Brockenhurst memories
Here are memories of Brockenhurst and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Brockenhurst or a Brockenhurst photo.
The Local Bobby
In 1932 my father Len James was moved to Brockenhurst as the 'village bobby'. I was born in 1931 and my brother in 1929. We lived in the Police house (now a renovated private home) and eventually both us boys went to the C of E Primary School. Dad had a standard issue police bicycle, on which he would ride to Lyndhurst and submit his report to the Station Sergeant there. In 1934 we bought a 1928 Morris Minor car which seemed an absolute luxury. I have no knowledge of why or how my father drove us all down to Cornwall (Lostwithiel) to stay for a weeks holiday in a Bed and Breakfast. I did the trip in a modern car in 2007, and cannot believe that the old primitive Minor did the trip in a day! With the New Forest a short walk away, our boyhood days were magical and I can remember picking gorse flowers and bottling them in water and selling them as perfume. Almost next door... Read more
Sam Collins' Memory of This Picture
My dad is Sam Collins who lived at Wisteria Cottage on railway crossing. He was born there in 1926 and left to join the army in 1943. He is 84 years old now and lives in Maidenhead, Berks. His memory of this photo is that the shop, with sun blind was a butchers shop. This was owned by Mr Gosling and the large house next door was his home and not a pub. He remembers the thatched house being occupied by a family called Reid (Read maybe).
Pub Name
Is anyone able to tell me the name of what I presume is a Pub in the photo (just after the thatched cottage) - I am researching my family history and find all my ancestors come from Brockenhurst and the surrounding areas. I would be grateful if anyone was able to enlighten me about this pub name.
Brockenhurst Grammar School
I spent eight years of my school life at Brockenhurst between 1955 to 1963. Being a somewhat shy individual at that time, my presence at the school was hardly recognized. I was known as 'Twink' until my younger brother David came to the school and he flew off with my nickname. I did not excel academically, or on the sports field but achieved a basic education. Dr Wood was the Head Master, and teachers I remember were Truckle, Merridith, Pierce, Evans, Bromley, Davies, Dibden, Hicks, Lee, Spalding, Hirst, Huggins, Bain, etc. and a custodian Sam Curd. People in my year: Tom Watts, Jill Wigglesworth, Diane Derbyshire, Bob Maddock, Si Newham, Chris Darcel, John Dickenson, Martin Dickens, Roger Foreman, etc
Memories of Hampshire
Miss Meriel Alexander
Who was Muriel Alexander? I have a scrapbook that she put together after the 1st World World. I think she was very much involved with organising trips to visit war graves and monuments for families of the fallen. Would be very interested to hear from family or anyone that remembers the family, they lived at the Old Manor, Boldre.
Rope Hill Preparatory School Boldre Hants/Dorset
In the early 1950s, my brothers and I attended this private school to be taught discipline and to cultivate the finer things in life. We were there from 1951 to 1955 and that school holds memories both good and bad. Being boarders there, our movements were highly controlled, with no escape until half term, or end of term holidays. Mr Heaton was the Head Master to start with, followed by Mr Arch. The teachers I remember were Mssrs. Randle, Sheldon, Edwards, Flood, with a Groundsman Mr Ellis and Matron Mrs Burridge? Where did all the old boys go?
Sway in my Time
My family have lived in Sway all their lives. My father, Peter Veal and mother, Pam Veal my grandparents Jim and Ida Dukes. i now live in Ireland but still remember the the New Forest and all its changing seasons. I still have freinds in the village, John Webb, a local artist,who now lives in Lyminghton - I have known John all my life and still keep in touch. The place of Sway has not changed that much from when I was a child. I remember the old railway line that ran from Brockenhust to Ringwood and the school which is now a wood burning center. I think that it is very important in life to remember where you came from, and all of my happiest times were spent in Sway and the New Forest.
Brockenhurst County High School
I attended Brockenhurst C.H.S. from 1950 until 1953 and lived in Sway with my parents. I was the first Amercan admitted to the school. I came across this site after feeling nostalgic and decided to refresh my memories of the New Forest. My wife and I revisited the area on two occasions and nothing had changed. Dr. Woods was Headmaster at the time and was very helpful in assisting my adjustment. As you can imagine, it was somewhat of a dramatic change but I soon made friends and fell in step with my classmates. I was not however, much of a scholar and was tutored by several teachers. Mr. Lee was quite an influence and someone I admired. My recollection of the New Forest area included the Brockenhurst Golf Club where I learned the game assisted by Clive Cargil the resident professional. I remember the Botting family in Sway who were goood friends and owned the petrol station. I have been in contact with Colin Andrews, who I beieve is... Read more
I Went to School in Pilley But I Was Born in Sway
I went to school in Pilley. My teacher was a Miss Figgins, she was fantastic, she taught my father too, Fred Woodburn. We lived at the bungalow, Sandy Down, After my Gran Died Annie Woodburn shes laid to rest in boulder grave yard along with my grandad Walter Woodburn and my uncle Bill Tosdevine.sadly the Bungerlow isnt there any more. We use to sail down Pilley Hill on our bikes, not too much traffic then. I have such great memories of Pilley and all my old school friends. theres no place like home .
Valerie Woodburn.
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