Nostalgic memories of Finchley's local history
Share your own memories of Finchley 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 1 - 10 of 14 in total
I lived at 8 Avondale Road from 1953 until 1959 and like many others spent loads of happy summer days with my friends at the Finchley Pool. During the winter we would go nearly every night to the indoor pool in Squiers Lane. I attended Mannoreside School, also in Squiers Lane and was in the primary school football team that won the local cup in 1954, we beat Summerside School for the Trophy. Others in the ...see more
I lived in finchley in the 50`s and 60`s and my dad owned Daves snack bar which was next to St Mary`s School. In this pcture i can see the snack bar and im pretty sure my father is in the picture although it is the back of him . Good memories
On the left is the entrance to Victoria Park, just where the car is parked. Originally there were lovely wrought iron gates which Queen Victoria had opened on the dedication of the park. The council had them removed much to everyones dismay. That must have been in the '50s?
In the middle distance on the right is the old police station.
Such a lovely swimming pool. In summer it was always so popular you were given a time limit on the use of a locker, then you took your clothes and put them in the seating area, and took it in turns to watch them. There was hardly an inch to move.
I was born inAvenue Road and attended Northside School. My grandfather was on the Council and was awarded the Freedom of Finchley. I will never forget when he was invited to my school on prize giving day and I had a prize to collect from him. We subsequently moved to Granville Place opposite the swimming pool only to be able to see the queues building up, so we knew when to go and when not to! My other ...see more
I used to go there all time when I was young and even took my own children, it was the best shame when it went.
I lived at 77 Gordon Road, in the first house to be built there, from 1935 to 1948. I remember the Balcons, Plesners, Feldmans, the famous Marty Feldman and many more. The war brought everyone together. I remember the solo and bridge nights, alternating in homes. It is a place I will never forget as I spent a marvellous childhood there. At 82 yrs I now live in Sydney, Australia. Actve in business and the ...see more
I grew up in East Finchley and one of our family treats during the summer was trips to the 'outdoor pool' with my brother, sister, mother (Dad was usually at work), aunts and cousins from Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire. Usually as little ones we spent our time in the small pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Usually wearing our rubber rings we all learned to swim, and enjoyed our picnics ...see more
I remember walking from Woodhouse Road to the pool via Summers Lanes and the Ruff Locks as it was called, past the practice golf course. Spending days with my younger brother and sister and mum (my older sisters being at work), who would pack up a picnic and the blankets for what would be a day at the pool. I was as I got older, also in the St Johns Ambulance and spent many a weekend as a cadet on duty at the little ...see more
I spent my first eighteen years in Finchley, and used to come back to drink in the Tally Ho pub with other Christ's College boys. You can see the pub in the distance on the right (it still looks the same today). The building on the left became Owen and Owens department store, which remained a loved part of Finchley - until it closed about ten years ago.
