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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People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
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How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?
This week's Places
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Displaying Memories 11761 - 11840 of 36828 in total
My father's grandparents lived at Swinton Railway Station (Denham), he was the railway
controller. Anyone have any info relating to the old Railway Station round this time?
My name is Lloyd Chaney and I am searching for any relations or people that know or knew of my family. My father was David Chaney, son of Ada Eleanor Powell, he was born in 1937 but has now died. I think his grandfather was David Powell and his grandmother, Lily. I believe his mother had brothers and sisters but have never met this side of the family so if anybody reads this and has any information would they please be kind enough to contact me. I have an email which is: lloydchaney61@gmail.com
We lived in the Old Manse at the end of Manse Road; our dad spent all his spare time doing it up. When we moved in it was antiquated and stinky but it ended up a nice house. Our dad was a music teacher at Larkhall Academy. I used to get sent for messages to Netherton Cross, there was the old fashioned Coop which closed in the early 60's, a very old fashioned post office which later became a chip shop run by ...see more
I used to go to school in Rushyford (Windlesone Hall) and we used to go to Bishop Auckland every other week. I remember there used to be some green cabins in the market place that used to sell burgers and the like, and a department store - I think it was called Doggarts. Correct me if I am wrong. We used to go there to eat... the best years of my life.
I am trying to trace the two sisters from Arlesey who were at the Girls Grammar School during the period 1942-1949, their names were Patricia and Freda Davies. Does anyone have news of them?
When I spent a couple of years training as an RNMS at Bromham Hospital, I used to live in Nurses Quarters at 1 Albany Road, Embankment, Bedford. I celebrated my 21st Birthday whilst there & my parents brought my brother & sister-in-law down & we had a meal at The County Hotel. My parents allowed me to invite my girlfriend at that time to the meal. Her name was Lynn Mathers who lived in Rothsay Gardens ...see more
My father, Ralph Jackson, knew the Emmet family and often enjoyed visits as a teenager before WW1. I have just unearthed a framed photograph of the house dated 1911, which I will gladly pass on to anyone who may be interested.
Email - roger.jackson@metronet.co.uk.
I am trying to recall a memory of a school religious play I appeared in as the lead part, Annas. Ray Pearson played the part of my son Caiphas. The play was filmed on Cine-camera & produced by Harry Ison the school Scripture teacher.
I lived in the village, my friend then was Sally Lunn, her parents owned the shop. We used to have great fun there in the garden. I was Julie Newton then.
I was born in Hullbridge in Burnham Road, in 1941. The house belonged to my grandmother although it isn't there now. I and my elder sister, Pamela, went to the school when it was only three rooms. Mr Emeny was our headmaster and we also had a teacher called Mrs Street. I had a girl friend named Rita Newal. We were only young at the time and I moved away when I was 8 or 9. We still used to visit ...see more
I remember Hollybrook Guesthouse well from my childhood as I lived with my parents at Hill Top, Westwood Road, which at the time was a Children's home for boys from "broken homes". I spent many happy hours with Mary & Eddy Spiers who ran it and paid a brief visit to see them in 1972 a few months before I married. I visited in August this year and was disappointed to find it gone.
