My memoriers of my Yarmouth are in 1939 and mum and I showing our I.D cards at a barbwire barrer at the top of Princess Road to go to the pictures at the Aquarium cinema. In the interval a man named Percy Edwards came on and did bird calls and animal sounds. I think the council were testing the air raid warning system we all had to leave our seats and wait in the foyer till all clear then back for the second half . Where our house was in Swirles buildings if you went out our front door anf straight ahead to the right there was a public house called Hercules Taven. It's now called the Pickwick arms. In 1930-40s a Mr Banham kept it. Further to the left right outside our front window was a Herring gutting building this was closed during the war but was used again in the late 40s-50s. The area is now the new pubs gardens. In 1941 the council built an air raid shelter in Swirles Place right in the middle of the road blocking the street. On north market road lived a family named Eagle, Mr Eagle had a fruit & veg stall on the market they had two children a boy named Arnold and a girl named Gloria we all use to play together and we went to the same school as well. There were two boys (twins ) named Nichols who lived on Middle Market Road their family had a Tripe & cowheel stall on the same market. Another good friend was June Hargreaves & Tony Overill whose father owned the bycycle shop near market place. After the war my dad came home and went back to H A Homles builders and my mum started to take in summer vistors again. As a young boy growing up in the 40s & 50s I explored the length and breath of the whole of our town, so many friends not so many enemies. Seeing what young people have today I can say we had the best years. I look forward to any comments.

I remember you Colin you were at the Priory School. I lived in Stanley terrace opposite the slaughter house.

Colin- don't suppose you have any photos of Swirles Buildings? They were demolished- but when? My Great Grandfather used to live there, and I'm fascinated.

Thanks for any help!

Karl here from Cleethorpes originally; Nice to see the photo of 1971, with the pedal cars in the background (I was 8 years old then, the height of my pedal car career). My grandparents took me to Gt. Yarmouth from the mid 60's up until 1975. They had holidayed there with my mother prior to this. We started at the Vauxhall Camp site, progressing to guest houses by the early 70's. Unfortunately my grandfather died in 1976 and my grandmother never had chance to return though she always spoke of it fondly. When I was very ill in 2003 (though I'm fine now) my first reaction was to visit those places that were special to me as a child, I visited Yarmouth one spring day in March '03 and was surprised as well as saddened to see so many things had changed, naturally things move on, but nonetheless I was surprised. I have since returned three times on long weekends and had a ride on the Snails ! which made me feel 6 years old again .... anyone remember the summer fair attended by the cast of 'On the Buses' around 1970 ??

I have lived in Great Yarmouth my whole life and most of my family do as well.  My great nanny was a fisher-girl, from Peterhead in Scotland and my grandad a cooper. When he came down from Peterhead in the year of 1953, he met my nanny then and my family have all lived here since.

First off, hello Norman yes its great to contact some one I know. It seems that Stanley Terrace plays a big part in my life, do you remember the cart horse stable on the corner? My family had friend who worked there he had a big black and white horse called Capt Morgan and he went around the houses emptying the dustbins into his cart.
Now for another strange Stanley terrace conection, when I started infant school at Northgate a young girl who was most likely a year or a few months older than me named EFF, BRACKENBURY took me to and from school until I went to Priory Boys, she went on to Priory Girls and also lived in Stanley Terrace.
Fastforward a few years at senior level school I met a lad named Brian Brackenbury who lived in Town Wall Road we became good mates. Fast forward again to 2006, I read an item in a local magizine from a Brian Brachenbury of Heachem, North Norfolk, my wife and I have had a static caravan in the same place since 1999 so I looked him up. We had lots to talk about as it seems I took over his job at Butlers Fish Shop (see work section of this website) when he left. Also EFF was a relation off his. So you see Norman its nice to keep in touch even if I am in my 70s thank you Great Yarmouth museums and the people who put this website together.
ps Richard Harrison sorry but I haven't at this moment any pictures, I will search around.

Colin

Hi, I'm not sure if you can help. I'm doing research on my family tree and discovered that one of my ancestors lived in 1 Smiths Building, Great Yarmouth. Has anyone ever heard of this?

Kind regards
Vicky

My grandfather lived on Middle market Road from 1938 -1978, his name was Fredrick Bird and he was a Master Tailor. He did alterations for Burtons Meanswear in the town, my grandmother Doris Bird(nee Meadows) was a Dressmaker, so between them they knew everyone in the town. My grandmothers brother Billy lived just around the corner, where now stands a new build of houses next to the multistorey car park. Years before that my Great grandfather Alfred Meadows had a barrow business, on South market Road, he was a wainwright by profession and had been born the son of a baker, Samuel Meadows. My only surviving family member from that side of family is Auntie Gladys who is 93. She told me that there were so many children(my grandmothers siblings), that they signed in and out on a blackboard to keep track who was in and who was out..As a child, I remember walking towards my grandparents house and passing the old slaughter house and dairy that stood just before the passage, on Middle market Road which i think belonged to Longs, you could smell it as you walked past. Many happy days were spent sitting outside on the front door step in summer..with the roads flourishing community of Greek Cypriots and famous Vettese Italians becoming good friends of my father and his family, there was always people stopping and chatting, such wonderful days.

