People in Nottingham City Centre have spoken out about their favourite memories of growing up in ‘lovely’ Nottingham. There was sadness from some we spoke to who shared their fond memories of much loved stores have closed over the years but still, people had many good things to say about the city.
From the Disney Store to the Victoria Embankment Paddling Pools and old pubs, local residents had many highlights to recount to our reporter. The demise of the landmark Broadmarsh centre was mentioned by some who said the site upon which it once stood will “never be the same again.”
As times have changed, so has Nottingham and shoppers in the city centre would agree. Amanda Sheldon, 38 told Nottinghamshire Live: “ I always used to throw pennies into the fountain in Victoria Centre. I remember throwing in a pound once and my mum made me find it and take it back out!”
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Amanda, who is a teacher from Mapperley continued and said: I’ve lived in Nottingham all my life and despite what anyone says, people here are lovely. I lived in London for five years and it was just so different - the people aren’t as friendly.”
Jane Wilson, 52, who has three children, said she was saddened to hear that the Victoria Embankment paddling pool was permanently closed.
Jane, who works in a garden centre told Nottinghamshire Live: “I remember seeing Santa at the old Co-op in Market Square and one Christmas, for some reason it was off and I was gutted. We had loads to do when we were kids and the one thing my kids will remember is the Victoria Embankment pools and now that’s closed.”
Jane continued and said: “However successful Broadmarsh turns out to be, shopping there will never be the same again. I have vague memories of my parents taking me shopping there and then we’d go for a pub lunch. In those days, you could smoke in pubs and my dad always used to tell me to turn around whilst he had a cigarette so the smoke didn’t get to me!”
Jane, who grew up in Stapleford but now lives in Wollaton, continued and said: “I miss British Home Stores. I would get my kids their uniforms there. They hated walking up and down with me but I’d always find a bargain there and in Debenhams.”
Paul Hilton, 62, who grew up in Sneinton and now lives in St Ann’s, told Nottinghamshire Live: “I love Nottingham - it’s great, I love it. The pubs are nice, I usually go to the Lincolnshire Poacher.”
Paul, who is self-employed, said he enjoys browsing around the shops the city has to offer. He added: “I like shopping at Argos, Primark and Waitrose, I’m not too keen on Tesco. I do miss the Flying Horse pub, they had those big open fires, we could have done with a pub in Victoria Centre for when it’s winter time.” Paul described Derby as his “second city” and also enjoys taking trips there.
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