Alton, The Castle c.1955

Photo ref: A285001

Hi everyone ..So sorry that I don't have any photographs to show you all at this stage. But, I was born on Kingsley Holt on the 19th of December 1942. My dad was Frank Rainsford and my mother, Marion Rainsford (nee James) My dad used to work at Boltons as a turner on a capstain lathe at Froghall.. My grandad ,James, built and lived in the Mount at the top left of Whiston Bank. My short term memory is now ...see more

I was born in Alton in 1945 went to St Johns Catholic School from 1950-61 and was taught by the nuns - I remember Sister Marie Theresa and Sister Peter. My dad's name was Fred and mum was Beattie. We use to shop at Byatts, bottom of high street and Co-op opposite, where my cousin Mary Watts worked. Just up from there was a shop ran by Miss Merley with the Police house opposite,Sergeant Gillman was there ...see more

This was always a special landmark to me. It fascinated me and I was very curious abou it and longed to look inside. I must have passed it most days whilst living in the village. The houses nearby were on the edge of an old quarry and I believe their back doors opened onto the quarry.

As soon as we moved to the village we became members of St. Peter's church and attended most Sundays. Mr. Powell was the vicar. I remember seeing the 8 bells outside the church before they were hoisted into the tower. After Mr. Powell left my dad used to read one of the lessons most Sundays when the lay reader Peter Fisher took the services. Mr. Vincent became vicar after Mr. Powell.