Recently I searched for old photographs of Hemel Hempstead on the Internet and came across this site which bought back so many memories of growing up there in the 70’s. It is worth a look if you too remember how it used to be, some classic shots amongst them.
On a trip back last year I was amazed how much Hemel has changed but then I can think back quite a way and guess most towns change a LOT in 30 odd years. It was a new town in the green belt in the 1960’s (this photo was taken by Dad in 1961) and the aspirations were clear and quite quaint when you look back now. A couple of my friends have continued to live in the area and probably don’t notice the changes the way I do… although I did get favourable comments that there is now a decent department store in the form of a new Debenhams!
Here are some of the shops I remember which won’t interest you if you don’t know Hemel or don’t like shopping!! The shops I most remember in the Marlowes are Peacocks which was a decorating store selling wallpaper and general DIY goods. The purple peacock logo caught my eye above the window and there was many a trip there on Saturdays with my parents. That was near the magic roundabout end and on that corner was a large WHSmiths (Blockbusters video shop when I last saw it). Beyond was the green and wall where we’d wait for the bus. The Seafarer Restaurant nearby was great with it’s bright orange seats and canteen-like service. We’d go there for fish & chips during school holidays. I most remember the walls which had large bronze effect wall murals of what I took to be either Bodica and her chariots with horses galloping in front or something to do with “In The Hall Of The Mountain King”. They were stunning when I was at that impressionable age and I can still picture them so clearly – perhaps they were actually cheap plastic things, who knows.
Further up on the same side, Garlands was full of exciting ornaments and gadgets. That was the first place I saw those big clocks with ball bearings moving around to tell the time. Then was Taylor & McKenna (light blue & white logo), a toy and model shop. Dad used to go upstairs as there was a great choice of those small enamel paint pots with coloured lids he liked to use, they had a very recognisable smell. He also bought clay for modelling, diecast figures and model plane kits. Next to that shop was an open bit, slightly recessed, with a pond and fountain. I think there were some mosaic murals round the side of fishes. There was a ramp going round the back which we walked up to get to the Wimpy Burger Bar. Ahh, Wimpy, home of many holiday treats. I always wanted, but could never finish, the Knickerbocker Glory!! Then there were some more shops I can’t remember, a big open area, then Boots and Sainsburys. This open area had seats around and was a popular place to stop for a rest. Boots was where my Auntie worked for a while and I remember seeing her on the front tills in her uniform but not wanting to disturb her! She must have loved that kind of job as she enjoyed chatting with people so much. Before that she worked in the old Co-Op building near the multistorey car park. Boots is where I first remember being let loose around town with a friend. The first single I bought was in there, of all things “It’s My Party And I’ll Cry If I Want To” by Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin, perhaps I shouldn’t admit to that 😮 We’d also spend ages around the make-up counter.
Memories of Sainsburys revolve around their old sturdy brown paper bags with the orange logo on and several favourite things to buy – twiglets in the old Peak Frean packaging and toffee apples hiding amongst the boring fruit and crisps. I had a mishap in Sainsburys when very small. Mum sat me in the front of the trolley and went further down the isle to buy something. I decided to lean out to pick something off a shelf and tipped the whole trolley over!! It must have made quite a crash and shocked Mum no end… although upset, I walked away unscathed.
Then came the “high pavement” bit, not a lot up there but I did have my ears pierced in the hairdressers. Crossing over from Sainsburys there was a downstairs sweet shop, possibly Maynards, with a restaurant upstairs that we went into regularly for toasted teacakes and coffee (now a pizza restaurant?). Up a bit further was the open air market. I enjoyed wandering round there many Saturdays and bought several fashion statements of the time including a maroon leather jacket, those clear blue plastic macs (very fetching) and teabag shoes. I distinctly recall all the two tone clothes hanging up and hearing Fat Larry’s Band playing “Zoom” so I guess that was early 80’s. Woolworths is the only shop still further down I think. It used to be a much better shop and the photo booth was always a pull – the photos to prove it are somewhere in my scrapbooks ready to embarrass various friends. Was The Living Room nightclub next door? I never did go there as I left Hemel before I was at that age but it was popular with Longdean’s sixth form.
Craftsmith was the best ever arts and crafts shop on one side of Bank Court. It had an upstairs that went part way over the centre of the court and I’d often buy things in there. On the other side of the court was Raynes, an (even then) old fashioned women’s clothes shop. There was a display window on the corner in front of the doorway where I used to play hide and seek every time we passed when very young! The only other shop I really remember was the fishmongers near the end. It always had weird things in the window like big prawns and pink Taramoslata, loved the name so memorised that before I knew what it was. Inside they had fish tanks around the walls high up so I liked watching those enough to put up with the smell when we went in. At the end on that side stood the Wagon & Horses pub, perhaps the Co Op building was after that. Then who can forget the big multi storey car park in Moor End Road with the famous orange and yellow ball revolving on the top.
