Open Spaces And Industry

A Memory of Bristol.

I visit family and friends occasionally on returning to my birth place of Bristol. I still enjoy as I did as a child 'The Downs' and 'Blaise Castle Estate'. Then particularly the paddling pool in the summer which we all frequented, taking a picnic. The woods at all times of year with the beechwood being my favourite and which I often visit now. They take me back to my childhood where we could then spend hours exploring our open spaces without fear, but often to much annoyance of our parents as we often lost track of time. We played and walked to our hearts-content! This has continued to my life now the enjoyment of walking in known and new places as much as possible.
Bristol Docks also held much excitement for me and friends as we wandered along near to the bonded warehouses and shipping looking at what was being loaded and unloaded. All fascinating and which also fitted into place with our education at that time. We enjoyed learning about the far places these ships had come from and were going to. I have never forgotten the kindness and assistance I received from various companies in that area for a project I had to do at school. Some I can still remember as Heber Denty, Rheem Lysaught, also a ship building company who gave me excellent photos etc on various ships built. Thanks to them I attained really good marks for that project. Children always remember the adults who went out of their way for them. Nice way to be remembered!
I also tried to use the images from our docks escapades during my art classes. However, I was and still am a terrible artist. Mr Bibby, our art master said I chose really good subjects. However, my application I know must have disappointed him. Perhaps I should try some art classes now I am retired?
College Green has not changed too much and still looks impressive along with the Clifton Suspension Bridge and many more areas of Bristol. Traffic moves very fast and furious, but mostly well-mannered in comparison to where I live now.
Bristol still gives me a buzz whenever I return. There are many old buildings and architecture to be enjoyed, and this should remain. The docks area in comparison to where I live has been mostly aesthetically restored. The buses seem to be a little more frequent as it was appalling when I first started work in 1964. Bristol Bridge area and towards Temple Meads has completely changed, but still looks good alongside the river. The shopping centre at Broadmead and Old Market have changed quite a bit, but obviously roads making the most difference. As for outside of Bristol towards M32/M4/M5, quite unbelieveable as have got lost and had to use the SatNav to get across to Brislington and Abbeywood etc areas. Can't believe it has all been fitted in! Now have got my bearings so to speak.
On the negative side, some areas of Bristol need to get some community spirit going as there is a definite lack of pride which has nothing to do with money. You have a great City, treasure it.
However, one thing that does allude me and which I need help on in Bristol is my family research concerning my grandmother Mildred Sperring. On marrying my g/father Edgar Richard Taylor she became Mildred Taylor in 1914 and they lived at 164 Gloucester Road, Bishopstone. Their marriage certificate showed her father as William John Sperring (a carpenter) by trade. They were both listed as 21 years at marriage so her birth was roughly 1893. Mildred's given address at marriage of The Star Coffee House in Carey's Lane, No. 1 Old Market Street (gone due to road improvements). Cannot identify her family line at all. Edgar and Mildred Taylor divorced in 1930, and nothing was known of her for quite some time before 1930 and after that time. She just seems to have disappeared. My grandfather went to War and eventually remarried. My mother was born in 1915 but after a couple of years was then brought up by her grandparents Montague and Clara Taylor of 172 Gloucester Road. Anyone out there who knows of Mildred's (if that was her name??) her family or her background? Would love to hear from you as I have researched for over 3 years now and just cannot identify her. She appears to be a mystery both before and after marriage and I am now beginning to think she must have left the UK at sometime. Anyone know of her??

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