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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Stories about the community, its history and people?
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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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Has it changed over the years?
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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:
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Displaying Memories 23361 - 23440 of 36829 in total
Just wondering if anyone knows what happened to Pinchaford riding stables in Haytor? I seem to remember heading up to the Rock Hotel circa 1973/74/75 for a shandy! Some of the very best times...
Ii remember Caroline (Scoular) and Emma (Ginnett) - fan of Beau Bob/Bandit/Apollo and Bright Eyes as well as (of course!) as Bob (RIP) & Rosie, Jane, Nicky, Polly and Simon and George.
My parents had Eccleshill Fruit Stores around 1951 to 1957 and Hutton school was my very first school up until we moved around 1957. I remember the trolley bus terminus used to be opposite the shop. In those days that was a lovely little village and everyone knew everyone else. Happy memories of a young boy, I also had an older brother and sister. I'd love to hear from anyone who has similar memories or remembers my family
I remember Mrs Strachan in 1947/48 when she came down from the Cleveland Road Junior School after Miss Butcher left rather unexpectedly. I also went to Woodlands Infants School from Easter 1945, I was 5 in January, and in September transfered to Cleveland Infants. After Cleveland School I went to Loxford Secondary Modern School which meant I had to Walk a long way to school as I lived just 4 door away in ...see more
My father took me and my sister Jean to see a family in West Hartlepool whose name was Mitten, they had a boy named Brian, one girl Lucy then Gwen and two other sisters whose names I cannot remember. As my father had been in the war with Mr Mitten he thought that he would like to see all his family, they were so kind to us all. I do remember being taken for a walk down to a place which they called the Dean which ...see more
I was in a children's convalescent home in Broadstairs in (I think) 1961. I was sent on a train from Westminster Children's Hospital and spent some time there. I don't know the name of the place and didn't like it, I was ill whilst there. Would love to share experiences and chat with others. I was aged six at the time and had been in hospital for almost a year. I remember it had a large garden, and a very big dormatory we slept in. I spent most of my time there in bed I think.
I was evacuated to Hilton with my mother and grandmother at the outbreak of the WW2. My father was drafted into the army and was sent off to India and Burma when Japan entered the war. We lived in a terraced cottage in Eggington Road. The families next door were the Radleys and the Lands. Opposite the row of houses was the American army camp and my friends and I spent time waving and talking to the soldiers ...see more
I lived with great aunt Elizabeth in the wonderful and strange hexagonal houses belonging to the Sage Cross chapel. I worked in Melton as a window cleaner and had a great time, sadly the powers that be let the houses and their strange history be destroyed. Hs anyone out there any memories or photos of these houses or my Great Aunt please?
My mother's family grew up in Garnant, Dyfed.... sister Gwen, brother Victor. I would like to try and trace my relatives and any help would be appreciated. My mother used to tell about the coal tips, a family motorcycle shop and generally growing up in the 1920s but apart from that I have little information. You never know, someone might have even the smallest bit of news which would help me trace relatives. Thanking you all in anticapation.
David Pepper, Portsmouth, UK
i was born in Hadleigh in1956, my grandfather worked at Gallaghers butchers which from my memory was back this side of the Esso petrol station.
I was just going through the stories on this site, of my old childhood days, in Edgware, Burnt Oak, Colindale and Kingsbury area, and I remembered those cold days where we almost turned blue at the Kingsbury swimming pool (a great training ground for my short stint in the Royal Marines), then something I had totally forgotten about of the past 60 years popped into my mind. The 3rd Kingsury Cubs/Scouts! I ...see more
My first job was at Bicester International Stores in August 1966. I was an apprentice grocer. My wages five pound ten shillings a week and I worked an extra half a day most weeks for thirty-seven and a half pence extra.
I lived near Middle Claydon and used to cycle to Steeple Claydon railway station, leave my bike there (without locking it) and catch the train to Bicester.
My first job was ...see more
I am writing on behalf of Frederick Beck, aged 87, whose mother was Mary Kernick (nee ??) whose family lived in 262 Johnson Street, Wingate. It was a family of seven children. Names recalled are(oldest to youngest) Ben, Isabella, Mary, Mark, Alice, Margaret and the youngest, Thomas. Mary's father, Thomas Kernick, worked down the Wingate Pit. He retired during the Second World War and died shortly after. His ...see more
I have just come across a resolution of the directors of Wickford and District Land Co Ltd dated 4th April 1932 and in it the shareholders were Mr H Hooper Mr R. D. Steel, Mrs K Fisher and Mr E.R. Ashdown. Messrs Hacker, Rubens, Gotelee and St Clair of 329 High Holborn W.C.1 were appointed auditors, and they made a purchase of part of the land of South Hanningfield Hall, Essex, from Mr William Fisher.
