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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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!

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Displaying Memories 10481 - 10560 of 36828 in total

Hi, does any one else have a photo of a railway carriage that our family used to stay in, I remember it being very close to the beach. My older siblings remember descending a ladder straight onto the beach. The railway carriage used to belong to our aunt and uncle, I went back to Selsey a few years ago, I would dearly love to see any photos of it.
I was looked after (sort of fostered) as a child along with my sister (Diane) by a Mr and Mrs Penny who lived at Kithurst Barn; my father, Walter Vines, used to visit us every fortnight. We used to go to school in a convent walking across fields to get to it. I have a photo somewhere taken outside the school, I was born in 1959 so I was probably about 4 when I attended the school.
I also lived in Cronin Road (166) until June 1960. We moved across to SW London but I always remember the happy days I had with many friends there and at Gloucester Grove primary school. I also remember the bomb sites which were used by us children as great playgrounds.
I lived in Huntingdon until 1965 when I got married and left. I went to school in Waldren Road it was the C of E, it then changed its name to the VC school. From there I went to Brookside Secondary Modern. I seem to think that 1 of our classrooms was Cromwell's School, can anybody remember this? Mr Bartletts art and craft class was the other side of the car park facing Cromwell's school. To get ...see more
My grandmother was the Landlady at the Red House during the 60's and the 70's together with my great aunt and uncle!!!! Alot of my childhood memories center around Christmas's and summer holidays spent at my nan's pub!!!!
I can remember working at Car Mart near the ice rink ,. it was one of the first jobs i had i used to work in the stores and remember a lovely lady called Heather also a nice girl called pat who met her husband there his name was Brian and they lived in mitcham, a few shops along there was a carpet shop and a boy called Ronnie Odell worked there i believe he was from a large family and lived in M itcham he used to give ...see more
My mother worked in this shop part time on the sweet counter. My father drove the wholesale delivery van during holiday relief
Hi was just wondering if anyone knew a Margaret Amy Kerley? She grew up in Gaunts Common with her 3 sisters and her mum and dad. Unsure of the dates as she died when me and my siblings were very young. I think she attended Pampill School and left when she was 15, went on to marry my dad, Mr Shirt, and moved to Wimborne.
My family moved to Great Bookham in 1957, and were the first owners of 1 Allen Road, part of a small Close of bungalows built by New Ideal Homes of Epsom. The 1904 photograph shows the beautiful beech trees by the Leatherhead Road, and these were separated from our home by a service road running parallel. Sadly these magnificent trees had to be chopped down, but not before our side garden had been ...see more
I grew up at 99 Appledore Avenue (junction with Fairford) between 1956 & 1975. I had great mates (David Owen and Steve Beard) and went to Barnehurst CP School. Where have all the years gone and those lovely places such at Martins Grove swimming pool? We used to while away the hot summer holidays, or tracking on our bikes on Dartford Heath or through Barnehurst Golf Course woods. Get in touch if you remember me. Steve Tull steve_tull1@hotmail.com
I lived in the Rifleman's in Slad in 1959 and joined the Para's in 1961, I think my father sold the Rifleman's in 62? The Sub's was our local Stroud gang hangout for the weekend dance well...not exactly the dance. It was well known for the massive punch up's between the Stroud boys and various groups from Gloucester, Cheltenham etc. There was two cafe's that we would hang out in one just opposite the Subs and one...sorry ...see more
My father was born in Ratnew, Co Wicklow. His name was Joseph Ward. He had a sister Ann who went to live and marry in Wales. My dad came to Liverpool. I am one of eight children but I am lead to believe I may have a half brother born in South L'pool who may have been called Derick, he had red hair. He would be 60/70 years now. I would love to know if this is true and would love to meet him. If you think you may know this man then please get in touch.
I lived in Hurford Ave, Groton. Went to Peacock Street. Does anyone remember me from those years.. Only back in UK recently. I saw a message from Christine Pledger, but wrote a few years ago..does anyone know her?
