Harkstead, Suffolk

Buying a new drum for the Whitethorn Morris Band in Chelmondiston

I have been the band leader for the Whitethorn Band for more than twenty years and in 2002 we decided we needed a new drum. By chance we discovered Barry Askew in Chelmondiston who used his woodworking skills to hand make perfect drums suitable for morris musicians.

We commisioned a new drum and one fine Autumn day in 2002 I drove several of our band for a day's outing to Suffolk where we met Barry Askew and tried his drums. Having seen his workshop and completed our purchase we then had a splendid meal and dirnks in a river side pub at nearby Pin Mill.  It was a lovely outing in a beautiful part of the country and our drum continues to give the Whitethorn Band excellent service. Thank you Barry Askew and thank you Chelmondiston for lovely memories!

The Gates to 'Hell'

I remember Shotley Gate 1954/55. I wish I could erase it from my memory. 12 months of sheer Hell at the infamous Ganges. I enjoyed my Naval Service and I did well, but Ganges almost defeated me. I danced a jig when they demolished the place!
JW

Family History

My ancestors owned this public house in the late 18th century. Prior to this they were tenants of the Duke of Bristol and the head of the household was the ferryman. He was mentioned in a letter to the Duke from a disgruntled customer claimed that his attitude was unbecoming!
We have visited the area many times during my search for my ancestors.

HMS Ganges

Until the mid '70s Shotley Gate was the home of HMS Ganges, a Royal Navy training establishment. As 15 year old boys under training in 1964 we were allowed to visit the Post Office (see photograph in this collection) to draw money out of our Post Office savings books - usually to buy food of some sort as Ganges food was so bad!! The Bristol Arms was out of bounds to us boys but I did finally get a drink there about 30 years later.