Bookham Grange Hotel
I came to Bookham on the 23rd of Sept 1959 from Ireland. I started working at the Bookham Grange Hotel which was then owned and run by Leslie Colwill. Iwas 16 years old then and as green as the country I had come from. I joined the local youth club which was held at the Barn Hall, it was run by Mrs Harrison then and later by the village policeman Ken Strudwick, and Ron Batts. Bookham was a small village in those far off days and I loved the place. There was a beautiful outdoor swimming pool where I and many friends spent our summers, I remember we used to meet up in the Coffee Bar and walk to the pool. I often wonder if there's anyone out there who worked at or frequented the Grange Hotel in the early 1960s and who would remember me?
Memories Links
See more memories of Little Bookham
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How does Little Bookham feature in your personal history?
What are your best memories of Little Bookham?
How has Little Bookham changed over the years?
Share memories about your local community, its history and people.
Comments
3 comments have been shared so far in response to the memory "Bookham Grange Hotel ".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Comments
RE: RE: Bookham Grange Hotel
I can remember Jimmy when he was at the Bookham Grange Hotel. A lovely guy, but seemed like an adult compared to my 12 years of age. I was friends with Neil Colwill, the owner Leslie's son. I remember climbing trees and being entertained by Jimmy. Being from Ireland, he spoke in an Irish brogue which seemed very distinct and 'foreign'. Funnily enough, my daughter is currently looking at the hotel as a wedding venue so I was regaling her with my exploits there (I often stayed at the hotel as Neil's guest - his mother even took us on holiday) and even more of a co-incidence, I mentioned Jimmy. How weird is that. Of course Bookham Common is right on the doorstep and I often roamed it with my Bookham pals, heads glued to our transistors as we listened to 'Pick of the Pops' and explored the occasional derelict cottage. Happy memories! Jim also mentions he went to dances at the Barn Hall. I played in a local 'pop group' from 1964-66 and we occasionally did stints at the Barn Hall for Village Day, Scouts/Guides etc. We went by the name Synnfaynes - not quite realising the notoriety of the name, especially in the years to come.
Comment from David Hammett on Tuesday, 19th January 2010.
RE: RE: Bookham Grange Hotel
Hello David. My memory is not that good but i do remember Neil Colwill talking about you, I met Neil about ten years ago he was living at Higher Drive, Purley. He could be still there the No.37 sticks in my mind, If you manage to trace him let me know. I cant remember the band that you played in but i remember the local resident Band called the Echoletts, The singer was Ronnie Everett and lead Guitar was Bob sachell, they played all the local Village Halls and the Bluesette Club in Leatherhead, i remember the Band had a big following in the mid 60s .Ive been to the Bookham Grange Hotel a few times lately, its completely changed from when i used to work there! Great Memories though. OH, has your Daughter decided on the Grange Hotel for her wedding?
Comment from Jim Coughlan on Monday, 1st March 2010.
RE: RE: Bookham Grange Hotel
Hi Jim Many apologies for the tardy response to your previous message. I had my daughter's wedding to contend with then I completed a move from Leatherhead to Crewkerne, Somerset. My daughter eventually decided on the Chalk Lane Hotel at Epsom as her chosen venue. I do recall the Echolettes. I think my band, the Synnfaynes, may have supported them once or twice. There was another local band which was quite popular and very accomplished but their name escapes me though I can remember the line up, Brian "Killer" Cathray (lead guitar) Clive Clark (rhythm) Dick Woods (bass), John "Doggie" Daniels on drums and Johnny Beck (vocals). The Bluesette Club holds happy memories and some big names were there (Georgie Fame, Alan Price, Graham Bond, Cream etc) Though we locaed to Somerset, my wife still works in Purley Surrey during the week so maybe we can trace Neil Colwill.
Comment from David Hammett on Monday, 18th April 2011.