Maltby Memories

A Memory of Bubwith.

I lived in Bubwith from August 1949 until January 1961 when my family moved to York following the sale of the family grocery business.
The shop was located directly opposite the end of The Intake on the main village street and is now a whitewashed, family home.
The Maltby family had traded from this building for several generations. Strangely, in 1945 my father, Edward Maltby married Nora Whitaker who was the daughter of the family who ran another grocery store and which I believe is still trading.
I attended Bubwith County Primary School which was situated where the current delicatessen operates from. The headmaster was Mr Joe Robinson and the teachers at that time were Mrs Margaret Whitaker and Mrs Dorothy Foxton both of whom were my mother’s aunties.
My mother also had 2 sisters; Barbara and Doreen and a brother named Ernest. Barbara married Bill Horner and they may still be remembered by current residents. My father was an only child but his cousin, John Fowler still lives in the village to this day.
I have very happy memories of playing in the fields with my cousins Pauline and John Horner, of walks along the River Derwent which led to Dingle Dell which was, and probably still is, a popular courting spot for young couples - this is where I had my very first kiss all those years ago!
I still visit Bubwith regularly as both sets of grandparents and my elder brother are all buried in the churchyard, these being John (Jack) and Frances Maltby, Richard Maltby and Frank and Emma Whitaker. Thomas Edward Maltby, my great grandfather is also buried there together with many other relatives.
My younger brother, Stephen and my sister, Melanie were also born in the village.
Recently my half cousin
(Doreen Whitaker’s granddaughter) came across an embroidery with the name Mary Needham 1847 in the corner and we would love to know who this lady was if anyone in the village has knowledge.
Bubwith will always hold a place in my heart and my daughter, Lucy has vowed to continue tending to the graves when I am no longer around. I have lived in York for 61 years but Bubwith will always be my true home.