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 13041 - 13120 of 36828 in total
I have just discovered this wonderful website today and oh what memories come flooding back. I was born in Lower Shott in 1954 and lived there until I was about 23. I remember these shops so well. Being sent by my mum to get some cheese, I think it was from Mr Absaloms, and bursting into tears because everyone ignored me as they were waiting for my mum to come in and didn't realise that I had been ...see more
I came from Lowestoft in Suffolk to live with an aunt and uncle in Glenhaven Ave, while my mother was ill. I remember being taken by coach with my sister Jacky to High Cannons. We were not happy at first. It was very different to our small school in Lowestoft. We soon settled and have happy memories. I also have memories of the shopping centre, Woolworths in particular, where we could spend our pocket ...see more
Does anyone remember Dawley Green? The Gamage family lived there until 1960. One girl and four boys. The Knights of Averley was just round the corner.
I used to love the six weeks summer holidays...always walked from South Green to Lake meadows....seemed such a long trek for my little legs...but well worth it...when having taken off my sandals and socks....I could stand on the the fountain and feel on top of the world! Brilliant memory!
The Nissan huts on the heath became a teddy bear factory after the war. My aunt worked there making bears, I still have one, its been with me for 63years. Sad A. My aunt became a seamstress making nurses uniforms in Joyce Green Hospital.
Born Livingstone Hospital East Hill in 1947. Lived on Temple Hill from the age of 5 years, went to Temple Hill later Dartford East (The Downs) schools. First job at 14, was at Phillips toy and cycle shop. I also belonged to the Mephisto Cycle Club at this time. My second job was on vehicle maintenance for the Dartford Wharfage Co, in Lower Hythe Street. Spent lunch times in the café on the ...see more
Hi, my family were living at the Grove, Moorends when I was born in 1949. It was not long after the war and mum worked in the fields and dad at Thorne Colliery. My grandad's sister lived at Thorne and we would visit, and I grew up with my Auntie Ethel and her children. We had to move away when Thorne Pit flooded and miners had to transfer to Firbeck Colliery, like my dad. I ...see more
We were born and grew up in Riddlesdown which, thanks to the Green Belt, has not changed much since my parents bought a house in Derwent Drive in 1939. Went to Roke which was pretty rubbish and then to Riddlesdown which was pretty good for me at least. The French teacher was Miss Graham who married another teacher, Mr. Humphries. Mr. Hay was an eccentric but I remember him waving the first ...see more
Does anyone out there remember the appalling air crash in The Valley, Bemerton Heath. If so, I would be interested to hear further comments and stories. I was very young at the time maybe 3 years of age. I was playing in the garden located in The Valley and it was a beautiful day. Suddenly I heard a terrible engine noise from the sky approaching where I stood. The blue ...see more
I always remember my late mother, Elsie Buttle, telling me when I was born 24/08/1944 there were some, I believe it was Italian soliders, out side singing the hymn "Jerusuleam". Also, my first son, Terry Buttle, was born here august 1966. There used to be a sister in charge, Sister Gough, who used to have a lift home after my visit to my wife & son, to her home in Camborne Grove, in my tonibell ice cream van.
Memories, Bob.
My memories of Walthamstow are mainly of other people - but here goes! My son was born in 1965 in Thorpe Coombe Hospital, where some of the people who have posted memories on this site were born. Before 1934 my grandfather Thomas Herbert Pace worked as Chief Cashier in a bank which later became Barclays Bank - I think it was in Hoe Street - and used to go there by train every day from Chingford, where ...see more
My mother, Doris Pace, was born in Chingford in 1909 and lived in Eglington Road. She belonged to the tennis club and used to go shopping in Station Road. Her Nanny, Annie Hilling, lived in Willow Street for many years, and used to say it was the only "street" in Chingford! This street turns out of Station Road just near the house one can see in the middle of the photo. In 1934 my ...see more
In my father's diary for 1952 - I have all his diaries here in Frankfurt, Germany, where I have lived since 1973 - there is an entry : Stanley Watson, Governor of the Harris Orphanage, was sent for trial. Unfortunately he did not say why! Does anyone know this and can tell me?
We lived in Oak Villa, opposite the Orphanage, and used to see the childen leaving after attending school there. Once, ...see more
Sorry - I got it wrong - the year of my memory of Rag Week was 1959. One of the other memories on this site related to Councillor Thurlow, who was Mayor of Durham in 1956. In that year - November - the Queen Mother came to Durham and visited us at St. Mary's College; Councillor Thurlow was there to greet her, and I have a photo of him with the Royal visitor.
