Nostalgic memories of Ditchling's local history
Share your own memories of Ditchling and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 12 in total
I was born in a maternity home in Ditchling in January 1946. I never knew its name. My mum told me she was in the home for three weeks and that Vera Lynn had her daughter in the same maternity home around the same time. Can anyone tell me the name of the maternity home? I would like to visit the place when next in the area.
I was born at Greenhedges on 22nd December 1940. My mother was evacuated - I was due on Christmas day, but the Dr. didn’t want to come out, so I was induced! A towel was tied under Mum’s bust, and a nurse laid across her!!!! How times have changed - thank goodness.
My mother was evacuated , and I was born in Greenhedges, Westmeston on 22/12/1940. Servicemen came from a nearby camp - USA I believe - and one made the comment “Looks just like Winston Churchill” 😂 I might add, I was due on Christmas Day, but the Dr. didn’t want to come out - so I was induced! A towel was pulled tight under Mum’s boobs, and a nurse laid across her to force me out! BARBARIC😂😂 that’s why I’ve got big, wide feet!
I was born at Green Hedges Westmeston in February 1944. My father who was in the navy had been sent back to sea so my mother was alone except for my brother of 2 . He developed whooping cough so the person she was staying with didn’t want them there anymore. (She obviously didn’t want whooping cough either). I understand the local doctor helped her to find somewhere to stay (she took my brother up to London ...see more
I was born at Cuckfield Hospital in 1954. My parents, John and Joan Hunter renovated Lodge Hill Cottage in 1949 ish, and then moved to The Senge House just before I was born. We then moved to Chichester House in the High Street in 1971. Many fond memories of Ditchling - especially the cold winter of 1962(?) and tobogganing down Lodge Hill. We were 4 children, Louise, Sarah and Caroline plus myself. Both parents are buried at ...see more
I wa Born at Greenhedges Westmeston in 1947, and spent all of my wonderfull childhood in Ditchling , I do however remember the dreadfull headmistress of the local St Margrets primary school with horror, she made both my and my elder sister Jeans life hell ,it would seem that as our Father had been an officer in the army , that we had no place at her school, and we both paid dearly for it ,One of my most vivid ...see more
My mother and I want to live in Ditchling must be about 1954/55 as I was about 8 or 9 I think. My mother went to work for about 2 months as cook housekeeper for a lady and Gentleman who spent much of their time in Ceylon( as it was then). returning to their UK home in the summer. He used to breed Canary's and could often be found sitting in his large aviary with the birds.
I attended school while I was ...see more
I was born at Green Hedges in July 1947, shortly before the advent of the NHS. My parents lived in Lewes and my Grandfather (who paid the bills!) in Horsham. I have sometimes wondered if it was the NHS that finished it off. If I'd known it was going to turn into a nursing home, I might have asked for a return ticket! Does anyone have a picture?
I too was born at the Green Hedges nursing home during the war, though obviously I have no memories of it and have never returned. My father was in the army at the time and I have photos of him and my mother holding me in their arms outside the home. I have never been back but it is nice to learn that the building still exists. I am quite proud to be able to claim a Sussex place of birth as mine rather ...see more
I was born at Westmeston Maternity Home in 1943. My name was Jennifer Mary Pierce and my mother was Edna Mary Peirce, a nurse there. She gave me up for adoption in 1943. Does anyone know of her, or anything about Green Hedge? My name now is Bridget Turner.