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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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 11521 - 11600 of 36829 in total

My paternal grandparents lived and worked at Polesden Lacey from circa 1899 to 1906, under, first, Sir Clinton Dawkins and then later Mrs Greville. Their first born was at a large house in Leatherhead; their second born was in the house of Polesden Lacey itself. They left Surrey at that time and their other children, one of which was my father, were born in Shropshire. Stories told on the hearth, ...see more
One thing which I can never remember anyone commenting on, and of which I have seen no photos, is the holiday coaches which used to depart from behind Romford Market place in the 1950s. The particular company I remember from various holiday journeys is GRASSHOPPER COACH COMPANY. They were painted in a dignified deep green and were very smart with their half cab bodies. They may have been a variant of ...see more
i was brought up in 164 crossfield ave,once owned by john henry cooke, i remember walking along swanlow lane as a child going to everalls chippy and buying a bag of chips, then walking across the way to the forms sitting and eating them.
I was born in 1942 after the bombing of Holy Trinity Church which had stood at the junction of Anerley Road and Croydon Road. My christening at only a few days old took place in all that then remained of the Church - the Tower! always a talking point in my family. Eventually the tower itself was demolished and Holy Trinity Hall was built on the site, where in 1964 my Wedding ...see more
My grandfather and great grandfather lived in Axbridge and I would like to find out more about them and the village from the late 1800s to the 1940s. The family name is Channon and I would appreciate any information you my have or know about. Its my understanding that great grandfather owned a timber mill, in or near the village, and that a young girl evacuee who lived there during the war wrote a book about the ...see more
My husbands gt gt grand father kept the post office and shop in 1860-1870
my families home village
Hi there, We moved to the Racecourse from the prefabs in Fountain Close. I lived at 15 Goodwood Drive on the corner. Ihad two sisters Sadie and Maureen. My parents were Bill and Emily. They worked at Northolt aerodrome my father for BEA and my mother for the Ministry of Aviation.We also had an Aunt from Glasgow living with us who worked at the American base I think that was in Ruislip not sure. I would have been ...see more
I just stumbled over this site. I was 10 years old when we left Heston to emigrate to Australia. My mother was a hair stylist in The Crossways Shops (# 136) and I remember my first day of school at Springwell Infants. I later went to Hounslow College Preparatory School and was a choir boy at St Leonards circa 1954 -55. I distinctly remember that the bus fare to Hounslow was "three happence" and a kids ...see more
We were the Brown family that grew up on Mr Bramley's Farm, Grove House Farm, off Long Lane, East Harlsey. My mother cleaned at the Cat & Bagpipes. We sometimes went with her in the school holidays. We went to Brompton school and used to catch the bus from Long Lane Ends, then on a night we got dropped at Welbury village near the station house and walked home past Barkers and Boyes Farms. We ...see more
My parents, Dot and Reg Poynter, bought the Mounts Bay in about 1948 and turned it into a hotel where we lived as a family until 1960.
I was a bus conductor on the Southdown based at the bus station in the early 1960's and later when I returned in the late 1960's I worked as a bus driver out of the station until about 1969. My wife was a nurse at Cuckfield Hospital and we lived in Burgess Hill. I worked in the ticket office of the railway station in about 1959. The manager of the Perrymount would let us know if their programme was running late ...see more
May 8th 1958 - I arrived at Blandford camp, started 2 years Nat/Service, A company, N 8 platoon Sgt Scholey. Still got the photo..REME. I was given an army number and told to remember it, 57 yrs later still remember it. We would do guard duty on the main road at night, we would stop buses look inside and then let them go on. First meal was a cold square egg, cold spaghetti standing up straight out of ...see more
Tracing Honeywood family, my mother's family. Have got as far back as Edward Honeywood born 1761. In 1791 he married an Elizabeth Molten in Foxearth Church .They lived in Foxearth and he died in Sudbury in 1846. Have been unable to find out where he was born or who his parents were. Any help please?
