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
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Displaying Memories 29281 - 29360 of 36828 in total
Does anyone have any information regarding Robert Horace Chilton or Nora Gwendoline Ashlee who lived at Lone Cottage in 1953. They had a young daughter (Linda) and a baby ( Robin). Robin was later adopted. We only lived there a very short time. I am trying to research my family tree. Please help. You are so lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country
I was at the Convent when this picture was taken. In the foreground you can see the tennis courts. Our dormitories were on the 'Top Landing', the windows you can see on the second floor. The Convent was run by the order of St Clotilde and was started by Mere Fontaine in Paris to look after the orphaned children of the revolution. At this time the Reverend Mother was Sister Marie-Dominique, who sadly died ...see more
I came across this by chance - I was at school with you, Fraser. I remember coming to an amazing birthday party at your house where your mum had put on an incredible spread, including a plate of Kit Kats which seemed like such a huge treat! Your mum did an amazing show in the kitchen with an emu puppet which helped make a cake appear by magic out the oven. I am returning to Shandon this summer after stints ...see more
came across this by chance - i was at school with you Fraser ... i remember coming to an amazing birthday party at your house where your mum had put on an incredible spread including a plate of kit kats which seemed like such a huge treat ! your mum did an amazing show in the kitchen with an emu puppet which helped make a cake appear by magic out the oven. I am returning to Shandon this summer after ...see more
Now living in Australia and having revisited Yealmpton in recent times, the changes are amazing. Where there used to be fields in which I played with mates, sadly houses now stand. The old bridge, church, Mother Hubbard's Cottage and pubs are still much as I remember them, but the old charm seems to be missing. In 'my days' I could name just about everyone living in the village, now - ...see more
I was also a pupil at St Catherine's; 1954 to 1962 were my years. I remember Mr Thunder, art and geography teacher, Mr Smith, Deputy head; later married someone from the Bristol Old Vic, Mr Sydey, ex Royal Navy Captain but unable to recall his subjects. Mr Ross, art and woodwork. We used to go camping at Fowey in Cornwall every summer which is where I probably picked up my love for the place. My sisters Gillian and ...see more
This is the church where my Uncle Michael George Sinnott is buried.
Teignmouth Folk Festival attracted crowds who filled the sunny promenade and town centre streets to watch the many Morris Teams at this 2009 event. Musicians and dancers formed a procession at the East Cliff Cafe to parade along the Den and the promenade towards the Triangle where each "side" gave a display for for the Mayor and civic dignitaries. I played my piano accordian ...see more
As a young boy I recall having some great times on Bedfont Green, picking up acorns and every year going to the fair with dad. I would love to see how it looks today, maybe someone could contact me and send me a photo for me to see? You can't post photos onto this website.
Can anyone help me with information for my family tree? My ancestors are William John Jones born 1851 in Cwmavon, Wales, he married Mary Bowen born 1853 in Wales. They left for Australia around 1874. William's parents were William Jones and Alice Jenkins (I think) born about 1820.
I am looking for Brian Hermitige who was in the army with me in Hong Kong 1953. I am Brian Bellingham PLEASE HELP.
We visited Gipping in 2003 to try to get a sense of the place our ancestors left in 1859 to start a new life in New Zealand. The flatness of the area was a significant contrast to the rugged coastal lands they farmed on their arrival in Little Akaloa, Canterbury. William Henry Elliss and his wife Sophia Rebecca Davey were resident in Gipping in 1858 when they married at the Primitive Methodist Chapel in Stowmarket. ...see more
Does anyone know of anything about the KEW family that lived at 13, North Plantation Row? Thomas and Margaret (Thubburn) are my great-grandparents. Any info would be great. Thanks, Doug Kew.
I'm wondering if anyone remembers this couple? Joan is my dad's cousin but I can't remember her married name. I'm trying to trace back the KEW side of my family and Joan's mam was Molly (nee Kew). If Joan is still around I would like to ask her some stuff. Anyone....help! Thanks, Doug Kew.