The water gardens were lovely, we mostly parked at that end where there were trees between each row of cars. We crossed a bridge over the river and I often took our stale bread to feed the ducks and swans there. There were a few shops in Waterhouse Street, one had a working model of a railway in the window which always fascinated me. I mustn’t forget to include the Dacorum Pavillion, home of many local Ideal Home Shows which I loved even at that age! I guess there was a goodie bag and a few stalls which appealed to me. It was always bustly with lots to see, people demonstrating new things you hadn’t seen before. We went at other times but can I remember what for now. The last event I saw there was Leo Sayer in concert, the building brought back so many memories with the different levels and open areas in between the entrances to the main hall and stage. I picture the decoration as being lots of burgundy velvet curtain and gold details.
We also went to the Odeon cinema frequently, alas no longer there, and had dinner in Seapride next door afterwards. This photo was taken from a website, alas not by me!
In summer holidays Mum and I would often walk along the footpath through the water gardens beside the River Gade to an area further up where there was a large pond. I’d take my fishing net and bucket and catch tiny fishes… which I put back of course (just found the pic below which brings back some happy memories). There was also a playground with fantastic castle walls to climb on, it even had ramparts which were tricky to walk along. There is a picture of this area on the website mentioned above but surely it was much much bigger than that!!
Further up was the large playground on the other side of Warners End Road and behind the Registry Office. 
A great place in the summer as there was an open swimming pool, climbing frame, swings, seesaw, and the infamous rocking horse I fell over the front off when very small. There was a tunnel through the hillside, a big round concrete hole leading through to the main part of Gadebridge park, very exciting to run through or over at that age. The park itself was lovely, home to the fun fair in the hols and a bowling club area. St Mary’s Church, still lovely, sits to one side with its walled gardens.
The Old Town I loved even before doing Local Studies in the 1st year of Longdean. At that time we took rubbings of the pastoral plates beside the doorways, learnt about the origins of the name Hemel Hempstead and who invented the Quern made out of Hertfordshire Pudding Stone. Some memories never fade! There was a great Wagons art shop up there but the best shop was the pet shop, or was it purely a tropical fish shop? I always stood in front of the fish tanks fascinated by the red and blue Japanese Fighting fish who couldn’t be in the same tank as each other and the scary Scorpion fish who’s tentacles could kill. I could watch them for hours so guess I love fish!!
When Steve visited recently he reminded me about how the water gardens used to extend further towards the Dacorum. Apparently they ruined the site over 20 years ago ready for development, that never happened and the grounds were left in a mess and all barricaded up. Now the whole area has been redeveloped and they have reintroduced something very similar – better late than never. There was a pond up that end as well and now I remember an underpass and the fact that you walked through it all on the way to the sports centre.
That’s about all for the town centre itself. When I had a rabbit we’d visit Piccotts End Mill, a little further out of town. You turned off the road, crossed the River Gade, into a large open space where usually a sheepdog or two would be waiting. The old mill was to the left and to the right was a large barn. We mainly went for straw, hay and dog biscuits but I used to look at the horsey stuff when I went through the “Mum I want a pony” stage!! The river had bullrushes and watercress growing at the edges, a very pretty place reminiscent of older times.
At the other end of town in Station Road was the Art Centre where I went during half term a couple of times. A lovely old building with rickety floors. Always children’s crafts in the window. I did some painting and can’t for the life of me remember what else or who I went with. Next to that is a pub, still there, called “Ye Old Projectionist” which has lots of cinema related things. Nearby is the Dacorum Sports Centre where I used to go swimming often. I haven’t seen it since the big refurbishment. At one time I went to classes and we went with the school as well. There was an outside pool which great fun in summer and always very busy. If anyone wants to set me straight on any mis-rememberings or has more to add, please put your comments below.
233 Responses
August 25th, 2014 at 10:22 pm
Hi Richard,
Thanks to you and to all previous contributors. I always read these comments but don’t often reply. It’s brilliant that people check back to this page and continue adding their memories. No I did not think it would still be such an active post after all this time (and after my blogging intentions came to a full stop ages ago!!).
Lovely to hear from someone who has lived in Hemel for so long and is so interested in its history. I still have friends in the area and this has reminded me to visit again soon!
Please do return with more memories and photos. And thanks to you all.
August 26th, 2014 at 9:14 pm
Thanks for the welcome Sue, looks like you’re stuck with this for a while yet.
Couple of shop names: in the old High Street: Old Town Records: the best record shop in town!
The large space by Sainsburys was Times Square; Times Furnishing being on the opposite corner to Sainsburys.
At the back of Times Square, up the steps and across the road were the public ladies & gents which featured in an episode of Z Cars.
On the high level; the Hong Kong Kitchen, way inferior to the China Garden with it’s tree and goldfish tanks!
The store on the the corner before the Waggon & Horses was a co-op department store called Quality House.
Back soon with more I hope.
September 3rd, 2014 at 6:42 am
I lived in Hemel Hempstead from late 1969 until mid 1971. We lived in the Grove Hill area, but a return visit in 2013 failed to locate the house we lived in. Seems it has been demolished.
I recall many good times in and around Hemel so here are a few to add to those already read.
I too remember the water gardens and the tunnel and especially George and Ada, the office names for the very aggressive male swan and his partner. They set up home on a small island and bred two lots of Cygnets. We watched them grow each year with George breaking the ice with his breast in winter so the little cygnets could mount the island. He saw off every other swan which dared to enter his domain.