2013 was the 100th anniversary of my father 'Reginald' Douglas Aubrey Dixon, so I returned to St. Mary's and laid what I call a 'platinum' wreath by the plaque I had engraved for the 'new cemetery' which records those whose ashes have been scattered (1998). Also, sadly, my brother Robin Dixon had died suddenly in July, 2013, aged 63. I laid a wreath at his cemetery near Headingley cricket ground. As I am ...see more
I recall the day the iron footbridge was lowered into place over the canal. I'm probably wrong but I think it was lowered into its position by a huge crane, how they got it to the bridge I've no idea. Have I dreamt this and did it actually come in sections? Before the bridge arrived everyone used the road bridge and we small kids used to launch ourselves up the bridge wall to see the water below. How none ...see more
Used to go to Saturday morning pictures. My dad, Jimmy Williams, was a projectionist there, and both my mum and my nan worked there; they had the torch to show you to your seat. Films like Zorro and Old Mother Riley were on. Also down the Farnham Road was a Cafe called Taste Freez, a haunt for Saturdays. Later as I grew up, went to William Penn, and used to go from school to my bike delivery job at Darvilles, just ...see more
Hi lads, just putting this on the site as I am hoping to contact as many of the boys who were at Mobberley with me. I may be remembered for my singing in the church choir and sometimes I was asked to sing before the breakfast assembly. Anyone remember Alexander punching me in the mouth for refusing to sing; then chasing me down the road after? Lads brought to mind are; Mohomed from Liverpool (met him ages ...see more
I was brought up in North Road too, number 17. My godparents Edie and Jack Harris lived next door at number 19. I remember Brenda and Christine well. I hope you are both happy and healthy. I used to have a dog walking round for pocket money... very happy days.
In the early 50's, I remember walking to the shop when I was quite young from my home in Market Street. Then it seemed quite a long way, with hedges and ditches beside the footpath. There was a large house that took up most of the land from Ryecroft Corner, and then a greenhouse that grew the most beautiful chrysanthemums in the autumn. The grower was Horace Singleton, although not totally certain of his ...see more
I cant remember the year but I well remember the iron footbridge being put in place over the canal...if I remember right it was lowered into place by a huge crane . before this we pedestrians had to walk over the road bridge and as children we hoisted ourselves up on the wall to look over at the water...my heart does a summersault now when I think of the danger...no one ever fell over...
I too, was born in Kellet Road No.128 and I remember well the Co.op bakery as my dad worked there for a while. After school on Fridays we went to see him at work and were given a cake by the manageress.
Angela, the selling out shop was a must when we got our pocket money. And our Christmas parties at the County were just brill. The school was too small for all the pupils and the senior classes were in the Congregational Church school rooms in Hawk Street. We seemed to be always walking back and forth to the school or to the drill hall for P.E.
I was born 1965 at Walton Hall and for the first few years of my life lived at Warmfield Lane opposite George Shaw's farm. We then moved to Woodland Ave in Kirkthorpe, a small house with a huge garden that backed on to the woods. For a small boy it was the most fantastic place to grow up, the summers seemed to last forever, the winters were just as good sliding down Marshall Hill on a sledge ...see more
Can you remember any Saturday morning? The smell of coffee at Wakefields Cafe, they did super cakes, people would call out to their friends as they walked past. It was very different then, we had time to talk to people, how it has changed - all rush, no time for anyone... that's progress.
This was owned by a Mother and Daughter; the daughter is still alive and lives next to my sister on Wallcroft, off Hadlow Road. I remember a cafe as you walked in right in front of the door, and on the right was a little tuck shop where you could get sweets. It was like going back the 18th century. I cannot remember their names, I will have to call my sister to ask her. Wonderful times. My father and myself and my sisters were all born in Willaston. My father was John Thomas Sumner.