My Aunt Emma was born Emma Blood, she had two sisters Ivy and Lily all born in Middleton by Wirksworth. Emma was born circa 1903. In the 1920s she was a domestic at what she called the 'big house at Ashbourne'. She started courting Thomas Gould, he was born Wirksworth and every night he would walk from Wirksworth to Ashbourne, leaving home as clean as a button but by the time he got back home he ...see more
When my family moved to Sutton Courtenay in the 1960s this was the only shop left in the old part of the village. It was a fabulous place with big glass jars of sweets behind the counter, I used to visit here as soon as I received my pocket money! It was run by the Mussells, I think (pronounced 'Muzz-ells'). My sister got a job there on Saturdays. Unfortunately it eventually closed in the early 1980s.
Although I wasn't born in the Borough I spent quite a lot of time in the district. I also attended St Anne's Convent, Little Ealing Lane, from the age of 5 to 16 and from there went on to Pitmans College in Ealing Broadway. My much older sister was married in the beautiful Church of England church there in 1951. I remember Saturday morning shopping which included a necessity to queue for lovely ...see more
Does anyone have any imformation as to how to make contact with Alan Melville Cooper, the principle's son? I would very much like to contact him, as we were good chums at school. Many thanks.
I was born and brought up in Old Monkland. I lived with my parents and sister Audrey and in 1977 my brother Andrew was born. We lived in the flats, 3 storeys up, in Monkland Lane. I attended Kirkshaws Primary School. I remember in particular 1975, as it was a very long and extremely hot summer. I loved to play tennis in the back courts with the neighbours' kids, the Mcguire ...see more
I remember the train that ran by the side of the approach drive when I visited the zoo as a young child with my parents. I wanted to go on it, but my parents made me walk. I was just learning to read and asked my Mum what a 'dangeroo' was. On the way out, I felt unaccountably embarrassed because my father helped a man who couldn't walk well to get back onto his coach. I remember that my mother told me that the tiger (or lion I can't remember which), was eyeing me up for a meal.
Well, I have been reading some articles posted on this website, about Castle School in Stanhope from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Well, I was in Castle School from 1958 - 1962. I was in because I was a badden, lol, just like those who have posted messages on here. When I was driven up the driveway to the main entrance, I looked, and thought "This is not a school, it's Colditz". Reading some of the ...see more
Interesting to see the photo entitled "Solva, Middle Hill". The village shown here is known as "Middle Mill" and the mill (on the River Solfach) is in the centre behind the bridge.
I was born in Cookham in 1952. I attended Holy Trinity Primary School and sang in the church choir. One Remembrance Sunday I was given the honour of carrying the cross at the head of the procession from the church to the war memorial. I was extremely lucky to spend my childhood in such idyllic surroundings. My brothers and I, along with many of the other local children spent many hours swimming in the river at Odney ...see more
The pub had only recently been rebuilt, the original haveing been flattened by an aerial mine in 1941, which also damaged St Saviour's, parts of which were still awiting repair. Until the rebuild it was an bomb site and used to play there. The property behind the photographer was also hit and had been demolished. New properties were built in the 1950s (5, 7, 9 Bidston Road). Even in the early 1960s there was still extensive ...see more
This photo was taken from against the wall of our property at 3 Bidston Road, where I grew up (1945-65). You can just see the shadow of the sycamore tree that stood at the top of the garden. This is the Bidston Road / Gerald Road / Townfield Lane junstion. The church and the cottage (2 Bidston Road) still reamin, all that is left of No3 is the sandstone wall. Note the gas light - this is about as far as street ...see more
My memories are of Greatham mainly in the 1940s. My nan and grandad , Gertrude and Joseph Peacock Wilkinson, lived in the large house called Greenside opposite the Green, and now there are many houses there. My mum Joan was born in Greatham and lived there till she left to marry Walter Bowbanks from Stockton. I had many relations at Greatham, Aunty Minnie, Aunt May and Dolly, and I spent many happy hours on ...see more
