Ferry c1960, Pill
Ferry c1960, Pill Ref: P141011
Memories of Ferry c1960, Pill
YMCA Agricultural Training Centre Ham Green Pill
In February 1949, my husband Derek travelled from London to start agricultural training at the YMCA Agricultural Training Centre at Ham Green, Pill, on a scheme known as 'British Boys for British Farms'. He arrived at Temple Meads Station, and caught a small train which in those days ran from Bristol to Portishead. Although born in London, he hated the idea of city life, so chose to study farming. One special memory of his time there is of seeing the Severn Bore. He subsequently obtained work at a farm in North Dorset.
Derek would be interested to hear from any other ex-training centre boys. Tel: 01590 681972
Pill Bicycle Shop
My maternal grandfather, Allan Henry Ball, had a bicycle shop in Pill prior to the Second World War. My mother had a photo of herself as a child outside the shop (in the 1920s). I believe that both my grandfather and his wife were born and bred in the area of Pill and Nailsea The window had whitewash advertisedments stating new bicycles at 10/6p. Unfortunately all the family photos disappeared on my mother's death. The family moved to Downend, Bristol at the Second World War and I believe my grandfather worked as an engineer at Parnells, Yate on Spitfire production. I know my mother, Irene Eleanor Ball, worked there also for a time. My uncle, Allan Ball, served in the REME for the war and later lived in Iron Acton until his death. His wife, Grace, died shortly after. They had no children. Another daughter was Roma who lived in Birmingham and was married to Cyril Rowley, I am not sure of their existence now, I do know they... Read more
Pill & local memories
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