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 71 - 80 of 141 in total
I well remember being 'fortunate' enough to work for contractors during the annual shutdown; when I was 15/16. It was during Fords heyday when they had circa 45,000 - many of who 'biked' to work come rain or shine. The shutdown work was wide ranging across the whole plant, from the blast furnace area to the 'new' PTA building, which fronted the A13 (and since torn down). The work was hard, and hours ...see more
This is an extract from a story I wrote after taking some Dutch students to France in 1992 it includes youthful memories especially of Eastbrook School and it's staff.
July 1962 (or there about). Vaguely do I remember my schooldays many years ago in Dagenham on the outskirts of London. Dagenham was not, and quite likely still isn't, a very inspiring place to live. Like many suburban industrial towns, which ...see more
Would love to find some of my mum's school friends.
My mum and her sisters and brother moved with my nan to Stockdale Road from the Kings Cross area. She told me that when the rent collector came round on his bike, if he saw a group of women talking by their gate, he would tell them off and say "you are not in London now", plus if he thought your garden was not tidy or your nets not straight, he would put a cross in the rent book. Three crosses and you had to go ...see more
The first pub I used to drink in when I was 16yrs old. The main bar was made to be similar to the Cavern Club in Liverpool, all rough brick and cedar wood. The stage was at the far end. It was quite dark apart from the stage and used to get very hot.
It was the year of mods and the "groups explosion" (Rolling Stones, Beatles and The Who etc.). The pub made the most of this serge of interest and ...see more
Started work in Briggs in 1947 as an engineering apprentice, joined the Army in 1949 for two years national service, returned to Briggs, who by then had been taken over by Fords, and completed my apprenticeship. After some time became involved in dismantling all the old worn out presses and happily involved in installing all the new presses in the new press shop. Continued to work in press shop ...see more
I will always remember it as in photo, happy days
My wife, Muriel Campbell, used to live at 1024 with her grandfather, aunt and cousins, their name was Hurt and Lampey in1954 /1961 when we got married, anyone remember?
My dad, Cliff O'Dell, frequented the pub on a regular basis, he always had 'a few' and always ended up singing "Danny Boy". He had a garage called O'Dell Bros, on Eastbrook Road, where my brother Cliff worked, also our cousin Andrew. Cliff went to Canada in 1968 and Dad passed away in 1972. My mum, Eileen, came to live in Basildon around 1985, she passed away in 2004. The memories of our childhood in Dagenham have ...see more
My parents moved to the Becontree Estate in about 1926 and we eventually settled in Hedgemans Road overlooking the field near Talbot Road. In those days the council used to decorate a couple of rooms as well as keep the outside looking almost new and eventually they provided electricity. I can remember my mother pushing my brother in a pushchair with me hanging on walking down Hedgemans Road passing ...see more
