Nostalgic memories of Chelmsford's local history

Share your own memories of Chelmsford and read what others have said

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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Displaying Memories 51 - 60 of 61 in total

Hi everyone! I live in Melbourne, Australia, but am trying to trace the Woodfine family, especially William (b 1827), and Thomas, his father (b 1811) but also any other details. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Michael Blake
The two ladies are of the era of my grandmother, Edith Hanchett. It reminds me that my late father, Arthur Hanchett, was born in 1919 in Moulsham Street. Is it possible the lady on the right could be her? Sadly she died in 1929 in a road accident. This is the same year Wyatt Earp (of western fame) died in America.
I left Rainsford School in summer 1959 and worked for 6 month on Hoffman's assembly line. I then joined the Chelmsford Co-op Grocery, starting on the provisions counter, in Wells Street where I trained under Arthur Halliday (he also trained my father in about 1925). They were happy times. We served every customer from counters (no self service), everything was weighed and wrapped, ie bacon, butter, sugar, ...see more
I was born to a second generation Chelmsford family. My grandfather was the security guard on the Marconi's gate (Townfield Street end), his name was John Thomas Hanchett, he was the treasurer of the local Salvation Army. My father was Arthur Hanchett, a musician who played in The Chelmsford Citadel Band from about 1925-1962, he also sang with The Chelmsford Orpheus Choir and ...see more
I used to go with my 'gang' (Tuska, Boots, Bude, Pat ect) to Baddow Meads cafe and play Buddy Holly etc on the juke box. My godmother was caretaker of the Congregational chuch next to the bridge by the river (now pulled down), and shops I remember were Sams (or Samuels?), Sadlers, nearly opposite the Odeon cinema, where I went to a jazz club every week.
My father was a Mortlock and was born in Chelmsford. His father was William born 1843. I believe my Father lived at Bishops Hall Mill. One of his sisters married into the Batsford family. If anyone has any information I would be happy to hear from them. I was christened in the Cathedral and spent weekends with cousins that lived in the area during the 40s and 50s.
Hi everyone, I'm trying to find any pics of BAKERS CONFECTIONERY, that's the name of the shop, it was in Chelsmford somewhere, I am not sure about the date.
William Leech moved from St Martins in the Field, London to 20 Duke Street,  Chelmsford in 1794. There he started up his gun maker's shop. Later he moved to 3 &4 Tindale Street, Chelmesford. Percy Leech, the last family gun maker, trading under W Leech & Sons, sold the business about 1948. The new owners continued to trade from the shop in Tindale Street until 1984. W ...see more
My great-grandfather was the bootmaker who worked from the shop in Moulsham Street in the late 1890s. His name was Leonard Orrin and he married Annie Caple in 1901. I believe the shop was owned by his father and mother, Thomas and Eliza. They lived at 123 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford. He and Annie went on to have 11 children, one of whom was my grandmother.
Does anyone have any details about a John Austin, born in Chelmsford early in 1916 to a mother with the surname Gigney? My wife is trying to research her family history and as a Gigney believes this lady may have been a relation, making Mr Austin possibly a relative.               John Wells.