LocalEyes

Share your knowledge and memories with the community. Whether you recognise a street, know what year a film was made, or can provide more context about the events taking place, your contributions can help enrich London’s moving image history for everyone. Here we’ve highlighted a selection of films that we need your help with – but you can also add information to any film, just look for the icon.

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What others are saying

Miss Sharman's Childrens Homes, Sydenham

Bernadette Keane wrote:

My dear Mother went to live in the home after her mother died ,she said the girls were well looked…

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My dear Mother went to live in the home after her mother died ,she said the girls were well looked after ,fed well and taught all kids of domestic things from looking after the baby's there to cooking cleaning etc she said there was no mistreatment of them all they lacked was love of their lost parent, my mother was a fantastic mum and I was so lucky to have had her, I even named a doll after one of her friends there, my mothers name qas Barbara Mary Ward her frie d Crystal Melody Butterworth, I believe if my mum was taught so well there which made her more than just our mum but she looked after so many other children in her life giving them the love they missed I feel blessed she went to Charlotte Sharmens.
Eton Manor Sports

David Hillson wrote:

Ron Wing was a great personal friend, and an accomplished runner. In 1954 he achieved 4:15 for the mile, close…

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Ron Wing was a great personal friend, and an accomplished runner. In 1954 he achieved 4:15 for the mile, close behind his training partners and friends Roger Bannister and Chris Chataway. Ron died on 30 August 2024 at the age of 92, and is greatly missed by his many friends, as well as his family.
The Queen visits Kingston

Clio Flanagan wrote:

Wow can't believe what Google would come up with!! It was a surprise Royal walkabout. I'd just arrived from Dublin on…

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Wow can't believe
what Google would come up with!!
It was a surprise Royal walkabout. I'd just arrived from Dublin on 24/06/92 so I felt super lucky.I took a photograph(which survived 16 house moves)I was as near to her as I am to my phone at any given time!!!I was astounded The queen at a fruit and veg market.Im so glad I had my camera.Needless to say Boot's 1hour photo was used that day!!
Ride aboard the Royal Sovereign from Tower Pier to Southend…

Eileen Harrison wrote:

What a super film! My brother, Graham, and I, with Mum and Grandma who lived in Acton, sailed on the…

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What a super film! My brother, Graham, and I, with Mum and Grandma who lived in Acton, sailed on the Royal Sovereign to Southend one summer's day in the 1950s. Tower bridge opening just for us! For us two kids from Yorkshire.....wow!!
War Bomb-Damaged Buildings

Alex Thomas wrote:

1:03 shows damage to Richmond Hill Court (entrance to apartments 1-12 is on the right near the damaged gateway). This -…

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1:03 shows damage to Richmond Hill Court (entrance to apartments 1-12 is on the right near the damaged gateway).
This - and the destruction of the lion statues at the gateway - is mentioned in the memoirs of then-resident, the famous war-time scientist Professor R V Jones.
A Pictorial History of Wimbledon County School for Girls

Elizabeth Hurcombe wrote:

My Mum Ruby Watkins and her sister Iris attended this school; I have a very long rolled up photo of…

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My Mum Ruby Watkins and her sister Iris attended this school; I have a very long rolled up photo of the whole school and its pupils which I found after Mum passed. She was always proud of the education she received there and I have her sports medals together with bibles and a book she received to mark the Coronation.
A Pictorial History of Wimbledon County School for Girls

Elizabeth Hurcombe wrote:

My mother Ruby Watkins attended this school - she was born and raised in Wimbledon but her mother came from…

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My mother Ruby Watkins attended this school - she was born and raised in Wimbledon but her mother came from Bath in Somerset and only moved to London through marriage to a Fleet Street compositor. Mum's family were not wealthy but they were educated and had skills so I believe both Mum and her sister had scholarships to this school. Mum did say that the school was riddled with snobbery but that she stuck it out and received an excellent education for her day. I still have her books and Bible - Mum benefited from the plays that were staged and had some success in the local amateur dramatic society of the town in Norfolk where she moved to through marriage.
Canvey Capers May 1969

Don Rougvie wrote:

My siblings and I are at the front. My brother is the tall lad in the grey cardigan and i…

