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A total of 13 images. Currently displaying images 1 to 10.
1 merstham.photos image number 141
View up Bancroft Road from roof of the Hippodrome. 1970.
2 merstham.photos image number 352
Reigate, Bell Street - Hippodrome on the right hand side. 1970.
Comment 1
Ken Ball from
Merstham posted this comment on
Saturday 19 January 2013 15:30:00.
This was known in in my youth as "The Flea Pit" Comment 2
Ken Webb from
Salfords,Redhill posted this comment on
Tuesday 08 August 2017 19:38:36.
I remember my Dad collecting old timber from the hippodrome when it was pulled down,we used it on our farm at Sidlow. |
3 merstham.photos image number 460
St. Paul's Church, Redhill. 1970. F. Frith & Co. Ltd.
4 merstham.photos image number 570
Main Road, Lower Kingswood. 1970. F. Frith & Co. Ltd.
5 merstham.photos image number 1166
Croydon Road, Holmesdale Road, Doods Road. November 1st 1970.
6 merstham.photos image number 2484
Holmesdale Road, Reigate. School and tuck shop. 1970.
Comment 1
Paul Gale from
Clevedon posted this comment on
Friday 15 June 2012 12:33:00.
I attended Holmesdale Primary School from 1958 to 1964. We used to buy our sweets in "Hester's" sometimes, but actually preferred Dodd's sweetshop further up the road. I think we were all a bit scared of Mrs Hester! Comment 2
Michael John Thorp from
Droebak, Norway posted this comment on
Sunday 12 August 2012 11:20:00.
The shop-fronted building between Hester's and the school, No 79 was my home during and after the war. My father was in the Army and was injured during the Dunkerque evacuation and ended up in the East Surrey Hospital. Mother left our house in Camden Town to be with him and later moved the family to Reigate. This must have been 1943. Subsequently my brother Jim and I were evacuated to Somerset from Holmesdale Road School. Comment 3
Barbara Tucker from
steyning posted this comment on
Saturday 11 May 2013 08:45:00.
I attended Holmesdale School until 1946 and can remember going into Mrs Hester's shop to buy wafer biscuits, twelve for a penny, as sweets were practically unobtainable. Opposite the school there was a greengrocer and we would go in there and buy a carrot. There was a knife on the counter so we were able to scrape the carrot and eat it on our way home. Happy days! Comment 4
Rob Catt from
Redhill posted this comment on
Thursday 16 May 2013 17:32:00.
I lived in an old house in Wray Park Road where the back gate led onto Warren Road with a short walk down Marks Street to Hester's. Mrs Hester was a lovely lady, always wore an apron, and had lots of time for a scruffy little boy. I loved her jars of sweets especially blackjacks at 4 for a penny. 1952 to 1958 at Holmesdale School - fun days. Comment 5
jan catt from
Tucson, Arizona posted this comment on
Thursday 29 August 2013 23:08:00.
And what about the yellow sherbert and the gobstoppers...?
Remember the shop being packed, but I don't recall any pushing and shoving. She controlled us well We moved from Wray Park Road to 103A Holmesdale Road in the early 50's
I attended Holmesdale School from 1950?-1954 Comment 6
Roger Campbell from
Bourne, Lincs posted this comment on
Thursday 26 December 2013 14:11:00.
I remember Mrs Hester with great affection, she always gave you a little extra in the bag. Attended Holmesdale road school 1954 to 1960. My older brother Barry said when ever there was an air raid Mrs Hester was always last to the shelter and always came with sweets for the children. I remember Rob Catt and I am sure that Jan Catt was a good friend of my sister, Valerie ( Sally ) Campbell. Comment 7
Linda Holloway (nee Middleton from
Cullompton posted this comment on
Tuesday 28 January 2014 13:52:00.
Lovely to see a picture of Holmesdale School and Hesters. I have clear memories of Mrs Hester's apron. Also recall rushing in there on hot summer days to see if she had any frozen jubblys left........ or was that at Dodd's?
