Hatfield Heath memories
Here are memories of Hatfield Heath and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Hatfield Heath or a Hatfield Heath photo.
Norman Layfield
Not so much a memory for me as I am too young to actually remember Norman. Norman's name is among the list of brave young men that left the Heath and went to fight in the Second World War, he was the younger brother of my grandfather. They were in different regiments but actually ended up in the same POW camp on the famous River Kwai after being captured by the Japs. Grandad had no idea that Nornan was there, up till this point he believed Norman was safe at home in Hatfield Heath thousands of miles away from the disease and squalor and torment that tens of thousands of Allied solders were being worked to death in. On discovering that Norman was there, as the older brother he applied to have his brother transferred to his regiment. This was possible as an older member of the same family is entitled to claim the younger member into his regiment. When Grandad applied he discovered that Norman had died a few... Read more
I Remember The Post Office
This was a large dark place, all timber with a climb up the steps to get in and the floorboards creaking as you walked toward the counter. In them days I couldn't see over the counter but I remember the shopkeeper although I can't remember his name. To the left in the photo, the last building, that's where Brian Sergant started business with his plant hire, it is still running today but it is situated in Bush Fair, Harlow.
Childhood Memories
I was born in 1963 and spent many many weekends at the heath with my grandparents, Jack and Nellie Layfield. I have so many memories, and my mum was born there at number 1 Browns Cottages in 1939. Renalds butchers, Hatfield Heath Garage, the old Post Office, Bucks Store, Tudor Lodge, now that's a memory, my mum's cousins owned that and I remember it when it was in original condition, the Abetuare, it's all changed now though. Sorry about the spelling but that's the way it is...
Ryse Farm, Hatfield Heath
Does anyone have any memories of Ryse Farm in the 1950s? I have looked for information on it recently and cannot find anything. Apparently my dad lived and worked there in the 1950s, and I think a William Bird was a cowman there?
Summer 1980
My memories of the heath are from 1980 when my mother - Kathleen (Topsy) Whybrow and father bought me and my brother to the heath in the summer of 1980 for five months. My parents had emigrated to NZ and gave myself and my brother a choice - a swiming pool or a trip to the UK. I was only 8 and plumped for the pool but my older wiser brother convinced me my mother needed to see her family. And so it was to the heath we came, we attended the local heath primary school for a month, I remember Jojo, Justine and Ruth from my class - wonder where they are now? I was taught by my Great Aunt Joan Roberts - who I think still lives on the heath. My Grandmother - Evelyn Grace Whybrow lived across the street and this is where we stayed. It was a lovely house - painted in duck egg blue with yellow trim - Camberley it was called, now it has... Read more
Memories of Hertfordshire
Childhood
I was born in White Roding in 1961. In 1968 my family and I went to live in Bishops Stortford. While we were there my father worked as a grave digger and landscape gardener in the local area. I fondly remember going to some of the church yards with him and playing while he worked. The church at Little Hallingbury was one of those churches. We emmigrated to Australia in 1969 and although I went home several times I never revisited the church. This photo vividly brings back my childhood memories of lovely warm summers days lazily playing in the church yard and marvelling at the beauty of the church itself....my love of churches and church yards has stayed with me since.
Tales of Years Gone By!!
Hello! I am Arnold Chapman, my father was the minister of the little chapel (now a private house). I used to play with a lad called I think Ronald Babcock?? who lived in a farm nearly opposite. I think one time the barn caught fire. I recall going to the little school, sometimes getting a ride in a local farm cart!! No cars to worry about in those days. Another person I recall is Mrs Salmon who had bad arthritis. I am in my middle 70s so the memory plays games with you sometimes. My father also looked after a chapel in Matching Green, helping to build a wooden building to use as a chapel.
I can remember watching the doodle bugs going over on their way to London and my mum making us hide under the kitchen table.
The little shop comes to mind, if I remember it seemed to sell everything in those days in spite of rationing.
Pavitt Family
Who-ever was asking about the Pavitt Family please reply.
There is a Jacob Pavitt and wife Ann buried in White Roding church yard buried along with my gt gt grandmother. Havent worked that one out yet.
Please contact.
Schooldays in The 1940s And 1950s
I was born during the Second World War in 1942, the 8th child to my parents at Goose Bridge, Matching Green. My parents were Scottish and people thought they were foreign. My dad worked for Mr Gemmill's farm and drove a lorry for him so he was exempt from call-up for the army till they were so short of drivers that he was called up and went to war when I was six months old, I was three when he returned so I was scared of this strange man who brought this big doll home for me. When I went to the local school, there were just two classes. Major and Mrs Elders were the teachers and if you were very naughty you either got the slipper across youir backside or the ruler across your knuckles or back of your legs. There was an open fire in the winter and also a big boiler to warm us. I remember Mrs Reddington the school cook who cooked lovely dinners and every... Read more
My Ancestors
My Grandfather was born at Matching Green in 1879 His name was Charles Pavitt.He had many bros and sisters ,James William Henry Emily .His parents were Joseph and Jane Jane was born 1851 nee Radley Joseph was born 1848. The Pavitt family would have been quite well known . I myself have never been to Matching Green but it is a place I feel I would like to see because of the family connection
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