted to be buried back ...see more
My mum was born in Seamer and she lived at Bank Top, Seamer Road, she had 5 brothers and sisters, and her mum was widowed very early in life, leaving her to bring up all those children. Well, she did a good job, they were the cream of the crop, and myself and my brothers and sisters had many happy holidays in Seamer. My gran was called Isobel Durham. One of my mum's brothers lived ...see more
I remember the summer club run by mothers at Formosa Drive School. We used to meet up on the school field with lunch and spend the afternoon chatting with friends and playing rounders. I remember being in Miss Jackson's class sucking polos we use to pass around and drinking warm milk.
Can anyone remember the address of this Thread Factory in Slaithwaite in the 70s???
I have dreadful memories of that rat infested place called the Cosy, it used to smell so bad. I also recall buying the fritters from Mort's. My father played bowls in Caerau and I would go along with my tennis racket. I went to Blaencaerau school around 1958 and the teachers were dreadful. I got pinched, thumped and hit across the fingers, nice place. I learned to ride my bike near Brewers bus station and ended up ...see more
Hi to anyone who remembers me, I lived there from !952 to 1969 and have lots of fond memories of the village and people I used to know.
My father was born at 63 High Street Troedrhiwfuwch on 10th February 1921. His mother was Theodoshia Jenkins (nee Heatherley) and his father was Thomas George Jenkins. He had 4 sisters and a younger brother called Lawrence who died at a young age from TB. He was lucky not to follow his father down the mines as at the age of 18 joined the Royal Airforce to fight for his country as a gunner in the Second World War.
The Haven was built by my grandfather, Walter Butler, for his wife - Rosie. I'm trying to source photos and memories of the cafe for my dad, Ronald Butler. He has wonderful memories himself and grew up there. If you've anything to offer, please let me know!
We moved to No. 6 Tipton Vale in 1950. Maureen a baby, myself (Valerie) and parents Eric and Joan White fom Fenny Bridges. The house was a new council house, pink and blue. Dad dug out a bank at the rear and we found hundreds of flint arrow heads, knives and tools which we collected in Oster Milk tins and left in the garage. They should have gone to Exeter museum. I started at the school in November ...see more
I lived with my mum and dad and sister at the old station house.
I was at Throxenby Hall in the early 1960s. I would love to contact any old boys from late 1950s to early 1960s.
My parents used to camp there before the Second World War, they used to go most weekends. My first memories of Newhaven were of camping after the war I was five. We used go most weekends. My father built his first caravan in the attic in our London flat then reassembled it on the site, we used it for weekends and holidays until 1952 when my mother and father decided to move down there permantly. ...see more
My family owned the Victorian pile that incorporated the chemist opposite the Iron Duke. I was born in 1942 at the house (if it's still there) that was built as a wedding present for my parents at the top of the property and moved to the main house when my grandmother died, somewhere around 1945. Myself and my 3 brothers were packed off to boarding schools when we reached 7 so were only around in school ...see more
My grandfather - Jim Williams - worked on the estate, he lived at Newbridge Lodge for many years. He took me with him to work one day when I was about 8 or 9 years old, I don't remember much apart from that they were cutting a hedge in front of the big house and I got very cold and was told to go to the back room where there was a huge log fire. I was sat there warming up when Mrs Herbert walked in and spoke to me, I can't recall what she said now.
My mother went to Brushford School - Beryl Williams - with her sister Hazel, when O am not sure but must have been 1930s or early 1940s. They lived at Newbridge Lodge - their parents were Jim and Elsie Williams who lived there till the 1980s. If anyone remembers Beryl and wants to talk, let me know and I will put you in touch.
I remember walking through this tiny quiet village with my family. I was a small child then. We also used to picnic and play family cricket in the Park. I remember lovely wooded areas as well as open parkland. Does anyone else remember this place as parkland open for the public? ...And is it still?
My brother Nigel was born here in 1957. It was both a farm and public house kept by my great uncle and aunt, Tom and Alice Moore.
Before the houses were built, I remember this area as an open field with blackberry bushes.
I too have fond memories of Chislehurst and in particular of St. Michael's Childrens' Home. Along with my younger sister, I spent my earlier childhood in the home from around 1958 to 1964. Many children between those years came and went. I have warm memories of my "Uncle and Auntie" North who were in charge of the home for many years. The surrounding area was (and still is) beautiful, especially ...see more
I too have wonderful memories of walking down to Beckenham High Street, from Elmers End (seemed like a million miles to a four-year-old with little legs!) and passing by the toy shop and putting in a penny to watch the train go around... then walking down past the coffee shop with its pungent odor (which smelled horrible to a little one!) and on to the end of the high street, stopping on the way at Sainsburys with the wood shavings on the floor... aahhh...good times indeed..