I also recall something not mentioned in what I have read so far. I was somewhat surprised when walking along The Marlowes one day to discover a bronze sculpture of a kangaroo and an emu in a recessed garden. Closer attention revealed that it was gift from Elizabeth, South Australia, Twin Town of Hemel Hempstead. As a South Australian, I wonder where it went? It wasn’t to be seen in 2013.
I too remember the Pavilion, for a music event I expected to be poorly attended. The hand written sign inside the foyer read “Tom Paxton”. I assumed no one would know who Tom was so turned up a bit later then intended. The hall was packed and Tom was jet lagged, as were his accompanists. He began with his signature song, and barely got started when he forgot the lyrics. The audience just took over and sang the song, word perfect, to its end. Tom livened up and invited the audience to feel free to sing along as they wished. We all knew most of his songs and the caretaker had to turn the lights on and off 3 times before Tom called time. One of the greatest concerts I have ever attended. A memory linked to Hemel Hempstead for all time.
I broke bones in my foot playing Football and as a result, consumed more than a pint or two of Benskins in The Olde Bell in the old High Street. John was still behind the bar when I visited 20 years later. I made a very good rubbing of the monumental brass on the wall of the excellent Norman era church.
The Spinning Wheel occasionally featured songwriter Mick Softley, who wrote songs for Donovan. Strange smells pervaded on some of these occasions.
I recall a heavy snowfall which caused chaos because the Council workers could not remember in which Depot the Snow Ploughs had been left. The roads iced over and my Mini slid ever so gently into the back of a bus on the B487 under the railway bridge, resulting in two broken headlights. A lunchtime visit to Halfords and a quick replacement solved the problem.
Sainsbury’s was my shopping choice, I disliked Tesco. My wife worked in London, so I did the weekly shop. A poor little old lady suffered more than my Mini when she slid on her buttocks across the icy pavement and finished in the gutter under a pile of Sainsbury’s best. The check out ladies joined me and we helped her up then they replaced some damaged goods, free of charge.
Regards
Geoff
September 6th, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Lived in Bennetts end close from 1952 to 1962 , now living in New Zealand ,went to Hobbs hill school and Bennetts end school from 1956 to 1960 ,been back 4 times Love the place
September 29th, 2014 at 10:24 pm
I moved to Hemel in 1971 from London when I married, we couldn’t afford a London house, but a new estate was being built at Grove Hill with strange cut-off roofs and we bought one in Severnmead at the bottom of the estate overlooking farmland.
I loved Marlowes and the shops and remember taking my small son, born at St Pauls, (a great hospital by the way) to the Wimpy up a ramp style arrangement for lunches sometimes. There was also an upstairs cafe somewhere near the Pavillion with an elderly waitress that I also used to take him too occasionally as a treat, does anyone remember its name? Also taking him to see Father Christmas at the Co-op situated somewhere at the bottom of Marlowes, he was about 2 and had never seen Father Christmas before, anyway he took one look at him and fled out the door, but someone chased after him and gave him his present.
I remember the magic roundabout being constructed around 1974 ish, as I was having driving lessons then and my instructor thought it a good idea to deal with it at the beginning so I wouldn’t be spooked later on.
I also recall a sort of municipal nursery just off the roundabout, where they would grow all the plants and flowers for the town’s public gardens. We were able to go round this, perhaps it was opened to the public occasionally.
Other memories are fairly hazy, as we left the area early in 1977. But last year I returned for the first time since and what changes have befallen Hemel – there appears to be two-tiered parking along the water gardens, the bottom of Marlowes was completely unrecognisable and I got lost. A few days after this visit I received a traffic violation fine in the post, apparently I had been driving in a bus lane along Water Street, but of course when I knew it, no bus lane existed here and we were able to drive the full length of Marlowes to reach the roundabout.
Anyway happy memories of happy times and I have very much enjoyed reading other people’s reminiscences.
October 2nd, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Hello Cressida, thanks for your lovely comment and memories. My Mum also took me to Wimpy, up the ramp, in school holidays and I remember visiting Father Christmas at the Co-op when very young! Could your upstairs cafe/tea shop be Finlays which I think had a sweet shop on the ground floor? As mentioned previously, it was run by elderly ladies.
October 3rd, 2014 at 7:03 am
Yes I think you’re right it was Finlays that name rings a bell, and it was above a shop. The elderly ladies were rather sweet. Thank you.
October 5th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Hi
Anybody remember SNOB, GAFFER, SCAMPS and of course the GOLDEN EGG!!
October 15th, 2014 at 9:27 am
We lived in Hemel until 1980, moving from London in the 60’s and we left in 1980 emigrating to Australia, I have been back a couple of times since being away and the last trip was last month (Sept 2014), the trip previously was 8 years ago with my family and Hemel still had a good vibe about it, this last trip which I returned with my father to go down memory lane was a little disappointing which the town seemed to have changed so much in just 8 years.
We lived in Adeyfield and I remember most of the shops and places mentioned in particular Times Furniture, Scamps, Snobs which was a women’s clothes shop at the base of the ramp from the Wimpy bar, I think it was next to Taylor McKenna, we remember the Saturday morning pictures at the Odeon where we would have one mate pay and open the side door and sneek in and we watched the Double Deckers with Tiger and Runaround also sketchy memory but from memory it was bears running around on roller skates, the Odeon is now a pub with the rear closed off, I am sure the old cinema is still behind the pub, we used to go to Dunstable Ballroom to skate with friends.
