In medieval times Sopwell was part of a wood called Eywood. As well as providing timber and fuel the woods were also used for hunting – at that time mainly deer. The Abbey monks and the nuns from Sopwell Priory… More about ‘Hunting in Sopwell’»
Category: Sport
Memories of the 19th cub scouts – Kelvin Callow
I remember that when I joined the cubs my mum had to take me to the scout hut in Waverly Road to buy my uniform. Akela was Derek Cooper who had a motorbike and lived in Redbourn. I can remember… More about ‘Memories of the 19th cub scouts – Kelvin Callow’»
Growing up on the Cottonmill Estate – Kelvin Callow
Kelvin Callow, born in 1946, has written up his memories of living on the Cottonmill Estate and kindly agreed to share them on the website. “When I was very young I lived with my parents at my Gran’s house in Cottonmill… More about ‘Growing up on the Cottonmill Estate – Kelvin Callow’»
Cottonmill swimming baths
The open-air swimming baths in Cottonmill Lane were opened on 29 July 1905 on the site of the old cotton mill. However, bathing in the river took place long before the baths were built. There was a bathing facility established… More about ‘Cottonmill swimming baths’»
Childhood memories – John Church
John recalls how he loved to go swimming in the Cottonmill Swimming Baths. He has fond memories of playing games, especially knock down ginger, in Pageant Road where he lived. He also talks about the slaughter house in Dolphin Yard. He… More about ‘Childhood memories – John Church’»
Trainspotting – Mike Titchiner
Mike shares his memories of watching the steam trains go by. As well as watching the local trains, he went as far afield as Watford and London. Interview date: 12 May 2014. Interviewer: Sandy Norman.… More about ‘Trainspotting – Mike Titchiner’»
Caddying at the golf course – Mike Titchiner
Mike Titchiner used to go caddying for the golfers at Verulam Golf course on Saturdays to earn some pocket money. On one memorable occasion he and his mates were asked to caddy for the evangelist Billy Graham and his party who… More about ‘Caddying at the golf course – Mike Titchiner’»
The youth club in Leyland Avenue – John Buckingham
John Buckingham recounts the history of the building and the use of the St Albans Boys Club, known as the youth club, behind Leyland Avenue. It was built on an area of land which was used by the local children… More about ‘The youth club in Leyland Avenue – John Buckingham’»
Playing in the river – John Buckingham
John talks of playing and fishing in the river near New Barnes Mill and describes the area as it was in the 1940s and 1950s. He also recalls fishing out an ammunition belt while fishing for crayfish in the river… More about ‘Playing in the river – John Buckingham’»
Memories of schooldays and work – Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards has fond memories of going to St Peter’s primary school. Here he recalls getting into mischief in the river on the way to school, school dinners, the layout of the classrooms and playtime. He talks about his education… More about ‘Memories of schooldays and work – Rob Edwards’»
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