My grandmother worked for Dr Blair, Barnt Green in the early 1940's. She returned to North Wales and stayed in touch with the family for a long period. Does anyone know the whereabouts of where Dr Blair lived, or any information about the area during the 1940's? Thanks, Kristy.
For near on 20 years I have been trying to trace my family history. I seem to hit so many brick walls that my family are starting to become an enigma to me. My father's grandfather was Edward Thomas Howell, who was the brother of Willoughby John Howell. Willougby became the Reverend of St Bartholomews Episcopal Church in the 1920s. I would really appreciate any information on ...see more
I remember the British School so well, especially the headmistress at the time, Miss Gilbert. She was very strict, but generally fair, and much respected by my parents. One thing that stays in my memory is the enormous rocking horse which lived in the hall; it probably wasn't as large as I remember it, and it was already quite an old horse with a real horsehair tail. I remember also Miss Gollop who I ...see more
Just to say Peggy Mills remembers the Freeman family & Percy who taught her how to cut gents hair.
Lived in East Street, Braintree and went to Chaple Hill School. I remember some of the teachers; . Miss Cliff, Mrs Clark, Miss Jackson, Miss Bacon, John Mews, Bing Clayton, David Coe, Peter Hoy, Ray Allum, Doug Kemp, Willie Watkins, Barry Wassell, Purle Haylock, Jenny Colston, Cyril Oakley, Mick Lewin, Neville Humpfreys, Peter & David Steadman, Sheila Benfield, Jeff Joslin, Terry Swan. After school some of us would play on the waste ground & bombed out houses in East St.
I moved to Northolt in 1970 with my step father, Alan Souster, my mother Gwen and my older sister Cindy. Our first home was Flat, Block 74, Dabbs Hill Lane. Below us in No.2 was Mr & Mrs Peg & their sons Andrew and Roy. In No.1 lived Martin and his ageing mother who used to sit on the balcony watching us play out back. No.3 was the Shillings and in No.6 lived the Jones'. It was at the start of the Summer ...see more
Does anyone remember a refreshment wagon? My mam and dad, Linda and Harry Leggett, ran it in the late 40's or early 50's some evenings near the fountain in Hall Place. I can remember being with them 'helping' and I always had a chocolate cupcake to eat. I think I took comics to read whilst mam and dad were working.
A miner's family from Blaenrhondda - Watkins - were lodgers in the late 1930's with my parents living in Colindale, Hendon, NW London. I was born in 1926 and when I was ten the idea came for me to stay for a holiday in Blaenrhondda. I had never had a vacation except day trips to Southend, Margate and Hastings.Mmy dad was unemployed most of the thirties, my mum cleaned other peoples housees - that paid ...see more
My mum used to work at the Meridian sewing factory, her maiden name was Valerie Dickens, which then became Valerie Smith. I think mum left there to have me and I was born in 1978. If anyone has memories of the Meridian or knows my mum please get in touch. I'm sure she would love to read about memories of this, thankyou, Miss Lyndsey Smith.
The old Railway Hotel previously occupied the adjacent timber-clad building to the south west of the Cranley Hotel before it closed its doors in 1910. It was then converted into 2 dwellings and a laundry in an adjoining barn. It is now 3 dwellings known as 1 (Oaklea), 2 and 3 Laundry Cottages. Early this century it transferred to the present red-brick building with'Dutch' gables. The name of the Railway ...see more
My uncle Jack and aunty Milly lived at Croxton Green, in the first house down the lane of the A49; he was in WW1 and was at the Somme. He used to come down to our house at Spurstow and he went down to the pub with my dad for a drink. My dad had been in the WW2 and I think they got on well. We used to go up to Croxton Green on our bikes, there was not many cars about then and he had a big pig in the sty.
First time I saw the castle I was about 7 years old. I was on the bus with my mother and brother and were going to Chester from Spurstow where we lived. Just as the bus got by the side of the castle there was a big deer inside it and the bus stopped and we all had a good look at it. My mum said it was the last one on there. Then we used to go there on the church fete day, play by the caves and eat ice ...see more
My name is Shirley Dunn. I lived at 44 Whippendale Way from early 50's to late 60's. I resided with my six brothers and one sister and went to Midfield Girls School. Anybody who knows the whereabouts of my family, I would like to hear from you. Thank you.