Hi, my name is Marilyn Piper. I have lived in Sydney, Australia for 42 years and now reside on the Central Coast. I was born at 111 Penrhiwceiber Rd, Penrhiwceiber in 1945. My mother's name was Annie Parker who had 4 brothers. My uncle Willlis Parker was a builder in the area. He had 11 children (3 emigrated to Oz in 1960/70). A few of his sons also became builders in Penrhiwceiber. My mother married ...see more
I was working at Bangor Docks as a painter of a Trawler called the Brizley; it was a wooden boat of about forty feet long. I had to sleep on the boat within the crews cabin of which was below deck. Now the thing about Bangor docks was that when the tide went out the habour became a dry dock where one could walk on the sea bed? It was there that I could clean and scrape away the Barnacles, for me then to paint ...see more
My family moved to Sidcup from Eltham in 1965 to a house in Rectory Lane opposite the pond at Selborne Road. The story goes that one morning soon after moving in, my dad walked out into the drive to pop up the shops to find a tramp cooking bacon and eggs... it was the famous 'Smokey Joe'. My dad was taken aback and said, "what are you doing on my drive?" "Cooking my breakfast," replied Smokey Joe. Exasperated my ...see more
Well here goes, what can I say about Taxal? It was the best school I have ever been to, sometimes I wish I never left . Just like to say Mrs Dale is still well and alive. I remember all the teachers with fondness. I would like to know where Mr Linsley is living now, last I knew he was living in Buxton. Hi to Brendan Shorrt, hope you're ok (I heard you moved to America). Do you remember when we were ...see more
My sisters, Anne and Mary, and I lived at the Vicarage, 175 Linacre Lane on the corner of Monfa Road. The church was along Monfa Road. We had a Cable Works opposite and during the war there was no canteen but workers were invited to the vicarage garden back lawn for a cuppa at lunch time, served from our summer house for one penny (old penny!) Ladies of the church served it. For our Saturday pennies ...see more
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could share some good memories about my birth parents. My birth father was Frank Hernest Howe and birth mother, Voilet Dorren Howe of Upper Lambourn. I lost my birth father at a very young age and would love to know some memories about them, please can someone kindly help? Thanks Miss D Howe
Unfortunately the mill is now a ruin, although the best view is from across the river where parts of the wall are still standing in 2013. My great grandfather, John Owen, was a woollen manufacturer born in Pennant Menangell in 1831. His wife, my great grandmother, was Elizabeth Rogers born in Llanfyllin in 1845. According to the 1891 census he was living and working at this mill (known as Bezer) ...see more
All I ever wanted was to be a nurse but not having the exam results to do this our family Doctor suggested to my mother I go to a Children's Convalescence Unit in Woodhouse Eaves and work voluntary; at first I thought this was would be a great adventure. I arrived on a Sunday ready to start work on the Monday, I was given a uniform that looked as near as damn it, to a nurse's uniform. I woke on the Monday ...see more
It is over 40 years ago since Kilbirnie singer John Allan recorded an L.P. with the above title. The recording studio has now transferred this on to C.D. Now available through Scottish Music and Amazon.
Joe and Elsie Boyd had a house built in California, which is a road in Winlaton. At that time California was a mud track and it never did become California Road or Lane or Way... Joe 'the footballer' Boyd was my dad and he played for The Spen, a nursery team for Newcastle United. Joe was on trial for Newcastle and played with Sandy Much, a Scottish ...see more
I am the daughter of Charles and Joyce Munday, both deceased; my two sisters and I grew up with the caravan park as our playground. Dad grew sunflowers all along the front of Monday's caravan park and we also owned the Green Topper Cafe just across from the caravans. I was born in Sudley Road in 1941 and I went to Villa Maria Catholic School... wonderful memories.
If you think you might have any information about a man named either Frederick or George Streatfield in the town during the 1930's, please get in touch. We think he is the answer to an unnamed photograph in our family tree research! (I couldn't work out how to upload the photo, but please do get in touch if you think you might know him, and I'll try and get it to you!)
Thank you
I lived in 14 Halliwell Street near Ordsall Park. I remember when the horse pulling the ice cream cart kicked a car on Hartington Street which put a right dent in the wing. There was a right old curfuffle. Loved Salford and Ordsall, best years of my childhood.
My father and his two brothers attended Bramshott School between 1902 and 1913. Headmaster was a Mr Crowther who ruled with a rod of iron (cane actually, but equally painful). I have two photographs of the school taken at the time.
My uncle (PW Brooker) was manager of Smorthwaites chemists for many years in the mid 1900's. Mr Smorthwaite himself was a very old man... I remember meeting him once in the back of the shop where my aunt and others dispensed medicines. This photo suggests that originally the shop was on the corner of the Square( later occupied by Moss Brothers) and Haslemere road, whereas I knew it to be further back in the square directly opposite the Anchor tree.
