Dunsfold memories
Here are memories of Dunsfold and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Dunsfold or a Dunsfold photo.
Dunsfold Village Stores
I recognise very well the photo of the Dunsfold village store in 1965 because it belonged to my uncle Bill Cox, who also ran a florist's and a taxi business from there. Before that, it had been run by a Mr Jarvis. The store was one of at least four shops in the village around that period - the others as I recall were the Post Office and draper's-cum-general store kept by Mt Erricker, the Country Stores a few yards further along, and a newsagent's round in Mill Lane. Some good few years before that, a lady named Nellie East had kept a bicycle accessories shop further along the Common. I believe the village is now struggling just to keep its one remaining shop and post office - village life has certainly changed in the last 50 years.
Hope Cottage & 11 Binhams Meadow
My first home was Hope Cottage next to the Sun Inn, Dunsfold. I am pretty sure that the cottage was owned by Lloyds Bank and my parents rented it from them. My grandparents, Stan and Madge Blay, also lived in the village and my father and his 4 brothers all grew up there. When my grandmother died and my grandfather retired to Devon, I moved as a very small child to 11 Binhams Meadow, which was my grandparent's house.
My Birth Place
I was born on the 23rd March 1947 in my grandparents' home, Hope Cottage to the right of the Sun Inn and next to Lloyds Bank. Nurse Caines was in attendance. To the left of the Sun Inn lived Lord King ex chairman of British Airways. In front of the pub was a pond that was filled in when the village went onto main drainage. The village boasted six shops, two petrol pumps, a bank, two pubs, a social club, village hall, barbers, allotments, infant school, church, seven ponds, seven dairy herds, cricket and football teams, hotel and Fire Station (still going today run by part time firemen). Sadly many are now gone. The telephone exchange was the first automated exchange in the country. We had an airfield that was used for Mitchell bombers in World War Two and later was used to develop and manufacture the Harrier jump jet. Famous people who have lived in Dunsfold are Diana Dors, Anthea Turner, Gary Brooker (Procal Harlem fame) and the Maskell... Read more
Memories of Surrey
Childhood in Hascombe During Wartime.
I was born in 2 Pound Cottages in 1940. It was the home of my maternal grandparents Arthur John and Katie May Street. He was a gardener who worked for Col. Harper at Lamberts. I recall a house in Godalming that was hit by a bomb and being embarrassed by furniture on view! There was a lone grave in what is now the churchyard extension at St Peter's of a German airman who had been found dead on Hascombe Hill. I am told that his body has since been returned to his family. Nurse Caines exercising her goats on their leads was a frequent sight if one were walking in the countryside. She ministered to me when my grandfather's terrier bit my wrist. I remember my grandfather made me a little wheelbarrow and small tools and the family stitched dungarees with seed packets attached to take part in a village fancy dress competition. A celebration was held at The Raswell for either VE... Read more
1946-1971
GREW UP IN CHIDD IN THE 50-60'S. HAPPY MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD DAYS'
STILL "HOME" TO ME.. THOUGH NO LONGER LIVING THERE
Chiddingfold Memories
As a child living in Chidd during the war we had freedom to roam anywhere we wished, ie Sidenhurst lakes (where I caught my first carp), the brooks where we fished for tiddlers which we cooked over a camp fire, climbed trees and made camps. Girls and boys played and swam together down the Lagg's in water so muddy it was like treacle but we were never ill or caught any disease, there was no H&S rules in those days. I now live in the West Country but still visit Chidd 2/3 times a year. Bill MacDonald. Cornwall
Christmas 1945 Children's Christmas Party
My cousin Dennis Gill remembers the first Christmas after the war re the children of Chiddingford, the story was published in the Daily Mirror with pictures of the village children, can anyone remember this and maybe has a cutting from the Daily Mirror? If so can they email me vivsadler44@hotmail.com
Family Origins
My mother has just reached 100 years of age. She was the grand-daughter of a Sarah Barker (née Ayling) who came out to Australia in her early 20's. Sarah had two brothers, David and Alfred Charles. Their parents were George and Betsy Ayling of Chiddingfold. The father had died and Betsy with daughter Sarah and son Alfred Charles migrated to Australia in 1882/3. Sarah married an Australian landowner, Henry Barker and settled in a tiny village called Yarra in New South Wales. Alfred also married. His wife died, and he returned to England, married again and became a manager (?) of one of royal farms (at least that is what my mother told me), wrote regularly to his sister, Sarah, and seemed to know personal details of the royal family. My great-grandmother (i.e., Sarah) had 'connections' also, but kept them secret. She died in the 1930's, very well respected in the district. I understand the other brother, David, had connections with diamond mines in South Africa. He was to die... Read more
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- Doncaster, South Yorkshire
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- Monk Bretton, South Yorkshire
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- Ilfracombe, Devon
- Litherland, Merseyside
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- Frodsham, Cheshire
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- Stroud, Gloucestershire
- Hounslow, Middlesex
- Earby, Lancashire
- Grasmere, Cumbria
- Marchwood, Hampshire
- Harrow On The Hill, Greater London
- ... and lots more - Browse this week's memories now.
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I Remember When...
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