My memories of Sandford are many and full of love and happiness. My family, Mum, Dad, brother Jim, Uncle Lol and Aunt Alice started a lifelong love affair with Devon. We stayed with Charlie and Win Perkins (Uncle Char and Aunt Win) at Mill Farm, our family stayed there every year afterwards and continued with Mum and Dad's grandchildren going there as well as other family members. We became part of the Sandford ...see more
In 1955 I worked in Brands bakery as a shop assistant. We were allowed to eat any cakes that were damaged. Gee an awful lot got damaged! I then moved along the road to a paper shop/tobacconists for 2/6d more. From there I went to Gravesend to the Rainbow Stores opposite the big Catholic church until 1958. Miss Daniels was Old Mr Brand's neice and she was in charge of shop staff. It was a family run business and the bread and cakes were to die for!
I attended the village school and Mrs Richardson was our teacher, I lived in Taunton and travelled daily on the bus from Taunton and walked from the main road to the village school and back to the bus after school, I never remember it raining. I have very happy memories of the school and Mrs Richardson. I want to tell my grandchildren about my school days and would like to hear from ...see more
Several of my Tarbox ancestors were baptised at St. Mary's. William Tarbox, b. 1849 (wife Helen Pitt Cooke) lived on Broad Street and he worked as a weaver. He left for NYC in 1880, leaving his wife and 5 children in the workhouse! She followed several years later. I was lucky enough to be able to visit Kidderminster and the church in 2001 and the cemetery where some of my relatives are buried.
I was born in Spurstow and lived by the crossroads on the A49 and went to the girls' school till I was seven, Miss Bratt was the teacher and lived in Tarporley and came to school on a scooter. Miss Rodgers was the head teacher and she lived in Bunbury in the village. Then it was off to the lads' school up the heath at seven, Mrs Steventon was the teacher, then on to Mr Nev Rowell who was a Welsh man, I can still see ...see more
Salford streets so dark and grey, but on them in Ordsall we all did play. The Irwells waters at Mark Addy bridge. The rubber works smell, in my nostrils still. No computers or games, just kids at play. Sticks, old prams, the toys we had, there were never toys that were a fad. I will always remember my Irdsall life. Growing up gave me two children and a wife. A Salford lad like me dad. Many things we never had. Pride intact, that's a fact.
I attended both primary & secondary schools in Brymbo. I remember well, aged 4 years, & my mum taking me to school for the very 1st time - no playgroups or nurseries to break you in then! I lived in Lodge, just down the road from Brymbo. I was very frightened on my first day as I had suffered from polio as a baby and this had left me with a limp - I was scared in case ...see more
My name was Ann Sones in the above set. I am in contact with several other 'girls' in our set, namely Ann Hawes, Anna Smith, Jenny Laurey, Judy Rees, Shirley Lewin, Jean Boxall, Glenys Johnson, Ann Daubney. Does anyone remember any of us? It would be great to hear from anyone from that time - we are all in our 70s now!
What a weekend that was! Friday to Sunday with glorious weather, camping in the grounds of Loxwood Village Hall and all the organisation of a splendid Morris Dancing tour taken care of by the Broadwood Morris Men. More than twenty years later I still recall this "Loxwood Ale" as one of the very best occasions on which I led the Whitethorn Band to play for our ...see more
Does anybody know anything about the history of Eastern Dene / Western Dene? I was told about the zoo that once stood on the site of the park primary/middle school, but I hear that a battle took place on Eastern/Western Dene. I lived in the Dene when I was a boy of 12 years old. My mate and I were digging a hole in the back garden, when we came across some bones. We thought that a dog may have buried them, only to ...see more
Mine isn't so much a memory, but I've been delving into my Family History, and found that my G.G. Grandfather, William Dickinson, lived at 5, Scorton Village. He worked in the cotton mill as an overlooker. Please does anybody have any info on whether this property is still there? Also any info on the mill?
Does anyone have any information about the Derby Home Guard 102 stationed at Markeaton Park during the latter part of WW2? I understand the Army used most of the buildings in the area, including Markeaton Hall, (sadly demolished in 1964), plus the Derbyshire Golf Club House which still stands surrounded by the Mackworth Estate. Any further information would be very much appreciated.
I started attending St. Malachy's College on the lower Antrim Road, but I cannot recognise the location of this beautiful photo even though the church spire is very prominent. What was it I wonder?
