The Village 1905, Datchet
The Village 1905, Datchet Ref: 53194
Memories of The Village 1905, Datchet
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Datchet & local memories
Read and share memories of Datchet and Berkshire inspired by Frith photos.
Manor Hotel Bar
A load of local young lads took over the hotel bar about this time, of all classes, much to the horror of residents and no doubt the owners, but they served Youngers Scotch Ale No 3 from the barrel, powerful stuff and cheap. Eventually we were asked to leave and frequented the Lord Nelson at Old Windsor (or was it the Lord Nelson we were asked to leave?). I dunno whether I oughta say about what we got up to (I played only a small part) as some might still live locally but fond memories of parties at Weavers, mud plugging on Dorney Common, rowing to the Donkey with 1/2" freeboard. The barman was one of us and would say "Cheers so and so" making out we had bought him a beer and pour himself one! Happy days!
1947 Floods.
Born in 1944 at no 2, Waterworks Cottages (later 123, Slough Road) on the corner of Castle Avenue. I have vivid memories of the floods, though only three at the time: Mother, Father, Sister and Self were confined to the (very small) upstairs for many weeks, as when the water subsided, downstairs was of course thick with mud and assorted unsavoury objects! (no main drainage in those days). Mother had only a single gas ring upon which to cook, washing facilities were rudimentary, and toilet facilities consisted of one Elsan bucket! Supplies were delivered mainly by ex-army DUKW amphibious vehicles, with Village Bobby P.C. Burr in charge, and well I remember him shouting at me to stand away from the window, and, having failed to do so, being struck between the eyes by a then very substantial Mars bar which he had launched with Constabulary zeal! The R.A.F. came around with huge hangar heaters in an attempt to dry out downstairs, but of course everything had to be thrown out,... Read more
Datchet Under Water 1947
1947 was the year that my parents, my sister and I moved to Datchet and the shops in this photo, taken 2 years before, are so familiar, even now. Not long after having moved here, the snow which had lain thickly on the ground for many weeks, began to thaw. The Thames eventually broke its banks, due to the volume of water now finding its way from further up river and the whole of the village green was under water. Our house, very fortunately, was not flooded but I can remember my parents taking up carpets and moving furniture upstairs (just in case) Also coming down to the water's edge by the International Stores and waiting for punts bringing food etc. across the water and the people trading from their boats. As no buses could get through to take us to school we had to be picked up by lorry and taken to the main road in Langley to pick up a bus for the rest... Read more