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My siblings and I are at the front. My brother is the tall lad in the grey cardigan and i have blond hair and a green sweater. My two sisters are standing alongside me.
A Pictorial History of Wimbledon County School for Girls

Elizabeth Anne Gambling wrote:

I’m sorry to say this but l hated that school! I was a pupil from 1951 to 1959. It almost…

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I’m sorry to say this but l hated that school! I was a pupil from 1951 to 1959.
It almost ruined my childhood and early teenage years. I am not a. Intellectual and failed what were then the 11plus and 13 plus exams and was happy in the New Malden Secondary School where l could express my personality and creativity My mother, who worked in National education, had a Snobish streak. and she organized an interview with Miss Wade headmistress. Brief; l was accepted into the school.
There, l was relentlessly bullied by a group of girls the name of the ringleader of which l will mot mention though l remember it well. There is not space here to give more details, but, whereas the staff of the secondary school had been supportive of me and my artistic abilities and l was not punished for drawing all over my excercise books whatever the subject! I loved the corporal expression and even won a competition for creating a poster about the Highway Code. I wish l could go on, there is so much to say, but the years l spent at that school were the most traumatic of my life
Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames

Janet Davies wrote:

A really interesting past incite, into the history etc of Kingston Upon Thames. I attended Latchmere Infants, then Junior School,…

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A really interesting past incite, into the history etc of Kingston Upon Thames.
I attended Latchmere Infants, then Junior School, whilst living in Kingston, until 1964. Then whilst living in New Malden, attending Hollyfield School, Surbiton. I have revisited numerous times since leaving the area.
We always went shopping in Kingston.
The shops offered so much choice. Bentalls Department Store was absolutely wonderful, for so many different things. Including Music booths & Ice Cream Sodas!
The Main Market, Apple Market & Monday Market were always regularly visited, for their produce.
The Swimming Baths, Library, Canbury Gardens & the Riverside & of course the Cinemas!
Wonderful memories of a great place to live & enjoy!
Southgate's New Running Track

Richard Purver wrote:

Southgate’s New Running Track The main competition at the Athletic Sports meeting held to mark the formal opening of the…

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Southgate’s New Running Track

The main competition at the Athletic Sports meeting held to mark the formal opening of the new running track in Broomfield Park, Palmers Green on 28 June 1950 was the match between the Amateur Athletic Association [77½ points] and Middlesex and Herts AAA [52½], with other events involving local schools.

The track was opened by the Mayor of Southgate, Councillor Arthur S Gray; the man in the wig is the Town Clerk, Gordon H Taylor; the building seen behind the spectators on the grass bank bordering the sports arena (rather than a spectator stand) is Edwardian not Victorian (Palmers Green was developed from 1902). The live BBC television transmission of the event ran from 7pm to 8.45pm.

The speakers were Alderman R S Pruden, Mr Jack Crump, honorary secretary of the AAA board, who also contributed to the BBC commentary, Mr A D G White, president of Middlesex AAA and Mr W Parkinson, president of Southgate Harriers.

Several Olympic and European athletes took part, including the (winning) athlete shown putting the weight, John Giles and Harold Moody, who came second in this event and in the discus, where he is the black man shown throwing second; the black athlete who is overtaken in the 880 yards, Arthur Wint and the winner John Partlett; Jack Parker and Peter Hildreth (first and second, 120 yards hurdles); Malcolm Dalrymple, winner of the javelin; E McDonald Bailey, the black athlete who had to drop back in the 220 yards and was unplaced after leading because of the risk of pulling a muscle and Derek Pugh (third in the race); Bill Nankeville, second in the mile; Harry Askew, winner of the long jump; John Disley, winner of the 2 miles / 3,000 metres steeplechase in 9 mins 18.4 secs, the fastest time recorded by a British athlete over the latter distance, and Rene Howell who came second. The winner of the 2 miles was Valdu Lillakas, a ‘displaced person’ from Estonia.

As well as the Mayoress, Mrs Gray, who is shown handing out medals during the course of the film, at the end Councillor Mrs Ruth Winston is seen presenting the Laurence Winston Trophy, in memory of her husband, to the winners of the annual competition between local grammar schools in the 440 yards (4 x 110) relay. She is followed by Beverley Baxter, MP for Enfield Southgate presenting the Baxter Trophy for the winners of the Inter-Team competition to the AAA’s representative. (Also awarded were the Herbert Wauthier Trophies for the Borough of Southgate Championships 100 yards under 14 and under 16, presented on this occasion by Mrs Herbert [Annie] Wauthier.)

