Collaton Cross, Devon

Found memories of early days at Yealmpton

Now living in Australia and having revisited Yealmpton in recent times, the changes are amazing. Where there used to be fields in which I played with mates, sadly houses now stand. The old bridge, church, Mother Hubbard's Cottage and pubs are still much as I remember them, but the old charm seems to be missing. In 'my days' I could name just about... [more]

Navy transit camp Lyneham

Nights at the local inn. Hikes to Yealm River. Company of land girls at nearby camp. Newton Ferrers.

A very new Broadway

In 1962 my parents and I (12 years old) moved from Bristol to open Victoria Wine (later to become the Wine Market before reverting back to Victoria Wine). There were still several empty units awaiting occupation. I can recall most of the shops that were open, starting at the fire station end was James & Rosewell hardware, a ladies hairdresser,... [more]

The Jarretts of Ermington

My mother's maiden name was Jarrett, her father was Fred Jarrett who along with his brother Jim ran a small building company. I lived in Ermington from 1957-1974 and was related, or so it seemed, to almost everyone within a 5 mile radius. There was a Daniels, Peter, I think who ran the First and Last. It was where I had... [more]

Jarrett family of Ermington

In 1907 my Great-uncle, Arthur Jarrett, married Elizabeth Daniels in Ermington church. Elizabeth was the daugher of Frederick Daniels, who was then the landlord of the 'First and Last' Inn in Ermington.

Arthur Jarrett was a groom for Lord Mildmay at Flete House. He also served in the cavalry, possibly the King's Dragoon Guards.

I believe Arthur and Elizabeth... [more]

A  Naval  Hideaway.

What a great little place to be when in the RN. I was serving on the Boom Defence Boats in 1954/5. These boats were coal burning, and I was a stoker, so it was pretty hard work!  We spent most of our time in Pembroke Dock, but now and again we had to do some work in the Plymouth area, and... [more]

My childhood memories

My relations moved to this area back in the late 1950s and finally settled in Ringmore village. We had long holidays there in their home starting back in the 1960s, but the years I remember the most were the 1970s, down at Challaborough beach with my sisters and cousins. I remember the cafes, the sounds of Glam Rock coming from the... [more]