I used to live at No.18 Palmerston Road. Palmerston pub was on the corner, it’s a Nandos now. There was a shop called Tony’s who used to make his own ice cream and lovely pineapple lollies. Next door was an off licence where I used to get the old lady upstairs, Nanny Shattock, her bottle of Mackerson. Halfway down was the wash house, mum used to do the washing there once a week and on a Friday we ...see more
Does anyone have any knowledge of the Dixon/Spinks/Dodds families? My grandmother Hilda May Dixon was born in Brick Hill Cottages, little Ellingham in 1908 & her parents were James Alfred Dixon (bn 1874) & Alice Margaret Spinks (bn 1879). Thank you
I lived in Stiffkey from 1962 until 1985. My parents, John and Thelma Pearson, still live in the village. I was christened in the local church by Reverend Cullingford and it was his first christening. My dad was a builder just like my grandad Billy and my great grandad George. My dad tells us stories about being friends with Henry Williamson's son (Tarka the Otter author) and running for their lives in the war ...see more
I believe I went to this convent when I was around 4 years old. I lived on Smallfield Road and was born in 1949. I remember the names Nina and Maryann Bear as they were family friends. Please could you let me know if this was the school I went to. I went to Leicester when I was 6 years old and my surname was Bell.
Great memories of Roundshaw, moved there in 1970. The decks were so clean with concrete still setting. Went to St Elpheges primary school, there I met so many friends to this day. Lived at 28 Hadrian Close with my parents, brother and sister. Used to play arrows, marbles, swap football cards which I used to get from the bluo van parked at the bottom of the road. Remember getting my Mark 1 chopper bike ...see more
My father worked in the officers mess at Buntingsdale and every Christmas they used to hold a Christmas party for the workers children..They were great parties and I have good memories of Buntingsdale lake and woods as I used to go from Dalelands West and go fishing in the lake.. they were good days .
As a baby we moved to Park Road from Old Trafford We lived there from 1937 to 1940. My first memory is lying in my pram playing with my toes and watching the birds flying to the terrace. It had three bedrooms and three rooms downstairs; front and back rooms and kitchen with a large boiler to wash the clothes plus a wooden airier to dry them. At the bottom of the garden was a field with cows. When I was four we left Park Road and moved to Wilmslow to escape the bombing.
My late wife and I bought the old Co-op when they left around 1974. I have taken and printed in A4 over 500 photos of the village through the many years living here. If any one would like a particular one please describe it and I will try my best to send it to you. e-mail. bluajohnson@gmail.com
I lived in George Road during the '80s and during my time there, collected old postcards of the area. Much later, I enjoyed locating the exact camera positions and taking videos of how the scenes appear now. This was one of the cards and if you'd like to watch it (it's only 90 seconds long), copy the following link and paste it in your browser: http://youtu.be/cyMpqZ5Jq2I
I lived in George Road, Farncombe during the '80s when there was still very much of a village atmosphere. I collected a few postcards of the place and later made a few short vids one of which features this very card. If you'd care to see it (it's only 90 seconds long), please copy and paste the following link in your browser. http://youtu.be/YU2Hiq0J84c
To see the Boarden Bridge as it was then and now, you might be interested in watching a very short video. If so, copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://youtu.be/Zv7mmA97vxw
I was born at Hamilton Lodge on Ledger Way in 1959, lived at Alverley on a small holding with my parents and older brother and sister. I went to Nightingale Infant and Junior School. Recalling that Mr Hillerby was the Headmaster, Mr Dixon was the Deputy and Mr Hacksup was the Caretaker. I can remember going to the pictures in the late 60's with school and we saw ...see more
My name is Linda Lygo (nee Moore). My dad worked at Postlewaits Farm as a labourer and me mum and my brother Nicky lived in the house that were owned by the farm. I went to Harborough Magna School but cannot remember the teacher's names. I moved to Longlawford at about five years old and have been here ever since. However, nostalgia takes me back there often. I and my daughter tried to take my grandson to ...see more
I was born in Rochester Dwellings on 1944 on S block, had some good times. I lived there for about 20 years and had some good mates there but have lost touch.
