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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of West Wickham's local history

Share your own memories of West Wickham 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 West Wickham

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 14 in total

Training To Be A Teacher
1969 -72 I was a student at Coloma and have very happy memories of my 3 years there. My friends and I attended when it was still an all female college. Four of the friends I met there got together last year to celebrate 50 years since we first met at Coloma. We decided to visit the college to see what had changed. The hostels we stayed in for 2 years are now a care home. The old building which was also ...see more
Discos and Status Quo
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Added 18 September 2020

Happy Days
I lived in West Wickham from when I was born in 1956 until 1968. Remember the place very well. I went to Hawes Down school where Miss Washington was the headmistress. Always used to go to Kiddilines the toy shop at the bottom of the High Street and Hobbytime near the railways station. All my pocket money went on Airfix kits! My mum always shopped at Bests the butchers and the Pay and take. We used to go the "The ...see more
West Wickham, High Street c1955
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Added 07 January 2019

West Wickham In 1940's
There was a lot more green fields in the1940's. White gate farm was where the swimming baths are now. there was Smith farm opposite the White Hart which had a pond outside and the cows were driven from a field which is now Baptist to farm entrance at the end of the Alders. There was also a field beside the legion and a grass patch in the front the legion until they joined manor park road with ravenswood.
West Wickham, High Street c1955
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Added 17 January 2016

My Early Days In West Wickham
I remember going to the circus with live wild animals on the site opposite High Street Sainsbury's and going to the travelling fair on the field which is now going to become Lidl's On VE day we had a street party on Hawes Lane and it was the first time I had seen fairy lights out in the road.
West Wickham, High Street c1955
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Added 07 December 2015

Picture's Not Shown
We used to go west wickam quite a lot but mostly passing through, and the pictures and memories were the swimming baths which we used frequently, The cake shop just along from the Conney that sold the most delious cream horns, I think we had a Christmas party above the pub that the Police had for all the kids of Police familys. Oh and I past my driving test around West Wickham, nearly shot the tester through ...see more
West Wickham, High Street c1955
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Added 30 May 2014

Dentist
Does anyone remember the dentist/butcher (c1959-1965) on the Parade? My pearly whites have survived nonetheless.
West Wickham, Coneyhall Estate from Croydon Road c1955
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Added 28 January 2014

Our Shop
My mum and dad owned the Greengrocers opposite what is now Sainsburys; in fact my sister and I were both born above the shop. Then my dad had a shop in Bellingham and we moved to Purley; in 1971 we all moved to Eastbourne where dad bought another Greengrocers. My sisters all worked in the shop, it was the happiest days of my life. Mum and dad were such a great team, we had so many laughs and fun. After 14 years dad ...see more
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Added 21 January 2014

Coloma College
I lived just down the road from here in Sylvan Way between 1955 and 1970. I was a young choirboy in the St John the Baptist church which was alongside the college (it paid 5s for a marriage service on a Saturday and that was good money in those days). I remember that walking back from choir practise during the dark was very spooky. The buildings bore a charmed life during the war with I think four V1 flying ...see more
West Wickham, Coloma College, Wickham Court c1960
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Added 08 December 2012

Traffic Lights At The Top Of The High Street
I lived in nearby Shirley and in the late 1950s I used to cycle through West Wickham to a fish and chip shop in Glebe Way on a Saturday evening for the family supper. I was in my teens at the time and I remember that traffic lights had just been erected at the cross roads at the top end of the High Street. Anything electronic like this always fascinated me and I used to 'play' with ...see more
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Added 18 September 2012

Payantake Stores
My dad was the manager of Payantake Stores in West Wickham High Street for many years (from 1959 onwards). It used to be where Oxfam is now. We lived in the flat above the shop. There were regular break-ins at Croft Radio, which was on the corner across the road but nobody took much notice of the alarm going off because it used to go off all the time. I spent many happy hours helping my dad in the shop, ...see more
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Added 22 February 2012