When I was at school I did paper rounds for the two Newsagents in the Queens Square and when I was old enough my sister got me a job at Tesco’s where I worked for a couple of years, brilliant times.
We used to go to Discos at the community centre which in the 70’s was brand new I think it is a boxing club now.
We used to walk to school and walk home with no parents worrying, the water near the multi storey car park used to freeze over and we used to skate on that in our shoes, did they actually knock down this car park or just modify it?
We used to get broken biscuits from Woolworths and clothes from Milletts, they used to be only one of the shops you could get “parkas” from, you could drive through the main street and park outside the shops.
Jarman fields were exactly that, fields, with football pitches and a dump that you could spend hours rummaging through for bike bits.
We spent hours riding our bikes, mine a second hand Raleigh Chopper and we would not be home until dark and we used to get annoyed that we had to be home for Sunday Roast, we knew everyone in the street and all the kids played together no problem.
There were regular fights between Adeyfield and Highfield and we used to go to the grass hill at Midland Hill and go down in a “Walls” sausage crate if memory serves me right we would only do this in winter.
I remember the concrete blocks at Queens Square where we used to climb and play with other kids, the Adventure playground was always a good place to hang out where you could make things with pieces wood and nails, we used to listen to music with an old record player there that you brought your mum and dad’s singles and albums, Beatles, Elvis etc.
We had no money, 50p was our pocket money, we couldn’t wait for November to come for Penny for the Guy to buy fireworks and OMG when the fun fair came to town we were in our glory.
Saw the Specials, Bodysnatchers, Billy Bloodvessel and The Dammed at the Pavilion, brilliant venue.
Childhood years in Hemel (1964-1980) were absolutely fantastic and I personally would not change those for anything.
No mobile phones to call your mates, you weren’t allowed to use the home phone as it cost a fortune, when you wanted to catch up with someone you would just knock on their door and ask if they can come out to play, we all knew when and where to meet and then we would all just take off and not come back until tea time.
I also remember Batman coming to drive through the street, they drove down the street behind Marlowes, it ran parallel to the main street, I cannot remember the street name though but I think it was the same street the Bowling Alley was on.
We had a street party in 1977 for the Queens Jubilee, everyone had a great time.
Today of course Hemel is a different town and it would be like many others but it will always have a special place even though the current younger generation doesn’t care or realise how good it actually was.
Keep up the memory chains it makes good reading.
October 15th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Thanks for all your fantastic memories Chris. Like you I wouldn’t change my childhood in Hemel for anything. I am sad that it has changed so much in recent years and was upset to read yesterday that it has been voted the ugliest town in Britain – mentioned in this article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2786687/the-10-worst-cities-world-holiday-revealed.html?ITO=1490
October 21st, 2014 at 2:38 pm
I lived in Hemel from birth in 1957 until 1981 when i married and moved to Leighton Buzzard. As a teenager i hated the place apart from the Pavillion there was nowhere to go after the Cinema became a bingo hall. As i return from time to time i realise now that a least the town had some character then with the Marlowes having such shops as John Waltons, Taylor and McKenna, Garlands + The Wimpy Bar on one side. Don Farrells bicycle shop, Birds Dele, Martin the newsagents and a fishmonger on the other. Bank Court had a Jewellers and a great bakers in those days ( i used to fancy the young girls working in there). I really loved the old High Street with such shops as Brocketts hardware store, Mr Beans a strange little store that did workwear. I got my school metalwork apron in there. The house of fishes and Dandy Dogs a pet shop almost opposite the White Hart pub. Its a shame the place seems to lack the character it had then, but it’s the same with many towns now Leighton Buzzard included.
October 26th, 2014 at 3:21 pm
My parents moved from the Portobello Road area of London to 45 Hardy Rd, Adeyfield in 1957. I went to Maylands Junior School, then to Apsley Grammar. We moved to 15 Clinton End, Leverstock Green in 1962. I married and emigrated to Canada in 1970. Now that both my parents are deceased, I don’t get to visit Hemel any more. I had a love-hate relationship with Hemel, but it is a key part of my youth. It has changed a lot since then, but it is still part of me. It’s not a bad place to live.
November 18th, 2014 at 11:45 pm
I lived in Bennett’s end, Flatfield rd in the 50s mid60s, looking back Hemel was a great place to live. Never a member but the 16 21 club was a place where you didn’t linger, have a few mates that were. Went to Hobbs hill junior, and then Bennett’s end sec mod. My sister worked at a florist near the old town.