I lived at Clyngwynne Farm until 1987. We moved there from Whitland Abbey where we lived with my husband's parents, Rhodri and Gwendoline Thomas. My husband Rhodri and I took over Clyngwynne Farm after my father-in-law gave up dairy farming. Before that (Benjamin) Alun Thomas lived there as our superb cowman/farm manager with his wife Gwyneth and their three children and a grumpy old sheepdog called Bob who used ...see more
My father was stationed at Upper Heyford RAF, I was 13-15 years old. I have such fond memories of Lower Heyford, the train station, the little village of Lower Heyford and the beautiful house that sat on the corner with large roses that climbed the wall. In 1964, I attended a secondary school in Bicester and I would love to find out what happened to my classmates. Does anyone know of a house called ...see more
Did anyone go to Bicester Secondary School? I went there in 1964-1965, I was 14-15 years old and would have been in the 10th grade. I was the only American student, my father was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford. I had many friends, if you remember me.. Millie Venezia.. please email me.
Way back in the early 1950's my friends and I went everywhere on our cycles. On one occasion three of us set out from Grays and went across the ferry at Tilbury to Gravesend then down the old A road to Canterbury where we had a short break before we returned the round trip was about 100 miles. One of our favorite places for a short trip was to One Tree Hill. We also used to stop there on our way home from Southend, it was very romantic spot and this brings back many memories.
I think I was two years old when we moved to Byron Crescent in what was then called Fishpool in 1940. American servicemen were billeted at the end house, I believe number 12, in the latter stages of the war and we used to scrounge chewing gum from them. There are many happy memories of playing at Larch Farm with friends and the snowy winter of 1947 was extremely memorable.
Did anyone from Lower Heyford go to Bichester Secondary School in 1964-1965? I rode the bus from Upper Heyford to Bichester with Terry and Graham. I was the only American student at Bichester Secondary School, my name is Millie Venezia. I was 14 and in the 10th grade. My father was stationed at Upper Heyford and we lived on the base. If you attended please email me. I am looking for Margaret Ayton, Patrice Grace, Susan Boots, Any information is greatly appreciated.
One of my schoolboy friends had a sister who trained at Eaton Hall in the early fifties so it must have been a college then. I remember my friend and I cycling there from Blidworth on FA cup final day in 1953.
My grandfather, Guy Metcalfe, played in Bainbridge Brass Band; nearly half the band were Metcalfes, all related. One of my ancestors (on my mother's side) was the famous hornblower on the village green.
After all of these years I have discovered who put the soap powder in the pond!
My family was bombed out of their home in Sholing, Southampton, and we were evacuated to Calmore Road which was then 'out in the country'. We were offered a corrugated hut to live in by Mr Harrison who owned the Nursery, and there we lived until 1946. All my memories as a child are happy ones, but I suspect it was difficult for my parents who had lost everything. The hut was never meant for habitation, ...see more
I think the shop was called Pools, I can remember my Grandma used to take her batteries there to have them recharged. We lived up Perseverance Road, up Mikey's Lane. I also remember the cobbler shop used to sell things for the horses. Good memories.
I was enrolled at McLaren High School at the age of four, during the war. I was put in a class for 6 year olds because I could already read. It was my first school. However, I was not there very long because we returned to Glasgow.
