Nostalgic memories of Dagenham's local history
Share your own memories of Dagenham 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 121 - 130 of 141 in total
Not that I was around in the 1890's, but that is when building of 55 Cottages was started in CHEQUERS LANE. Built for workers at SAMUEL WILLIAMS, who were based at DAGENHAM DOCK, which is where my father, BERNARD MILLER, my Aunt, Florence (Flossy), her husband Earl Cecil Barringer and my grandfather John Miller, all worked. I am fortunate enought to still have Floss to talk to about 'The Lane' and at 94, she is ...see more
I moved to Dagenham with my family in 1949. We lived in Cartwright Road off Hedgemans Road. I have memories of long hot summer holidays off from Finneymore Road School. The days were filled with trips to Leys swimming pool, where we would spend most of the day. We would bag of crisps and a hot Oxo drink if we had enough money. Parsloes Park was another full day out. The large ...see more
I have so many memories of Dagenham that I could write a book. I have already written one on this site entitled 'Shopping at the Heathway'. My earliest memory of Dagenham however was when I was about five years old. We lived in two bedroom house in Valence circus. But then as more houses on the the Becontree estate were built, my father applied for a larger house, which isn't surprising since he now had six ...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
My family moved to Dagenham from Northampton in December 1953. My first real memory of the borough was being lost on the day we moved in, after being sent to get some milk and sugar from the local shops, which would have been in Oxlow Lane. After our new neighbours gave me directions, I somehow ended up in Reede Road, managed to get the milk and sugar, and then spent the next hour or so getting back to my new ...see more
We used to live on what was called The Avenues on the Rylands estate. This was situated behind the Princess shopping parade, so called after the name of the local flea pit where all the kids went to Saturday morning pictures. It later became the Princess bowling alley. It was located on the old A13 New Rd opposite the road that led to the main entrances to Fords. The estate was originally built for ...see more
I remember this scene very well, my two sisters and I spent many freezing hours (even in the summer) in the cold water of Valence swimming pool. We could buy a ticket in the morning and get a pass to go home for some lunch and then come back in for the afternoon at no extra cost. We lived just across the road to the park entrance in Becontree Avenue, my brother still lives in the same house we grew up in. I can ...see more
My mum and dad were married in Old Dagenham Church and I was christened in the church in the mid thirties. I was educated in Fanshawe School from the infants right through to the secondary school and left school in Xmas 1949. My father owned 'Alberts' boot and shoe repair shop which was situated in a alley, which was access to lock up garages behind 'Gyps' the greengrocers on the corner of Heathway and Parsloes ...see more
Recently visited Valance Park with my sister Sheila who is visiting from Australia. I live in Bedford, we used to live at 3 Coote Gardens. Memories of the sandpit, paddling pool, bandstand, the parky, football and Valence Park Swimming Pool - cold water temperatures, hot Oxo and a slice of bread and butter for a halfpenny. Shared with great mates, cousins Brian and Pat Kearney, Johnnie Cates, Brian Casey, Eddie Watson. Great community spirit in those days, from 1940 to 1956.
I got married in 1968 at The Old Dagenham Church as it was known, although I believe its correct title to be St Peters and Pauls. (Correct me if I am wrong.) The marriage did not last, but I have 3 wonderful children and 2 fabulous grandsons and a new grandchild on the way. The pub opposite the church is the Cross Keys, which my dad Cliff O'Dell frequented with his friend Bill Chalk. I lived in St Giles Ave, ...see more