I was born in Ilford in 1961, in Stanley Road, opposite the cemetery of St Mary the Virgin! I remember well shopping trips 'Up Ilford' with Mum or Dad as a child. I remember too, going into C&A for clothes, and visiting the Clarkes shoe shop, down a side road, I believe it was near the Town Hall, there was a tank of fish in the shop. Does any one else recall the Nativity that appeared on the Town Hall steps each ...see more
Imagine my surprise, when I Googled Bebington from my apartment in New York City and up came a photograph of a row of houses opposite The Wirral Grammar School on Heath Road in Bebington, and one of them was my grandfather's! It is the left side of the first semi-detached house going from right to left in this picture. As a child I used to go to Bebington every other year with my mother, ...see more
I was a child that lived at the 'Sister Butler's orphanage' in the early I960s. This message is to anyone that was also at the orphanage at that time, particularly Alison Burbidge, as I have read her account stating that Alison would have been at the orphanage at the same time as me. I have a lot of memories of the Hinton Martell, and the orphanage, such as the school over the road from the ...see more
My family moved from Kent to Little Stukeley at the beginning of the Second World War. I believe my uncle had a bakery there for my father was a baker. My uncle's name was Sidney P Bull and his wife was Etta. I am told that we moved back to Kent but moved back again to Little Stukeley - as I was born in 1939 just before the war started I have no memory of living there as I can only remember ...see more
Wow, I remember that pub. When I moved there the track had been covered in tarmac, what a shame! But me and my sister went down into the forest on the left and found the rest of the track! It was brill! Shame the pub has become fancy, they even closed the bowling alley, what madness!
OMG!!! Wow, I was amazed when I saw this picture! The house I grew up in is the one on the right of the two stuck together, behind the cottage at the front of the picture! My bedroom was the top right hand window, I even remember my brother climbing out of it on to the wall to go meet his mates! I broke my finger in that graveyard, ouch! I loved living there, the local Illminster pub is on the right, shame you can't see it!
I have fond memories of the "British Granadiers" on Saturday mornings at the Granada, great fun. I also remember later on a Sunday, as a teenager, going to the Granada with my mates. We jostled for what we thought to be the best seat in the house. This seat was in the front row of the balcony, and had a plaque noting that the Duchess of Kent had sat there during the opening in 1937. All pretty harmless ...see more
I went to Uppermount School, Winifred Road.
We used to meet outside the old tram shed where Waitrose is now, Can anyone remember the company who owned it?
I first visited Silecroft in 1957, with my mother and father. It was August and we were on holiday for a week. I fell in love with the village at first sight and that love has lasted a life time. We stayed in the Boat House on the shore. Our first night was very windy and I remember walking to the village, for milk, the next morning with the wind behind me blowing me along. The village has changed ...see more
This is the view from the other side of Central Park, the main road ran alongside and Heath Park estate where we lived was opposite. I remember my dad and me waiting for a 103 bus to take us to Romford Market and me wondering why he had to ask me the number on the front of the bus. My dad picked up the keys from the Civic Centre for our brand new house on the Heath Park estate and we lived next ...see more
I visited Grange Farm on a week's holiday with my school in 1960. It was my first real holiday, away from the streets of St Helens, Lancs. We slept in what looked like barrack rooms with about a dozen bunk beds which looked like they were leftovers from the war. We also had day trips to London, and the London Zoo. This was also the first time I had seen such a big swimming pool. It was a wonderful time. I ...see more
I spent many an hour floating around in a boat on that lake and dreading the second when the voice of authority would call out: 'Number 3 (for instance, your time is up.' We'd then make our way back to the boat house, as slooooowly as was possible.
I remember spending many a summer swimming at this spot. Then they seemed to be long hot summers but maybe that's the memory loss of an older man. I noticed that the rope was stiil hanging from the tree which was used to swing out into the river. This would have been in the mid 1950s and so much has changed. Still they can't take away the memories of childhood
I was born in 1962 and lived in Peterlee for only 6 years. I remember fun times and the holidays from school were full of activities on a big green, where you learnt how to roller skate, walk on stilts and had so much fun. Good times.