Richard Purver
July 2023

Based on the research for my two-part article for the October 2019/January 2020 editions of the Southgate District Civic Trust (now Southgate District Civic Voice) newsletter, “The Greatest Collection of Athletic Talent Ever Assembled in this Part of North London”: The Opening of the New Running Track in Broomfield Park in June 1950.
Richmond 1: 1955-1968

Robert Tyman wrote:

Btw, that third pub is (or was) indeed the Richmond Arms.....which is now called the Tap Tavern/Richmond Tap. So at…

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Btw, that third pub is (or was) indeed the Richmond Arms.....which is now called the Tap Tavern/Richmond Tap. So at least two of the these pubs are still going!
Richmond 1: 1955-1968

Rob Tyman wrote:

One of those two pubs which were described as 'unrecognisable' is definitely the White Swan pub (Richmond one) down that…

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One of those two pubs which were described as 'unrecognisable' is definitely the White Swan pub (Richmond one) down that quiet lane, and not far from the river. As for the other pub - I'm not sure. But it, along with The Beehive obviously no longer survive. But the White Swan is still very much alive!
Motherland: A Play Developed by Vauxhall Manor School for Girls,…

Glenis williamson MSc , aka GNia poet wrote:

Greetings, im am so pleased and proud to have been s an actor in this play. We really did astounding…

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Greetings, im am so pleased and proud to have been s an actor in this play. We really did astounding work based on testimony of our mothers . Up up Motherland . One love to Vauxhall manor cast, Rest in peace n power dearest Elyse Dodgeson our fantastic Director . Glenis ...G Nia!
Motherland: A Play Developed by Vauxhall Manor School for Girls,…

Wendy Williamson wrote:

Hi my name is Wendy,and my Sister Glenis Williamson was also a cast member. Glenis still has the original video…

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Hi my name is Wendy,and my Sister Glenis Williamson was also a cast member. Glenis still has the original video of Motherland. She wishes you all well
Home Movies of the Phillips Family

Kevin Younger wrote:

I believe the flying boat shots are not of the Short Brothers Rochester works on the River Medway. They show…

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I believe the flying boat shots are not of the Short Brothers Rochester works on the River Medway. They show the Imperial Airways terminal quay and aircraft moored on Southampton Water.
At Home on Old Road West, Gravesend, and Trips to…

MARY KIRK wrote:

amazing to see this footage of my dad , his sister and cousin!
Dick Sheppard School: Staff and Pupil Reunion

Melanie Harrison wrote:

Olashola, how could anyone ever forget you!!! Wow what a massive presence you were. Lovely to see photos of you…

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Olashola, how could anyone ever forget you!!! Wow what a massive presence you were. Lovely to see photos of you read your notes, such found memories.

Melanie
The Good Woman of Deptford

Nick Martin wrote:

Bless her, good old Iris
Mountview Pageant 1987

Alison Dennis wrote:

Hello I was the plaintiff in the Trial by Jury clip. I was the girls PE Teacher 1974-76. It was great…

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Hello
I was the plaintiff in the Trial by Jury clip. I was the girls PE Teacher 1974-76.
It was great to see all those colleagues from many years ago
Am now retired and a grandmother of eight!
Happy Days.
Alison Dennis
Woodside Brickworks (Croydon)

Colin Carr wrote:

I used to work at a company close by called Weston-White making packaging machines in the 80s. I found the brick…

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I used to work at a company close by called Weston-White making packaging machines in the 80s.
I found the brick works site had a lake/pond and used to fish in it.
There where Roach Rud and Perch in there at least!
Woodside Brickworks (Croydon)

Robert Hines wrote:

I was a young fireman stationed at Woodside,we received a call to the brickworks to an accident at around 0800hrs.…