November 22nd, 2014 at 10:46 pm
My parents moved from London just before the war I was born in Oliver Road in 1942 at that time our house was the last but one in the street , then just fields
all the way to Leverstock green in 1946 the council built approx 100 houses 18 in Oliver rd and the rest forming the top of Hobbshill rd Belswains School was built on the allotments between Oliver and Gt Elms rd (which at that time was known as the Coralite estate ) When the school opened in 1949 it saved us kids walking to Nash Mills which may not seem far but it was a long way when six/seven year old as children we would play in the fields and woods our playground stretched between the Lime kilns in St Albans hill to long Deans wood Bunkers Lane In the summer it would not be unusual for us kids to go out at 9am and come home at 7 in the evening when they started to build Bennetts End the builders put the roads in first which made excellent racetracks for us on our bikes. as we grew up the so did the new town bringing new shops and industries I don’t think we could have had a better start in life even if we had planned it ourselves I left Hemel in 1961 and moved to Staffordshire but Hemel is still home and I still travel down once a month to meet up with the (now old ) lads from the forties/fifties from OliverRd
November 22nd, 2014 at 11:15 pm
Thanks for your memories Dave. Lovely to hear about Hemel back then and you certainly saw a lot of changes in your time there. How nice you still meet up with friends too.
November 23rd, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Dear Dave. Good to read your memories, especially as I, too, lived in Oliver Road – No. 15a, one of the two ‘in fill’ council houses that were built on the bend. I moved there in 1953 when I was four and my first memory is of the Coronation fete at what was then the Belswains Junior School site. I, too, went to the two Belswains Schools but our age difference meant that our paths would not have crossed there. The ‘kids’ whom I remember playing with in the road were Mike Reynolds, Keith Saunders, Brian Chalkley and a ginger-haired chap whose name I’m afraid I can’t remember. You may also remember Keith and Brian as they were somewhat older than me. If either of them are part of your group that meets every month, please give them my best wishes. Glad to hear that life has been good to you all. All best wishes, Colin Hales
November 23rd, 2014 at 8:47 pm
Hi Colin I remember you and the other lads, Brian’s elder brother comes to the meetings I hope you are well you would be welcome at the meets I belive you know Micky Barnes from No 37 and of course Tony Rogers who lived opposite you
November 24th, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Hi sue, we moved out of North London in 1954, my Dad was in the printing industry, and you could have a house if you came to work for John Dickinson. We moved into Flatfield Rd Bennett’s End , the houses surround a green, there were plenty of families like us with kids of similar age, my childhood couldn’t of been better, I was never in the house we were either playing on the green or in the woods behind Rant Meadow or the small spinny opposite the green, my Mum or Dad would always have to drag me in screaming. most of us went to Hobbs Hill, there was some wonderful teachers there, Miss Beech she had a brand new red Mini, Mr Loud our history teacher, he spoke a lot of his service in the war, a teacher who forever was blowing his large red nose. Can only remember a few of the boys names, my great mate Dave Donavan, Steven Kettle, Ron Miles, Steve Smith, John Sloan to name but a few. You wouldn’t been seen dead speaking to a girl. Started Hobbs hill around 1958. I remember the telegraph boys delivering there urgent messages on there bikes all round Hemel, and groceries delivered on a bike from the Co Op if you were well off. Sometimes we would go to the shops in Bennett’s end, behind these there were some workshops where Storming Norman built and serviced motorbikes, a petrol garage that was featured in candid camera, the foreman at the time was Tom Baker a friend of my father, someone appeared on his forecourt and said his car won’t go, Tom lifted his bonnet and said you ain’t got a bleeding engine in it. Looking back at some of the great characters on the green, Freddy Gore he taught me to ride a bike, his Nan and Grandad a lovely lady called Rosie real cockneys and many more. Does anyone remember the lady on the green handing out toffee apples to all the kids, that was my Dear Mum. Boy called Nigel Kidd we would go in his house and watch his big brother Brian play the piano we were amazed. Plenty of scrumping , making our own type of house out of stacks of bricks freshly delivered to a building site, talk about dangerous. Camping out all night on the green with the mums and dads keeping an eye on all of us. Every kid in those days had a trolley a kind of go cart but no engine made out of large pram wheels and wood. The winter of 1963 was brilliant for us snow on the ground for three months huge snow drifts to jump in all kinds of home made sledges. The school never closed though. And then it was off to Bennett’s end sec mod, and life took a turn for the worse, it’s this growing up lark. It was about this time 1964 we moved to 241 Chambersbury Lane, still within commuting distance to Flatfield . On the bus or walk down to Churchills swimming baths, I wonder if anybody remembers one of the life guards there I think his name was Tony, we were for ever on at him to do one of his many spectacular dives or bombs off the top board, hot oxo by the pool from the old cafe. I have two sisters Lorraine or nick name Bun she went to corner hall, and Brenda she made it to the grammar school, joined then to Bennett’s sec mod.My father went to work for sun printers at Watford, mum was at David Allen’s off Maylands ave. again like most kids Taylor and McKenna captured my imagination, there was a shop on the end of the old town on the right as you are going towards the park, my dad took me in there when I was very little, they used to put the money in a container it would go almost to the ceiling on a series of wires and across the shop and disappear somewhere. Waters of Hatfield had two car show rooms in the old town for years, I worked there briefly in the early seventys, they had one on queens way to , the Chelsea goal keeper Peter Bonneti bought an Alfa Romao from there. 1969 left school worked for GUD filters Maylands ave, the car battery factory, sidal aluminium GC parish and sons, the dreaded Hemel iron factory. Moved to leighton Buzzard 1975 now living in mid wales.I often think of Hemel and the wonderful people I grew up with, now and again I come back and have a walk round the old haunts, I still have a great affinity with Hemel and always will.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:00 pm
Hello Dave. Very good to hear from you. Thank you very much for the invitation to join you all at one of your get-togethers. It would be a great pleasure. I live in Guildford and do not get over to Hemel Hempstead often, as I no longer have family there, but I’d be delighted to pop over – perhaps in the New Year. I do indeed remember Micky Barnes and, of course, Tony Rogers, who very kindly sent me his excellent ‘Memories of Hemel Hempstead’ DVD a year or two back. In the meantime, do give the Oliver Roaders my warmest good wishes. All the best, Colin. PS So as not to fill Sue’s site with messages, you can contact me at c.p.hales@talk21.com
December 1st, 2014 at 10:00 pm
Moved to Hemel Adeyfield 1950 first memory of furniture van doors opening and my dear Irish dad carrying me into the house 59 longlands that would be our home for 30 years, Played with Paul Reeves Louie Stevenson.