This pub was owned by a Robert Quinn in the late 1800's -early 1900's; it was then past unto his nephew, William Henry Quinn, to run. William was an assistant at the pub since he was 15 years old. William Henry was my great grandfather, George Quinn's, brother. William can be found living in 63 High street Newtownards in the 1911 census at the age 25. Sadly William died in April 1911 and his father Thomas ...see more
Not so much a memory - more an update! Since Mrs Barkway sold the hotel business, the property was split into dwellings and 6 years ago my husband and I bought Swan House, the building on the far left with the flat roof. It now has a pitched roof and looks very different. In March 2012 we opened as a Bed and Breakfast called Swan House. Just one bedroom but very lovely and we welcome ...see more
Wealdstone High Street was usually a vibrant place and this photo, taken early on a Sunday morning, with no cars and few people, shows how times change! The shops on the left show Len Evans fruiterer shop, then John Collier, the men's tailor, next to Mence Smith (which became Timothy White). Woolworth was on every High Street until their closure of all branches by 2009. Next to Woolworth's was The ...see more
I have very fond memories of Crayford particularly going to St Paulinus School down Iron Mill Lane. I was just a little boy but my father's work took us all over England at the time, and unfortunately we only stayed in a town for a few months but we lived in Crayford for about 3 years. In that time I made some wonderful friends but lost contact with them when we moved from Crayford. I ...see more
The Cabin in Graham Road was a school boy's (and girl's) dream! At the front of the shop, behind the counter, was an array of jars of sweets, sold by the quarter (lb) and every other piece of confectionary or chocolate you could name: Black Jacks, Fruit Salad, Shrimps, Flying Saucers, Sherbert Fountains, Palm Toffee (banana flavour the best), Flags of the World bubble gum, liquorice sticks, etc. In the summer, the ...see more
I lived in Caversham Avenue in the 1960's near Janet, Heather, Pauline and Lorraine. I used to go to Cheam Park Farm Infants School and also Cheam Park Farm Juniors. Each Saturday morning my sister Frances and I would walk up to the Granada cinema via the sweet shop in London Road. We would get about sixpence worth of penny chews and then we would go to the Saturday Morning Pictures. It cost sixpence ...see more
I worked at Birkheads in Church street around 1967/8 in the TV department. Great old fashioned store that used to deal with the stars from St George's Hills. They would close the store and open in the evening just for The Beatles or Tom Jones. Amazing days. I remember Linda (I think) who ran the record department and Mr Connell the manager who was a great character. We sold the early colour ...see more
I worked at Shepperton Electrics just across the road from the Bull in around 1968/9. Used to lunch at Bull and had a girlfriend at the time, Anne Sink, from Acacia Avenue. Shepperton Electrics opened a 2nd store in the High Street and I moved on to work in London. Good days and memories.
I moved to the Avana cake shop on Clarence Street when I was 9 years old from The Wern, Old Furnace, Nr Pontypool. My mother became the manageress of the cake shop. My father loved the iced jam cream slices! I went to Park Terrace School where Mr Griffiths was headmaster. After school I used to go to the park and play. I remember fishing for minnows with a jam jar in the stream in the park and walking ...see more
I remember being one of the first families to move into Broad Parade (No.5) in 1955. My dad, Jim Weller, was the manager of Greens Stores, the grocers... the Wests, were our next door neighbours, with Al Milby and family at Galleon Wine Stores on the end. At the other end were a delightfully eccentric couple, Eve, the hairdresser and her "hubby" Ronnie Childs, a wholesale greengrocer. I also remember ...see more
Rosequeen 1956
I was born in St Aubyns Ave, my maiden name was Cowan. I went to Cromwell Road Primary School in the 40's. My memories include playing on Hounslow Heath at the end of our road. I went on to the Bulstrode Girls School, the boys were at the back then and we had separate play grounds. I went on to be a hairdresser in the high st, Maison Dor'e was over Lipptons grocery shop and next to a jewellery shop. I left ...see more
I remember coming back from watching United in the semi final at Villa Park and we went to Brinny Sec to watch the Hollies in the school hall. We saw them many times after that at the Kingfisher and Stockport town hall.