The floats for the Rag Procession always lined up on Palace Green before setting out through Durham City and in 1956 - my final year - I went to see them as they were being judged. The 1st prize - a barrel of beer - was won by Bernard Gilpin Society on this occasion . The theme of the Rag was "TV or not TV" and their float had the name "Highway Control" (Patrol) the name of a TV programme of those days, ...see more
My mother and I lived in a cottage opposite the pub, Rose Cottage, which is not there now - I believe the site is now someone's garage. I was born in 1940 and am not sure what age I was in Bason Bridge but I do remember being told that I was to keep away from the river or "Old Man River" would get me. I remember looking through the balustrade of the bridge watching children playing on the banks and ...see more
Opposite the Odeon cinema, the spotted dog and off licence. I'm certain it was Tommy Keene from Axe St who would be on Wakering Rd with his barrow selling sea food by the half and pint on Sunday. The co-op chemist, then the Insurance shop with a ship in a glass case in the window, Fletchers the butchers, Larkins sweet & tobacconist shop, Savilles seed, spice ...see more
My uncle lived at no 6. Does anyone remember them from the 1920's they were the Brooks and lived there into the 90's!! I lived in Belvedere rd in the 40's and remember visiting them in Dukebar.
From the 1960's We lived on Octavia House, I am Mike kilburn, there was my sister Susan, and brother Paul. My mother was Pat, sadly deceased. We moved to Dequincey house after living for some years on Octavia. I went to school at Halton Bank then to Hope Hall High School. I remember Cross Lane market and Silcocks Fair. Also remember the chicken farm at the bottom of the flats. I also went to Duggies for my ...see more
It seems we are remembering the first world war, my grandfather, Edgar Edwin Budge late of Bremhill Grove Farm in the village, was in the war, as far as I know he was in the Gloucesters. He served in France and was gassed, this affected him for the rest of his life at different times, he was one of the lucky ones and came back alive. Not long after he came home and took over Bremhill Grove Farm.
I am Brian Skippers wife & I too was born in 1944 at Gate Burton Hall. After I was born we went to live with the lady who owned the little post office in the village & my mother used to help out to earn our keep. She said how kind everybody was to us. We were then evacuated to Caerphilly in Wales returning to Croydon, Surrey, after the war. I would like to visit Lincolnshire & seek out the places my mother told me about.
As a young Laboratory Assistant, when the building and estate was in the hands of the Admiralty Signals Establisment, I knew the house and grounds. The Cricket Pitch area was covered with Nissan huts.
I also remember the large number of exotic trees and plants in the extensive grounds. In season the peaches were large and juicy.
Has the house been demolished?
Hi, I worked in S&R Smith's Garage with Sid Jupp, we use to strip out the crash cars ready for the panel shop. Also fixed Ray Smith's rally car :-) I am unable to remember anyone else's name who did the services - think one was Alex not sure. After they sold the garage, Sid Jupp and Harry the panel beater moved down the road behind some house to a small industrial unit :-) ok that is my memory of S & R Smith Garage Hounslow .
I started at St.Anne's in the early 40's and was evacuated with some of the girls to Baccombe Warren, Wendover, as my father was in the war and my mother was looking after his business in Bond Street, Ealing. I remember Rosemary and Monica Hough (I think the spelling of their surname may not be correct) and our neighbour's daughter in Anthony Road off the A40, Pat Desmond, was also at Wendover. My mother had asked ...see more
I've put "1948" as the date as that's about the earliest I remember Corts Ltd, on the corner of Cheapside and Silver Street in this photo. The ironmongers and builders merchants business (formerly Cort & Paul until some time in the 1920s/1930s) was owned by my grandfather David Charles who leased the premises from Stead & Simpson. I remember with great fondness entering the shop via a door (that ...see more
The Pantomime Cinderella was performed at the Ilford Hippodrome from Dec 28th 1942 – Jan 4th 1943. When the pony hauling Cinderella’s coach stopped on the stage it went and dropped a load of poo. The children all thought it was great fun, including me. Sadly the Ilford Hippodrome was destroyed by the Germans when a V2 rocket landed at the back of the theatre on the night 12th Jan 1944 during a performance of the pantomime Dick Whittington – many were killed and injured.
We were at Pantasaph in the summer of 1961 for 6 months; we were the Sprague's, Pauline aged 12, Barbara aged 8 & Josephine aged 6. We remember the McCabes & Veronica Murtough, in fact Veronica turned up in my life years later!
I recall Sr Theresa Mary who taught us in school. My sister Josephine broke her leg whilst we were there. We were sliding along the newly polished dormitory floor when she ...see more
I was also at Palmerston House and I remember it well it was an old building and was once a Victorian boys home. I can't say I enjoyed my stay but it made me what I am today and appreciate things that kids of my age took for granted. But I do have a few good memories of my short stay there (around 6 months) and moved on to 5 more different homes until I finally found happiness at 49 Thorold Road, Southampton.