Went to Broadfield with Mr Davies Mr Joseph and Miss May. On to Adeyfield with the wonderful Mr Philips who inspired me to spend my life teaching drama.
January 3rd, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Jan 2015.
I was born in St Paul’s in Hemel in 1956 we lived in Glenview rd first, then Coles hill, Gardbridge, HHH , went to Ross Gate School, then Gadevally, then Halsey School, by which time we lived in Fennycroft rd.
my parents both from Wales Mary and Elfed Vaughan,dad always called Taffy he was an Electrition for the commission for new towns. I remember him putting in lighting in the gade running along Marlowes. We left hemel approx 1971-2 . My mum and worked in Burtons in the old time some evenings in the Bingo Hall. Great memories, they were great friends with Chris and Kieth Burton. Also we used to spend time time at chez Daniele a French resturant also in the old town. Would love to know if Ali and Dannie are ok. Any one have any ideas? Off to watch websites now. Having great fun reading these comments.
January 23rd, 2015 at 9:24 pm
I remember the golden egg at the top of the ramp, I lived in Hemel from 1961 untill 1982 in Catlin St Boxmoor.
Saturday morning pictures at the Odeon, my locals were the Bell in Apsley, the Queens Head and I worked in the cellar of the Princes Arms, does anyone remember the corner shop opposite owned by Reg.
Best days of my life in Hemel, before they pedestrianised the high street, going to the cafe at the top of the co op where my nan worked, for free tea and toast after a Friday night out.
January 26th, 2015 at 12:58 pm
Hi all,
Does anyone know or have relatives that may have known any employees at Shell Mex and BP in the early 1970s?
My grandad was a driver who died on January 3rd 1973 in a tanker crash I believe somewhere in Enfield?
If anyone has any information about him or was a friend, myself and my mum would love to hear from you.
Thanks everyone.
Lisa x
March 8th, 2015 at 2:01 am
Wow! What memories. I’m sitting here with a gin and tonic and weeping into my glass!! My grandparents lived in Hemel and we used to visit them form “up north” every summer for a week or two. Was like a different world from the grimness of anything beyond Birmingham.Our holidays were truly wonderful…when the Old Hight Street remained king, and the Marlowes was still a regency strip, with new buildings emerging,slowly. The Odeon, Holland and Barrett,the renewed Bridge Street..all those streets and shops that my grandparents hadn’t known before.I saw Sainsburys change from a local small delicatessen/grocers to a then-new supermarket. I can see my grandmother to this day trying to fathom the new self-service system.The old High Street still functioned, but was becoming obsolete and marginalized…but still a working High Street. My mother had worked in Goodworths grocers in the High Street during the war, so she had seen many many changes. In th High Street there was Jessops, the sweet shop,the Linga Longa (!) ice cream shop, Salters, the basket work shop, Chennels, the ham/cheese/smallgoods shop/the 3 or 4 pubs, a Woolworths, a Boots….anything a 1940’s/50’s shopper copuld have wanted. UNTIL the 60’s…when everything changed.
March 12th, 2015 at 3:23 am
I now live inAustralia but I was born in Hemel in 1942. I lived in London Rd in a terrace house on the corner of Stratford Way. Not far from the gas works. I played with the kids that lived in Stratford Way and Catlin St. There was an old church just a few yards away and a small store run by Mr. Nokes.
I went to Two Waters Primary School and Corner Hall secondary. It was quite a way to walk.
I remember the railway train that took coal to the gas works to be made into coke. My eldest brother worked at the gas works deleivering coke and coal in big sacks.
Next to Two Waters school was a bakery and Harold’s snooker hall. They both hold fond memories for me.
There was a railway shutting yard along side of the Boxmoor railway station.
I hope this brings back memories for some people.
March 19th, 2015 at 6:27 pm
Hi david are you the same dave palmer that used to attend the hi fi youth club in the marlowes in the late 50s?
