Etwall, Derbyshire

Evacuee during the Second World War

Dear Mr Lord,

My sister Jean Marie Church and I, Marie Elizabeth Church, attended Findern School for four years plus during the Second World War. I was almost 7 years old, my sister almost 6 years old.

As I recall, Miss Cassandra Sanders was Head Teacher. She was my mentor, friend and companion. She took me under her wing... [more]

Is this the name of the ward?

I did my nurse training at Pastures Hospital back in 1981, and I think the name of this ward was Ridgeway (but I may be wrong) - it was a rehabilitation ward then. Sadly, these wards are no longer there, but I have some great memories.
Trisha

Mickleover Village 1955

In the photo of Mickleover Village 1955, things still hadn't changed by 1965 when my mum used to walk us to the village most days to buy food. I remember there was a shop keeper regularly standing in the doorway on the right of the photo. The shop to the left of that, with the bike outside was the Co op,... [more]

FRIENDS

I j oined the Navy in 1947 along with one Ginger Cooper,who came from Repton.
On visits to his home during leaves his family were very good to me,[ food and
things]. His Dad worked at the School.
Ginger claimed the Drum Major of the school band could toss the Mace over
the Arch and catch it on the... [more]

THE VILLAGE BOBBIES' CAR

My late father, Tom Jenkinson, was the village policeman in Repton from the early 50's until near his retirement in 1973. This photograph shows his car parked with others by the Arch. The old Ford Squire 60ARB.. I was very surprised to find it as I was working on the Frith jigsaw of this photograph!!

Derby's old West End

My father had a scrap-yard in Nuns Street. It was right next to the bridge over Markeaton Brook. I remember always asking to be picked up so I could look over the bridge - I don't know why! Markeaton Brook was filled with old bed-steads and all sorts of rubbish in those days - but it always fascinated me.  There was... [more]

A Schoolboy''s Memories of The Invincibles

In 1948 I was living in the Midland Hotel, owned by British Railways. My father was the manager. The highlight of that year was the triumphal tour of the Australian cricket team, The Invincibles, captained by Don Bradman. The team stayed at the hotel when they played Derbyshire and I met some of them. Of course, my father had the most... [more]