Does anyone remember a plane crashing into a front garden in Buckingham Road on Friday 13 March 1964? It was in the garden of a house on the right-hand side as you go down the road, approximately opposite No 54. I was married the following day and was driven from The Drive down Buckingham Road to St Marys Church, and remember the driver and my father being more interested in the plane than in the bride they were taking to church! I don't know if the pilot survived... do hope so.
I remember the shop sold toys and every week I would spend my pocket money on animals for my toy farm. I would spend ages deciding what to buy or whether to wait until I could afford a more expensive item like a horse and cart!
1954 onwards - Chapel Street School had an infants section. I remember we used to get one third of a pint of milk daily, in fact this continued through junior school and secondary modern, until a certain prime minister put a stop to it. Anyway, back to the infants class. We used to have childhood games, involving a lot of running about. Then, in the early afternoon, we were ''Put to bed,'' as it ...see more
Hello, I am researching for a book about footballers who played for Tottenham Hotspurs in the thirties. I am particularly interested in Albert Hall who I believe was born in Cadoxton, Barry in 1918. I would like to get in touch with anyone who know stories about him or even any relations who would be willing to talk to me. I have information that he was held prisoner by the Japanese when Singapore fell . With thanks John
Hello, I am researching for a book about two Spurs players who played in the thirties. They are Albert Hall and Willie Hall. Has anyone seen them play or heard stories about them. Also I would like to hear from people who attended or who were told about war time football matches at White Hart Lane {Spurs games only please} With thanks John.
I was born on August 2 in 1949 at Croxdale Hall Durham. It was seconded after the war from the Salvin family presumably because of shortages of materity hospitals. My mother was Elda Stonebank, one of 13 family and well known in the village. We played down the sawmills, got penny treats at Ada Rainbows and built camps and birdnesting, the things you did in that era. Started Junior school and remember Billy Gibson crying ...see more
I was born at my Grandparents House in Long Lane Stanwell in 1966, my Grandad Jack/John Thornton helped deliver me. My Grandad was well known in the Community and Catholic Congregation of both St Michaels in Ashford and St Davids in Stanwell. My Grandmother was Freda Thornton. I grew up in Stanwell, went to school at St Davids when the school was on the Church grounds, now used as the Church Hall. My ...see more
I remember my relatively short time in Wembley with great affection. At my mother's instigation we moved from Willesden to Lonsdale Avenue, Wembley, in 1953 when I was fourteen. My father paid the princely sum of just under 2000 pounds for the house - two-up-two-down, inside bath and separate toilet! - and for the privilage of moving to the more mundane Wembley. I had already finished school and had, ...see more
I worked in the ticket office at the railway station from about 1959 until about 1962. The taxi drivers would come in for tea and W.H.Smiths was attached to the building. I was one of the first to move in to the block of flats just outside and was known as Keymer Court. Much later in life I was one of the first to work on the town's own bus service which was operated by the Southdown and we would run ...see more
In the 1950s I attended Burlington School in Blagdon Road, New Malden. I remember we were presented with Coronation spoons on the day of the Queens coronation. I remember well some of the teachers, Mr Griffiths,the Head, Mr Williams and my best friend Giles Harrison who lived beside the school at 167 Blagdon Road. I also remember playing on the old potteries site in Blagdon Road which was a dump for ex military stuff and how we used to play with used grenades and abandoned tanks.
Reference Market Place photo c1965. Newsagent was Wards's paper shop and the chippy next door was known as the market place chippy, 6d for a bag of chips and scraps, yummy. A night at the Rodney Cinema, Barleyfields or Crypt Youth Club and a long walk home, the 6d was my bus fare. Happy days
i was born at 19 kearsley ave, tarleton, to fred and lilian bentham, went to tarleton infants then tarleton secondary modern on hesketh lane. does anyone remember the blacksmiths on church road?
My dad's best friend was George Barker born 1925ish. He lived in Annfield Plain and his dad was a fruit and potato merchant, specialising in bananas, named George W. Barker. Does anyone know anything about this family. Dad is trying to get in touch. G.D. Lomax.
