Cerne Abbas, Dorset

A tiny sketch by Judges 1958 found in Brisbane Charity Shop

I found a delightful pair of sketches beautifully framed 16cm x 11cm - one of the subjects was a skillfully crafted sketch of the Smith's Arms at Godmanstone - almost identically as it appears in the above photo - it was a real place.
The artist signed his/her name Judges.
The second sketch is of a Dorset cottage in Cerne Abbas... [more]

The 1st Hatch End Scouts camp at Piddletrenthide

THis view is EXACTLY as I remember this lovely village where the scouts from Hatch End spent a two week summer camp in 1957.

Although I no longer recall the name of the particular farm where we set up camp, I do remember our troop carrying out a good turn for the farmer. We were asked to demolish one... [more]

Riversdale House, Maiden Newton

I lived here as a child of nine in 1950-1. We rented it from the owner, the delightful Sylvia Townsend Warner, author, who lived there with her partner, Valentine Ackland. The house literally stands with one wall in the river Frome. Paintings which hung about the house by "John Crask" must have had a special significance for the couple. You... [more]

Emigrant ancestor baptised there Christmas day 1773

George Coombs was born in Maiden Newton in 1773. He later took a soldier's grant of 200 acres in Ontario - where we still live.

Melcombe Bingham

I am from this family - my grandmother was a Melcombe.

Melcombe Bingham Chapel

For Kelly Bingham 28th Generation Bingham

Mother's memories

My mother Patricia Bingham visited Bingham's Melcombe probably in the 1950's and told me, her daughter, that the house was derelict and the hall was being used as a hayshed!  I do hope to vist the place at some time next year, and wonder who owns it now and if possible to  get in touch with the present owner.  Look forward... [more]