Priceless Memories

A Memory of Luxborough.

I remember in 1948 at age 5 years old staying at Monkham Farm with my aunt Ann Maddock and walking behind two cart horses and a single furrow plough with my cousin Deryck Maddock and the furrows being up to my knees. There was no electric there and the loudest sound was probably the clip flop of the horses hooves on the farm yard. Memories of Deryck milking the cows in the pitch dark barn other than the glimmer of the paraffin lantern and in total silence. Memories of gymkanas at Chargot and to get there we had to walk. I am so glad I experienced those times as being born in Taunton I knew nothing about the countryside and even at that young age I realised the value, peace and beauty of the countryside. Supper was by paraffin lamp and the journey to bed a candle, which my aunt made me put out no sooner I was in bed. Those holidays in Luxborough were special and dear to my heart and even arriving there by bus the case I had to carry up Jumpers Steep was up to my shoulders. Names that come to mind from those days were, Bertie Coles, Denzil Scott, Mr Bowdler, Mr Morgan, Lester Maddock, Lionel Howe, Joyce Williams. I also remember vividly Lester Maddock horse riding in the gymkana at Chargot and dipping his head in a pail water which was filled with apples and he had to get the apple out by biting it without using his hands, young girls also took part. Lester is still with us in 2017 and really well.