Shops

CLICK ON THE ARROWS BELOW TO HEAR SHORT RECORDED MEMORIES

Doreen Benning

Doreen grew up in Plantation Road and both her parents worked locally. At age 14, Doreen began to work at Brazil’s, the sausage factory in the old town. She then moved on to work in a curtain factory in Copperkins Lane. She recalls happy memories at the Pheasant pub, recently demolished.

Amersham-on-the-Hill shops R1_0056

Jennifer Robinson

Originally from Chesham, Jennifer moved to Chesham Bois and was a regular commuter into London, witnessing the transition from steam to electric trains and seeing how the countryside changed to accommodate the increased building.

Amersham-on-the-Hill shops R1_0013

Sylvia Dollemore

A resident of Chesham Bois since 1948, Sylvia attended Dr Challoners school when it was co-ed. She recalls cycling everywhere and it not being a problem as it can be today. Sylvia remembers Chesham Bois when it had more shops and there was not always the need to go into Amersham-on-the-Hill.

Chesham Bois shops R1_0012

Pam Spater

Pam Spater grew up in Chesham Bois and Amersham-on-the-Hill. Her father opened the Pavilion silent film cinema on Station Parade (which later became the Playhouse theatre and is now Amersham Auction Rooms). He later co-owned and established the Regent Cinema on Sycamore Road. At this time Pam lived on Sycamore Road with her family. She lives in Chesham Bois.

Sycamore Road shops ZOOM0004

Ray Wainwright

Now in his 80s, Ray went to school at The Turret in Amersham and then Berkhamsted. He spent his school holidays in the war years working on Weedon Hill Farm, with no electricity or other power available. He also recalls the difference in atmosphere locally pre-war, when Highland Road was unmade.

ShoppIng between the wars Ray Wau

John Fox

John Fox has lived in Amersham all his life. His family owns Fox’s Outdoor in Amersham and has lived here all his life. With friends, he recalls life and the businesses in the old town and Amersham-on-the-Hill.