I remember watching Brinny play home and away with my cousin Ronnie. We used to get a lift off Ken Dean, the manager (and local barber). The team was the best Sunday league side in Stockport; Reg Adie in goal, Roy Stockton, Brian Bowers, Joey Jones, Billy Appleyard, Bernard Leggat and Colin (Farrel, I think - sorry his second name evades me for now), he was a great player who went on to play for the ...see more
We lived in Somerset Road but then moved around the corner onto Irby Road and could see across the fields to the Welsh hills. Late evenings in spring we would hear the sound of the Gypsies coming along Irby Road and turn into Fishers Lane. They would let the horses into the wheat field and make clothes pegs from the hawthorn bushes. They would then go from door to door trying to sell them. We also went to Greenbank ...see more
Just a few of my very fond memories:
Village shops – Turner’s, Vicarage Hill; Top Post Office; Mrs Jones, opposite the Swan; Mrs Jones from her front room at the end of Blacky Row; Humphreys Newsagent from their front room in Church Street; The Co-op, Trinity Street, Goodwins, High Street, the shop on the corner of Trinity Street and Ruabon Road, which had many uses, the veranda did ...see more
I played with the Midlanders Combo, it was a bit later in their career though. When I joined its line up was Geordie Quinton (my cousin) vocals, Wullie Mitchell - lead guitar, Tam Fraser - guitar, John McMononagle - bass, and me on drums. We played every weekend and during the week, I was only about 15 years old at the time so it was very exciting for me playing away in Northern England and the ...see more
My aunt, Elizabeth Stanford (nee Burns), died in 1942 in her late 30's, reputedly knocked down and killed by a motorcycle outside this pub. She lived for a while with her parents, Peter and Letitia Burns, in Wesham and later moved with them to Fleetwood. She was married in 1923 but the family have no photographs of her.
Great memories of my years as a student at Reading University in the 1950's. At that time there was only one campus, and on entering through the covered London Road entrance (on the left of the photo) the cloister-bordered campus seemed so green and peaceful, with the library and clock tower at the centre. I boarded at St. Patrick's Hall (on Northcourt Avenue), many of the students then had ...see more
My nanny passed away two days ago and she went to Parkhurst School. I was wondering if there was anyone who knew the name of the prayer that school kids memorised at Parkhurst School and would recite in class. It would mean a lot to my family if we were able to recite this at her funeral, none of us can remember any of the words of the prayer.
If anyone can assist in this please email me redhotrobot@gmail.com
My elderly mother has been telling me how her first house was in a row of cottages she thinks was called Halfway Cottages, on the corner of Terling Road and Witham Road on the way to Terling. This was her first home when she married. It had no running water and the water would be brought to them. The toilet was at the bottom of the garden. These cottages no longer exist but it would be so ...see more
The photo clearly shows the Baby Shop in the late 40's; my dad bought the large baby doll that sat in the window displaying baby clothes. It was given to me for Christmas. My mother was a very proficient knitter and it was probably the best dressed doll within miles.
A young US airman from Burtonwood died in a road accident on the bend near Barton airport. His funeral was held at Christchurch and the immediate area was choc-o-block with his comrades; even the locals turned out. This was about 1956.
Lived just to left in photo; No.97 - great days, went to Millfield.
I too, lived down Bakehouse Lane in the 50's and 60's we had so much more freedom than today's children... we had a great childhood. I have so many great memories.
I was reading on one of your pages, someone was asking about a shoe repairer, opposite 'The Red Lion' in the Bouet. His name was Len Purdy snr, I worked in Purdy's shoe shop in the pollet , from 1960 to 1965, leaving when I had my daughter. Len Purdy jnr was the manager, with his uncle who lived above the shop coming down and driving us girls mad. I worked with Elaine, Thelma, and Josie and at the back of the ...see more
Growing up in West Hanney in the 1960's, a regular port of call for youngsters was the off licence counter of the Lamb. Access was gained through a single door side door, and once inside (it was often locked) one waited for the landlady, Peggy Nash, to serve us with crisps, bottles of pop or Lyons Maid ice cream. Peggy Nash always seemed cheerful, whether serving us or just out and about walking with her Airedale ...see more
From 1950 to 1952 I attended Shrewsbury College as a Agriculture Engineering student, and was boarded at Nearwell Hostel sited on the left of the picture (the tall trees on the left were part of the garden). I believe it has since been replaced by the Library and ambulance Station? At the time I was there the hostel was run by one of the College teachers - a Mr Spurr and his wife.
