Kevin Devine Remembers Little Jim's Cottage
In the early 1960s as a small boy, this was the home of my grandmother and grandfather, Hilda and John Guy. I remember going to visit them with my mother, Cynthia Joan Devine, formerly Guy.
I used to love running around the garden with their little terrier called Betty and around the pond you can see in the picture.
My grandparents had a chicken shed, and I was allowed in the morning to go and collect the eggs.
While I was there I was often allowed to stay up much later than normal and remember sleeping upstairs and hearing the adults talking downstairs.
Very sadly my grandfather, shortly followed by my grandmother, passed away and they are buried in Poleswoth churchyard I think, as I have never been back.
My grandparents had four of their own children. Mmy mother Cynthia, Peggy, and Lawrence have all sadly passed away, but still going strong at 73 yrs old is my Uncle Brian and living in Wiltshire.
I have very fond memories of this lovely cottage, which is no longer there, and I have a few photos of the cottage and my grandparents, my mother, my auntie and uncles and cousins, and will pass them on to my daughters and grandchildren.
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RE: RE: Kevin Devine Remembers Little Jim's Cottage
Hello Kevin,
It's surprising that no-one has submitted any comments about your story. So many of us old Polesworthians have fond memories of the walks we made (or had to make..!) in the 40's and 50's, either the Sandyways or the the Jaw Bones walks.
The loss of Little Jim's Cottage, together with the loss of the old thatched cottages in The Square are still things we feel sad about.
The Chetwynd Arms too - even for us non-beerdrinkers!
You seem to be uncertain whether or not your parents are buried in Polesworth churchyard. There are a number of websites available to help you in your research if you care to go to the trouble.
I was born - as was my dad Ernest Herbert Searle - in the cottage opposite the Royal Oak. It was formerly 2, The Common, later No. 14 after houses were built near to Basset's Bridge in the 50's.
Les Searle
Comment from Leslie (Mr) Searle on Thursday, 15th July 2010.
RE: RE: Kevin Devine Remembers Little Jim's Cottage
Hello Kevin,
We are related as John Guy was my father's uncle. My father, Arthur Gee, did visit John once or twice. I would like to see any photos you have of John and Hilda and also any information about them.
I seem to remember my Dad telling me that John was a musician.
Best wishes
Comment from Anthony Gee on Saturday, 28th May 2011.
RE: RE: Kevin Devine Remembers Little Jim's Cottage
Whereabouts was this cottage situated please, Kevin? - such a lovely story!
Comment from Rebecca Ditchfield on Monday, 21st November 2011.
RE: RE: Kevin Devine Remembers Little Jim's Cottage
I remember Little Jims Cottage and the much loved poem. My mam, used to recite it to me. I still have a china plate that belonged to her, depicting the cottage.
Comment from Marilynne Connolly on Sunday, 29th April 2012.