Dormansland, War Memorial And Church Of St John The Evangelist c.1965

Photo ref: D46019

My grandfather was the blacksmith in Dormansland so I have happy memories, such as watching him in the Forge, him taking me for a walk and picking primroses from the railway bank, also walking to Dormans Park. I also remember having to use a candle to go to bed as there was no electrity in the house and only gas lights downstairs. And I remember my grandmother, Maggie Skinner, ironing with a gas iron. I could go on...

I livedn and was bonn at 123 Hollowlane,D ormansland. Brother Andrew, mother Margaret, who was school teacher of Maths and Physics. My dad died when I was 10. His name was Arthur and he worked in East Grinstead and was also a Special Constable in Surrey. Mum emigrated with Andrew and I to New Zealand in 1971. I was in Dormansland with my ex-wife of 20 years and my two children in 2005/2006 on holiday. ...see more

My name is Don Davies, my sister Pam and I were evacuated to Dormansland, early in the war, to escape the anticipated bombing of Croydon, Surrey. We stayed with my uncle and aunt in the railway house at the station. My uncle was the general factotum of the station,from porter, ticket collector etc etc. Unfortunately I cannot remember his name. I have been completing some family history,and ...see more