I was born in my grandma's house at 9 Friar Street, but my parents and myself lived in an upstairs flat behind Jack the barbers and Susie Greener's shop until I was 2. We then became very posh when we moved into a brand new house in Crossfield Crescent (the prefabs). These houses were intended to last for 10 years, but 67 years later they are still standing. I have happy memories of Shotton ...see more
Hello I was a patient at Penyfai back in 1973 and I was only twelve years of age. I regularly went over to Glanrhyd as that is where the social centre was, and would sometimes take the back exit towards Penycae up past the bends by the railway line. I have done a book on my childhood experiences of abuse and trauma which led to me being sectioned at the age of twelve. It is ...see more
I remember the passenger ferry terminal well during the late 1940's. I lived with my family in Wakefield Street which was a ten minute walk away with my little legs - I was 4 or 5 at the time! We had so much freedom in those days. I was a proper street urchin and loved it, every day was an adventure! I would play in the mud underneath the terminal with friends from school. My older brother would dive from ...see more
My Grandfather, Frederick George Bartlett, born 1903 lived with his family in Severn Stoke. Although he left the village in the 1920's he was buried in St. Denis's in the 1960's. His 2 brothers Frank (21) and Sidney (17) both died in WW1 and are both listed on The War Memorial. If anyone should any information about him or his family I would be most grateful.
Yesterday, 6/2/2014, I like thousands of others in Swindon had to stay in because of the weather, not even my daily totter round the block with my dog, so I sat back and went on a mental walk around Crewe, so what did I see? My three schools in West Street, St Barnabas infants, junior and senior and Ludford Street and the C W S dairy in Market Street. The cinemas; The Grand, The Empire, The Kino, The Empire, The ...see more
My paternal grandparents, Ernie and Sally Featherstone, lived at 11 Burnsall Avenue, Heysham with their son Jack (my dad) during the 40s and 50s. My maternal grandparents, Sid and Olive Wilson, and their daughters Mavis (my mum) and Norma lived at Cosy Nook Cottage, a few yards from Half Moon Bay in Old Heysham Village during the same period. My mum tells me that they didn't have a bathroom so when they wanted ...see more
My friend Molly and I got together during late 2013 and over lunch in The Three Daws we mulled over those long ago days growing up in Northfleet. The Chalk Pits were our favourite playground and although of course we were generally forbidden to go anywhere near them, they were like a second home! The pits still seem to be there and have not changed substantially. Does anyone else remember that particular playground I wonder?
My 3rd great grandparents, Edward and Esther Deed (nee Perry), lived in Kings St, Hammersmith prior to emigrating to Australia in 1838. They had 9 children when they left Hammersmith to board the ship 'Canton' in London in April 1838. They were married at All Saints Church, Fullham on 24 Apr 1821.
My memories of Bargoed are going to the farm now known as the rafa club and shooing the cows across the road from the barns which are where the new police houses are opposite bargoed institute and getting a pint of milk from the farm straight from the stone sill which contained the milk churn cost 3 pence old money one half pence new , the farm was fully working then until the black path was built over by bungalows above ...see more
Memories -mrs roberts miss cook and her chow dog during the early war years they were second mothers to us all,village people were kind and helpfull ,mr pond the water bailiff gave me all the fishing tackle i needed and let me fish free of charge but also came with me to make sure no harm came to me,also most of my mates as well ,i am still in connection with holdenhurst villagers thank you all for my lifes memories to many to mention ron pye of great dean cottages
I was born in Coworth rd, number 2 which is opposite the shop, I remember the shops well. The post office was run by the 2 Miss Whites and the VG Stores was run by the Freemans, brothers who were partially sighted. Later on the shop was run by The Tates and I worked for them. At the top of Coworth rd was a fishmongers and a butchers. My mother used to send me to buy sixpenneth of fish. There was another shop ...see more
I was also married at this church, as were my mother and grandmother.
US army military police stationed on bridge during WW2
Can anyone help me find the history of the above .It was used by the old London County Council as a Children's Home. It was run by a couple called Mr & Mrs Upton who were very nice to us and I wondered what happened to them. I used to go to Dawlish Secondary School and I also used to go to the church by the Lawns in the town centre and the Air Cadets which was run by a Mr Murch. If anyone can help please I would ...see more
I remember my friends and I would go swimming at Acton Baths and afterwards the lady in the tiny ticket office would make us a cup of Bovril with her kettle, for the grand sum of one penny. And after that? Sixpence worth of chips of course... happy days.
