Plaistow Green, Essex

Annie Charlotte Funge

Ever since I was a young boy I had an interest in knowing where my grandmother was born. She was born 1883, the youngest daughter of James William Funge and Annie Hayward.
Sadly she passed away in Christchurch, NZ in 1963, reaching there as a war bride in 1918 after marrying my grandfather Percy Gourdie, at Wadhurst Parish church 27... [more]

Miss Frances Funge

Miss Funge was my great aunt. I stayed with her and her friend Miss Nellie Payne, as a child, in summer holidays. She lived in School House, Cousley Wood. She taught in the school for 50 years, starting at the age of 16. She also played the organ at the Cousley Wood Church from when she was 18. I spent a... [more]

Charles and Eileen Brackenbury

I would like to dedicate this memory to my mother and father Charles Richard and Eileen Brackenbury. May they always be rembered for ever, love Lynda and family xxxxx

My memories from when I was young

I was born and bought up in Withyham. I lived at the farm at the top of the common until we moved to a house in Balls Green.
When I was five I went to Withyham School. My favourite teacher was Miss Hosker. Mrs Jenner ran the girls' club in the hall behind the Dorset Arms, where we played games... [more]

Mountpumps Farm, Flimwell

I would love to hear from anyone who remembers my parents Les and Sheila Pickering who farmed Mountpumps Farm in Flimwell from about 1944 to 1951. Mrs Everett owned the farm and rented it to my parents. I know they were there during the later part of the Second World War because my father told me he had prisoners of war... [more]

Happiness

My grandparents lived in one of the two cottages at the entrance to Eridge Castle, where grandad was the butler. I was so happy there. Granny would take me to see Mr and Mrs Ward who were the head gardener and his wife. Their daughter Ann would take me for walks and was always so much fun to be with. Walking... [more]

Hartfield in the late 1920s

My friend Hannah Rooth (Nee Symonds) can remember living in Hartfield in the late 1920s and 1930s. She lived at Kilnwood, in Cotchford Lane, and was married in the church in 1937. She then lived in Paddock Cottage in the same lane.  In Hartfield in those days there were two pubs, a grocers, a bakers, a post office, village hall, and... [more]

Hop gardens at Walters Farm?

I'm sure I have seen this picture before, and think it is Walters Farm - it certainly looks like the Walters Farm Oast in the background. Walters Farm is 500 yards from the Bull at Three Leg Cross going down Tinkers Lane. It is no longer a farm, but it did last until the 1980s. Of particular interest is the wire... [more]