The Mill Pool
I lived at Netheravon from 1968 - 1972 (my father was in the RAF based at Old Sarum) and went to school at St Michaels Figheldean.
I remember we used to go swimming in the mill pool by the weir. I remember nearly drowning there, showing off in deep water under the big tree (still there) near the weir. I was saved by a girl called Sharon Parsons and probably never thanked her and certainly never told my mum when I got home. Other than that experience it was a great place to hang out in the summer and learn how to fish too - starting off on minnows by the footbridge and moving on to greyling and trout (probably illegally). A lovely village and well overdue for a visit. I live in North Oxfordshire so not too far away.
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RE: RE: The Mill Pool
Conrad Evens is my 2nd cousin. We would meet up when my mum (the late Cicely Sheppard) took us across to Avon Banks to meet the relatives. We lived in York and visited Ablington twice a year, Gran and Grandad Sheppart lived at 291 Ablington next door to Uncle Bill Fenner. The thatched cottage behind the trees was occupied by Jasper (?) and his large family. My Uncle Eric mischievously called them Jasper's kids. I had fabulous summer hols in Ablington meeting up with Clive Broadley, Richard Broadley, Michael Marks, Marty from Dover, Jasper's kids, etc. I learned to drive (a tractor) for the first time during haymaking. Memories of Conrad from over 50 years ago are of the 100 yards sprint, he came 1st, me last, and his boxing gloves. He floored me with a right hook. Sadly most of the older relatives have passed on but my grandad inspired me with tales of his times in the trenches (nothing to do on an evening before TV). Uncle Eric told me that he was in the Somerset Light Infantry but I can't recall which battles he fought in. He clearly made an impression as I have been down the front line from Nieuport in Belgium to the Swiss frontier. This took 4 separate pilgrimages, along with my brother in law, Andy. How my wife Sue agreed to this I'll never know, but I did return with cases of Champagne from the Rheims area which were greeted with enthusiasm by daughter Steph (now married), and son Gareth (now working in Abu Dhabi).
Comment from Philip Akers on Friday, 6th November 2009.
RE: RE: The Mill Pool
Having previously lived in Netheravon for 4 years, my parents and I moved to Figheldean about 1949. My mother (Monica Bradley, nee Pinchen) had the drapery shop in the village. I remember Conrad Evans who was about 8 or 9 years older than me, (a very good looking guy I seem to remember!). I believe his mother owned or worked at the little grocery shop just up from The Wheatsheaf pub (where my mother and her brother Dick Pinchen were born around 1919). My best friend was the late Wendy Stanfield, her brother Terry still lives in the village I believe. Very happy memories of the village, fishing down by the Mill wonderful walks and so much freedom. I visited the village about 6 years ago and it is still lovely. Certain names come to mind, Frank Sawyer who owned the other grocery shop, Dudley and Doreen Stanfield who owned the coach company. Gladys Shepard, Mrs Besant, Mr and Mrs Rowe, lord and land lady of the Wheatsheaf, The Shea Simmonds who lived in house called Melrose. Mrs Measom, head mistress of the school. Mrs Tit who ran the Post Office, I also remember Richard Broadley, his parents Nora and George. My father used to call in the pub for a drink at Sunday lunchtime and around 1 o'clock I would go to meet him and he would buy lme a pkt of crisps and a lemonade - does any one remember him? - Bud Bradley, a truly lovely man. It is so interesting to read other people's memories of the area.
Comment from Rosemary Coleman on Wednesday, 13th April 2011.