Move to 31 Playford Gardens when they were built in 1955 as a kid. I remember the steam rollers still laying the main road, the new doctors at the bottom of Mancroft Ave, with Doctor Page and the open fields at the back where the M5 runs now. Good times and some great friends made there.
The shop at the top of the steps was the fish and chip shop. When I was a kid, used to get fish and chips there for 1 shilling and six pence (71/2p) on the way back from the cinema - both are long gone... good days.
I have wonderful memories of the camp when I was young. I remember my father, Jack Quant, and a Mr Gardner had something to do with the clubhouse like one of the memories I have just read. It was nice to sit outside and have a bottle of pop as children were not allowed in the club. Mr Gardner had a daughter called Beatrice and we played for many happy hours together on the beach ...see more
I was born in Northend Close and lived there till 1969. Was good friends with John Hobbs, I went to village school when I was 5 years old. My dad used to run the scouts with Bob Henly who lived in Church Street. I was also friends with Anne Ewers who lived in the close. We moved to Poole in Dorset in 1969 and I still live there now.
My dad's family lived in the Collyhurst dwellings around 1910 - 1940 not sure exact dates; their name was Hill and there were 12 in all, 6 brothers and 6 sisters. Does anyone remember any of the Hills? If so, it would be nice to hear from you. Michael's daughter, Angela.
Hi, my name was Elizabeth Yeomans, I was in the same class as Zoe, Bernadette Parkes, Caroline(who was my best friend), Dawn , Kate, Laura and Angela. Would love to hear from anyone who was also there during this time. I was 6 in 1966 when I joined the junior school, and left at the end of year five in the high school, as we moved to Suffolk.
My mum was born in Rock Street in 1921, her parents were Fred and Nellie Ashton. Although I was born in Oldham in 1946 we moved down south when I was about 2 or 3 because my Dad, a Wiltshire man, didn't want to live in Oldham. We used to visit my grandparents a couple of times a year until they passed away in the '60s and the whole environment was a complete contrast to my country life! I always say I had the best of ...see more
I well remember my wedding reception at Collinsons in April 1963. The pianist and violinist played "This is My Lovely Day" as my wife and I entered and proceeded to an upstairs room for the reception. Always a wonderful aroma of coffee near Collinsons Café alas like many Bradford landmarks; Phillip Smiths and Seabrook Fisheries... gone into the mists of time.
The photograph is of Garden Village Post Office which was then in Cambrian Ave. The couple standing together are my parents, Stan & Mary Watts, I believe the man standing on pavement is a neighbour Bob Davies. My mother was the Post Mistress here from 1942, having begun work in about 1921 in the old office at top of High St. The Garden Village office was moved to its present location, top of ...see more
I was10 years old and as I got out of the removal van I cried, I wanted to go back to London. My parents showed me our house it was the first time I had my own bedroom. We lived in Dagnam Park Drive right near Gooshays roundabout. There were no shops or schools and I had to go to Maenry Road Junior School by coach. I later went to St Edwards in Romford. I can remember I used to go by bus to Harold Wood ...see more
I remember living at No.7 Kynance Road from the age of 4 or 5 and my siblings (4 sisters and 2 brothers) we used to play children's games skipping. Then I remember going to Croxteth Junior School then Senior School.
A lot has been posted about Wandle Park but what about Duppas Hill? I well remember the gun emplacement at the top of Duppas Hill and I remember the noise they made when they were firing, I lived not a stones throw away in Abbey Road. Another thing I remember about Duppas Hill was the fact that it was indeed a hill and during the winters we had some good toboggan runs down these slopes. Oh such happy times! ...see more
I started work here when I left school in July 1974 and worked here till it closed in Feb 1975.
