Chardstock, Devon

Axminster Secondary Modern School in the 1950s

I was born in Axminster and having failed my eleven-plus exam (fortunately) I went to the secondary modern school where Mr Tolchard was headmaster (known affectionately as Herby). My favourite teacher was Mr Hayman, our maths teacher, who was brilliant at flicking chalk at anyone whispering during his classes - the chalk always found its mark. He was better known to... [more]

The post office

I grew up in Combpyne but I remember that we used to have a van that came up to the village from Musbury 2 or 3 times a week with everything any body might need from paraffin to bread.  I remember the man who owned the post office then was called John Fenner.  My Mum and Dad always had a friendly... [more]

Freddie the Postman

Although born in Churchstanton in 1791 my gg grandfather James Doble moved to Upottery and I have had close relatives living in the village until my grandmother Beatrice Doble died in 1982.
My sister and myself were born, baptized and lived at Addington Cottages until the Sidmouth estate was sold in 1954 and we moved to Ilminster. My father,... [more]

Upottery

My family of Hurford all came from Upottery and later in 1860s setteld in Luppitt just down the track!

one of my many schools

I went to Uplyme school from about 1958/59, I was about 8 years old, we lived in Combpyne and came to school by bus which we caught at Rousden.  My memories of the school are three sisters by the name of Taylor, one I think was Belinda, and a girl called Ruth. I also remember two brothers Frank and Ralph I... [more]

School days

My first school was at Uplyme. I started when I was 4 which was nearly 54 years ago now. I remember the headmaster was a Mr Denham and he lived in a house on the top of the hill opposite the Church. I remember being quite scared of him. The teacher who I also remember with great fondness was a Mrs... [more]

St Mary's School, Uplyme 1960 and 1961

I was at St Mary's boarding school, the summer terms 1960 and 1961. I came from Gothenburg, Sweden. I was just 12 and 13 years old and I couldn't speak much English.

I am now looking for girls that spent their school days at St Mary's. My best friend was Heather Dobell and she came from Whitestaunton, Chard.  I have... [more]