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I was a young fireman stationed at Woodside,we received a call to the brickworks to an accident at around 0800hrs. When we arrived,we were directed to a heavy duty machine resembling a giant food mixer that was used to crush bricks. On investigation,the first operator got inside the drum to clean out debris when his mate turned up a bit late for work and started the machine up. I won’t describe what the result was but as the new boy I had to get into the drum to remove the body. No health and safety for that poor lad. I notice another contributor mentions their dad dying in an accident, I wonder if this was her dad
Anansi: Part 1 of 2

James Larcey wrote:

I was there too. I was in the first year at Bishop Douglas secondary school and our drama class were…

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I was there too. I was in the first year at Bishop Douglas secondary school and our drama class were among the schools who made up the chorus.
Royal Visit to Arnold House Cheshire Home

Elizabeth west wrote:

I was senior care worker at Arnold house when I had the honour of being presented to the Queen. I…

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I was senior care worker at Arnold house when I had the honour of being presented to the Queen. I remember a couple of her entourage tried the lifting equipment for transferring residents from wheelchairs,into the bath. Arnold House was a wonderful place to work a real family home.
A Pictorial Record of Events in the Metropolitan Borough of…

Lee Copeland wrote:

Princess Elizabeth visited Fulham Palace in 1951 for a Garden Party
School Film - Amsterdam and Trampoline

Bill wrote:

Regarding the lad on the trampoline. I am almost certain that this would have been Graham Farley, He went on to…

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Regarding the lad on the trampoline. I am almost certain that this would have been Graham Farley,
He went on to be a gymnast. I think his first name was Graham but I know his last name is Farley. He did come to one of our sports days, and did some stunts on the trampoline.
We were all very proud of him.
The main master in the Amsterdam trip, was Mr Pardy, who was Headmaster.
Field Trip

Bill wrote:

On the Day-To-Day shots, it was Mr Pardy Headmaster and Mr Nicholls with Mr Whiting who both became headmasters. This…

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On the Day-To-Day shots, it was Mr Pardy Headmaster and Mr Nicholls with Mr Whiting who both became headmasters. This probably would have been whilst I was there. Mr Nichols made me a prefect, which I was very proud about, he had very good social skills, and helped the lads in a possitive way, not by the rod. I think a lot was done to help us kids blend in for later life, for instance I remember an old car that used to sit outside the nearby youthclub, where kids would look under the hood and generally make themselves at home with it. The youth club was good too with snooker and constant music on the radio playing all the latest hits. I also remember that Graham Farley (Famous gymnast at the time) used to go the this school. He turned up on sports day wearing flippers and proceeded to do amazing things on the trampoline.
School Sports Day

Bill wrote:

Wow, talk about blast from the past. I recognise a few teachers, Mr Nicholls who was headmaster when I left,…

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Wow, talk about blast from the past. I recognise a few teachers, Mr Nicholls who was headmaster when I left, Mr Pardy, he was one strict headmaster, always with a rod inside his cape. Mr Morris, Mr Vella, Mr Lambert, others I recognise but have forgotten their names. I also recognise some school friends on the sports day in 1967, this is amazing to see, like a time machine. Mr Nicholls was a very fair man and kind and helped me a lot with different subjects. I remember our trip to Jersey which was a great holiday and a lot of good fun with the teachers really relaxing and enjoying too. Some times were hard for me because I was very skinny and would get picked on, but overall I have fond memories. Thank you for uploading this archive, it was a wonderful surprise.
Goodbye Longfellow Road

David Sherman wrote:

Yes my Dad Sidney Sherman worked at John Wrights.
Eastcote Park Estate: An Area of Special Character

Ian Gawn wrote:

Mum and Dad bought 36 St Lawrence Drive in 1939, Dad died there in 1974 and Mum in 1981. We…

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Mum and Dad bought 36 St Lawrence Drive in 1939, Dad died there in 1974 and Mum in 1981. We were brought up there, until I joined the RAF College in 1963. My brother and I sold the bungalow in 1981.
Lambeth Walk

pamela dench wrote:

i was born down old lambeth walk my grandparents had stalls i worked on my family ran…

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i was born down old lambeth walk my grandparents had stalls i worked on my family ran pubs in walk and others kennington
Derby Day

Barbara wrote:

While the race itself appears to be Sansovino's Derby, the winner walking into the winner's enclosure is not Sansovino. …