Please forgive me if I shouldnt be here... I am researching my family history and found a big suprise, Marther Pearce had 6 children, she was a widow and worked as a char woman, I dont know where. 1881 census said she lived at 5 Bridge Street...I so need to know more ... please can you help?
The "Rec" was the place to be in the 1970's when you lived on the Cedar Rd Estate. We lived just round the corner on Elmdale Rd and had a garden which backed on the Rec. This was a good short cut into the Rec. Lived there as a young lad until we moved in about 1978 or so. Played with Tim Fletcher, Mark Reynolds, Harold Maples, Colin "Mapsy" Maples and John Cooper to name a few. Still see Harold in town from time to ...see more
My great Aunt Hilda Reffold used to own the Old Pump House which is behind the shop and I had many a wonderful summer with her. My younger siblings were not sure of her as she was quite a strict woman. Previous to that she lived in Gaddick House on Lombard Street and that was even better - she had a horse called Glamour and chicken and ducks and a piano in the barn at the bottom of her ...see more
Hi
I used to go to Easington Technical college at Peterlee between 1967-1969 doing a secretarial course for two years. During this time the mining lads used to come along and there was a guy from Witton Gilbert called Eddie, I just dont remember his surname. He was a tall and distinguished looking guy. I just wondered if anyone knows of him because I know Witton Gilbert is not a massive place. I used ...see more
Family legend has it that Grandad took a small party of friends for a pint or two in Oakengates. At the end of the evening for a lark he undid the traces and when they set off the horses went and the cart tipped up, to great hilarity.
I also remember Mrs Hitchen, at the end house a few houses up from Gran, who's address was 61 Stafford Road; she would be sitting on a stool wearing a sack apron ...see more
I remember Mr Colwill & his son, I used to keep my horse on the land below the hotel owned by the local coal merchant. As I met more locals we used to have parties in the old ball room with Nigel Portman-lewis, Jon Emuss, Gay Sutch & so many more. A super gang of teenagers. My parents came back to Bookham to look after ageing family at the Old croft where we also had parties, ...see more
This is 1950s, before that there was a lower smoke stack, I used to live in Christleton Road and can remember the old one!
For six years, when my children were small, we rented various cottages in Collieston. Two of my children took their first steps there on the sands to reach the sea when the tide was in. We walked every good day to Hackley Bay and often took our picnic with us. I carried the youngest on my back, We got speldings from the shore and toasted them on an open fire, many of our friends came out from Aberdeen to share ...see more
I've tried really hard to find out when the school was built. I can't find the info anywhere. I wonder if anybody out there can tell me? I'd really appreciate it.
Does anyone remember Mr. Stevens? He used to keep the village tidy; always sweeping the roadside. He had a daughter Betty who I would love to know of her whereabouts as she was a friend of mine when we went to Perins school in Alresford, and when we left she came to work with me at Hindhead
regards Marian Plummer
This was the view we enjoyed as members of the ROC which used the church tower as its look-out post. On exercises we would man the post round the clock. Formed to assist in the tracking of enemy aircraft in WW2, the role was extended post war to include monitoring radio active fall out following a nuclear attack, something which thankfully never became a reality. I was a member here in the early to mid 50s.
Does anyone have any memories to share about my Great Auntie Margaret Ainley MBE who was head mistress at the school, she was headmistress for many years and I would love to know if the school house where she lived with my great grandparents is still in the village.
She is buried in the local cemetery near to the village school.
Thank you
Four Kilbirnie men were walking home after a shift in the steelworks, this would be after ten at night; it was a Friday and in those days people were paid in cash. Archie Allan, better known as Big Airchie, Wullie Mcgookin, Johnny Mason and Alex Irvine were waylaid by six would-be robbers. The problem was dealt with in typical Kilbirnie fashion - they went into the local Police station to report the incident. ...see more
I lived in Keighley Drive, opposite Crossleys sportsfield until I got married and moved to Bradford with my husband. I have so many lovely memories of Illingworth and Ovenden. My brother went to St. Thomas More school and I attended Clare - Hall. When we grew up we used to go to the pub across the road called the Queens Head, but all the locals called it the Hens Face because it was named after Queen ...see more
My two great uncles were at Horton Kirby Home in 1880's, aged 6 and 10. The 6 year old died of pneumonia there, and the 10 year old went into the army when he was of age. He eventually emigrated to Canada.
