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Church Gresley

Church Gresley photos (1 available)

Old photo of Church Gresley

Church Gresley maps (2 available)

Old map of Church Gresley

Church Gresley books (11 available)

Church Gresley memories

Airplane Crash in Church Gresley

I was only a toddler when a light plane landed in the cricket field beyond the allotments at the bottom of Regent Street. Everybody around dashed down to see the spectacle. Few had seen an aeroplane actually on the ground. It was common to run outside to see one actually in the air. (This was before W.W. II, when it was possible to count dozens or estimate up to a hundred or more.)
The pilot was a lady, and she had apparently lost her bearings. Eventually she decided to carry on her journey, but to take off in such a short space would have been a challenge to the best of pilots. She became airborne, but didn't get beyond the local ...read more here
Contributed by Brian Venning

Derbyshire memories

Airplane Crash in Church Gresley

I was only a toddler when a light plane landed in the cricket field beyond the allotments at the bottom of Regent Street. Everybody around dashed down to see the spectacle. Few had seen an aeroplane actually on the ground. It was common to run outside to see one actually in the air. (This was before W.W. II, when it was possible to count dozens or estimate up to a hundred or more.)
The pilot was a lady, and she had apparently lost her bearings. Eventually she decided to carry on her journey, but to take off in such a short space would have been a challenge to the best of pilots. She became airborne, but didn't get beyond the local ...read more here
A memory of Church Gresley contributed by Brian Venning

My First Hitch-hike

Swadlincote, Park Gates c1955

If my memory serves me correctly, this park was named "Eureka Park" and was situated by "Eureka Road". We would pass here when walking from Church Gresley to "Midway Grandma's " in Sandcliff Road. or further afield to "The Old Mill" on the road to Repton.
During the war myself and four other kids, walking back after a visit to the "Old Mill" heard a car approaching (At that time cars were not very common along country roads. ) so we decided to use our thumbs as the car went by. (We knew that servicemen used this mode of travel, when going on leave. ) I think we were all amazed when the car actually stopped and the driver invited ...read more here
A memory of Swadlincote contributed by Brian Venning

FRIENDS

Repton, the Arch, Repton School c1955

I j oined the Navy in 1947 along with one Ginger Cooper,who came from Repton.
On visits to his home during leaves his family were very good to me,[ food and
things]. His Dad worked at the School.
Ginger claimed the Drum Major of the school band could toss the Mace over
the Arch and catch it on the other side!
A memory of Repton contributed by william scriven

Extracts From Church Gresley & Derbyshire books

Upper Langwith, the Church c1955

The simple little 13th-century parish church of the Holy Cross at Upper Langwith, east of Bolsover and close to the border of Nottinghamshire, may not have a tower, but it is nevertheless a gem of Perpendicular architecture. Note the pinnacled south porch and long lancet window, just visible at the west end.
An extract from from"Derbyshire Living Memories".

Hartington, the Pond c1960

A family pose with their fine-looking pony by the village pond, or mere, at Hartington. The mere was an important place for many villages on the fast-draining White Peak plateau, and was one of the few places where stock could be led for drinking water.
An extract from from"Derbyshire Living Memories".

Belper, Long Row c1955

The terraced houses and cobbled street of Long Row at Belper is one of the many legacies left by Jedediah Strutt who, with Richard Arkwright, brought industry to the town in the late 18th century. The houses on the right of the street date from about this time, and were provided by Strutt for his workers at the nearby cotton mills, powered by the River Derwent.
An extract from from"Derbyshire Living Memories".

Bretby, the Hall c1955

Bretby Park, seen here on its hilltop site across the lake in the 600-acre park, was built between 1812-13 by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville in a castellated, mock-Gothic style. It replaced the Earl of Chesterfield’s 17th- century building, designed by Inigo Jones, which was demolished in the 18th century. The building is now a hospital.
An extract from from"Derbyshire Living Memories".

Duffield, the Bridge c1950

Motorists speeding through Duffield on the A6 miss this view of the fine buttressed bridge across the River Ecclesbourne. Duffield was an important place in medieval times, and the A6 passes by the foot of the tree-covered Castle Mound, the motte of what was once one of the most formidable Norman castles in England.
An extract from from"Derbyshire Living Memories".