My father came from Resolven and my mother from neighbouring Glynneath. Although we lived in Birmingham when my brother and I were kids, we would often spend our summer holidays with my grandparents in Ynys Fach Avenue in Resolven. We loved going to the woods, and being taken on the bus to Neath for faggots and peas in the market. I remember the next door neighbours, the Hadley family, who were very friendly ...see more
Thank you for showing the photo of Bank Houses, the house on the right was where my grandad lived and I spent a lot of very happy holidays there. His garden was aways full of lovely things to eat and as I lived in an industrial part of North Yorkshire with only a small back yard this was like heaven. Grandad would take me to the pub over the road for his lunchtime pint and everyone would make a fuss of me. ...see more
I remember Huntingdon's High Street in 1965. I was only a little girl then, holding on to my grandmother's hand. My grandparents were Kate and Reginald Wayman and they lived in Hartford Road opposite the River Ouse. Nanna and I would often walk to the town centre and she'd buy me a 'Pixie' comic; there were some lovely shops, I remember 'Fishers' (I think), and 'Steadmans'. I loved Huntingdon where I had many happy ...see more
My relations moved to this area back in the late 1950s and finally settled in Ringmore village. We had long holidays there in their home starting back in the 1960s, but the years I remember the most were the 1970s, down at Challaborough beach with my sisters and cousins. I remember the cafes, the sounds of Glam Rock coming from the juke box, and the smells of food, and the amusements, where I spent a ...see more
I was stationed at the Royal Signals camp at Denbury in 1952 and whilst there I met a wonderful young lady whose name was Frances Best. She lived in Kingskerswell and I fell in love with her and she felt the same about me. I was invited to her home and was made so very welcome by her family. I was demobbed from the Army at the end of 1952, I lived in Salford Lancashire ...see more
I was born in The Drive, Loughton in 1937. I was in the Cubs and Scouts at St. Mary's and was married there in May 1960. The vicar was Rev. Vine. Brian Leach.
(Sir) William Grierson, 9th Lord of Lag, & his wife, Nicola Maxwell had issue known, 10, viz.: (1) Helena Grierson, born before 1597, (2) (Sir) Robert Grierson of Lag, born before 1598 at Lag, Dumfries-shire, Scotland; died c1654; he married Margaret Murray, daughter of (Sir) James Murray of Cockpool, in May, 1622, (3) Sara Grierson, born before 1598, (4) Agnes Grierson, born before 1599, ...see more
I was born just outside Ascot in Cheapside in 1954. In 1966 we were living in Buxton, Derbyshire and this picture brings back memories of those days when we used to visit my grandparents in south Ascot for Christmas and holidays. It used to take most of the day with 5 kids and my parents in a Ford Zephyr to travel down, it was a long journey with a big welcome at the end. All our relatives came down from London and up ...see more
I was born in Upney Hospital in early 1951, the youngest of six children. We lived with our parents in North Street. When I was two our parents split up and my dad eventually 'won' custody of myself and the brother next up to me, four years my senior. Dad had been disabled during the Second World War and, as such, was no longer able to do his job, in civvie land, in the building trade. So he was at home a lot ...see more
On a Sunday a crowd of boys and girls would meet at the Sky High milk bar at the Bell end of the High Street. After a few milk shakes we would then go to the pictures, either the Regal or the Alcaza and sometimes go to the other end of the town to the Dominion. Another cinema was the privately owned one called the Empire, locally known as 'the bug hutch'. There was a clothes shop called Rego's and just after the ...see more
I am wondering if the child bending down and putting his wellies on is me, as I spent every minute I could of my childhood down on the shore, especially as dad's boatyard, Haines was right there. The picture reminds me of myself as I had a bobble hat and jacket exactly the same as the boy in the picure. I would have been 9 years old at the time.