I'm trying to find where Yew House would have been in 1911, can anyone remember this house? It would have been big as it had 8 rooms .. possibly Croft Road. I'm researching my Turner relatives namely John Bilney Turner. Would love any response please .
My memories of Naburn Hall are of when my mother, twin brother and younger sister used to spend our summer holidays with my great aunt, Miss Edith Pawson, in Fulfold. Aunt Edie was the housekeeper for Commander Palmer at the time and we used to accompany her to the Hall when she went to work. We found it very exciting running around the grounds and exploring the Hall, once we even found a tunnel which ended with a ...see more
In 1974 I began researching the Buchan Lineage, which of course lead me back to Scotland, and Auchmacoy. My own blood had been three brothers who were local masons in the early 1700's and I longed to see their work. I had contact with Chief Captain David Buchan and his secretary Barbara Playdon, who were very gracious when my son and I arrived the summer of 1991. Coming from the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ...see more
shops going down towards the high street
I was born in Lower Sunbury, I'm the youngest of the White family, 1 of 7 kids. I can remember my mum and her friend walking with me down the village, I was in my pushchair, we would walk past the Vienna bakers and get that pungent smell of baking.
And the white horse regulars, the flower man out side a shop what was Anthonys hair dressers, Bishops food store, Kents news agents, and ...see more
I spent many a summers day playing in the rec as it was known. My mum's side of the family lived on Corringham Rd .
My nan and aunt used to live on Corringham Rd. I spent nearly all my summer hols at no 60. My aunt Molly Mcdade was organist at the church. I remember the smell of bonfires on a summers evening. My nan was called Nin. My aunt always rode a Raleigh bike.
I am fortunate to own a part of this lovely cathederal, my auntie bought me a brick when they were building it.
This is where I met my husband for the first time in 1969, two years later we married, and now have 4 children and are still very happy together.
My nan and grandad lived down here, I can remember walking down here hundreds of times, sometimes with my mum and others with my auntie Joyce, I really loved her she used to give me tomato ketchup sandwiches, and my grandad's front garden was a cushion of forget-me-nots - we weren't allowed to walk on his grass. We would be taken over the common to pick bluebells and primroses, and see the bullrushes in the pond. Such fond memories.
I have some fond memories of this place, how I used to love queuing for jumble sales with my nan or auntie Joyce, and of going in the working mans club and having a bag of crisps and a drink, and the best one is it is where I had my wedding reception in 1971, where have the years gone?
Yes I can also remember Mr Cookson, his shop used to be open on a Sunday afternoon (very rare thing those days) and I can remember going there for our Sunday treats chocolate peanuts for my dad and 3d worth of sweets for each of us girls, oh they were the days.
I remember my father taking my brother and me there to see it. I think the National Trust had just taken it over. I was totally rapt by the whole village and went back there often. In later years I took my wife and 2 daughters to see it. Last time was in 1991 while on holiday from Western Australia where we now live but I still think of Culross. JHFP
One motor car - Charles Wilcox - and the dust would have been raised to make photography impossible. But probably nothing passed all day and you could sleep in the middle of the road. I remember Sandridge in the 1950s when I went to the appalling Aylesford House School.
I am searching for a Pam Holloway who lived in Southall Middlesex (London) around 1950, I attended school with her at Dormers Wells School. We went to Switzerland on a school trip around 1950.
Pam had a sister, I think her name was Jean, and she lived in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
My family immigrated to Massachusetts USA in 1953, and I now live in Ohio USA.
Is someone out there that may know ...see more
That's the beach at Combe Martin, Sandy Cove is round the coast from there. In 1965 I was living in that building you can see in the middle of the picture.
Note from Editor: Thank you for the information - we are now changing our records.
My sister Wendy and I went to school at The Sacred Heart Convent on Erith Rd in the early '50s. I remember being taught by nuns in traditional nun's habits. But one teacher who wasn't a nun I remember because she was called Miss Suds and we used to call her Soap Suds.
When we turned seven our parents, who were managers at the department store, Mitchells of Erith, on Pier Rd, inexplicably sent us away to ...see more
Yes I remember Saturday morining pics very well at the Gaumont. A well spent tanner for the highlight of my week.
Hello, I was born in Cairns square Buckhaven in 1949, sadly demolished in the early 60's I think. My gran lived there - I was born in her house before she moved to Bayview overlooking the bay and Mc Duff castle in the distance, next to the swing park. I remember canoeing in the harbour at Christmas having to break the ice to get paddling, I made the canoe in the Braehead boating club paid for by picking ...see more
Firstly, my grandad John (Jacky) Gibson was very much a regular at the Blacksmiths and my nanna, Mary Ann, worked as a tea lady at the glass bulbs and my mom worked on Durdy's farm.. My mom met my dad at the Blacksmiths..Wish I could wind the clock back to the good old day's.....
