Ilkeston memories
Here are memories of Ilkeston and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Ilkeston or a Ilkeston photo.
Dewy Spider Webs on Holly Bushes
It was September of 1942 when first I spied a dewy spider web gleaming in the sunlight of the morning as I entered on my first day at the Ilkeston County Secondary School. I in short trousers was suddenly seized and pitched into the holly bush on which it hung but then no more as my impact shuddered the leaves to give up their delicately woven burden. Whenever I see a dewy spider web on holly bushes in Autumn I recall that first day in my new school with its ritual of 'hollybushing'.
Memories of Derbyshire
My Wonderful Birth Place
John Plunkett, born 1950, raised in Stanley Common, educated at Smalley Common junior school, and Scargill. Worked as an appretice electrician at Rolls Royce in Derby where I qualified and studied at Wilmorton Colledge in Derby. My mother and father are buiried on the church grounds of Stanley Common, corner Belper Road & Hoggs Lane. Lived at 2 Tansley Avenue, 26 Spencer Street and now in Benoni iin South Africa where I have resided for the last 40 years. My most valued childhood memories are without doubt the honesty, integrity, and never say die attitude of the village people in Stanley Common. During my childhood most people made the most of what little they had, however the community pulled together when times really got tough. Coming from Stanley Common in that particular time laid foundation blocks within your character in which you could build on no matter what you decided to do. I am extremely proud of my village and look forward to my next visit.
Spondon During War.
I occasionally came to live with my sister in Spondon during the war years. I lived in Ockbrook Road, the house was named Tarbet House. At the rear across two fields was an anti-aircraft battery of four guns, which when they were firing during air raids used to make a terrific noise, so much so that light fittings had to be wedged. I remember Bartons buses passing carrying workers from Ilkeston to The British Celanese Factory, these buses had large green bags on the roofs full of gas which was the fuel instead of diesel. Also I remember large cannisters of tar placed on the roadsides, these were lit at night to create a smoke screen for Derby, not many people seem to remember these. I later worked at the Derby Loco but now live in North Wales, have been here since 1956.
Book Worm
In 1942 I was 9 years old and lived in Long Eaton during the war having previously lived in the West Riding. We had no radio and in those days no television and I was either at the outdoor swimming pool or in the library with my nose in a book. When I visited the library I took out the maximum number allowed until I had read the entire childrens' section. At this point the librairian said I could choose from the adult section as long as she vetted the books I took out and this I did, much to the annoyance of my younger sister who was not allowed in the adult section. Yes, I spent many happy hours at the Long Eaton Library.
Erewash Navigation Pub
My parents Joseph and Christine Winfield owned this pub, it was a lovely place to live and play, the pub was huge and full of antiques, had my parents kept them they would be worth a fortune now. Summers were wonderful, we used to have secret places where we would find edible mushrooms and pick lovely violets. At the back of the pub we had orchards full of fruit trees, also we used to collect fresh eggs from the chickens. The beer used to come down on barges in barrels, I think they still do today. I would love to go back to those simple happy days. Does anyone remember me or my sister Yvonne or any of my family?If so, I would love to hear from you.
My Time in Little Eaton
I was born in Derby but lived in Little Eaton from 1959 to 1974 when we moved to Morley. My mother is Mrs Ruth Howe, nee Humphries, my father was Mr Ronald Humphries, now sadly passed away in 1965 and he is buried in the churchyard.We lived at 5 Barley Close. My father was manager of the local football team in 1961. If anyone can remember me, or has any photos of the football team from then, please contact me by email at: williamhumphries193@btinternet.com or telephone me on 01246 853752. Thank you.
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