Early Thought Of Byfleet From The I.O.M.
A Memory of Byfleet.
I was born at 11, Church Road, Byfleet - the gardener's cottage, tied to 'Wey Barton', Mill Lane. That was then the residence of the Coles family, to whom my grandparents, Bert & Nellie Bird, were in service. We lived with them until 1949, when the 'Big House' and all was sold. Later, in the 60s or 70s, demolition followed, but the new development of houses retained the 'Wey Barton' name. Number 11 still remains, considerably modified now, as does the chauffeur's house, next door. The cottage was at one time (I believe), a two roomed schoolhouse. My task, as part of the 'service family', was to deliver the cream that was skimmed from the top of our milk (supplied by Mr Hird), for the Coles' breakfast. Accidents crossing the ditch occasionally deprived them of their morning offering, but it was more fun jumping the ditch than using the bridge. 'Wey Barton' was a magnificent house, with stables, a lake, ornamental and kitchen gardens, linked by a stream, and (my favourite) a boiler house. Its entrance was on Mill Lane, with the garden extending to the now Godley Road, which was then a farm entrance. Many large houses were to suffer the fate of Wey Barton - Wey Mead, Shrapnells, Grasmere & Wey Cot come to mind.
With the help of the Woking U.D. Council, we were relocated, along with my new sister, Lesley, to another number 11, this time in Rutson road, where my parents, Joan & Arthur, lived happily for the rest of their lives. I have the fondest memories of Byfleet and thank Frith's for this website where I have enjoyed reading the reminiscences Byfleet residents, many of whom I recall.
Bob Hunt
I.O.M
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My pony, Piccolo was in the field nearly opposite Wey Barton. I remember it being demolished. My friend Susan had lived there previously and we cycled to school together. There was a brick wall immediately opposite then a hedge and the'gate' to the pony field was a couple of old wrought iron railings joined together. The field ran down to the River Wey and the Splash where we used to play there sometimes. I spent many days riding out over the Green Bridge and across the common.
Did you know Rosemary Packer, or a boy called John with red hair who later joined the army who lived in your end of Church Road? I went out with John. At the other end of the road were John and Gillian Hawman who were friends.
I have sailed to the IOM and had a wonderful time there. pam1941