We moved to Reigate in 1962 and I moved on to Bishop Simpson's in 1963, but remember several other poster's names. I was Linda Middleton then. Also remember my class teacher Mr Yates and the overwhelming smell of smoke and his yellow fingers! My school report from him includes a very smudgy black thumb mark!
I have been looking for an online place to post some photos of Bishop Simpson School 6th form in 1969/70 but cannot locate a website or alumni page. Any advice gladly received! Comment 8
Julia Hanley nee Dawes from
Redhill posted this comment on
Thursday 17 September 2015 18:54:00.
I too remember Hester's sweet shop and I was in the same class as Paul Gale (comment 1 above). What a lovely trip down memory lane. Comment 9
Ian Robertson from
Accrington posted this comment on
Thursday 13 October 2016 17:58:00.
I was a pupil at Holmesdale Road School from 1950. I remember Miss Herbert and Miss Duncalf. Yes the sweet shop at Miss Hester's is a memory and Blackwood Nursery opposite. Anyone remember me? I lived in Rushworth Road and enjoyed time at school much, especially yearly Carnaval. Text me on 07833099457 Comment 10
John Nicholson from
Norwich UK posted this comment on
Monday 24 October 2016 11:31:00.
I went to school at Reigate Grammar in the late fifties, catching a bus from Charlwood to Harley, a train to Redhill, another to Reigate and finally walked along Holmesdale Road in the direction of the school. I remember a shop there that sold home-made ice lollies for an old penny, bliss on a hot day walking back down the road to catch the train home. I remember Jan Catt too, an exceptional athlete especially in the long jump, and her Mum and Dad, a lovely warm-hearted couple from Wales. Comment 11
Ruth cornwell from
Bideford posted this comment on
Tuesday 06 June 2017 17:46:14.
I remember the home made 1p lollys looked orange but mostly water, perfect for a hot summer day and after swimming at Reigate swimming baths.also lovely cheese buns which were delicious never seem to get any that taste the same since Those far off days. Comment 12
Tessa Colman from
Ashford posted this comment on
Saturday 10 March 2018 17:50:40.
I was at Holmesdale School from c1961 - 1969, ending up in Mr Chitty's class. Ken Turrell you were in my class! Fond memories of Mrs Hester's and I remember walking to the old dinner hall and all the teachers mentioned above, especially Mr Yeats' yellow fingers! He taught us how to sharpen pencils with a blade, and Mrs Ward taught us needlework. I was a bit scared of Miss Newton, also of Miss Kennet ('talk to yourself Miss Kennet' she would say). My mum Mrs Colman taught French. I remember Mr Price well, his middle name was Israel, he drove a white Jaguar and he was instrumental in converting the playground shelter into a television studio. I remember Miss Hughes too, very glam and Welsh like Mr Price, but she left very suddenly.... Comment 13
tony colman from
West norwood posted this comment on
Sunday 11 March 2018 21:36:40.
I was at holmesdale 1965 - 1968 and remember Mrs Hester’s very well. Used to love buying the sweet cigarettes and coconut tobacco (what was it called?) didn’t turn me into a smoker! I loved Mr Price’s tv studio, clear memories of having to ‘stand under the clock’ as punishment and most of the teachers were nice or funny - a bit scared of Mrs Ianga and Mrs McCady (anyone else remember the song we made up about her?) and yes I’m Tessa’s brother. Was very sad to leave, I was so happy there. Comment 14
Rosemary Harris from
bournemouth posted this comment on
Friday 13 April 2018 19:18:11.
Lots of memories flooding back! Remember the sweets and also the lovely greasy chips wrapped in newspaper from the fish and chip shop-just the thing after a swim in the indoor pool that is no more. Anyone remember the freezing cold outdoor pool we used to use in Alma Road? I recollect the name Paul Gale and of course Julie Dawes who I went on to Purley Grammar with. I got into trouble and had to sit outside Mr Price's office feeling humiliated waiting for a wrap on the knuckles with a ruler but he was friends with my parents as he lived a couple of doors away from us and I got a telling instead! Comment 15
Colin Ashton from
Steyning, West Sussex posted this comment on
Monday 18 May 2020 22:31:14.
