Here’s something a little different: a video on YouTube showing a drive around the village way back in 1987! It’s surprising how similar a lot of the place looks – in many places it could almost be from the present day if there weren’t all the old Escorts and Astras and things about.
#13 – Crowthorne, Broadmoor Avenue
Franked Crowthorne, Berks, unreadable date. The Frith website lists the photo as “Lower Broadmoor 1925, Crowthorne”
This road is now known as Chaplain’s Hill. The houses are still there, and there are some garages as well now. The trees in the centre aren’t there any more, having at some point been removed to provide a small parking area.

#86 – Dukes Ride and the West Gates, Wellington College, Crowthorne
This is the main entrance into Wellington College. I think I once read that the gates get their name not from their location, but because they were given to the College by the West family. (more…)

#78 – Drive Entrance, Pinewood Sanatorium, Wokingham, Berks
The Pinewood Leisure Centre, as it’s now known, is in Wokingham Without rather than in Crowthorne. I believe Pinewood Sanatorium was set up as a TB hospital for patients from London. In World War II it was a US Air Force hospital. In the 1970s the site began being used to house various locals sports clubs and groups. It now houses gym, judo, boxing, shooting, tug-of-war and model railways clubs (amongst others). It also has a mini railway and allotments.

#49 – Crowthorne, Broadmoor Avenue
This card is very similar to this one, but they are actually slightly different photos. They were taken at different times, and from slightly different positions. (more…)

#13 – Crowthorne, Broadmoor Avenue
Wokingham, 9.30am, Sp 9 09.
At some point, the road changed it’s name from Broadmoor Avenue to Lower Broadmoor Road. (more…)

#11 – Entrance To Edgebarrow Secondary Modern School, Crowthorne
Franked Crowthorne, Berks, 6p.m., 4 Au 64.
The name of the school is misspelt on the card – it should be Edgbarrow (no “e” in the middle). The school is now known simply as Edgbarrow School, and is a Business & Enterprise College. (more…)