The second Primary school I attended, just a 100 yds or so along the road was Fawbert and Barnard. (Having moved from E Dulwich during the xmas holiday.) Beside the bus stop was the closest phone box to our house in The Hoo.
I was at the school 1943/44 and I think the headmaster was a Mr Hastings. I remember watching all the air transport planes and gliders crossing for D-Day. We have a very pretty teacher who would occasionally allow us 9 year olds to brush her long blond hair- unfortunately she had a Canadian boyfriend.
I was born in East Rainton at 30 Pontop Street, and have still great memories of the place. I had a brother George and sisters Dorothy, sadly my sister Betty passed away some years ago. I, like my siblings before me, attended East Rainton School, played football for both junior and senior teams, as well as cricket team and cross country running. My sister Betty never left the village, living on ...see more
We spent a glorious month each summer in the bungalow visible to the left of the Windmill House, 'Sedges'. It was owned by Mike and Betty Beardshaw. Time was spent rowing, swimming, fishing and in trips on the launch. I know we visited the windmill house but don't remember much about it except an impression of roundness and green paint.
I was in Holbrook Gaskell ward twice about 1956 &1958 I had rheumatic fever. I thought I would never go home, it seemed such a long way from Liverpool and my mum could only visit once a week and I could only see my sister through the railings. I did get to know some nice people there. I remember a teacher who used to come in each day - I think her name was Miss Jaimerson, she used to bring dolls for us ...see more
My parents still live in Northolt - I originally came from Arnold Road. I went to Northolt primary and Vincent . I go back to Northolt quite a lot and how it has changed. Does anybody remember the accident I had in the play park with the roundabout. I still remember to this day and I can still see the firemen removing the roundabout to get me out. I now live in Somerset. The racecourse was absolutely brilliant. To ...see more
dont know exact year but some where beteewn 1953 onwards
My memories of peter pans always makes me think of me sitting on my dads coach outside Gores coaches in neville street and being able to see peter pans from were i was sitting, sadly gores coaches is long gone, but have so many happy memories of them days and my dad loved driving his coach.
Does anyone remember Mr Acorn at Bearmans.
I was born in Welldon Crescent in 1946 and lived there for over 20 years. My uncle worked as a french polisher for J. Sainsbury and was often working at the Harrow shop. I'm now living in Cyprus and have become friends with a lady whose maiden name was Spivack. I seem to remember a Spivack Jewellers in Harrow. Or is my memory playing tricks?
My grandfather, Reginald Dean, of 130 Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, used to moor his boat- the Eel- in the Staithe. I used to walk there ever day with him to pump it out and make a brew in the summer holidays. his pipe kept the mossies at bay. Great times.
I have read an article by Sylvia Lock. I made me smile and bought back so many happy memories from my childhood in Edmonton. I to remember Pymms park and yes the dentist at the clinic in the center of the park. I was sent there by my mother on my own a young 11 year old and told it will not hurt - Wrong!!! I loved that park and also the Regal Saturday pictures for children. Some days entry was free if you took enough ...see more
I was a nurse at pastures form 1962 to 1969, and I remember both Iris and Harold Severn very well. Iris was a Ward Sister, and Harold was a Charge Nurse, the male equivalent. Both were characters with a great sense of humour. They excelled at the staff fancy dress balls, usually managing to with the first prize. Both were excellent nurses and were well respected and liked by both patients and staff.
what a beautifull area this was back then.. its changed so much, so sad to see your birth place ruined..... Agnes Riley park so great for kids and mums n dads too , My Aunty would take me there on a Sunday morning ... it was lovely... Oh if this is progress give me the olden days every time ....
It doesn't seem to be on the photo , but a motor boat ( Elizabeth ) used to run around the lake from the boat house , bottom right
I used to go to Kingsley School in Chelsea and I have a photograph of my class with Miss Wagonmaker, I think that was her name, happy days.