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While the race itself appears to be Sansovino's Derby, the winner walking into the winner's enclosure is not Sansovino. He was a dark bay or brown horse and the jockey's silks were completely black with a white cap. The horse in the winner's enclosure is a chestnut with a large blaze, and the jockey's silks are a light color with a horizontal stripe. This matches the description of Captain Cuttle, who won the Derby in 1922.
George's Square, Hoxton

Lynne McBarron wrote:

My dad lived in George's Square in the 1920's and 1930's . He lived there with his parents and…

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My dad lived in George's Square in the 1920's and 1930's . He lived there with his parents and brothers. His grandparents and other family members lived there also.
My family were not well off at all but they didnt know they were poor as every family was the same.
They moved out of Georges Square in 1947 to Haggerston and their furniture snd belongings had to be fumigated before it could be put in their new flat due to the bugs etc that were rife at Georges Square.
I understand that the all the blocks were demolished in 1967 just after these films were shot.
Thank you for giving me a glimpse of my father's old home
Shop Week 1963 Baby Show Easter Parade Lambeth Walk

GARY SINGER wrote:

I was looking for pictures of pie and mash shops ,and hoped there would be some of "boroughs" near lambeth…

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I was looking for pictures of pie and mash shops ,and hoped there would be some of "boroughs" near lambeth walk, came across the Easter baby competition,was beyond delighted to see my mum" flo"Singer nee Stepto pushing me and my twin brother in the film, I would have been 1 at the time.
Woodside Brickworks (Croydon)

Michelle Crowley née Roche wrote:

We lived in nearby Beckford Rd in the 70s and I remember as a child hearing the noise from the…

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We lived in nearby Beckford Rd in the 70s and I remember as a child hearing the noise from the machinary and banging from the brickworks yard but never knew what was making the noise until now!
Canvey Capers May 1969

Stephen Bourne wrote:

The policeman is Police Constable Harry Cole (1930-2008), a popular local figure who served the Walworth community for 29 years…

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The policeman is Police Constable Harry Cole (1930-2008), a popular local figure who served the Walworth community for 29 years until he retired in 1983. He was based at Carter Street Police Station off Walworth Road for his entire police career. He now has an entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and in 2006 he was honoured with a Southwark Heritage Blue Plaque.
A Pictorial History of Wimbledon County School for Girls

Mary Sharpe wrote:

I started at WCS in 1962. Miss Wade was headteacher, soon succeeded by Miss Mackie. I was hoping to find…

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I started at WCS in 1962. Miss Wade was headteacher, soon succeeded by Miss Mackie. I was hoping to find out more information about the badge. I remember the buildings and grounds with fondness but was never very happy at school. No unkindness or anything like that, I suppose school just didn’t suit me. I am sorry I was unable to take full advantage of it now, but I did go on to have a successful professional career having achieved plenty of academic qualifications as an adult.
Goodbye Longfellow Road

Linda Bayliss wrote:

My grandparents Charlie and Eleanor Solomons, my great grandfather Pop Painter and his son Alf Painter lived at number 52.…

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My grandparents Charlie and Eleanor Solomons, my great grandfather Pop Painter and his son Alf Painter lived at number 52. Living in rural Devon I remember the excitement of staying there for family visits in the 1950s
Motherland: A Play Developed by Vauxhall Manor School for Girls,…

Angela Masters wrote:

Hi my name is Angela Masters I was also in the play . I had a great time. It was…

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Hi my name is Angela Masters I was also in the play . I had a great time. It was a very good play
Uxbridge Past and Present

john aldred wrote:

I grew up in Uxbridge during the 1960s / 70s. At the age fifteen / sixteen my Greenway school friends…

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I grew up in Uxbridge during the 1960s / 70s. At the age fifteen / sixteen my Greenway school friends and I would head for the high street chippy near the Regal Cinema. As we passed on our way, we were witnessing the demolition of the Eight Bells pub. Even at that young age I sensed that something wrong was happening. Your film has deeply saddened me. It collates, what can only be described as, the criminal tearing out of the heart of a once wonderfully characterful historical town in favour of everlasting architectural boredom. So much for preserving our built heritage for future generations? I saw a young lad a couple of days ago, not much older than I would have been in the early seventies. The large letters on the back of his tea shirt read, " THE FUTURE HAS NO FUTURE". I am old now but would not swap my times for his!

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