April 11th, 2015 at 1:49 am
I am and Aussie but I lived near to, and worked in, Hemel Hempstead in 1969 to 1971. I worked for Fuller Hall and Foulsham Architects. Here are some of my memories. I well recall seeing the hand written poster inside the Pavilion announcing a concert with Tom Paxton. I had to be there! We arrived a bit later than intended and we were lucky enough to get two good seats. The other person who has written of seeing the same poster was, no doubt there too. Tom and two very good guitarists came on stage and Tom began with his most admired song. He launched into “The Last Thing On my Mind” then the jetlag got him. Tom forgot the lyrics! No problem, the packed audience sang every word for him without error. When they finished Tom asked “do you know all my songs” and a chorus replied “YES”. Tom asked for the house lights to go on and then proceeded to play late into the night. The Caretaker had to turn the lights off 3 times before Tom politely left the stage, What a night!!
The Olde Bell is also mentioned, The pub we went to every Thursday night when we took the washing to the Laundramat.
20 years later I went back to The Bell with my second wife and, to my surprise, John was still behind the bar. “Pint if Benskins Bitter Aussie?” was the question. Yes, said I. “Sorry Aussie, we don’t have that anymore” said John, “try this one” It was excellent. Back in Australia, more years on I met Ron Gray, here in Adelaide for our big Cycling Race. Ron was a long term frequenter of The Bell and I retold the story of seeing John, still pouring pints. “Yep, Still is” said Ron. The next time I visited The Bell, no one in there had ever heard of John, nor his wife who wrote much about the history of HH.
I remember the territorial male swan who commanded much of the water gardens and saw off every intruder. The Caretaker of our building managed to get “George” into the boot of his car and took him to Aylesbury. When he got back George was happily cruising along the waterway with “Ada”.
Cheers
Geoff Bockman
May 1st, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Hi Sue ,
Really loved your article. I lived in kings lanley between 1962 and 1980 and was wondering if you could remember any Chinese or Indian restaurants in Hemel or Watford during that time?
Thanks very much
May 1st, 2015 at 4:38 pm
Thanks Kathryn. Well I remember Hong Kong Garden on the high pavement in the Marlowes but I was a bit young to frequent those type of restaurants back then, usually it was Wimpy or Seafarer for me! Perhaps someone else will remember more, I hope so.
May 1st, 2015 at 5:57 pm
I can add the Hong Kong Kitchen opposite Quality House (now Primark) and the Curry Centre (now Bengal Spice) in Waterhouse Street and The Guru in Bridge Street.
Anybody got any others?
May 9th, 2015 at 4:24 pm
I also worked in the Shell-Mex and BP Building, where Debenhams now is, between 1966 and 1973. In the picture though, it’s not there. Has it been airbrushed from history, like SMBP itself?
August 10th, 2015 at 8:41 pm
I remember so much of other peoples memories left on this site I went to both Belswains schools in the 1970’s then Mountbatten secondary which has gone now , I use to go to StMary’s Church Apsley use to sing in choir and ring the church bells . Many a summer school holiday picnics in Gadebridge and Ashridge. And going on a Saturday morning to the pictures with my brother Simon then we’d get chips and share a walley that’s as far as our pocket money stretched , I also rember getting my first pair of trainers from spivey’s up near the Pavillon on opposite side . Also once I had a part time job use to shop in Chelsea girl and snob , we use to live at 2 Dell Meadow then Stonelea Road , so many fond memories I use to be friends with Clare vieira , Kim Littlejohn , Jackie Jones , the Osler family Linda Bird , John Thorn Carolyn Hughes , Elspeth Mathie Langford Merredith . Rob and Roger Farquharson sheens she use to live in a road off Belswains lane where my sister’s friend Sarah Warren use to live can’t remember ! There’s just so much more , visited HH this weekend it has changed so much magic roundabout still the same many a driving lesson on this , will look forward to reading more posts Thanks Jo
August 16th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
We used to live at Dell Meadow
August 16th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
Used to live next door
September 30th, 2015 at 10:30 am
Well, that was a fun read 🙂 I grew up in Watford through the 60’s and 70’s, but we visited Hemel regularly ‘for a day out’!!
I remember the round car park with the rotating ball on top. Although I think it rarely actually rotated! The car park had extremely narrow bridges across the middle with plenty of car paint on the sides!
November 15th, 2015 at 4:39 pm
Its been very interesting reading every ones memmorys of hemel,I moved to hemel in 1952 when I was eleven from Croydon,and moved into a brand new council house in widmore drive adeyfield,and started my new school adeyfield secondary in long lands,which I believe had only been built the year before,my form teacher was Mr Cox and the head master was Mr Pearce,after leaving school at 15 i started as a apprentice at a shop in the old high st called TV Services just up past the old Woolworths we were there for several years then the owner Mr Jones opened a large TV shop on the ramp in the marlows next to the hair dressers opposite which was the post office we had a pop singer of the time John Layton open the shop,we also had shop at Warners end shops,I worked there for many years having a short 2year break at D L Cliff in adeyfield but then asked to go back to TV services until they sold up. My three children and some ofmy grandchildren also went to adeyfield school and some went to Hemel school,and also now have 2 great grandchildren,where did the time go.
November 15th, 2015 at 4:57 pm
ps,also fforgot to mention that I then gave up being a television engineer and then became a milkman for the co-op in the Boxmoor area for 16 Years and then my son took over the round when bought a Guest house in Great Yarmouth, now retired 74 years OLD.
November 15th, 2015 at 6:55 pm
Thanks for your memories Mick, lovely to read. I remember the TV shop on the ramp, good times.