My Great Grandfather, James Bartlett, was a Blacksmith using the Smithy on the Green possibly in the 1880's or thereabouts. If there is anyone out there who may have photos or memories of this time I would much appreciate hearing about them. With thanks
Hi, I lived in Litton as a child till I was 17 then I joinedthe air force. Fab times horse riding with Maralyn Taylor and Sheila Parsons who I am still in love with. Other friends included Kelvin Parker, Michael Roach, John Rugman, Adrian & Malcolm Larder, Wyndam Court, Patrick Newman, Brian Middle, Gln Church and Geoff & Liz Tucker. Hot summers helping farmers do haymaking and pheasant ...see more
My memories relate to an era around the early 1960s. My father: Cyril Rex Speck, was, I believe, born and raised in Abergwinffi. His father, can't remember his name, owned a cafe: I think on Jersey Road; I remember playing outside and being able to see the steam trains in the distance. My grandfather's, second wife, was named Kate and she had a daughter named: Helen. Helen, married a chap named Clive and ...see more
Hi, we moved to Hollingwood in 1977, from Grangewood. It ain't changed much though. I went to Hollingwood infants and juniors. Does anyone remember these teachers: Miss Maisie Bond, head, Miss McGregor, Miss Binney, or juniors: Mr Beckett, Mr Middleton, Miss Shipgood, Mr Watkinson? There was an eccentric piano teacher but I can't think of her name, I know she stank of moth balls though.
Oh, I'd love to know who made the comment about Mr Bower, Dooher, Lever, Pettitt, Crofts, Sharp, and old vVncent, head of school, as it was my time too, so if you're reading, drop me a line, I'm intrigued. Yes, I got 6 O levels, God knows how. I also remember Barnston, PE, Moody, Leake, Topham, Stevenson, Morgan-Jones, does anyone remember Ant Conway - all the girls fancied him, he was only 21, and one of our ...see more
I lived at 149 Plantation Street, born 1950, till Plant Back as it was known was demolished around 1963 approx. My Uncle Albert had a printing business there called Martin Holt Printers. Most of my memories I can recall was playing on the Bonks as we called it with the Mullins, Herberts, Keos and Westwells, we used to drop off the wall, play Channey and tig on the tops. The latter had a 4 storey drop onto ...see more
My family lived here at Bebington Hall until it was demolished in 1966-67.
The Hall was a large place situated where "Civic Way" is today. It was set in 3-4 acres of grounds. The picture you can see is showing the servants' wing, to the back left hand side of the hall. My great-g-grandparents' surname was Ellison.
I would be interested to see more pictures on the Hall, and some showing it being demolished. ...see more
I was abused at Taxal Lodge from the age of 8 to 15 years of age. I am now 46 years old and for the first time I am ready to face up to my abusers. If anyone reading this was in Taxal Lodge around 1974 onwards and was aware of what was happening can they please contact me at: john.finchett@talktalk.net.
Many thanks
John...31.01.2011
I was born in Middle Parker Street at 162 in 1946 , at the time I had one elder brother (Ernie) and one elder sister, Lil. W lived in a 2-roomed downstaires flat. My mother went on to have another 5 kids in that flat. The back room had a gas cooker an open range fire and a sink in the corner, you have to use your imagination to what life was like in there with 8 of us plus mother and father. There were 3 ...see more
My mum Kathleen Le Bargy was evacuated to Bridgwater in 1940 and lived with Mr and Mrs Finch at 11 Kidsbury Road. I have a picture which is signed "To Kath, In loving memory of our war effort at British cellophane, Bridgwater Chemicals, empty cases etc. Good luck and Best Wishes Eileen 26.6.45". I also have a picture of a young soldier in the Somerset Light Infantry Uniform with ...see more
Lots of memories of the MacCubban Shield Competitions with the Sandbank Troup - we won it several years in a row in the early/mid 60's - also the scout camps at Rashfield and farther away at Benderloch. The tasks we undertook such as making rope bridges over the river at Rashfield etc. - kids would never be allowed to do this -- H&S would kill this sort of activity off. I remember getting dropped of at Loch ...see more
Wonderful memories! It was awonderful place to have grown up. I learned to swim in the brook, aged about 11 years.
