Photograph Collections:
Then and Now
Back in the late 1980s and 1990s when there was nothing to do on a Sunday as all the shops were shut (yes, shut! Unbelievable, but true!), I got really bored and decided to go out and take photographs around town.
It was my little attempt at preserving a bit of our local history as most of which I photographed was in the process of being demolished. A lot of the photographs have been very damaged by water so extremely poor quality. Also my photography skills back then left a lot to be desired! But the photos still give you a glimpse of what was there before.
It’s been interesting to go back many years later to take a photo of how locations look today.
Most of the right hand side from 1988 has been demolished. Except maybe the pub (The Quadrant as it remains known) there is nothing left of old Air Street.
Taken in 1995. It closed not long after this photo was taken. Photographed again in 2012.
(hmm..not much happening there I see!)
The top of Church Street in 1994 and now in 2012. Not the best of pics from 2012 but the best I could get for now!
The only thing to compare in each photo is the road markings on the floor outside the building.
Previous businesses at this premises in times gone by are Andersons and the Cafe Royale. Not much has changed although the present owners have uncovered some of its original features inside the store. (My place of work for 6 years between 1987-1993)
Number 11 East Street in 1991 and again in 2011:
The Cannon cinema in 1991, and in use as Days restaurant in 2012:
I have fond memories of the Electrical shop and the man who ran it. I remember going with my Dad to buy our Christmas lights. Dad and that man could talk 'Man talk' for hours!
The photo below shows the corner of Brading Road and Elm Grove back in the 1980s sometime. In this instance this photograph was supplied by Floss Jarman, the lady who ran Jarmans Pet Stores along with her husband. I loved going in here with my Mum to see their talking parrot called Polly.
Four weeks later in March 2012 it had been demolished. It was just pure luck that I managed to grab some photos before demolition as I had no idea it was going.
