Market Rasen, Lincolnshire

Middle Rasen farmer sires two Mayors for Grimsby

My 2nd G/Grandfather, Robert Milner (1794-1870), married Mary Ann Norton on 25th April 1821 in St. Peters Church, Middle Rasen, winessed by Thomas Miller, Nicholas Danby and Frances Popple.  They had ten children, all born in Middle Rasen, and the family remained there until my grandfather Christopher Miller (1865-1937), grandson of Robert Milner, moved to Grimsby and later became Mayor of... [more]

Black Horse Inn

The photograph of the High Street with the Black Horse Inn Sign in the foreground reminded me that one of my ancestors, Sims Briggs, was the landlord of the inn according to the 1881 Census. Some of the other members are interned in the churchyard including my 2x Great Grandmother Susannah Briggs, wife of John who also died in Ludford but... [more]

Nickersons and Blacksmiths Arms.

I left Caistor Yarborough School in 1961 and went to work for Mr Joseph Nickerson as a telephonist in a big house where his offices were (Nickersons Seeds had their labs too I believe), it was on on the hill leading to Cuxwold. I remember there was a lot of staff, most of whom I still remember the names of. We... [more]

'Blacksmith Arms ghost'

In 1978 my sister-in-law Diane Plaskitt worked in the kitchens at the pub. During her time there along with another member of staff they came across 'the Blacksmith Ghost'. They caught site of an image of a man walking from the kitchen door into the hall and then down into the men's toilet at the bottom of the hall. One of... [more]

The Blacksmith Arms

In 1962 I moved to The Blacksmith Arms with my parents and brother. My parents were Mr and Mrs Mitchell and were employed by Joseph Nickerson, a local landowner. Now I am mature in years and both parents have gone, but the memories are aways vivid. I remember the harsh winter of 1963, and customers being stranded in the pub. Despite... [more]

My friend Betty Avis

Many years ago when I was a young girl not long out of school, I started work in Grimsby along with Betty Avis who lived in Binbrook and travelled into work every day on the bus. I remember her very well and still see her with her headscarf on when she came to work.  he and I became goood friends and... [more]

Royal Air Force

Basic training days over, my first posting "Scampton" with 230 OCU. I remember having fire duty sitting beside the control tower as fighter pilots converted to bomber, the exercise being circuits and bumps with the Lincoln bomber, some of the bumps were were heavy, good job the aircraft was well built. I am proud to have served, it was a wonderful... [more]