I wonder who wrote the following which I was taught in school. Very appropriate!
"Little stream flowing through woodland and valley,
down where the lovely forgetmenots grow,
where are you going Oh clear rippling water,
down through the meadows where willows bend low.
Little birds ...see more
I was born in Tavistock in 1941, but my family lived in Bere Alston until 1947. We lived in a house called The Firs, but perhaps it is no longer there. My father was the doctor and during the Second World War, the local inhabitants petitioned Parliament so that their doctor would not be called up into the army. The end of the war was celebrated in the village and I remember that the streets were filled with long tables for a huge Victory Party.
This is a picture of me at Ferguson House at the formal function we had once a year. Can't even remember the details. Anyone remember? I would love to find Chantal Duvivier from France and Dawm Abraham from South Africa. Anyone know either of them? What about a reunion? I want to be involved. Joyce Raymond
The people, last name West, living on Firwood Farm had four children, Valerie, Rosemary, Kathleen and John. I've heard the farm is still there. My sisters' names were Sharon and Sally, mine is Susan. Firwood is now called Smyth Meadows. If anyone knows of the people I've mentioned or the owner of Smyth Meadows please contact me. We were at Firwood for a month in 1958. There were two older ...see more
A 20 year old new mum and a brand new mobile home at Goffs Oak House in the heart of the village! Surrounded by huge trees, lawns and winding paths, the bassinette pram - what else after all? - was eased 2 feet down through a narrow door into the garden each morning for baby Sally's appreciation of trees, birds, squirrels and sunshine! Her baptism at the local country church drew family and friends, baby clinic ...see more
A child from Thanet taking annual last week of August holidays with an adored great aunt at Chiswell Green, travelling by train to Victoria Station, London, taking the Greenline to Watford Junction, bus no 321 to the Three Hammers, Chiswell Green south of St Albans. Regular trips each year were to Cottonmill Swimming Pool, Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable Downs, St Albans ...see more
A 14 year old brought to the top of Longmore Avenue from the Thanet beaches! Cycling down to the village - walking with bike back up after the first third - so steep the gradient! Peter, Edna, June and Douglas Last's greengrocers open to the pavement, always with smiles for all! Tennis in Church Hill Park - a summer of torrential rain every day - dodging the showers returning to the courts from ...see more
Firwood 1958 our family came from the US to settle our Aunt Ethel & Uncle Edmund Smyth's estate Firwood. Edmund had been the 1st Bishop of Lebombo, Africa & Ethel had been a missionary & painter. Firwood had a dairy on the property & my sister's & I played with twin sisters that lived there. The sisters had us go to Brownshill & ride a teenager's motercycle. I loved the village & people ...see more
1958 our family came from the US to settle our Aunt Ethel & Uncle Edmund Smyth's estate Firwood. Edmund had been the 1st Bishop of Lebombo, Africa & Ethel had been a missionary & painter. Firwood had a dairy on the property & my sister's & I played with twin sisters that lived there. The sisters had us go to Brownshill & ride a teenager's motercycle. I loved the village & people there. If ...see more
YES I LIVE IN SPEKE DUSS HENNE 1 NO CARALINE DUFFEY OUR SANDRA DUFFEY OUR PUIDDY MILLETT PLESE LETT ME NO 07787363477
My parents, my aunt and myself moved to Braunton in 1971. We lived next door to the Clarkes who were very kind to us. Although we had moved from a large town house, this house seemed large too - it had a wonderful view right across the Taw/Torridge estuary and west across Braunton Burrows. I may have missed my friends at first, but I very soon came to love the North Devon countryside and the beaches close to us. We were very lucky to be able to move to such a lovely place.
I started work as a nursing assistant at Sully Hospital on November 11 1974. I later went on to undertake nurse training in 1977. I returned to work at Sully for a couple of years in the early 1980s. I am now a District Nursing sister based in Ely Cardiff.