I used to gallop round the park with a petticoat on my head, pretending to be a horse!! Loved watching the ladies and gents when they played crown green bowling... Such a beautiful park, that was maintained to the highest standard. Fond memories of playing here.
Born in Grandma's house in 1947 before moving round the corner. Loved the sounds and smell of the docks, watching the big ships come in to unload and load cargo then waving to the train drivers as they chugged along. Played 'kick the can' under the street lights at 5 in the evening in the winter and 'two-ball' on the Salvation Army wall. Went to Central Mission Church where I was Rose Queen and paraded in the Whit ...see more
Does anyone remember Annie Owlie Woods, my mum used to say it was haunted by an old lady. My mum lived Russell Street Felling her name was Margaret Curran, she had sister and brothers George, Tom, Catherine, Mary Ellen Vera. Their mum and dad were Thomas Curran who worked down the mines at Dunston Colliery and his wife was Caroline Curran nee Kirby. If anyone has any info on this my email is cavanagh1646@hotmail.com Glennis Cavanagh
I have fond memories of Luton, I came with my mates from Markyate village on the 364 London transport bus to Park Sq. we would then board a red corporation bus for the swimming pool off the New Bedford road at Leaside, after a swim we would go on the paddle boats in Wardown Park. We all became Luton Town supporters as boys, KO at 2pm due to lack of floodlights, but what a great team. We always ended ...see more
I remember my very first taste of independence at the age of 7!! I cycled to my grandparents at The Rising Sun Inn for a holiday - they managed it for some 40 years. I loved that place!! I loved Gedney Drove End; the marsh, the samphire and the creeks, the smell of the sea. I loved the park and the small ditches where we used to go 'tadpoling'. I remember the planes doing low flying and target ...see more
From April, 1944 until June 1944, my US Army unit, the 821st Tank Destroyer Battalion, was encamped in pyramidal tents in several fields in Grittleton. I was a member of Company A of the battalion. My wife and I visited the village on one occasion after WW II. I would very much like to make another visit but at age 90 years I seriously doubt that it will be possible. During our stay ...see more
I was born in Corbridge in Dilston Hall when it was a maternity home. My parents lived at No 1 Front Street Bells Close and I have some fantastic memories of my life there. I remember all of the neighbours and our milkman Billy Wright and his family with whom I was friends with. Unfortunately we were forced to move from the house due to the water main bursting in the 1970's and our row of cottages were ...see more
My parents lived in 'The Coachman's Cottage', which can be seen on the brow of the hill in King's Street, 1950-60. 'Lovelace' is almost opposite.
I lived in South Warnborough 1968-74 at 'Thatch End' and latterly The Old Parsonage. Both were on Lees Hill. From here I was collected and went to school in Alton. My sister attended Long Sutton Primary. Her headmaster was my cubmaster, B.O. Wright. Bob-a-Job Week was always a happy time for me, greatly enjoyed. I sang in the local church, the Vicar was David Ince; both his children, Peter and Giselle, ...see more
I was born at home on Waverley Road in Stoneleigh in 1940 during the Bllitz. I lived there until I emigrated to Canada in 1962. This photo brings back many memories. I remember Atkinsons, the Newsagent on the left of the picture. MacDonalds on the right was a paint and wallpaper store owned by my friend's parents. I worked there on Saturdays when I was about 16. I think I earned 15 shillings for the day. There was a ...see more
My early childhood was spent a lot of the time at my grandparents farm, think it was called Coombe Farm. It was down a rough track off Sciviers Lane. It had its own copse and had several fields. I remember hay making when granddad would let us ride on top of the stack and come wobbling down the lane. I used to sit and ride on his tractor, an old grey Massey ferguson. Nan used to grow produce and I ...see more
I attended Holker School between 1959 and 1963 and can recall the Rowes quite clearly. I made a habit of knocking at their door most morning play times when we were able to buy small packets of peanuts for two old pence from them. They were a friendly couple. I can also remember Mr Rowe performing his ventriloquist act at Christmas times. Fond memories of life in a small and supportive environment!
