Nostalgic memories of Bretby's local history

Share your own memories of Bretby and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying all 5 Memories

In August 1956 I went to Bretby Hall as a Cadet nurse, in 1957 I became a student nurse but sadly had to leave in January 1958 because i developed Dermatitis .We spent so much time cleaning the wards, the trollies ,the sluice, ,we did not wear rubber gloves in those days just kept washing our hands,I am not surprised I developed dermatitis on my hands .The matron was so strict, the night sister ...see more
I was a patient at Bretby in 1961 and spent 3 months there having 2 operations My specialist was Mr Lund I didnt realise at the time but this man changed my life After I recovered I went on to lead a full life after struggling with Polio and the after effects I would be interested in anyone who was there at the same time There was a young scottish nurse called nurse cunningham I know sister Fields died of cancer I ...see more
My name is Brian Spray and I first saw Bretby Hall when I was 4 years old. I contracted Infantile Paralisis (Polio) in 1944 and was referred to see the lady doctor who practiced at Bretby, Dr Greason and Mr Lund. I spent 6 months on my first visit in 1948 and another 6 months in 1951. My next visit was in 1955, again 6 months. My last visit to stay was a year later in 1956, again another 6 months, in this stay I ...see more
Bretby was 'discovered' by my dad who liked to vary his route in Ashby to work at Burton Girls' Grammar School. Bretby is not exactly the-land-that-time-forgot, but it is a delightfully unspoilt oasis, despite its proximity to Burton-on-Trent. Rose Cottage was a dilapidated house in the middle of the village, near the Green. The house was originally the blacksmith's house, and it was next the old forge, which was a ...see more
I was nursing at Bretby from about 1951 for a couple of years.  Does anyone have any news of Jim Ruddock and Marie?  I lost touch a long time ago.  I believe they went to Canada. We used to have concerts in the Hall, we also had dances in one of the large rooms and there was a tennis court. So, a busy social life, but we had to work very hard too! Joyce