This picture brings back so many memories; just a simple shot of the square in Maesteg, but if you could move that tree way over on the left you would see my grandmother's house at 5B Castle Street; it was called Broadview and I spent many happy hours there in 1951, 1953 and 1959. It was my mother's place of birth and where she was raised until she attended University of London in Torquay during the ...see more
I remember very fondly Woolwich market & town centre in the 60's & 70's. Cuffs department store always seemed so imposing with polished wooden floors, we had to go there to get my school uniform for Notre Dame Convent in Eglington Road. Christmas time always meant a visit to the store to see Santa's grotto, and a ride up in the lift which was always manned. My favourite department was the downstairs ...see more
My mother remembered being looked after by Olive and Jack Carr of Chester-le Street during her teenage years. Kitty, my mother, attended 'Chester-le-Street Secondary School' where she won a prize in 1932-33: the Theodore Francis Memorial Prize. I think at one time she was in class 5.7(g). Mother's name was Kitty Taylor, later to become Kitty Burridge. She moved south, to London, I believe, when she was ...see more
My first job was at G H Laveys 65 High Street (corner of Mill Street). The store sold clothing for men, women, children's school wear, also an equestrian dept. It covered four floors and even had a lift.
I was 15 years old. My job was to polish the brass counter edges, clean mirrors, sweep the pavement around the shop, and stoke the boiler during the winter months! I was not allowed to speak to ...see more
My memories of Kingsbridge are really from 1955 to 1966 during which period I attended the Junior School in Waterloo Road, the Secondary School in Foss Road and following the amalgation of the Grammar and Secondary Schools in 1964 the then Senior Department of the Comprehensive School in Kingsley Road and the many excellent teachers that gave me a solid grounding to achieve a very successful career in ...see more
In the late 1940's- late 1950's, the Hounslow Welsh Society used to meet in a hall on the left hand side as you entered the grounds of the Hospital. I have very happy memories of the evenings spent there, we had a choir, & an amateur dramatic group (my Father Abe Richards was the producer of many of the productions). We lived on the Great West Road & used to walk to the Hospital...quite a walk when I ...see more
We lived in Arnold Avenue off Lansdowne Grove until I was 11, that would have been about 1959. I remember the footbridge over the railway where we used to stand and wait for a train to go under we used to love the the thick smoke and steam all around us (I don't suppose it was very good for us but we didn't care). I remember Hadens the paper shop and Whiteheads chip shop. Charlie Moore's music shop was always ...see more
I was only 8 when I last visited Lavenham, my dad Basil Edward Garrard (known as Ted) was born there, and I used to vist my relations Pat and Chris who lived in Water Street. Does anybody remember him? He was born in 1921, but moved to Stafford in his teens. He also had a sister Rita. His father was a carpenter. He was also related to Josie Garrard, and I think Pat who once used deal in antiques.
The Eliot Arms is the tall building in the background of this photo. My Dad, George Gaunt, took over the licence of the pub in October 1953. During their first winter in the village, Mum and Dad quickly discovered that when the pubs had shut at about 10pm there was virtually no activity in the village, and an eerie silence would descend. Thus any sound carried quite easily, and the noise of the river surging ...see more
The boy at the front right was my father, Jack Stables.
My former surname was Lovelock, I attended Chace Girls' School in Rosemary Avenue and I used to go through Hilly Fields on my way home from school to Crews Hill where I lived. Yes, I too remember the talent competiton held in the bandstand especially as I had a friend who was in the choir with me at St. John's Church, Clay Hill. She always walked off with the prize after a beautiful rendition of The Holy City. ...see more
This is more or less as the centre of Litle Sandhurst appeared in 1958 - very little changed from 1939. We lived on the other side of this photo at a row of houses called (I don't know why!) Gibletts Folly. To the left of this photo is the bottom of Scotland Hill, which towards the top was very steep and the tarmaced road stopped before the top, replaced by a stony track. At the very top was ...see more
My mother told me about her great-uncle who was schoolmaster at Willington during 1850's,'60's or '70's before moving on to a school at Tudhoe. He was John Lister and his wife was Sarah Lister. Are there any Coates or Lister families still there?
I have so many wonderful memories of growing up in Quarry Bank - from moving into the brand new 'fashion houses' when I was 3; four of us on a motorbike, with me wedged between mum and dad (Wes Archer) as he negotiated the roads before they were finished (my 7 year old sister, Jenny, on the back!); the proud opening of the shop in Lawnsdown Road - it was actually called ...see more
I was signalman at Streethouse in the late 1960s. I was not always popular with some of the residents or the drivers who were held up at the gates but all in all it was quite a good job. I remember Mal Kirk used to come over the crossing on his way to Sharlston pit before he took up wrestling. I made sure he got straight through without delay!
