During Www2 - Were You Called ''Blackie''
We had many summer holidays in this lovely village. My aunt and Uncle had moved here from Danehill, and lived firstly in the Reading Room. Jimmy Edwards lived in the village and he often opened the gymkanas in the summer. My brothers used to stay with the Auntie and Uncle, while I stayed one year with the Griffiths. Who owned the Farm machinery place at the fork in the road just on the edge of the village. A lovely young couple. I remember they had a little girl younger than me. Also alovely lady who came in and helped with the house, who was very kind. I peeked into the office one day and watched the secretary typing, I was fasinated and when I grew up also became a secretary! For three children who lived in London Fletching to us was Heaven! Now in our 60's we all three have very vivid happy memories of that time. A very tall blond chap who had the nickname 'Blackie' was a friend of the family. Does anyone know/remember him?
email: Hewitt245@aol.com
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RE: RE: During Www2 - Were You Called 'Blackie'
Dear Helen,
I have just read your "Memories of Fletching" and since I lived and schooled at Fletching, even "sang ?" in the church choir for some 7 years, I love opinions of the village, however there is much, much more that might interest you? each MAY I organise a school reunion, and we have about 60 people attending, not everyone schooled there, but some of those that did are brought to their reunion by husbands, wives, or friends, you are most welcome to join us with your family and friends next MAY, for there are bound to be people there that you knew, and a display of photographs is put on in the Reading room, perhaps you are on some of them. If I can have your address or phone number, I could let you have much more detail, I am on "Friends Reunited" should you know that programme, and I have a website "http:/platedesigns.googlepages.com. I know the family who owned the Blacksmith's Shop prior to the family GRIFFITHS very well. I do hope that you will contact me Helen my phone is 01494 562253. Kindest regards, Dudley Martin.
Comment from Dudley Martin on Monday, 2nd July 2007.
RE: RE: During WW2 - Were You Called ''Blackie''
Dear Fletchiners, My parents were married in Fletching church and Grandfather William “Bill” Burley of Sheffield Park made the gates to the entrance of the church. I loved my up bringing as a child, having the Park and surrounding forest as a camp-building wonderland. My Nan Elsie Burley (previously Trott) and Mum June both played Stool Ball for both Fletching and nearby Nutley teams. My Grandad Bill was such an influential figure in my personal up bringing, and boy do I miss him. Bill worked at the Sheffield Park Mill for over 60 years as a lathe operator, retiring in his mid 80s. Previously I’m led to believe he was a chauffeur for a few years to the owner Arthur Soames or the later owner. I believe that during the Second World War the mill built wooden Torpedo boat frames and that Bill was a Air raid Warden but again not sure, perhaps someone could enlighten me? This is a true story which may be of interest and if only Bill had patented the idea he would have been a millionaire. In 1942-43 a Messerschmitt 109 a Nazi Germany's primary fighter plane in the Battle of Britain was shot down over the forest close to the Sheffield arms. Bill found both the ejector seat and white silk parachute. The shoot was made into a local girl's wedding dress and the seat was utilised as a baby car seat for my mum. As for me I also worked at the mill in the 80s firstly as a Saw Doctor for Stafford’s and after a college apprenticeship I returned to the Mill as a six cutter operator. My final role at the mill was as charge hand and funny as a 20 year old managing my grandfather Bill. I have fond memories of the old boys Ted Sandells, Wiggy and Arthur who lived in the cottages at the entrance to the Mill. If anyone has any stories or accounts of my family's background I would like to hear them. Good luck to you all. Happy new year 2012
Comment from Nigel Harper on Thursday, 29th December 2011.