Retford memories
Here are memories of Retford and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Retford or a Retford photo.
WW11 Leeds Evacuees.
I was one of so many 10 year olds that arrived in East Retford Sept 1939. I was so lucky to have been cared for by caring loving families in Retford for five years. The most happiest childhood memories of my life. I have cherished those memories for the the last 69 years. God Bless East Retford.
Remembrance Day
It was in the mid 50s that I went with my Grandmother to the Remembrance Day services held at the War Memorial. There were a group of WW1 veterans in a line and as a young child it was a surprise to me that they were crying. When I grew up and learnt what had been the horror of that war I understood.
My Grandmother had several cousins who died and whose names were on there. She pointed them out to me, but I do not remember them. In my mind's eye, I can see the scene. Remembrance Day remains an emotional time for me and I'm sure it goes back to those Sundays in November.
Remembrance Day
It was in the mid 50s that I went with my Grandmother to the Remembrance Day services held at the War Memorial. There were a group of WW1 veterans in a line and as a young child it was a surprise to me that they were crying. When I grew up and learnt what had been the horror of that war I understood.
My Grandmother had several cousins who died and whose names were on there. She pointed them out to me, but I do not remember them. In my mind's eye, I can see the scene. Remembrance Day remains an emotional time for me and I'm sure it goes back to those Sundays in November.
Nostalgic Memories
My family the Williamses lived at 57 Strawberry Road, Newtown, Retford from 1942 until we moved to Birmingham in 1956. Naturally I have great memories of the games we young children played in the street together, like marbles in the gutter, grass sod raids, bows and arrow fights, bowling hoops etc, and while I remember all these and more games we played I can't recall the names of the children we played them with and who were our friends, other than one Tony Bunion. If my name rings any bells, please get in touch if you would, my EM is: johnterrywilliams@googlemail.com Like most at this time period I went to Thrumpton Lane School then to Sir Freds, it would be good to hear from any old friends again. With kind thoughts, Terry Williams.
My Days at Sir Frederick Milner 1942 -45
The teachers were `Zorra` Hardy,`Percy` Noble, `Gunner` Meadows, `Musha`Pitt and Harry Firth. The Headmaster was Mr Hewitt. Ken Barkworth used to come home on leave from the army and take us for PT in the hall and I used to box him.
My class mates were Donald Backhouse, Donald Levick ,Frank Taylor, Gordon Blake, Bert Mellors and Frank Wilson. I played football for the school in goal.
The most famous pupil was Peter Jarvis who went on to swim for England in the Olympics. The Yarmouth evacuees came and started their own school and we used to go 9am.-till 11.0am and 1.0pm - 3.0pm and they went 11am-1.0pm and 3.0pm till 5.0pm.
I travelled from Woodbeck to Retford on Brumptons bus and during the 2hr. lunch break we played marbles - Holey.
Cliff Charlesworth (Now 76yrs.old)
Memories of Nottinghamshire
Evacuated Mums to be From London During The Blitz 1940
This is not a memory but if anyone has any information about the Eaton Hall Emergency Maternity Hospital, Eaton Road, East Retford, Notts, I would be very grateful to hear from them. My husband was born there in December 1940 and last year (2009) we managed to find it from the address on his birth certificate. It is now a Muslim boys' school and in the 1970s a teacher training college. I would welcome any information. Thanks
Emergency Maternity Home, Eaton Hall, Retford
I was very interested to see both Margaret's comments. I was born at Eaton Hall on 15th October 1944 when my mother was evacuated to Mansfield. I was born on a Sunday and as my mother was in heavy labour (and grunting and moaning a lot) she was 'told off' by one of the nurses and told to keep the noise down as Matron (whose office was below) did not like to be disturbed. Knowing my mother she would probably have given the nurse a rather rude retort. Has anyone any photographs of Eaton Hall as it was then? I'm compiling my family tree and would love to have some. Please get in touch to share memories. Regards, Carol
Eaton Hall
Hello all, just a note to say that I was born at Eaton Hall ijn May 1941. It is only a couple of years ago that I found it, now a school for what appears to be Asian boarders. Does anyone know anything about the history of the place? I have searched and can find nothing.
Shirtcliffe Family in Babworth
Some years ago I visited Babworth to search for any information about my ancestors the "Shirtcliffes" I was unsuccessful as it was a weekend and there were not many people about.
I know my ancestor William Shirtcliff/e married a Mary Turner in 1809 in the Babworth church, but nothing else is known about him. I would beinterested to hear of anyone who has information on how I can find out more.
My Younger Years
Hi all,
I spent a few years in Lound, then came to Canada. I have been back to my little village a few times - there are many changes now!
To anyone reading this - I would like to know what happened to the Burford family- they lived at the crossroads in the village, there were three girls and the one I would like to contact is Barbra. At the time I left for Canada and retired to live in Retford then married and returned to Canada. The Burfords may have moved to the north end of the village. We are going back to the mid 1960s!
My e-mail is fletchet@shaw.ca
Thanks,
Tony Fletcher.
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