York Avenue is the one road in Jarrow (although I am from Manchester) that I could never forget, it's like a main road into Jarrow, my cousin had a house on York Avenue, it's a road you can a bus to anywhere up the north-east, and to most of the lovely beaches.
Primrose
My dad was a geordie and every year when I was a kid we would always visit his hometown, Jarrow, N
Newcastle. I loved the northeast with all the different beaches and everything about it, as I got older I loved the northeast more, and more even though my father had passed. I loved the fact I had family here, I just wished my father was around to see it. He would have loved to see my kids up there enjoying the ...see more
In 1997 I decided to trace my maternal family history through following the name of Jaffray, a name that had been carried down the family through the centuries, finally as a middle name. To my astonishment I discovered a family history that led me to the Jaffrays of Kingwells, and onto a great deal of fascinating history. I have visited Aberdeen twice since, but unfortunately I have not been able to see ...see more
Yes I remember The Packhorse too. I lived at Denham and had friends in Tatling End. Every now and then we would catch the 455 and get off at the Packhorse to go for a drink or walk up to the Picturehouse to see a film. We would usually go into Uxbridge to do this but ocassionally for a change go there. This would be between 1956 and 59. Very happy times - John Hawkins. ps - someone may remember me from that period.
There is a museum inside this building which is only open to the public on certain days. This is one of my early memories of Healton Park, when I was a child my parents took me and my sister for a day out, to the park.
Later we moved house,and was living nearby the park which then wasn't as much of a big attraction for us, we just took it for granted that it was there, with so many different attractions and ...see more
First Playgroup opened here by Judith Morton (Vann) in 1970, the Minister was a Rev. Jack Dowson, he also married us and baptisted our two boys (Richard and David), we owned the corner shop on Bushbury Road opposite where the entrance to the old Methodist Chapel used to be. Remember me?
Wow...I used to live above Brants around 1970 ish. My mum and dad (Jean and Norman) used to help run the place for Stanley Brant who owned it. His brother was Alan who used to live down the road. I also did a paper round It was a lovely place to grow up! I remember helping them get the papers in late at night. Brants was a good old fasioned friendly newsagent, not the sorry excuses you see today.
John Pertwee (Dr ...see more
Yes the film Kes is a very good reflection of Brim Boys life. Myself and all my brothers had the pleasure of going there. It was sometimes hard and disciplined but we also we had plenty of laughs and made some great mates through the years. Thwrack left during our time there and I still remember him saying he would rather teach criminals than the pupils at school. It was a hard time during the 1970s with the pit ...see more
That is the year I was born at 23 Ings Lane. I went to Bolton Infants, on to junior school then Dearneside School. I worked at Wath Main Pit for 14 years. In 1968 I went to live in Torquay and lived there for 32 years, then I went to live in Thailand for 8 years, returned to the UK in Oct 2009 and am now living in Lincolnshire. I would like to hear from anyone who would like to contact me.
Regards.
I lived in Westgate then moved to Wicklow Street. I remember the floods on Lincoln Street in 1947, we had to go in little rowing boats. I was in Mrs Evans's class at Percy Street School. After Goose Fair we had on on Billy Bacon's field near the post office, the lady working there was called Mary. It was a great place to live. I left in 1965.
My name at the time was Audrey Casey, my family was evacuated to Stotfold.
I attended the college from 1959 to 1963, it really was a wonderful time and set me up well for life.
I was married in this church in September 1968 by Revd. A B Swallow.
The farmhouse on the left of the picture was the home of the Stalley family and later became a hairdressers as well. On the bend in the road there used to be a blacksmith, I loved to go there and watch Mr Webb at work.
The triangle of grass towards the right side is the site of the war memorial. My father was the ground keeper for the council and part of his job was to keep this area tidy and he took a great pride in doing it. Opposite (out of sight on the left) is the area known as the conker trees. This was a favourite place for local kids to go searching for beautiful shiny conkers.
The white building on the right hand side of the photo was the local shop run by a Mr and Mrs Rodwell. My mother (Rose) worked there in the 1950's and my father (Eric) used land at the rear of the premises as a small market garden. I still have a book which my mother bought in the shop for my 6th birthday, 58 years ago now.
I can remember as a young lad, aged nine years, walking along this dockside with my father, who was a railway checker.
