Ely memories
Here are memories of Ely and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Ely or a Ely photo.
Fond Childhood Memory
These houses were on the way from our dad's allotment over by what is now the golf club to our Auntie Dot's house in the Range.Reminds me of all those long summer evenings we would ride our bikes from High Barnes to the allotment with dad.My little sister and I would tear up and down the "hills"and shove buttercups under one another's chins and make daisy chains.Do kids do that any more?
Then to my Auntie Dot,who always had a little treat on hand,no matter when you went there.Those houses fascinated me,they seemed so ancient when I was a child,but they're part of a very nice childhood,so I'll always view them with some affection!
Market Place
It's a shame Labour ripped it all down to build that 60s eyesore.
Lynn Road
My grandmother lived along the road past Deacons Lane. I first learned to ride a two-wheeled cycle along that road in 1939.
RAF ELY Hospital 1950''s Reunion
We are holding a Reunion for the servicemen (Regular & National Service) and civilians who worked at RAF Ely Hospital in the 1950's. My Dad did his National Service there in 1953-1954. We are having dinner at the Lamb Hotel on Lynn Street in Ely on Saturday 26th September. There is usually about 20-25 of us and you would be most welcome to join us and share your memories of this time. If you'd like to come along please ring the Manager of the Lamb Hotel stating that you wish to attend the 1950's Reunion being organised by Mr. Greig. We'd be very pleased to see you. (The Lamb is on the left hand side in the photograph)
RAF
My husband was stationed at the RAF hospital and we lived in married quarters. I taught at the local Primary School, St Audrey's. A friend worked in the little hardware shop on the left. I belonged to the CAT theatre group. We staged musicals in the secondary school. I still have friends living there in Chiefs Street and the Vineyards. We used to go to the Red White and Blue pub. Also held after show parties in the function room at the back of the Lamb Hotel. Took part in the medieval dancing and singing schools event for the cathedral centennial celebrations in 1972.
Baron of Beef
My Dad did his National Service at RAF Ely Hospital in 1953/4. We held a reunion at the weekend (27th Sept 08) in the Lamb Hotel which was attended by about 27 people. The Baron of Beef, the Rifleman's (on Lyn Road), the Cutter and the Minster were their favoured pubs. I would love to obtain photos from the 1950s especially of the Baron of Beef, which was at 13 Fore Hill. I understand its license was surrendered in 1958 when it closed. The property was demolished and rebuilt. It is now a children's clothes/toy shop. If there are any photos of this period out there we would love to see them. Many thanks. Regards, Carol Greig
Happiest Times
This place holds special and fond memories for me as I would often travel the 150 miles to meet my very best friend here over the years, to eat and walk along the river. My health is not as it was these days and I have not managed to visit for some time. It amazes me how little the place really has changed over the years. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
The Cutter Inn
I am not entirely sure of the year, but I am told that one of my great grandfather's brothers owned this Inn at one time. I would love to hear from anyone that can shed more light on this.
Spitfire Over Ely
The RAF Ely Hospital 1950's Reunion will be held again this year on Saturday 29th September 2012 at the Lamb Hotel in Ely. This year though I am pleased to say there will be an addition to the Reunion..... A Flypast by an RAF Spitfire. How exciting is that! I received confirmation this morning but have yet to hear at what time it will occur but will inform everyone as soon as I know. So join us if you can in Ely on Saturday 29th Sept and watch a piece of history fly overhead. Best Wishes Carol Greig
RAF Ely Hospital Reunion 2010
Did you serve at the RAF Ely Hospital during the 1950s? If so we'd love you to join us for a Reunion we're holding at the Lamb Hotel in Ely on Saturday 25th September 2010. Whether you were National Service, a regular or a civilian we'd love to hear about your time there. Perhaps you were a nurse or a medic or a nursing orderly, or in the EPAS or MT section? Or, like my Dad, you were a chef in catering? Just contact the Hotel Manager Carl Lowndes on 01353 663574 and tell him you'd like to join the RAF Ely Hospital Reunion party and he will give you the details. We look forward to meeting you then. Kind regards, Carol Greig
Memories of Cambridgeshire
Hundredfoot Bank
My father was born in Metheringham, Lincs, but moved to the Hundredfoot when his father took over the pumping engine there. My father later joined the RAF and moved to live in Stretham.
A Stream Clean Enough to Eat From
My grandfather's family, the Barbers, who were farmers, lived in Alton House at one end of the village until my grandmother died. My mother remembered the tension on butter-churning days when the milk wouldn't 'turn.' I believe my maternal grandmother, Ethel Kitchener, was born in Soham but I am not sure where. Her sister, when married, lived at the other end from Alton House in a small semi-detached cottage close to the stream, from which I well remember getting watercress to eat in sandwiches for tea. When I visited a couple of years ago the houses were both looking well-kept and prosperous and ponies were grazing on what must be common land near my great-aunts' house.
GEORGE AND TAVERN..HIGH STREET
I AM TRACING RELATIVES ON MY FATHERS SIDE...RELATIVES I NEVER GOT TO KNOW. IN DOING MY RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT MY FATHERS PARENTS (MY GRANDPARENTS) WERE PUBLICANS OF THE GEORGE AND TAVERN WHICH AT THAT TIME 1900 WAS IN SOHAM HIGH STREET. I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO GET HOLD OF ANY REFERNCE TO GEORGE AND TAVERN AROUND 1900...AND IF POSSIBLE GET HOLD OF ANY PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE GEORGE AND TAVERN..IF ANY EXHIST. MY GRANDPARENTS WHO WERE PUBLICANS AT THE GEORGE AND TAVERN WERE ..FREDERICK TURNER LAVENDER AND HIS WIFE SARAH. I HOPE TO VISIT SOHAM VERY SHORTLY..AS WELL AS THE VILLAGES OF WELNEY..UPWELL AND DOWNHAM. WHERE MOST OF MY FATHERS RELATIVES LIVED IIN THE 18/19 CENTURIES.
Trouble Tut'mill
Whilst this isn't actually one of my recollections, I do know that Haddenham had at least two mills. One of them being owned back in 1809 by Messrs William and Robert Pate. My Gtx5 Grandfather, Philip Newman was a miller at their mill but unfortunately got 'caught in the workings' and was accidentally killed. Pretty gruesome really - no wonder he was buried the next day.
I'm unsure as to whether this mill is 'killer mill' or whether it was the other mill. I believe that only one is standing today.
WW2 Halifax Crash, Near Welney
I am researching the crew of a RAF Halifax bomber that crashed opposite Colony farm, near Welney 25/4/44. My uncle Sgt N M Harrison was among the crew killed. I would very much like to hear from anyone who remember this, or has any further information.
Details of the crews last operation can be seen on the website below.
www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com/raf1944/dibbins.html
Many thanks,
Mike Harrison
Nottingham
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