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Empingham
Empingham maps
Historic maps of Empingham and the local area, hand-drawn by Ordnance Survey and Samuel Lewis. View all Empingham maps
Empingham area books
Displaying 1 of 9 books about Empingham and the local area. View all books for this area
You can read extracts and browse photos from these books.
Memories of Empingham
Displaying a selection of personal
memories of Empingham.
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My Grandfather
I have a picture of the cottage that my grandfather lived in with his family. His name was Cecil Stafford. His father was a thatcher and hedgerow maker as I understand. The picture I have is of the family in front of their thatched cottage that my grandmother said was right across from the church. I would love to know more about the town and if anyone knew the Staffords. I know there were 10 or eleven children. My grandfather married my grandmother who was a governess and from Switzerland. There was one sister named Olive and I am sorry that I do not know any more. Cecil had three children, John, Mary and Evora ( my mother, but as I now understand she was not really Cecil's daughter....so am wondering who my real grandfather was.) In any case Cecil was a drug salesman with his uncle's company until the family moved to Canada. They moved often and lived in... Read more
Leicestershire memories
RCAF North Luffenham
My father was in the RCAF, stationed at the former RAF base. We lived in the village from 1952 to 1954. The picture on this site was where we lived at the time. The village shop was next door and was operated by Mr and Mrs Gale and they had a son named Blyth. Our family consisted of my mother and father, myself and my 2 younger sisters.We kids all went to the village school and I sang in the Church choir. The Headmistress was Mrs Barnett and I think the lady who looked after the lunches was called Mrs Rose, who a was a very nice lady especially to all the children. Mrs Barnett was an old dragon! We left in November 1954 when the base closed and we moved to France. I have many fond memories of growing up in the village during this time as it was quite carefree. I have been back a few times, the last time in 1976, and our house had become the village... Read more
RCAF Brat
Like John Langston, our family lived in the village until #1 fighter wing was moved to France. We also lived next door to the store and I went to the village school. The Head Mistress was a dragon lady compared to the other teacher who I liked. I do remember that period in my life with the fondness of memories and hope to revisit after some 58 years. I still have a small book given to me for one year's perfect attendance at the Anglican Church.
My Life in South Luffenham
Born in November 1942 I was christened, confirmed and married in St Mary's. My father cleaned, stoked the boiler, wound the clock, and cut the grass. I in turn sang in the choir, served at the altar and rang the bells and stoked the boiler when dad was at work on night shift, a spooky experience in the dead of winter for a young lad. I married in 1966 and moved away, visiting until mum and dad moved to Oakham.
Bridge Over River/stream, Back Lane
I was born in South Luffenham in 1942, some time later (I must have 10 or 11) I can remember helping the butcher on his round, his name was Mr Lake and he came from Wing. He had a old blue van if I remember correctly. I can remember him stopping in the stream as it was still a water splash to wash his van before going on his rounds. In later years we would go fishing for minnows with jam jars after the bridge had been built, they were happy days when the sun shone all the summer holidays.
Nostalgia
I think the landlord's name was George. Can't remember his wife's name. The food was marvellous, the atmosphere and friendliness second to none. The Vista Golf was installed during 1969
Cottesmore 1969
My name was Liz Shepherd and we were new arrivals. I remember Dick Broom in the village shop that sold everything from Brussell sprouts to Royal Doulton and was also the Post Office. The butcher would leave his straw hat hanging outside his shop when he wasn't there so you didn't waste time walking up the yard. The amazement when one of the thatched cottages on the main street I think was sold for £1500. Most people thought the purchaser was mad. The Vulcan bombers taking off and returning. I was receptionist in the Officers Mess at RAF Cottesmore and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