I have lovely memories of playing in the park during summer and winter, the big high slide was like no other, I remember picking blue bells in the woods, there were hundreds of them, and in winter we used to slide down the bank on 'Hankies' field in the deep snow, I think there was also a little pond in the park with goldfish in. Happy Days!!
The Colerne 'cross-tree', as it was called, which can be seen at the left side of this photograph of the market square and church, was an elm, I think. It was already looking pretty ancient when I lived there in 1940-42. In fact you can see in the photo, taken some years earlier, that it's hollow at the base. Does anyone know how long it survived? Looking at the place on Google street-view, I ...see more
I was first at Watchfield in 1958 when I attended a Military Course there in "Aerial Delivery". It was the home of 16 Parachute Heavy Drop Coy RAOC and other units involved in Air Supply. In 1962 I was posted there transferring from The Parachute Regiment. I made 39 of my 218 Parachute descents there, many at night. The DZ was also used for the Air Dropping of vehicles and Supplies. When my Unit moved to RAF ...see more
The Ring O'Bells was run by my grandparents, Ernest and Mabel Turner until the middle 1940s. I believe your earlier memory of it being called the Grapevine is wrong. I remember seeing the Grapevine, a much more modern building 500 yards along the Glastonbury road on the right, standing at right angles to the road.
Around this time my family lived at No 12 Watchfield Road. I am not quite sure from the photo but our house may have been just to the right of the house on the right hand side of this picture?
When I got married in March 1976 at Washington Village (church on the hill) we held our wedding reception here, with a sit down meal for 60 guests. My mam and dad often went to the Welfare on a Saturday night, and we used to go to the dinner dances they held there. Now it is a sad looking place.
I was born in Wollaston in 1944 and left the village in 1971.I would love to hear from any of my friendswho still live there if they want to hear from me.
any info on the history of the edgars of beeswing,jean and john of roadmans cottage to pass to grandchildren greatly appreciated.forward to goldie.edgar876@btinternet.com pls
G'day, My parents sold Wrotham Hill Farm in 1947 to move to Australia. It cost my father 700 pounds in then money to take the family (Mum, Dad, two brothers and myself aged 4) to Australia. I remember Dad saying there was 12 foot of snow around the house in winter that year. It was a cherry orchard when Dad had it. I will be in England in May 2014 and hope to be able to visit the farm.. I would love to ...see more
I lived in Luton from 1958 - 1961 and attended the Grammar School. I have spent most of the rest of my life abroad but returned for a nostalgic visit recently. Luton in those days had a definite Victorian feel about. I remember going to the jug and bottle window at a pub opposite the parish church at age 14 and putting on a deep voice to buy mild beer. 9 pence a pint. I was not a good student and headmaster ...see more
I was born at 328 Cherrywood Road, Bordesly Green, B'ham 9 in 1948. It was my grand parent's house, Albert and Lotte Davis, my mom and dad was Harry Fisher my mom was Phyllis, my sister Joan and myself David. Albert Davis was a foreman plate layer on the railway, my dad was an ex regimental Sergent Major in the Royal Warwicks regiment. I went to Anthony Rd school with my sister Joan. ...see more
Does anyone remember or attended Northcliffe County Secondary School in Shipley during the early 60's. I can remember the Headmaster being Mr Bartholemew. Our RI teacher was Mr Scott, Geography teacher Mrs Fearnley, who was always nipping out of classes to have a smoke! I can also remember our PE teacher Mrs Holdsworth. Our 'house' names were the explorers; Bayard, Raleigh, Scott and ...see more
I was born in irlam my father was Thomas barmore we both worked at irlam steel. I worked on the rolling mills hotbanks from 1958 to 1967 and one of my workmates was Bernard carroll . Several weeks ago I was looking at old cine film taken at the hotbanks and there was Bernard large as life I found Bernard a great chap its pity he died in tragic circumstances, Philip barmore