I lived in Kneller Road from 1972, and rememeber the Ark pet shop, and The Donkey shop. I used to play most evenings in Murray Park, and remember that the "finger of fudge" advert was filmed just opposite Murray Park, a friend called Ashley was the little boy opening the wrapper. As a teenager, worked in Tescos, and Coombes Beakery, which sadly is no longer trading in the High St.
Hi, my name is Ken Cooper I was born in 10 Leylands Road, Fishersgate in1947. My nan had a fish and chip shop where we lived, it was a wonderful place, we had wonderful parties. There was a shop for everything in our street and then the council ripped the heart out of it and pulled it all down and built council flats. We moved back but it was not the same. If anybody reads this I would love to talk to any of my old mates.
From about 1930 to 1939 my family had a shack/bungalow on the Warren. Every summer we loaded the car at our home in Exeter, drove to Exmouth, and were ferried to our shack by a boatman, Bill Hocking. My brother John became an accomplished dinghy sailor and raced at the Exmouth club - sometimes with me as crew. (Later in life he became a boat designer, notably of the 505). We were at the Warren in 1939 facing two ...see more
I don't remember any of my childhood until I moved to Peterlee in 1971. I was 5 years old at the time and was started at Eden Hall infants. When I moved to the big school aged 7 I was placed in Mrs Hoy's class, she was a fantastic teacher. In my second year I was put into Mrs Hudson's class, where for the first time I realised what a strong willed woman my mam was. Mrs Hudson gave all the kids in class a ...see more
When I was about 2 I was very ill and after leaving the Children's Hospital I went to a convalescent home in Southport. I have very little memory of this.. I was told it was a Catholic home. My mother was very worried. When she came to take me home she said I looked lovely, glowing and all the Nuns were giving me hugs. My mother believes I was very happy there. She said I was golden brown as we were on the beach every day. Does anyone else know about the home?
Hello, my name is John William Penrose and I was born in Bridgehill and attended Benfieldside School. When I first went to school I had leg irons on both legs; I was living with my uncle John and auntie Joyce and my nan Agnes and we later moved to Leadgate to live. My nan died when I was 12 years old and my dad, Edward Wilfred Bell Penrose, did not want his brother to look after me anymore so he came up from ...see more
My mam, Linda Leggett, had a toy stall at the corn exchange end. Mam and I loaded up a handcart with toys every Tuesday and pushed it from our shop in Commercial Road, next door to the post office. I helped unload and set out the stall then dashed to school/ high school. At lunch time went back so mam could have a break and a cuppa, then back to school. I returned later so we could load up and push the ...see more
My name was Margaret Locke when I went to school here from 1955 to 1961. The teachers were Miss Webb (head teacher), Mrs Wringe and Miss Vera Norfolk. I have fond memories of Elmstead and was christened in St Pauls church and married at St Lawrence church 40 years ago next month. I also used to read the lessons in church when Hallidie Smith was the vicar. What started me looking at this site was an article in the ...see more
I lived in Stanhope Road from 1950 until I got married in 1966. I remember Daborns and going in there to spend my pocket money on sweets or something that caught my eye, Mr and Mrs Daborn - such a lovely couple. I went to Uplands Schools in Church Road, and the Girls school just round the corner with my best friend Tricia who still lives in Herbert Rd. We have such great memories of the gang, we spent our youth with ...see more
Looking into the Colenutt business in Union Street, Ryde.
Hi, I worked at the Manor House, Shanklin from approx 1967/ 1972. My name was Kathleen Orchard. Had some lovely summers there. Coming down from Birmingham it was like travelling to another world......Would love to hear from some of the girls; Jean, Chris, Christine so many to recall. Fantastic memories!
My headmaster was Mr Williams, he gave me the ruler across my hand for being late back to school after dinner. He was OK, the two of the teachers I remember most were Miss Croxton (she was so nice and helpful) the other one was Miss Young. She was, to me at 7 years, really old and always cross but she taught us all mental arithmetic, learning the times tables - I never did forget them. I also remember the ...see more
I worked with Brian Cotter at Securicor, Merthyr and later at Taylor Woodrow. We'd go for a pint at The Dog and Rabbit, always had a good welcome there.