We moved to Smallfield in the late 1960s. I remember my little brother Gary Biddles putting his best suit on and knocking at the door of Smallfield Place asking if he could have a look around as he found it very interesting. The lady thought he was so sweet that she invited him for a tour. At a latter date, I was also a regular visitor. I used to do my brother Glenn's milkround so he could go to football so I got ...see more
Hi Tina. I also have good memories of Cliffe, I can remember going to your house for one of your birthday parties and I think at one time you were my girlfriend! I was always down the marshes on old motorbikes and scooters, and I used to hang about with Kevin Edwards, Martin Boardman, Michael Smith, and Paul Musselwhite. When I moved to Cliffe we lived next door to the Co-op in the middle house. Keith Beagley.
My parents owned the nursery at Spurstow, (I remember the big oak tree in front of the petrol front on the A49). They were there from 1943 to my father's death in 1951. Was there a family called 'Prier' (soliciter, doctor) in the area? Dad use to go shooting with someone of that name or similar in the area. I have very fond memories of the area, the small farm behind us where we got our milk, the local bakery in ...see more
I was born in 1953 in a cottage at the top of the very steep hill leading down to the village. My mother ran a B & B from this address and we kept chickens and a pony. The neighbouring farmer used to let me ride on his wagon up through the fields and I remember one of his pair of horses being called Mudbrains! Highlight of my week was going down to the ...see more
Drain unknown Spouse & Children Jane Watson 1790 – John Drain 1820 – 1882 WILLIAM DRAIN 1822 – 1895 HELEN Drain 1823 – Henry Drain 1823 – 1872 ELIZABETH Drain 1824 – James Drain 1825 – MARY Drain 1826 –
Family Members Parents Show siblings Hide siblings WILLIAM JAMES Ward 1800 – 1865 Martha McVeigh 1791 – 1865 Spouse & Children Ann Denvir 1811 – HUGH WATSON WARD 1841 – 1885 Martha Ward 1847 – Margret Ward 1850 –
My parents, Maurice and Jessie Carroll, ran the White Swan pub at Bubwith from about 1962 to about 1966. There used to be a stable block to the right of the picture which they had demolished and an extension to the pub (just visible in the photo) was built.
I lived in Colliers Green at Park Farm, at that time a dairy and fruit farm. I went to school at the primary school. Just down the road was a charcoal burners. Latterly I went to Bethany School at Curtisen Green. Good memories.
My father worked at the mill in approximately 1958. I recall it being repaired by Dutch engineers at that time. Next door was a grocer's shop, but I cannot remember the name. We lived at the time near Goudhurst. What a terrific place for a young person to play!
I used to be in Oakbank School and my uncle lived in Seal. His cottage is on the right hand side of this photo.
I have good memorys of Chartham. My family used to go hopping every year. We were on a Mr Finn's farm untill the late 1950s when he stopped the hand-picking. I would like to get some photos of the hopping huts we stayed in for 6 weeks. When Mr Finn ceased picking we went down the road to another farm, it was called Robson Farm but later it became Hulmes Farm. I still go back to re-live the good old times, allthough it ...see more
I lived in Ditchfield in the 1930s and went to Ditton Hall mixed school. Eddie Murphy was our headmaster, he was a very good teacher as they all were. It was a small school then but a good school, with respect for the teachers.
I broke down in the tunnel in the early 1970s, my kids thought it was great pushing us out off the tunnel wall, they were realy black at the end. I made sure it didn't happen going back!
I was born in Sandhills, Witley in 1950. Witley is still a very picturesque village.
My mum was born in Wintney Hartney near Binsted and went to school here. These are her memories. The school was staffed by nuns (maybe two). She remembers that one of them was very handy with the cane on knuckles! But she also remembers the kindness. She came from a typical large, poor family, which was rent apart when her mother died when Mum was only 9. In the winter she would be given a baked potato by the kind nun. This would keep her hands warm all morning, and be eaten at lunchtime.