Dear Clare I seem to remember your grandfather. For a short time I delivered news papers for Teddy Spurgeon who had a shop on St. Nicholas road. His daughter Maureen use to run it. I delivered papers to your grandfather's & on Saturdays had to collect some weekly money. He used to come to the door with is measuring tape hanging around his neck. At one time he told me he was a talior. Seems so long ago. The dairy was the Co-op, the passage was Cobbs place (see bombed areas). Nice to have contact.

Hello to all who knew or know me now.. Colin Brown , and I are already in touch and Norman Balls is my cousin. Effie was also my cousin as the Brackenbury's were a large family in Gt Yarmouth. There were 7 boys Vic, Harry, Bobby. Norman, died in a prisoner of war camp. Stanley,Ronnie, and Bertie my Dad , and Graham was the youngest. Aunt Effie was the only girl and was Norman Balls Mum. I have a huge background of details of my family in Yarmouth. I left the Priory school 53 years ago and worked in Arnolds department store as a display artist, leaving to work at Radio Norfolk, Regent Rd. and Broad Row, with Mr Perry. I left him as he was retiring and went to Palmers where with Mr Les Drury I opened the musical Department with great success as it was the era of the Beatles. Stones , Etc and left there in 1965 when I moved to Kings Lynn, in Norfolk. I was also very well known in Yarmouth as a musician , (keyboards & accordion), and could write a book of my experieces working with many musicians of that period in time which would have included , Gordon Edwards, Peter Jay, Maurice share, Maurice Illife, Sid Wright, Maurice Joel, David Parker, Dennis Wolsey, Colin Hood, George Beldon, Ian North, to mention only a few, and in many venues including, The Golden Galleon, Winter Gardens, Caister Holiday Camp, Maddisons Holiday Camp, Floral Hall, Mathes in King St, Goodes Hotel, Savoy. Regent Rd, Black Angus ,Regent Rd, and many, many mere too numerous to mention. Finally in closing I would be pleased to hear from anyone with whom I am not already in contact from what I considered to be very happy days. Best regards to all Brian Brackenbury.11/1/2009

Hello Claire I'm new to this site so I read the comments with great interest. I'm a Yarmouth boy now living in the U.S.A. I remember your Grandfather very well. He made several suits for me at a very reasonable price and his work was first class. I used to go for a fitting which was done right the first time. I cannot remember his charges, a little more than the 50 shilling taylor in Kings Street but worth every shilling. My extended family like the Barrons, Tanns and Gray would have their clothes made up at the end of the summer season. Good luck.

Tony Barron 21/01/09

Reference the letter from Claire Bird-I used to go to the St Andrews Infant school on Fullers Hill and sat next to a Dennis Bird whose father was a tailor. Dennis must be the same age as me (63)-it would be great to hear from him. I still have a school photograph with both of us on.

Hi, I was just googling The Park Tavern & you came up, I am one of the large Thompson family, we lived in the pub!!! Great memories..................

Hi All and in particular to Brian Brackenbury. I was at school with Brian - The good old Priory. You also played your accordian at Newtown Methodist Church for one of their concerts. I managed to lose touch with you and it would be great to hear from you again. I will be in Gorleston on Friday 24th of this month (April) and intend to visit Yarmouth around 2pm - possibly having a sandwich down at The Imperial Hotel. Would be great to meet up with you again. Also great to hear from any of my old school mates - Roy Parr, Maurice Hood, Stanley Prime ...Cheers, John

Having read through the preceding pages again, I think I can just remember a boy called Colin Browne. Colin - were you in a play about The Romans, which Mr Halls produced and we played in the lovely old hall at the Priory School? I think you were dressed in a sheep skin and played an ancient Brit. I was a Roman soldier and caught you stealing. I agree with you Colin - we had great times and I too feel sorry for the youngsters today. Be good to hear from you - bet you can't remember though. Roy Parr was my best mate in those days. Cheers, John

My Great Grandfather was George James Overill born 1873, his brother is Alfred G Overill who owned the cycle shop at 51 Market Place, does anyone have a photos of that part of Market Place. Wonderful information on the website. I had only been told that my ancestors came from Norfolk and were probably fisherman (haven't found a fisherman yet!).

Hi, Do you remember Smith's Guest House and Garage, it was opposite the dairy on Middle Market Road. My parents John (known as Jack) and Evelyn Smith owned it. I have an older Brother Graham and a Sister Jacqueline, I was born in Middle Market Road my parents eventually owned 24/25/26 and number 27 Middle Market Road. I was born in 1951, but my parents lived there several years before I was born. Do you remember the family, or have any pictures. I attended The Priory and Great Yarmouth Grammer School.