As a young girl my nan, Eveline Edwards, nee Elliott, lived with her family in one of the pair of cottages (the one furthest from the main road) that is now The Dogs Trust property. Later on she used to take me to visit her sister and husband, Great-Aunty Ess and Great-Uncle Joe, who were still living in the cottage. I also visited them with my mum and dad. The main thing I remember is that there was a ...see more
I am helping research for a project making a model of Hemyock Dairy. Does anyone remember details of the Dairy Loading under the Canopy, or the Station Extension which was made of some kind of block work. Was this blockwork Concrete? Please email kimrailway@outlook.com with any information. Thanks!
Hi all, was wanting to know more about North Seaton as my beautiful mum was born there. She was born in 1919 and passed away 2 years ago. She was the only child of Robert and Margaret Johnson who migrated to Australia when she was 5. I am touring Europe in June 2014 and want to visit to see where my mother came from. Can anyone remember anything about my grandparents or mother and where is a good place to stay. This means so much to me.
Started by the Moon family; anyone know the reason for the "Aberdeen"? The steam whistle blew at 8am amd again at 5pm. They had a couple of (old fashioned then) Albion lorries. My father used to wear the old fashioned stiff white collars (collar stud front and back) which used to be sent to the laundry every week. The workers used to regularly use Turners fish and chip shop in Station Road run by Everett and Mrs ...see more
Back to Mr Ottaway. One day he got fed up with returning the tennis ball, he took out his penknife and cut it up into little pieces! Just up the road a bit, towards the church was a little shop, "Puckeys" where you could buy sweets. Mrs Puckey (the old lady) was an aunt to me (great aunt), her son Ronald lived there also with his wife Winnie. My old aunt had a Pekingese dog called "Carlo". Memories! Anyone ...see more
My first paid job was working at the Boating Pool in 1956 or 1957 for the three weeks of the spring school holiday. There were two adults, the boss whose name I've long forgotten and an older man as his deputy whose name I've never forgotten - Mr Press, who at some time had been a press photographer. I managed to fall into the lake every week I worked there, get soaked to me neck despite the water being ...see more
When I attended the school, the headmaster was Mr. G.J. Lomer (George). He lived at Lamb Park in Par.Other masters were Messrs. Lydiatt, Bassett, Ritchie. Mr. Ritchie's punishment was a slap on the calves. There were three classrooms then with the playground at the rear, toilets at the end of the playground and a school garden behind that. Heating back then was the coke fuelled old tortoise stoves which ...see more
I was wondering if anyone had information around the year 1924 October? My Dad was born in Dunstable on October 7th 1924, but he and his parents and sister moved to Canada when my Dad was 3 years old. Any information/photos would be very much appreciated of that time. Thank you
I was evacuated during World War 2., and stayed with a Major & Mrs Hayward in North Perrott. I returned in 1957 and met Mrs Hayward again, very briefly. Once again, about five years ago, my husband and I visited the village and met Maurice Lane and his wife. We had lunch at the local pub. I remember the School House. Also remember the Major's house. Cannot remember the year I was evacuated. Would love to see photographs of that period.
I am amazed no one has posted any memories of Euxton as it is a wonderful place with a rich history. I have only lived here for 25 years but even in that short time realise it has been a close knit community with lots of characters, who remembers Eli Heaton? Come on Euxton, rack your brains.
My mum, dad, 2 brothers and 2 sisters lived at the bottom of Vauxhall Avenue - it was about 1963/64. It was a great place to live as kids, not so easy for my parents. We kids would collect water from the standpipe at the alleyway a few houses up and carry it back in enormous water containers - 2 jugs normally to last all day. There was no running water in the bungalow. no electricity, no toilet or bathroom. ...see more
I was christened, married and my daughter was also christened in this church. It has fond memories for me.
Will the guy who was in this home in the early 1940's please get back in touch with me regarding the photographs he said he had as I lost contact details. Thanks in anticipation.