Haytor, Devon

Rock Inn

This was always known as Rock Inn, Haytor when I visited. I got to know a few of the local families, most of which are long gone. Courtier, Clifton, Morrish, Middleweek, Ford to name but a few. The Rock Inn was always very popular in the summer, cars often parked more than half-way up Inverness Hill at Sunday lunchtime.

There... [more]

Lemnos

I was born in Bovey Tracey in 1952, on a Wednesday afternoon, the eleventh of June. I arrived in the middle of a garden party being held at 'Grey Gables' a house owned by a Mrs Pedrick (I do not remember her husband, but we children called her Aunty Lottie). My parents, my older sister and I lived in a house... [more]

Racing

I worked in a racing stables in Manaton, we used to exercise up on the moor. 3 other girls were there too and it was great fun. The yard moved to Somerset after and I went with it, wonderful days. Hi Sam, Hi Brian.

Morris Dancing at the Star Inn

It was a lovely warm August evening and a small gathering of 'bikers' stood around in the car park of the Star Inn - a typical Devon pub in Old Liverton.  They were enjoying looking at each others bikes but soon got a surprise when the Morris dancers arrived!

We met for the dance performance at 8pm. I brought... [more]

Sparnham house

Whether or not Sparnham House was an old coaching inn (I doubt it) or not, it is noteworthy of being the long-time residence of John Hannibal (or sometimes Henry) Foaden and his wife Elizabeth nee Husson. They were married in the summer of 1867 and moved to Sparnham House shortly after. They had at least six children; two sons and four... [more]

Sparnham House, 36 West Street

I was living in Sparnham House in 1960, but don't recall the umber mine you mention, though my father (Brian Baker) did say there had been one, once. Outside Sparnham there used to be a tap which was supplied by a natural spring and during the long winter of 1963 it was, at times, the only piece of plumbing that wasn't... [more]

The Heath

Memories start in 1953 when Elizabeth became our Queen. I remember all the windowsills were decorated. I was 4 at the time. As I grew up with my sister and 3 brothers we had many a happy time in Gales Crest on the green playing hopscotch, marbles and looking for 4-leaved clover! The heath was our domain - making camps and... [more]