Hi John yes its me sorry a bit late in reply have just picked up on this page have been in contacted with Brian Brackenbury at Heacham. I remember it all school play etc. Went to Time & Tide museum on the 17th July 2009 met up with Keith Brightman, Charlie Grimmer as well other friends from skating days. A Mr Colin Stott of the museum arranged it all. Had a great day. Am told Reggie Underwood has passed away. He was the large Roman soldier. Also Stanley Prime who I had the sheep skin off sadly died in a car accident. But still many more old priory boys around.  Colin

In reply to the item on Smiths garage & guest house, if it is the same it backed on to Cobbs place / Swirles buildings as youngesters we lived & played in that area I recalled two children, boy & girl the boy was nicknamed Friar Tuck? Sorry but can't remember the girls name. The garage was closed all through the war but was reopened by the Smiths, I seem to think that they might have came from Nottingham ? hence the nickname Friar Tuck but I could be very very wrong please contact and correct me look forward to replies

Have read with great interest the memories of people from the Middle Market area of Yarmouth. I lived at 22 Gordon Terrace, which was opposite Cobbs Place, just across from the Coop Dairy. My Grandfather, Harry George lived at number 16. He was a retired Trinity House seaman. I too went to the Priory and was very friendly with Norman Balls and Keith Skoyles. We spent hours playing together around the "Dump", which was all that was left of Cobbs Place, although that name was painted on the front of our house. Fond memories of the slaughter house smells, the summer visitors and free milk bottle tops from the dairy which we used to play cigarette card games with. Those were the days.
John George

John nice to hear from you I am still in touch with Keith it might be good if all of us OLD PRIORIANS could get together there must still be lots of us about

Hi,
Does anyone remember the name Clifton Lloyd, worked in a night club as a DJ and also he was a reggae singer.

I would be so greatfull if anyone can help.
Thanks

My husband Eric Beckett was brought up in Gt Yarmouth. His mother was Dorothy Beckett (nee Chaplin). His father Len. Her father had the Tower pub near the Quay. He has lots of stories to tell, so I will get him talking and see if he wants me to put them on here. He went to the priory school. He was a red head (called ginger) with specs then. His brother is Ronnie.

I have been researching my family history and find that they mostly originated in Yarmouth. My father's name was William James Lark, sometimes spelt Larke, his mother's maiden name was Taylor and she was connected to the Paston's. The Taylors and Larke were mostly connected with the fishing industry and in the 1800s lived in the Rows, mainly Row 199. My Father's cousin William Taylor, was the Landlord of the 'Cap & Gown' Pub in Gorleston in the 1960s. His brother Fred Taylor was at one time the Superintendent of Wellington Pier in Yarmouth. If there are any descendents around, I would be glad to exchange any information I have discovered about these families.

To all old Priory boy,s re- 1940,s- 1950,s who,s Teachers were Mr Hall, Thompson, Holsworth, Kite, Bunting, Lewis, Head master W. Sillas. I have been in touch with Colin Stott of Time & Tide Museum & awaiting to see if we can get a articale in the local paper or the E D P to arrange a meet up at the T&T in Sept 2010 on pro dates Wednesday 22nd or Friday 24th at say time aprox 12 am in the Silver Darlings cafe / resturant. if you are a reader of this webb or if you are a Son / daughter grandchilden off any the old priory boys please contact Colin stott who i hope will contact me so we can get this reunion of the blocks. look forward to contact yours Colin Browne now 74 yrs young

I spoke to Colin Brown on Sunday last at a car boot in Heacham where I now live and was pleased to know about the proposed meet of Old Priorians at Time & Tide Museum at 10.30 on 24th September.

It would be great if it comes off and asuming I,m still arond I will try to join some old friends and rogues of yester year. I include "rogues" as I have one distant memery of Mr Bunting caning the whole class because they made such a disturbance when he had to leave the class for a short while.

Needless to say I was NOT one of the ones who caused such a disturbance but no one would believe me and I can still feel the sting to this day! I can now however let the cat out of the bag Colin Brown was the ringleader! He's only small but he is deadly!! hope it comes off and looking forward to meeting old friends. Cheers to all. Brian Brackenbury.

With reference to Smiths Guest House and Garage, my parents Evelyn and John (Jack) originally came from Sheffield and moved to 'the coast' due to my sisters asthma and the 'clean air'

I also went to Priory School and St Andrews, Fullers Hill on the Conge.  I have a photo of me and the under 15's football team and I also done a lot of athletics.  I grew up with Colin Brown and Colin Hill.  I am Colin Attwood known as the 3 Colins.  I also know most of the people in these articles.  I lived on 10 Silkmills Road next to Jack Cooks the Bookies.  I would like to meet some of these people.  I see Norman Balls when I go to Races as he is in the ring.

I am now living back in town and will be 71 this year.

Hi old priory boys. I remember Mr Sillas head master. He caned me a few times. Mr Bunting was my teacher before i left school. I also remember the names of the other teachers. Good memories. By Bob Wynes

I will be there on the 24th hope I will not be on my own.