We moved to The Gore, in about 1962. My brother was born here. Our family lived at number 83, and up until 2000, no other family had ever lived there. We moved in when the other end of the road was still being finished. I went to Gyhllgrove School, and can remember my first teacher, 1965, being a Miss Mehtha, an Asian lady. On special occasions she would bring in saris for us to try on and teach us dancing, all ...see more
SUMMER IN BINSTED I remember summer! It was more than one week in May I remember it lasted six whole weeks I remember summer! It started with a train journey - I remember great clouds of steam! Haymaking, harvesting Mice running for their lives! Corn stooks, threshing Juddering and jarring Playing cricket non-stop Stalks scratching little legs Mr Bunce’s horse and cart Secrets in the village ...see more
Hello. My name Roger Evans, I now live in Spanish Fork, Utah, USA. My birth place was Ystrad Mynach. I was wondering if someone out there has any information on the Davies family who moved to Pontywaun from London in the 1960s? They lived close to Garden Suburbs, the road they lived on was more like a back lane and you had to go down steep steps to get to the house. The had three daughters, I think Eluned still lives in the area. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you. Roger.
I was stationed at RAF Thornaby for three years from 1954, and was welcomed into the community. I made friends with my namesake, Pat Whelan, and was invited to his home for some good parties. I also remember the Malloby family. There was a lad who worked in the cookhouse as a civilian washroom worker and I hung about with him and his mates at the Italian cafe. I also remember the pub at the Thornaby side of ...see more
I worked for Airwork Services in the late 1960s and there were people from Royston who worked there, there was a girl called Linda who worked on the camp hairdressers and a couple of others, I can't recall the names but I still have photos taken outside the shop alongside the lady who was next door in the NAAFIshop. If anyone sees this can they add a comment if they remember Pat the little Scotsman? I went in a gang ...see more
I sat on this wall so often when someone helped me up with 'a leggy'. It seemed so high then! I think it's fallen down now.
I went to the little village school opposite the pub in the village. We only had one classroom for children from 5 to 11 and a yard, so we had our sports in a field on the Shearsby road.
My great-great-grandfather was a blackmith in Langton Green in 1851, he went to Hampshire for a while and then moved back to the Rusthall area by 1881. I have all details about the family if you want to know more - other names connected are LENEY and LANGRIDGE Rowena (nee Heat)
Seeing the church photos brought back lots of memories, I was baptised there, my sisters Linda and Pam were married there and unfortunately my parents are now both buried there. In the 1970s my mum Elsie painted a lovely oil painting of the church which hangs on my sister's wall now. I also have memories of playing in the woods with the bluebells and the boys hanging a rope in a tree so we used to swing ...see more
My name was Susan Ralphs and my brother is David and our grandfather ran the Fox Inn in the early 1950s and later retired to the cottage opposite the pub. David and I have many happy memories of staying with our grandparents which was usually at holiday times. I remember the Crown Inn and playing with friends who lived near by. We used to catch the bus, I believe it was once a week, to ...see more
I am trying to get some info on Chalfont and wonder if anyone can help me with some 'memories'. I am 64 now and having recently returned to the UK after many years in the USA, and I am trying to find out about my past. I am not familiar with the Chalfonts, however my family (one side) were from Chalfont in the 1940s and I am therefore one of the Chalfont/Amersham 'Bartletts' - it seems there were a ...see more
My great grandparents lived in Carlshalton Road, Woodmansterne and bought up their family, including my Nanna, Dorothy, there. Their surname was Kent and they lived in the middle cottage of a terrace of 3. My Aunt Mary (who is now in her eighties) has very fond memories of visiting them there before and during the Second World War and recalls days spent exploring the woods and fields around Woodmansterne ...see more
My granddad, Arthur Walker, was a miner at South Kirkby colliery until his retirement around 1960; and my dad, Richard Edwin Walker, known as Ted to his mates, was a blacksmith.
Dad started at the colliery when he left school aged 14, in 1936, as a blacksmith's striker, eventually becoming a blacksmith himself. I visited the colliery many times with my dad, and I remember the noises of the colliery: the ...see more