November 18th, 2015 at 6:52 pm
Fascinating read!
I became smitten with HH when I arrived in June 1969 for an interview for my first teaching job. Having grown up in downtown Liverpool, this was paradise!
I got the job and taught metalwork at Corner Hall Boys/ Mountbatten School. Moved to Boxmoor House and later Astley Cooper Schools.
We lived in spencer Way Gadebridge, and later in Nash Mills.
As so many others, remember the shops, Pavillion etc. Does anyone remember Burtons Dance Studio, above the car showroom in the old High Street.
Fond memories
November 18th, 2015 at 9:29 pm
Thanks for your comment Gordon. Pretty sure I went to Burtons Dance Studio for ballet lessons when quite young, I didn’t go for long as wasn’t very good!
November 19th, 2015 at 12:16 am
hi , i also was from london, and we moved to hemel hempstaed when i was 11, i remeber burton dance studio,s up the old high street, and i was at the queens square when the queen opened it , i was in the girl guilds , when i get some more time i will put some photo,s for any one to view, talk later di
November 26th, 2015 at 8:52 pm
hi all,i was born in 59 in micklem drive warners end,i have traveled all over the world,from new Zealand to Norway and everywhere in between.i now live in micklem drive 300 yards from my birth house.hemel has some kind of magnet to those of us born here.its not the best town and never was.but its home.o yea what ever happened to Karen Jackson class of 76 halsey? she lived in cherry orchard.just wondered.sleep well people.
December 10th, 2015 at 9:11 pm
I lived in Arundel Close, top end of town from 1971 – 1980. Went to Maylands Avenue Infant and Junior Schools (now knows as Hobblets Manor), Adeyfield.
Would love to hear from anyone from the schools back then.
Fond memories and only visited a few times since.
December 11th, 2015 at 12:55 am
hi clare i also was brought up in hemel hempstead , i did go to maylands avenue, i lived in windmill road, with my mum dad and 3 brothers i moved when i was 10, then went to adeyfield school , i left school at 15 . i like looking at old photo,s of hemel,
December 11th, 2015 at 1:14 am
hi all, i left school at 15 , and went to work at john dickinson,s in aspley, i worked in an office , printing address on paper with metal names & addresses on, really boring job, then i went to work in the factory, making envelopes, that was fun, i also work at kodak , in the seme dark room, printing photo,s ,that was my best job, , but john dickinson is no longer there, as i love taking photo,s and have been doing this for 65 years, will write more later,
December 11th, 2015 at 10:07 am
I remember both Dickinsons and Kodak well Diane. It must have been lovely to work in both places. I love photography too and used to print black & white photos at home with Dad. Thanks for sharing your memories.
December 11th, 2015 at 1:11 pm
hi sue nice of you to get back to me, yes we both have somethink in common, will write again soon , di
January 11th, 2016 at 2:43 pm
My family moved from Watford to Hemel in the early 1970’s. I have such fond memories of the town as it was then. I started my education at Corner hall school before it closed and we moved to a new school called Tudor school. I remember a wonderful teacher called Mrs Lambert and playing out on a big hill next to the playground with matchbox cars. We lived in Cedar Walk which had a corner shop at the bottom of the road run by a man called Tom. I remember The ski shop along lawn lane and another shop called This and that. Back in the 70’s there was a skateboard park on St Albans hill where the Snow zone is now and many a happy hour was spent there (with pads and helmet of course). Happy days
January 16th, 2016 at 4:18 pm
I’d like to leave a message for both you Sue and Clive Lambert.
Sue, my daughter is Maria Christou who went to school with you at Longdean and appears in a couple of you school memory photos. It was so nice to see all the familiar faces so thank you for those.
Clive, I too grew up in Flatfield Road from 1953 until 1963 when we moved to Leverstock Green. I’m not sure if I remember you or not but I am very sure I know your sister Lorraine. I remember her as bunny and your mum. I remember Nigel Kidd, Freddie Gore and David Harry who came a bit later am trying to remember the house numbers and people who lived around the green. I remember a girl called Sandra who had a younger brother Colin who was blind. There was a window cleaner with a daughter called Brenda on Nigel’s side. On the other side there were the Scarmans Lesley and Paul and others later. Your family a girl called Jennifer. Towards the end there was a woman’s with dark auburn hair and two children I think and the Pages at the end opposite Nigel.
Can you help me Clive with names and numbers – it’s driving me crazy!?
I too remember so much and that it was a great place to grow up. We had so much freedom – the woods, the spinney and the park at the Coronation Fields. The name of the garage you spoke about was Spinks.
Before we had the shops the Express Dairy van used come round twice a week to bring groceries. My maiden name was Turton, lived at number 38 and I think my sister Barbara may have been in your class at school. She had Miss Beech too. Mr Loud was my favourite teacher, who lived in Three Corners and later in Rant Meadow. Do you remember the music teacher, who lived in Warners End called Mr De Koning? He was Dutch and had a son called Paul?
Hope to hear from you.
January 18th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Hello Pam, thanks for your message. I remember Maria! I’m glad you enjoyed looking through the photos, many happy memories. I’ve forwarded your message to Clive by email so that you can reminisce privately if you wish, also I wasn’t sure he would see it on here.
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