There was a British destroyer called HMS Vansistartt moored throughout the blitz, just beyond where these cranes are shown, she was used as a antiaircraft base, and as we boys were in the sea scouts, we used to be welcomed aboard by the crew. Later on when the USA came into the war, American escort ...see more
I was born in 70 Thornlaw North in 1945, my parents were Herbert and Josephine Mary Cumming and my sister was Joan. I believe that the people next door were the Dunnets (Salvation Army). I used to play with Eileen Toy who must have lived close by ! Up the street lived the Crisp family. Mr Crisp had a ride-on steam-engined railway track, great fun. The milk was delivered by horse and cart and ladled into ...see more
I was born in 1928 at 20, Cotsford Crescent, the third son of a miner William Holmes. All his brothers were miners and myself and my brothers worked underground. I remember Lumleys shop as it was not far away and Mr. Lumley refused to sell me a penny box of matchs that my dad had sent me for as I was only six years old. It was about that time when a Scottish Regiment marched by to the sound of the bagpipes, they ...see more
I was born on Roker Crescent, Pudsey and lived there until I married in 1968. Does anyone have any info on who live on the Crescent from 1940 to 1970? As I would like to find out who lived at number 43 from 1940 to 1968, this would be a great help to me for my family tree. The Roker Crescent was pulled down and replaced with new houses.
Boston were on a roll in the 1955 F.A Cup. They beat Derby County 6-1 at Derby. In the next round we where drawn away to Tottenham Hotspur; great excitement filled the town. Special trains were laid on, to take the hundreds of supporters, most of us that used the Kings Head in Emery Lane put money in a kitty to buy some beer for the train journey.
We marched down to the station like an army platoon, in ...see more
I am currently researching my family history in Sandhurstnand and I am hoping someone might have some record of the smithy in the village. From census returns I know my family lived at the blacksmiths shop until the mid 1860s. A number of the family are buried in St Lawrence's churchyard. The Hobbs family were also blacksmiths at Twigworth smithy up until 1907 when my grandfather moved away.
I lived with my grandmother (Elizabeth Jones), mother and sister at 72 Church Street Eastwood until I was about 7 years old (1956). My grandmother owned 4 (possibly 5) cottages in a row (ours being number 72) in Church Street. One of our neighbours was a family called Housley and a girl called Carol Emm. I remember going to school next to the church in Church Street but cannot remember the name. ...see more
Grew up in Land Street, slept with my first girlfriend Wendy Gill until the pram got too small, that would be 1940, where are you now Wendy?. I still remember the Messershmitt and pilot who landed in the play field at the top of Westway. The fun and games we had as kids up to 1946, helping those friendly German prisoners build Fairfield housing estate. We moved to 43 Westway in about 1948, my father Horace, ...see more
I remember moving from Caldercruix to the new scheme and it was great to have a bath in the house!!! They hadn't laid paths or put up fences but everyone was so pleased to get a new house it didn't matter. They started building more houses accross the road and Annieshill View that building site was our playground I don't think Health & Safety had been heard of then!!! Wen they did start putting up fences for our back ...see more
I was five when I moved to Great Haseley from Newington, near Stadhampton, with my mother, father and brother. The year was 1957 and Horse Close Cottages was a new housing estate - we were thrilled to have a bathroom and an inside toilet, a Rayburn for cooking and to keep us warm. My maternal grandfather Caleb Tyler and his parents before him lived in a two up, two down cottage next door to the Bishops ...see more
The Hall had three impacts on my life. Firstly the library was open there on Mondays and Thursdays and for many years I visited on both as I was an insatiable reader. You began with one ticket but eventually managed to persuade the librarian to give you two. On Mondays,you were supposed to have one fiction and one non fiction book, but the librarian on Thursdays was much nicer and let you have two story books. The ...see more
I worked as a paper boy at Newby's in Taunton Lane. I got up at 5 am and went to the shed behind the shop to sort and mark-up the papers. I then did 2 rounds before school for 6/- a week per round and 5/- for the marking up; a princely sum in those days. The rounds were hard work, particularly on Fridays when The Coulsdon & Purley Times and Advertiser came out. The weight of newspapers on the crossbar of a ...see more
I lived in Tollers Lane, Old Coulsdon 1946-59 before moving to Coulsdon Rise. Farthing Downs was one of our favourite play spaces. Walking down the rough lane opposite our house to Tollers Farm, on down into Happy Valley and up through Devilsden Woods to the Downs. We built camps along the way and cut hazel to make our catapults, bows and arrows, and cow-parsley stems for our pea-shooters. We would ...see more
