Leigh, Gloucestershire

Finch Family

My great-grandfather was born at The Folly, Deerhurst in 1886 and moved to Walton, Deerhurst, his name was Thomas Finch.
Thomas's father was David Finch and his mother was Annie Finch (nee Jackson). We know that Thomas moved to Phelps Farm in Ripple, Worcestershire and he is buried in Ripple church but we don't know where David and Annie are buried.... [more]

Allen & Bros Grocers

My grandfather William Allen and grandmother Florence Allen ran Allen & Bros Grocers during the Second World War, with William's brother Carradine Allen. They lived in Oldbury House with their daughter (my mother) and my great aunt, Lydia Dennis. After my grandfather died in 1958 the family moved to Priors Park where they stayed until the death of Lydia in 1990.... [more]

Family History

While investigating my family history I discovered that my great great grandfather Elisha Brownjohn had been employed as the miller at the Abbey Mill, Tewkesbury during the 1830's and 1840's. Several of his children, including my great grandfather John where born in the Mill Cottage, also to be seen in the photograph. I was thrilled to see this old photograph of... [more]

Engagement memory

My grandparents Annie Holland and Alfred John Heeks became engaged to be married at this spot. Both from Cheltenham, they were soon after married and emmigrated to Canada and settled in Manitoba, then finally in Alberta. My grandmother had so many wonderful stories about growing up there.

War time memories

I lived the war years in Gloucester and at weekends when the weather was great, my friends and I would take the bus to Cheltenham and spend the day at the lido. I thought it was a wonderful place.
There were massess of American service men stationed in the area at that time awaiting the assult of the D-day landings. Well,... [more]

Diving boards long passed

I can't remember the 5 metre diving boards in this photo but I certainly can remember the 3 meter ones that replaced these, which have also now gone. I spent many an afternoon diving, jumping of these boards first starting on the 1 meter then the 2 metre and finaly getting the courage for the 3 metre, I can't imagine jumping... [more]

Sunday Morning Walk to Church.

This picture evokes a strong memory of attending church with my brother when we would only have been 9 years and 8 years old. Walking together come wind, rain, or snow. One Sunday morning particularly stands out in my memory, which was when we were sent off, not adequately dressed, thick snow on the ground, both freezing... [more]