Rougham memories
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Memories of Norfolk
The Swan
My late mother, Beryl Smith (nee Thompson) grew up in The Swan, as her parents, Edmund and Leah, were the publicans. (My mother was born in 1924 in Tittleshall, but the family moved to Great Massingham and The Swan while she was still very small). She and her sister, Lorna, lived at The Swan until they each married during the second world war. (My mother married a Canadian army Captain, David Smith, and moved to Canada in 1946). They had some animals and vegetable garden, as well as a landing strip in the back yard!!! My grandfather, Edmund, died in March of 1945 as I recall, and I imagine Leah sold The Swan not too long after. She bought Rose Cottage on Station Road, her sister, Doris, bought Eastgate. My mother went "home" to England on an annual basis. The last time I was in The Swan was in the late 1970's, and it was still being operated as a pub. ... Read more
Great Massingham Crown Brass Band
Hello,
My grandfather was George Frederick Fish, bandmaster to Great Massingham Crown Brass Band. I would dearly love to learn more about both him and the band. Does anyone have any information about them? I believe they once played at Sandringham at Christmas after the king heard them playing in Kings Lynn (I think). I am told that the king was also struck by their uniforms which my grandfather, a tailor, had made for all the bandsmen.
CHILDHOOD
I moved with my parents from Great Dunham in 1935 when I was 2 years old to no 12 which was demolished long since. We had no electricity or running water, just a well in the back garden. I went to the local school when I was 5, Miss Pogson was the head teacher, she was ruthless, today she would be kicked out. She persevered with me and got me through the 11 + to go to Swaffham Grammar School. I lived in the same house until I was conscripted into the RAF at 18.
My Ancestors
My great grandfather John Robert Leaman was school master at Castle Acre school - his wife (my great grandmother) was Elizabeth Jane Leaman (nee Ellis). I have visited Castleacre recently and found the village such a beautiful, interesting idyllic place to be. If anyone knows or has any history of this time I would love to hear about them. The time my great grandfather was school master the doctor was Dr Love and the vicar Rev Bloom. I also understand the village school may be closing soon - I would love to have the opportunity to look at the school records where my great grandfather made his diary entries. My grandfather Ellis, my great aunt Jane and siblings were born in Castleacre - any news would be gratefully received.
Evacuation From London to Harpley
I remember Harpley as a four-year-old, when it had no running water, electricity or gas. I was evacuated there when first born, in 1939 during the war years and stayed in a cottage opposite to the village pub. At that time we had to cross the road to draw drinking water from the well. Washing and bathing water was supplied by rainwater tanks kept at the back of the cottage. There was a large bungalow bath hung on the side of the cottage which was used by the adults for bath days. The couple who looked after us used to place every receptacle possible on top of the stove to heat the water for the bath. Washing clothes was a considerable chore, and always carried out on a Monday. I remember that once washed they were put through a mangle and then hung up to dry if the weather permitted. Ironing was carried out by using flat irons heated on top of the wood/coal-burning stove, and when hot, fitted with... Read more
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- Frodsham, Cheshire
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- Padgate, Cheshire
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- Milton Abbot, Devon
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- Penrhiwceiber, Mid Glamorgan
- Lowestoft, Suffolk
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- Plumstead, Norfolk
- Glossop, Derbyshire
- New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire
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