My name is Margaret Saunders. I was born at 3 Theobald Street, but at sometime we moved to 18a Theobald Street. I went to Furzehill Infant and Junior schools, then on to Lyndhurst. We lived over the shop that was the stationers, owned by Mr & Mrs Feeley; next door to that was Tompkins the butchers and then Freestones, the bakers. On the other side of the stationers, was a grocers and the hairdressers. At the ...see more
I remember the old Bussen and Parkins in Mildenhall High Street burning down. I was only young then but have lived in Mildenhall most of my life. It was the night it burned down I was with my parents, coming home from visting my gran in Gazley village near Newmarket. We was just coming up to Barton Mills and we saw this red glow in the sky, so my dad, who used to like taking photos of things happening, like ...see more
St Lawrence Church holds special memories for my wife and I. We were married there in April 1961 and renewed our vows to each other some thirty years later when we were holidaying and reminiscing from Australia. It is a beautiful church, we were made to feel very welcome by the congregation. It is sad to see the surrounds have changed so much though.
I recognize all the places you're talking about as I lived in Durham until 1970. I remember having piano lessons from Mrs Pratt, I was friends with Kenny.
I now live in Cyprus, happy in retirement .
Worked at Bata shoe store in 1962 /1964 would love to see a pic of this store - was next to Mac Fisheries and near Craven A Cafe. I worked with Gloria Oliver from Wortley. On Sat nights we went to the ladies loos opposite to have a wash and brush up and change our clothes so we could go on our night out! great times.
By the way, my name then was Janis Furlong. I have a brother called Alan and some body may remember that my dad was an artist and used to hang all his work out on the walls on a Sunday :o)
My maternal grandparents lived at Old Rectory, School Hill, Alderbury (now called Court House). They were Charles and Elizabeth Sheppard and grandad worked at Longford as, I believe, a woodsman or carpenter? I still have 3 cousins living in Whaddon and try to see them at The Green Dragon for a reunion when we come over to UK as I have lived in California for 46 years. I remember well going across the fields to ...see more
My grandparents grew up in Collyhurst, when they got married they lived on Elizabeth Anne Street. They were Betty and Jim Butterworth - my dad Jimmy and aunty Maureen were born there. Then they moved to Blackley. When I was born we moved back to Collyhurst on Forland Ave. Some of our happiest memories are in Collyhurst.
Hi :) I was wondering if anyone has any memories of 127 High Street, Penge as a piano shop? A few people have said it was called Hicks but we have no images of the shop. Any memories or images of the piano shop, or even as the jewellers in 1960 would be amazing!
Thank you,
Charlotte
Hi
I am trying to find the relatives of Peter Hutchinson who lived at the Manse, Wrockwardine Wood, Oakengates possibly just before/during WW2. I have no idea whether he was the Minister or a family member. If you know anything about him, I would be delighted to hear it.
I have found something of his.
Thanks
Jo
I remember a slaughterhouse entrance tucked in the corner where the cattle entered. One escaped one day, charged up Chapel Street in a rage.
I am trying to trace a very old friend. She was Ann Williams and her father was the landlord of the Dyfryn Hotel in Caerau. Ann married someone ? from Clarks Shoe Shop in Bridgend in around 1953/54. Is there anyone out there who knows of her or any information they can give me. Thanks. Brenda Smith(Horton)
I was wee girl year 1982
I remember in the late 50s and early 60s playing in Priory Park and following the brook from Priory Park all the way to Westcliff, including going under the roads, and playing along the brook and swinging across on ropes, constantly falling into the water, lol, good days!!!!
Thinking of my time in the aforesaid Cadet corps I clearly remember an exercise on the Heath when we were playing soldiers. To make things realistic we were using thunderflashes. Unfortunately the weather was hot and dry with the result that the "bangers" set fire to the gorse and bracken and the exercise had to be abandoned. Red faces among the staff, great amusement among the cadets.
I went to Luton Technical College in 1948. I remember the balcony surrounding the main hall. We had to march all the way to Popes Meadow for our sports afternoon, quite a hike as I remember. I spent 2 years there. My main memory was the fact that you weren't caned there, you had to write lines instead, no fewer than 500 times. I can still remember one of the lines although I am nearly eighty, it goes like ...see more
My Uncle Fred had a watchmaker and Jewellers shop in Liphook Square. (F H Payne) Also my Uncle Percy (P W Brooker) was manager of the chemist shop also in the Square. (Smorthwaites)
