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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Polegate's local history

Share your own memories of Polegate 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.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Add Your Memory for Polegate

Displaying all 6 Memories

The Crossing C 1965
The crossing photo was taken later than 1965 as we used to drive my grandfathers cattle through Polegate High Sreet early in the morning from New Barn Farm, Sayerlands to graze on land at the Black Path throughout the 1960's. At that time the old swing shut type gates were fitted which preventing the cattle going on to the railway line. My fathers family owned a newsagent/off licence business at Millfield, ...see more
Polegate, the Crossing c1970
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Added 03 November 2015

The Small Zoo
I too remember these gardens as a small child in the 1950s. I loved the wallabies, and my special treat was the water otter. How I laughed - there was a pen with a small pond. There was a chain that hung over the pond, and a notice that said to see the water otter, please pull the chain.....when said chain was pulled, the water otter appeared! It was a rusty old kettle full of holes - hence the name water 'otter (we loved to drop our "h"s !!
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Added 15 May 2015

Wannock Tea Gardens
I worked at Wannock Tea Gardens during the school holidays. I remember all the slices of Bread we had to butter and I still make sure that it reaches out to each corner. We really had to work hard carrying heavy crockery to the many out-building where the parties were fed. I remember that all the workers would sit down after the gardens closed and clear up the food - and how much us youngest looked forward to ...see more
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Added 06 March 2015

The Treacle Mine Restaurant
My friends and I are intrigued with how this restaurant got it's name. There are a few stories being told but none feel quite right. I am guessing it was some kind of April Fool, can anyone help please?
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Added 01 August 2012

Wannock Tea Gardens In The 1950s Early 60s
I remember catching the charabanc from Brighton seafront on a Sunday afternoon with my Nanna and invarably choosing the Wannock Tea Gardens coach outing. I used to love going there, it was a real treat for me as a youngster. We came for a good few years in the 50's and early 60's. Being a pensioner myself now, I have the privilege of living in Polegate. but sad that the Wannock Tea Gardens are no more.
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Added 27 March 2012

The Windmill
The windmill shown in the Willingdon photos was always known to me as the Polegate windmill. I remember it when it was in working order and watching the mill stones grinding the grain. This was in the 1950s when the Council houses were starting to be built there. Later the mill closed and went into decline for some years until it was decided to restore it. I knew the gentleman who was given the job of cleaning out ...see more
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Added 05 April 2009