Digswell, Cowper Arms c1960
Digswell, Cowper Arms c1960 Ref: d223001
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Memories of Digswell, Cowper Arms
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Digswell & local memories
Read and share memories of Digswell and Hertfordshire inspired by Frith photos
When I was a child in the early 1950s Hollybush Lane, from Woodhall Lane to Great Ley, was quite literally a lane. On one side the council had built houses, but on the other were the farm cottages that were built around the turn of the century or earlier and were a part of the Hatfield estate. I recall that the cottages still had a water pump outside every three or four of them and at the end of the rows were larger two-storey semis, I presume to be occupied by the farm overseers.
Further along was St Mary Magadelen's church (which still stands) and this was a benefice of the Salisbury family. The 2nd WGC Scout and Cub group of which I was a member held its church parades in St Mary's and I remember my pride as a Cub being allowed one Sunday to carry the group's flag up to the altar.
The Scout hut was just off Hollybush Lane in Homestead Lane opposite the A1 dairies. The dairy in the 1950s had stables where the horses that pulled the milk carts were kept. My favourite horse was a large brown mare called Sheila who knew her round so well that the milkman would leave her to walk up the streets on her own whilst he took the bottles to the door step.
Shared on 12 September 2009
Welwyn Garden City, Stone Hills 1958
Ref: W294055
This view is looking north from the west side of Stonehills towards the Cherry Tree Public House. Just out of view on the left was the old Police Station (the site of which has still not been developed) whilst across the road on the right is National Provincial Bank (now Nat West Bank) . Further along from the bank is Williams Bros, then Sketchley Cleaners. Continuing towards 'The Cherry' is the Broadwater Press Ltd, founded by the late Mr Harry Cheetham who died in 1938.
Harry Cheetham was my Grandfather. I understand that Harry and his wife Emily Anne Cheetham (my late Grandmother) were both keen members of the WGC Golf Club during the late 1920s - early 1930s altho confirmation and photographs are sought.
Beyond 'The Press' was Munts Cycle Store which sold a variety of bicyles, scooters, mopeds and small motorcyles aswell as prams. Beyond Munts on the corner opposite The Cherry Tree was Dickinson & Adams Motor Garage with 752 Taxis. What remains of The Cherry Tree is now a Waitrose Food Store which is currently being enlarged. It is now being provided with a decked car park, on the site which was once the immaculate green used by the WGC Bowling Club.
In 1958 Stonehills was a through road but was closed off during the late 1960s to become a cul de sac now ruined by motor cars seeking free parking. Reopening as a one way through route for taxis only would considerably improve the area.
Shared on 18 July 2008
Welwyn Garden City, Sweetbriar c1955
Ref: W294040
Welwyn Garden City, Sweet Briar
This view is from the west side of Sweet Briar looking south down the hill towards Cole Green Lane (out of view). To the left is the entrance to Heronswood School (since closed, now a modern housing area).
I understood that the area was once very wooded, borne out by the many well established trees still lining the road and verge areas. I think my parents occupied our house from new in about 1954 until leaving the area in the early 1970s.
I lived further along Sweet Briar on the west side of the road near a layby (out of view). It was a very pleasant location to grow up in with many friendly folk.
There were lots of grassed spaces to play in too. This scene has not changed greatly to date, other than the inevitable intrusion of the motor car.
Shared on 18 July 2008
Welwyn Garden City, Templewood School c1960
Ref: W294051
I attended this school from 1954/55 - 1960. This view is taken looking towards the Infants playground and entrance to their classrooms, with the main dining hall in the background.
Shared on 13 May 2008
Welwyn Garden City, Stone Hills 1958
Ref: W294055
I lived next door to the police station which is just to the left of this photo from 1952 until 1959 when my father (the local police station sergeant) retired. This photo is very evocative of memories I had as a young child living in the town centre. I well remember the buildings opposite my home including Munts cycle shop (they sold good fireworks!), Broadwater Press (kept my mother awake at night when the presses were working) and Williams Bros discount store. I well remember in the dead of night hearing the expresses racing through the railway station to and from Kings Cross (steam hauled of course) - this began my lifelong interest in railways. The Cherry Tree public house was well known in the area (not frequented by me I might add!). The fire station always sounded its siren on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. - very loud if you were close to it.
My primary school was Templewood which I see still gets good reports from Ofsted. Other photos from this collection bring back many happy memories of the town.
Shared on 13 May 2008