I attended Holmedale School from 1943 to 1950, the junior clHead Mistress was Mrs White and another teacher was Miss Henderson, remember during Air Raids we had an Air Raid Shelter below the playground and our dailly 3rd of pint milk. We payed British Bulldog, cigarette cards and marbles in the playground. The senior school ahead Teacher was Mr Bull, known as leggy Bull. At mrs Heslers sweet shop we bought lemonade and chocolate powder at 1d for 2 oz. Comment 16
Anthony (Tony) Twyman from
Clacton posted this comment on
Wednesday 28 October 2020 08:58:27.
So interesting to read the comments. I lived in the next flat to Rob and Jan Catt. Mr Yeats (Eddie) was my Godfather and was in the Home Guard with my Dad. At School I remember Miss Francis, Miss Herbert (who had a moustache and always wore Tweed), Mr Wilson whom I hated and pulled my hair. We always had a Film at Christmas and I remember one year it was 'The Dragon of Pendragon Castle' and the Christmas Party with the Jelly having a thick skin on the top. I also helped my Brother Geoffrey carry the milk crates upstairs. Too many memories to mention here like making a slide on the icy playground; the St. George's Day Celebrations, and the Dinky Toy Racing Cars across the Playground. Looking back, what carefree days they were. Comment 17
tony colman from
West Norwood posted this comment on
Sunday 01 November 2020 15:13:53.
I think it’s safe to say Miss Hester was a certified Legend and has had a good impact on all our lives, as did most of the staff. I do also remember the ‘fruitiness’ between Mr Price and Miss Hughes. And once I got sent to Mr Price’s office for being cheeky and instead of the ruler I got a mild telling off and then he gave me a lift to the games field in Alma Rd so I would be late - I was so proud being driven past my classmates walking in a line! I can remember the luxury leather smell of his car to this day. |
 7 merstham.photos image number 2490
Reigate, Holmesdale Road. 1970.
Comment 1
Bob Post from
Round Rock, Texas. posted this comment on
Monday 12 March 2012 05:40:00.
The cafe on the left was owned and ran by Ron Mead, (Meads' Cafe) it was just around the corner from Warren Road where the Jersey Dairies were, my father was a milkman and sometimes as a treat, he would take to the cafe and we'd have beans on toast and a tea, 1/9d ..When I got older we would have a Whiskey-mac together in the PoW. Lovely memories. Comment 2
John Robinson from
Blandford Forum posted this comment on
Thursday 26 April 2012 21:59:00.
Had many a snack in the cafe as my father also worked at the Dairy.Also remember getting sweets from the shop next door. Comment 3
Paul Gale from
Clevedon posted this comment on
Friday 15 June 2012 12:47:00.
The sweetshop next door to Meads Cafe was run by Mr Dodd - we used to buy a lot of our sweets there. He made fizzy drinks and also ice lollies - all a penny each. We lived in Warren Road, in a flat above Currington's, where my Dad worked. My Mum bought broken biscuits from the Dairy shop on the corner. Comment 4
Lucy Taylor from
Reigate posted this comment on
Wednesday 09 January 2013 17:49:00.
We live at the cottage at no. 49 Holmesdale Road - Does anyone know anything about the property, it's occupants or any of the surrounding properties? Would love to find out a little bit of history about this section of the street.
Many thanks
Lucy Comment 5
Linda Oliver(nee Plowman) from
Salisbury Wiltshire posted this comment on
Thursday 19 September 2013 20:40:00.
I attended Holmesdale school until 1965 when I went to Bishop Simpson School. I used to go to the sweet shop next door. We lived in Deerings Rd. I remember Bob Post's father the milkman. My brother Bruce used to help him sometimes and I think Bob lodged with us at some point. Comment 6
christopher mockler from
Egham,surrey posted this comment on
Wednesday 02 October 2013 07:57:00.
