Hurtmore, Farm 1935

The Dunn family and the Hancock family

My family moved to Hurtmore from Kent in 1959. From the first day I loved the place. We lived at no. 6 Quarry Road.  Mr and Mrs Hancock lived a few houses away. I started school at Rodborough which was up Rodborough Hill on the Portsmouth road, an old army camp I believe. I was only there a few months as the new school opened in Milford.  In the 1960s youth clubs were the "thing" and I attended quite a few, Shackleford being one, and Milford also. The bus sevice from Godalming was pretty good, I did however miss the last bus frequently which didn't bother me as I liked walking! The last part of the trip home was usually in pitch darkness as there were very few street lights. I knew the way so well and I was never frightened. It has been many years since I was in Hurtmore but I go there in spirit very often. My parents moved to Cornwall  and I left for Canada.  England will always be home to me and many times my parents would meet me at Heathrow and take me "home". Mr and Mrs Hancock would welcome me and my kids and we would have a wonderful time catching up on all the local gossip. If I could have my heart's desire it would be to return to those far off days when everything was 'perfect'. I was never bored. (Too bad, we can never go home again, can we...)

My memories of Compton

My name is Mark Goddard, I lived in Compton for 18 years. I was born in 1966 and I am now 43 years old. All my childhood memories are of my time growing up in this fantastic village. I was lucky enough to attend Compton School, being taught by some very strict but fair teachers who shall stay in my memories for life, until its sad closure. I will always remember the last day of school, all the tears and sad goodbyes, saying goodbye to Mrs Mcalmont and Mrs Gardener. Looking back for the last time as I walked home up the little path towards Almsgate.
We lived in Fowlers Croft for many years, in a corner house looking over the fields up to Watts Cemetery. I'm not sure what the houses were originaly built for but they were pretty cold in the winter but it was home. Compton is surrounded by some of the best countryside, great for walking, as a child we used to go on great walks through Sandy Lane along the Pilgrim Way, up to Putteham. I could go on for hours talking about this wonderful village but the best way to enjoy it is to visit it and take time to look around. But take your time and enjoy it.                                       

Gamekeeper's Cottage

I do not know Compton but lived as a child next door to a lady who was daughter of the local gamekeeper.  Her maiden name was Churchill, Hilda Churchill, with two sisters Mabel and Alice.  I have a watercolour painting of her house at Compton done by H J Sage (a local artist) and would be happy to share this with anyone who may be interested.  Also amongst her posessions was a Coronation mug for George V, 1911.  She told me that one of these mugs was given to each child in the school and that after they were made, the mould was destroyed.  I have this mug and it has her name written on its base.  
I would love to know more about her family in such an idyllic house, standing in a field surrounded by a picket fence.  I have known this painting for 60 years and have always admired it.  I would also like to know if any more of the Coronation mugs exist.