Gussage St Andrew, Dorset

Sixpenny Handley, The Roe Buck Inn

My ancester Edward Dutch built and ran this hotel after the village fire in 1892
- as recorded in the censuses of the time. Take a look at my family history at www.thedutchfamily.co.uk/h_dutch.htm

Alexander Charles Day

This photo is of my Grandfather, whom I have such lovely memories of. I understand that Grandad used to work with the heavy horses in the days before tractors, so for me this picture is a wonderful find. He was married to Gladys (nee Smith) who was not a local girl, originally a Londoner. They had 6 children, Edgar (Gary), who... [more]

Coombes of Church Farm

I believe my Great Grandparents Annie and Maurice (Frank) Coombes lived and farmed at Church Farm during the 1920s.  My father Thomas (Aubrey) Coombes used to spend most of his school holidays there as a boy. This was a very happy time in his life. Long summers helping his grandfather and being spoilt by grandmother Annie.  

When they gave... [more]

My grandmother

My grandmother Mary Brooks was born in Witchampton in 1857. She probably married my grandfather Joseph Childs in the church there in 1876, from there they went to live at Corscombe. I am wondering whether she had siblings and if any descendants are still in Witchcampton?

Home

I was born in 1 Georgina Cottages. My family have a long history in the village. My first school was just down the hill from where I lived at the time, it is now a large house. In the club where the new shop is was my local to have a drink (I had my first beer there at 17 years... [more]

The Village School

I was the Head Teacher of the Cranborne First School from 1974-1978. The school was situated just off the square. It was a delightful little school and I have happy memories of my time there with my two teachers: Mrs Barbara Bayes and Mrs Gawman (who succeeded me as Head). Lord Salisbury was the Chairman of our Governors and occasionally I... [more]

The shoe shop

I am only 23, but I remember the shoe shop very well, as it belonged to my grandfather Alex Adams, and had been in the family for many years.  And I do believe the child being walked up the road is my mum Linda Bright, nee Adams, and her gran, my great-gran Emma Adams.  She would have been 2-3 years old.... [more]

Cranborne 1938

I was living at Cranborne where my father was the police sergeant. At the time of a crisis, members of the government came to stay with Lord Cranborne at the manor.
The  matter of security arose and it was decided a policeman should be on duty at all times as he would notice any strangers. Around the same period the massive... [more]