Dilton Marsh, War Memorial and High Street c1955

Choir Boy/Organ Pumping

I remember being in the choir at the church during the time of my evacuation to Westbury Leigh sometime during the 1939-45 war. I also pumped the organ which was at that time quite hard work for a young lad (but I think the pay was better). The fun was to watch the tell tale small lead weight that showed how much air there was left to play the organ, there was also a similar tell tale that the organist could see. The game was to nearly let the air run out especially on air hungry hymns such as 'Onward Christian Soldiers'. Needless to say I did not last very long pumping the organ!

Correction to earlier comment.

On my previous comment I said that Sandy Hole lane was opposite the Bell pub, sorry this of course should have been the Phipps Arms pub.
Bob Porter

My memories of living in Westbury Leigh 1940-1944

The house shown in the foreground of this photograph was the home of my Uncle, Percy Drury. This was sometime around 1940/42, I do not know how long he resided there. I lived at 115 Westbury Leigh with my grandparents Percy & Annie Drury. My grandfather was a flower pot maker and worked at the local brickyard. Why my grandparents went to live in Westbury remains a mystery to me, they originally came from Nottingham. I went to live with them just after the outbreak of the 2nd World War. I understand it was because my Father who was a regular in the Royal Navy and my Mother was engaged on War work it was felt I would be better looked after by my grandparents. I have wonderful memories of Westbury Leigh, Tanyard Lane, Sandhole Lane where it was reputed a horse & cart and the driver were buried in a fall of sand perhaps a local myth.

my nan and grandad

my nan and grandad both lived in the second house down in this picture next too the car, ron and jean elkins

Family History Related Memory

My 11th great grandfather, William Thomson [or Thompson] was Vicar at All Saint's Church from 1603 until his death in 1623. Don't know if this is the original church or not but wanted to post the 'memory' anyway.

His descendents moved to the "colonies" in 1635.