I attended Holmesdale school in the early 60s, leaving around 1965 to go onto Oxted County. I remember well Mrs Hesters sweet shop, although I recall Her being rather intimidating. I remember well Ms Newton and Headmaster Mr Price. I recollect doing country dancing with Ms Newton. My Mum used to work at the Snowflake laundry at the other end of the road opposite to the entrance to the fire station. The names of other posters seems familiar, Linda Plowman and Paul Gale. Does anyone recall having to walk to the dinner hall for dinner(as it was called then) I think it was St Marks hall opposite the 424 bus stop? Comment 7
Andy Phillips from
Malmesbury, Wiltshire posted this comment on
Monday 07 October 2013 15:57:00.
I also attended Holmesdale school leaving in 1965 and remember Linda Plowman, Paul Gale and Christopher Mockler. I can add a couple of other teachers from the school Mrs Miller & Mr Yates. Also walking to St Marks Hall for dinner and also the the school swimming pool in Alma Road. My mother was the school secretary for a time around the late 60's/early 70's Comment 8
Peter Grant from
Reigate posted this comment on
Tuesday 03 December 2013 10:08:00.
In answer to Lucy's question; we purchased 49 Holmesdale Road in 1978 from the Steer family who had lived there. It was in a poor state of repair and need a lot of work which was partly carried out by Mick the landlord of the PofWs in his spare time - a very hard worker. Mick unfortunately died from an accident whilst carrying out ground work sometime later, in Brighton I believe and after he ceased being the local landlord. After we moved out number 49 was owned by a retired nurse from Blackheath; it now appears to be a rented property. A happy little house with three generations of the Wreathems living next door in numbers 51 & 53 who were like a second family to us. Comment 9
Susan Pearse (nee Dungate) from
Merstham posted this comment on
Monday 27 January 2014 13:31:00.
My grandparents lived at No. 43 and Steer was my grandmothers maiden name (Uncle Jack and Auntie Ivy lived at No. 49 when I was a child in the 1950s). I attended Holmesdale school from 1956 to 1962 and at the beginning of that period my grandfather (George Dungate) was the caretaker at the school. Comment 10
Roger Campbell from
Pinchbeck, Lincs posted this comment on
Friday 02 September 2016 19:04:00.
I lived at 34 in the 50s and attended Holmesdale school from 1954 till 1960. I remember Mr Dungate and Susan Dungate. Country dancing with Miss Newton was always a great laugh. My Mum died in 1960 and I remember how kind and thoughtful Miss Newton was always going out of her way to cuddle and comfort me, something that would be frowned upon in this politically correct world but I remember her with great affection. Comment 11
Kari Koonin (nee Colman) from
London posted this comment on
Thursday 08 March 2018 16:53:37.
I attended Holmesdale School from 1961 to 1966 and went on to the County School. My mother (Mrs Colman) taught Music and French at Holmesdale for a while. She organised the mass choir events we used to sing in with other local schools.
Miss Newton only passed away a couple of years ago.
I will always be grateful to Holmesdale for teaching us French (well, after a fashion, bless Mr Yates) which gave us a huge head start over others at secondary school.
I remember Miss Hester's so well: the 2-for-a-ha'penny chews, Black Jacks and Fruit Salads.
Looking at the road on Google Streetview now, it's hard to believe there was a bus service down Holmesdale Road, with the stop right outside the school (no. 439).
Comment 12
Anthony Twyman from
Clacton posted this comment on
Wednesday 28 May 2025 08:38:29.
Paul Gale. I remember you Dad, was his Christian Name Ron? I believe he was Knicknamed 'Curley' (Not a lot of hair) Great times. |
 8 merstham.photos image number 2694
WVS Winged Fellowship, Crabhill House, South Nutfield. 1970. F. Frith & Co. Ltd.
9 merstham.photos image number 2919
Veteran car run to Brighton. November 2nd 1970. Keystone Press.
10 merstham.photos image number 4116
Redhill looking South. Circa 1970.
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