Memories of Datchet
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 Datchet, High Street c1945 (ref: D9056) |
1947 floods.
Born in 1944 at no 2, Waterworks Cottages (later 123, Slough Road) on the corner of Castle Avenue. I have vivid memories of the floods, though only three at the time: Mother, Father, Sister and Self were confined to the (very small) upstairs for many weeks, as when the water subsided, downstairs was of course thick with mud and assorted unsavoury objects! (no main drainage in those days). Mother had only a single gas ring upon which to cook, washing facilities were rudimentary, and toilet facilities consisted of one Elsan bucket! Supplies were delivered mainly by ex-army DUKW amphibious vehicles, with Village Bobby P.C. Burr in charge, and well I remember him shouting at me to stand away from the window, and, having failed to do so, being struck between the eyes by a then very substantial Mars bar which he had launched with Constabulary zeal! The R.A.F. came around with huge hangar heaters in an attempt to dry out downstairs, but of course everything had to be thrown out, and how my parents managed to replace furniture etc, I never discovered, as they were far from well off. Tough times, and at a point not even halfway through the awful period of austerity and rationing which lasted for 10 years after V.E. Day. And if you tried to tell youngsters today...... Incidentally, fond memories of Fred Holliday, Headmaster of St. Mary's C of E school, where pupils and staff alike were ruled with a rod of iron, ( at least, that's what it felt like!) and with whom I had the pleasure of many a pint in the Morning Star, before he was tragically killed in a car crash, as indeed was the Vicar whose name escapes me, and of course, poor Albert Stevens the milkman: sorry, I could go on for ever: my very best wishes to all natives of the village, if there are any left. Last edited: 03/03/2008 10:43 by Bob (alan) Stannett |
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Datchet, High Street c1945 (ref: D9056) |
Year: 1947
Datchet under water 1947
1947 was the year that my parents, my sister and I moved to Datchet and the shops in this photo, taken 2 years before, are so familiar, even now. Not long after having moved here, the snow which had lain thickly on the ground for many weeks, began to thaw. The Thames eventually broke its banks, due to the volume of water now finding its way from further up river and the whole of the village green was under water. Our house, very fortunately, was not flooded but I can remember my parents taking up carpets and moving furniture upstairs (just in case) Also coming down to the water's edge by the International Stores and waiting for punts bringing food etc. across the water and the people trading from their boats. As no buses could get through to take us to school we had to be picked up by lorry and taken to the main road in Langley to pick up a bus for the rest of our journey (and not a safety belt in sight!!!!!!!!!!) Fond memories indeed-we were young then and not a care in the world. (from Anne Diamond - nee McCallum) Posted: 07/11/2007 15:46 by Anne Diamond |
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