Biggleswade
From the age of 1 year to presently 62 years I have lived in the town. I remember the thriving market, the Regal and Empire cinemas, sadly now gone (see article in the Biggleswade Chronicle Jan 6th 2009 pages 22 & 23). This town has changed from a small market town where employment was as my late father working on the land for Mr Capon of Southill and other landowners to large engineering companies like Cincinatti, now gone also. Back doors left open for neighbours to call, bikes left on kerbs whilst shopping. Steam trains to admire and church schools to attend, yes very fond memories.
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RE: RE: Biggleswade
I was born in Bigglrswade in 1955 along with my brother in 1947, we used to go along the old steam railway picking up the small lumps of coal that fell by the track enough to keep us warm for a little time. My father was known as waxy Lincoln. We lived in part of an old monastery I think it was. It was called Holme Green Cottage, no electric just paraffin lamp. There was a range for cooking and we went out wooding in the morning. We had a great tree rope for a swing. Pea picking was very popular then, 1 shilling a bag (5 new pence) . I would play in the fields with my brother. There was, I think, a milk bar on the corner. I was about 2.
Comment from Carole Lincoln on Wednesday, 7th September 2011.
RE: RE: Biggleswade
The location is not familiar to me unfortunately. Although my father was a land worker and my mother was working in The Limes, London Road and Potton Road Hospital I was very fortunate to have warmth and food. Yes pea picking in the fields other side of Stratton Way was popular, always went with my mum, loads of women and proper Gypsies with caravans and horses, decent people, got on with everyone. Went for a walk to the Rec next to the river, made my way to Frog Hall, this was two cottages and a stream in front of them. The highlight was a Nature Walk from Shortmead Street School which ended at Frog Hall for some tadpolling. We made our way from the school having to walk in twos hand in hand, normally a girl, yuk. At 7 years this was an unwelcome task. Shortmead School was a fantastic place with the Hall still standing although it is called Kingdom Hall, the owners want to pull it down even though it was built in remembrance of Biggleswade soldiers in World War 1.The school had a maypole which we had a dancing day, mums there to watch. All gone now but fond memories.
Comment from Steve Rook on Wednesday, 14th September 2011.
RE: RE: Biggleswade
Help, there must be some records of Holme Green Cottage at Biggleswade. It is on my birth cirtificate 1955, can anyone help me with information?
Comment from Carole Lincoln on Tuesday, 4th October 2011.
RE: RE: Biggleswade
I went to Stratton School 1956-60. I lived in Arlesey but spent a great deal of time with friends in Biggleswade and remember the cinemas very fondly. Also the gypsies! If I remember rightly, they used to camp somewhere up near the school and were very friendly folk. I didn't keep in touch with any of my school friends except for one - Susan Endersby (who I since have lost contact with) - and often regret it. Visited Biggleswade when we were over in UK and went to see the school, believe it's some other sort of education centre now though.
Comment from Rosalie Vickers on Wednesday, 19th October 2011.