Hamptworth

The Fountain Inn

I have many fond memories of Whiteparish. My Gran and "Uncle Stan" (Stan and Florrie Pulford) had that pub for a few years until about 1975. The pub looks very different now but I can still picture my sisters and myself running around the bars in the afternoons after closing and listening (at the door from the stairs) to the merry voices from the bar.

I was born 26/3/1940 in Whiteparish, at a place called 'Justacot. My mother's maiden name was Kathleen Goody. I was bought up by my grandmother so know nothing more about my mother. Does any one know anything about the above place or any other information?

Saddler Shop in Whiteparish.

My great-aunt and uncle, Edna and Jack Hyde, lived all their married life in Whiteparish. Jack Hyde started working from about 14 years old, in the saddler's shop. Mr Till owned the shop. When Mr Till passed away, Jack carried on the business, and worked there up until he retired. He had worked there for 50 years or more. I have happy memories of visiting them in Whiteparish, as a child, and even after I had grown up, and had children of my own. I remember going there as a child with my grandmother, she was Jack's sister. We used to stay for tea and cakes. Then I would go down to the saddler's shop, and watch Jack sew the leather. Sadly Jack and Edna are no longer here, but I have happy memories of them, and of Whiteparish.
Brenda.

Tracing my Roots

My great-grandfather's name was Woodford and I believe that he was the post master for Whiteparish during the Second World War. I know very little of that side of my family and for myself and my children, I wish to learn more about the Woodfords. If any resident has any details or knows where I might  find some it would be much appreciated.

General Store, Whiteparish

My parents owned the General Store which features as photograph 16 of the 18 available. The picture must be at least circa 1961 since my parents did not purchase it until that year (You can see the names AG & N (Alan George and Norma Taylor)on the hoarding. The saddlery was next door and Jack Hyde was the Queen's saddler at the time. Mrs Pulford, referred to in another memory, worked for my parents and knitted me a short sleeve sweater that I still have. At the time my parents delivered milk, groceries and newspapers throughout the area, a service that was soon to disappear as supermarkets became prevalent. It was a wonderful place to grow up.

Memories of Downton

My family moved to The Research Station at Forest Road, Redlynch at the end of the war, and from there to a house in Moot Lane, Downton.
My father (Oliver) was in the Royal Artillery during the 1914 - 1918 war, and my eldest brother (Oliver) joined the Royal Artillery when we lived at Godshill.
My next eldest brother (George) joined the R.A.S.C. when we lived at Godshill, and my next eldest brother (Michael) joined the Royal Marines when we lived at Forest Road, and I joined the Royal Marines about a year after that.
My brother (Mike) and I both worked at Downton Tannery before we joined up.
I was the Light Welter Weight Champion of the Royal Marines, when I was stationed at Portsmouth as a recruit.
I married a Downton girl (Jean Slade) whilst I was home on leave, and she later moved to married quarters in Malta, where our son (Gregory) was born, who also joined the Royal Marines when he was sixteen.
I served with... Read more

Childhood

I was born in East Dean but my grandparents lived in West Dean along with my aunts, uncles and cousins. I still have cousins in West Dean. My father was a Clifford and worked for East Brothers. I remember as a child playing outside the Red Lion, playing whith my cousins. Although I live in Canada I can never forget my childhood in Dean. My father passed away in 1977 but he always wanted to be buried back home and he had his wish and is buried in the churchyard. My daughter visits Dean at least once a year. I have lost contact with some of my relatives. if anyone knows any of the Cliffords coud you please e- mail me at: vbailey@shaw.ca Janet Gallagher is my cousin. I hope someone knows of the Cliffords and can help me. I heard there is a book out about West Dean but I can't seem to get a hold of a copy, I hope someone can help me locate the book.... Read more