I believe that my maternal grandmother once lived in the pub called The Rising Sun. Her maiden name was Mary Alice Bellis - and my parents, sister and I visited the village during the 1930s. . We stayed with family who lived in the Red House in Pantymwyn, and my mother and I attended a funeral at the Church where we met a Welsh speaking Aunt Lavinia. I last visited Rhydymwyn about 2000 and on enquiry found the ...see more
The bus stopped in Wallace Street and we all piled on, Ann-Marie McCormack, Keiran O'Neil, Joseph O'Neil, Nora Brennan. Nora's Aunty Kate lived right next to where the bus stopped and if it was cold or raining we sheltered in the lee of her house until the bus arrived. Miss Quinn was the infant teacher, with Rose McGuire in Year Two then Mrs Murray. There was a Mrs ...see more
My family lived in a tied cottage at Trewellard Cliff, the farm was owned by the Rowe family at St Just. We lived there until my father died in 1963 (Sept) then moved to Pendeen, I was 12 by then and attended school at St Just CCSS, worked at the foundry at Tregaseal, Holmals shipyard Penzance then joined the Army in 1968, that's another story.
I grew up in 20Mcconnel Street, my dad was John Burns. I had many friends. As children we also spent many happy times up the Killie, I also remember sliding downhill just above water on a piece of cardboard, how we never went into water I'll never know! I also love Saturday it took us all day to prepare for Saturday night dancing at the Drill Hall, I had lots of happy times there, all us girls two who's ...see more
I cannot trace my grand father's birth. The second child registered as born at 2 Armour Street, Riccarton, Kilmarnock (now demolished). Can anyone supply me with an old photo of the area?
I am attempting to trace my grandfather. I cannot find his birth place, but third child registered as born at either Dear - Deer or Dean House - Monkton - Prestwick. Can anyone provide any information?
Does anyone remember the great sweet shops we had in Hyde? Notably Nightingales who had a stall in the old original market hall, where they used to make gorgeous toffee while everyone watched. I can still see them throwing hot toffee over a big hook until it turned a creamy colour, it was then rolled inside brown toffee to make Godley Rock. Also they made cough drops, clove rock, cough candy and treacle toffee. ...see more
I was in Farleycroft in the late 1950s. I agree it was a beautiful house with a lovely winding wooden staircase. I didn't go to school in Westerham as I left there when I was 5 to be fostered out, moving to Bromley. I went there once hoping to see the house, but apparently it no longer stands. But I did acquire a photo from Barnardos later. I remember Mrs Gunn too. Kami
I was born in Shoreham Road in 1955. My mum and dad used to play darts at the Partridge pub which you could get to via a lot of steps at the bottom of this road. They used to sell large biscuits for 1p cannot remember what they were called: Arrowroot? We used to play on the green most days and school holidays. I always remember the alley from our road to Whippendell, it was scary at night, because very ...see more
I have so many happy memories of Purley on Thames. My older sister lived at No 1 River Gardens in the latter part of the 1960s until the middle of the 1970s. As kids, my brother and I spent many, many happy days playing in the large garden there and along the river bank from the stile right up to Mapledurham Lock. I also remember swimming in the Thames there, and the night we swam across to the island ...see more
I used to work for Lord Rayleighs Dairies and my area of delivery was Billericay I used to deliver milk to the Chantry Cafe and most of the Town then out to Norsey Road and surrounding areas, happy days long gone.
Does anyone remember the old Brittania pub in the old high street, not the high street where it is, it was in Pier Road? I am looking for photos of it as my nan owned it.
Birchington with two bays and a village atmosphere 'in town'. A rail station with the most wonderful ice cream parlour opposite - wicker chairs on those old fashioned curved steel bases and circular wicker tables with glass tops - and ice cream to die for! Mr Whippy was barely born when ice cream in glass or metal dishes on stems with tasty wafers (unlike those of the 21st century) were ...see more
I had a step sister who lived in Grimesthorpe, her name was Lily. I can't remember her married name but she was married to a man called Joe who was Irish and she had a son called John. I can't remember what road they lived on but I live on Wincobank Lane now and would like to trace them if possible. She had a brother who was called Desmond Westney and he lived in Hillsborough. I remember visiting them and staying over ...see more
Just wondering if anyone knows what happened to Pinchaford riding stables in Haytor? I seem to remember heading up to the Rock Hotel circa 1973/74/75 for a shandy! Some of the very best times... Ii remember Caroline (Scoular) and Emma (Ginnett) - fan of Beau Bob/Bandit/Apollo and Bright Eyes as well as (of course!) as Bob (RIP) & Rosie, Jane, Nicky, Polly and Simon and George.