Harbertonford, the Bridge c1960
Harbertonford, the Bridge c1960 Ref: h494009
Mounted, Framed, on Canvas or just the Print. Prices range from £19 to £188.
More Gifts
Create a Jigsaw, Calendar or a Multi-Photo Print using this photo. Learn more
Memories of Harbertonford, the Bridge
Be the first to add a memory of Harbertonford, the Bridge
Harbertonford & local memories
Read and share memories of Harbertonford and Devon inspired by Frith photos
My name is James Ryder, i was born on the 2nd January 1920 in Factory Road, the youngest of seven children, of William and Lucy. Started school [C of E] at the age of 3 and left at the age of 14., during which time I sang in the Village Choir untill my voice broke. In 1934 I started a 6 year Apprentiship with T Brooks of Totnes as a Builder and cycled daily to where ever I was directed. One period was to Holne Chase for several months (sixteen miles e/w!!). On my twentiith birthday I volunteered for service in the Army and was enlisted in the Royal Engineers on the 16th April 1940 and servied six and a half years in Iceland, North Africa and Italy. In June 1946 I returned to Harbertenford after being discharged. When I came home I lived with my mother in chapel cottages as she had now moved. This lasted until a new council house was built in riverdale where i moved in with my wife and young child. My second two children were born there. T Brooks welcomed me back and i became a site agent until I left for Somerset in 1951. During this period i played football for the village team with my friends Arthur and Fred Holmes, Bonzo Beer, Jack Slocombe, Cyril Manning (landlord of the pub) and many others i can no longer name but perhaps you can. We were quite sucessful and won the Harvey cup in 1948. There is a picture of this available if anyone would like a copy. The original was in the Malsters Arms but was missing when I last returned having been borrowed for a exhibition!?(if you want it i am the fellow thats in the front row, second on the left) This brings back hundreds of memories for me. I stayed and lived in the village until 1951 when I left for Bridgwater in Somerset on taking up occupation as clerk of the works on a large housing development. I would like to hear from anyone who may have lived in the period when i was there. I am now 87 and have been retired since 1988 having settled in Burnham on Sea, Somerset. Being able to type this on my computer and seeing old pictures of the village is truely amazing as i was not aware my old village had made it on the world wide web!! Im not aware if any of my friends are still around, John Horswell kindly looks after my parents grave. I would love to hear from anyone left or descendents of friends. Im looking forward to returning for a day in the near future. Regards to all, Jim Ryder email james@20ryder.fsnet.co.uk
Shared on 17 September 2007
I arrived in Totnes January 1944 and lived up at Dartington until a day before the invasion at Normandy. Totnes became our "hometown." I returned for the fiftieth anniversary and honored for being the first American to come back. Bill Bennett arranged for us to be given the "keys to the city." Back then at age 19 it was a grand experience and my wife was with me on two more trips to Totnes and Dartington Hall. I long to be there again but at 85 I am content to page through the many memories. We have old newspapers, water color pictures and we still write to a few citizens there. We were combat engineers 1253rd and built many practice bridges across the Dart, leaving one intact that served Totnes for many years. My mind is jammed with memories of Totnes and the surrounding towns.
Shared on 27 January 2009
Totnes, the Bridge c1955
Ref: T66048
The consensus in the Albert Inn is that the gent with a folded coat under his arm is Owen MacLening, with his nephew Bill behind him. The youngster with the bicycle could well be Andy MacLening, also nephews to Owen. Andy is currently (Jan 2009) barman in the Albert Inn.
Shared on 19 January 2009
Totnes, Butterwalk 1931
Ref: 81003
Totnes provides lovely late night Christmas shopping evenings each December when the High Street and Market Square are decorated, the shop windows have illuminated Christmas displays and stay open late and the place is transformed into a fairyland of old-fashioned entertainments and street traders. There are hot chestnut and mulled wine vendors, arts and crafts for sale and entertainments provided by musicians and dancers. Its a real family occasion and a good excuse for young children to stay out late - in fact I took along my granddaughter Anna aged just two and she stood next to me and was fascinated by the lights, the music and most of all the dancing.
The Heather and Gorse Clog Morris dancers provided part of this entertainment along with their band of melodeons, drums and accordians. The group is from Combeinteignhead but perform clog dances from the north-west of England to lively jigs and polkas played by the musicians. Our favourite spot to play and dance is the top of the High Street by the market where there are always large crowds but this time there just wasn't enough room so we moved further up the hill. The crowds were really nice to us with applause.
I had a lovely cup of tea provided by the welcoming helpers in the church in the High street. What lovely people! And its so nice to warm one's frozen fingers on a cold winter's night after playing my accordian for an hour or so in the chilly winter open air! Its a well supported event with what must be thousands of families thronging the streets enjoying the entertainments and spending their money in the local shops! Very happy memories indeed. And doubtless something young Anna will remember too - particularly the excellent late night supper we enjoyed in the Red Wizard Cafe which was a lucky find at the end of a freezing evening.
I do so hope that not only does the Christmas shopping evening tradition continue to thrive but that the lovely welcome from the church helpers is maintained too.
Shared on 11 December 2008
Totnes, the Island 1889
Ref: 21625
Morris Dancing and Clog Dancing at The Steam Packet Inn
This is the view from the Steam Packet Inn where there is a splendid large patio area which we used for morris dancing recently. We chose an early Summer's evening in June but were disappointed with the unexpected rain! However there were plenty of seats under the pub's umbrellas for the large crowd to take shelter!
Three "sides" of dancers performed during the evening: first to take the stage were Heather and Gorse Clog Morris looking splendid in their smart kit of blue skirts and fancy blouses and waistcoats plus shiny clogs and bells. Next were the athletic mixed dancers of Harberton Navy with their repertoire of Cotswold dances. The third side to dance were the local team - Blackawton Morris - with a selection of dances in the "North West" style.
Shared on 05 June 2008
