Downderry, Cave Dwellers 1901

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I lived in Downderry until I was 27. I was friends with Helen Blake whose family ran the PO when we were children, sadly after the loss of her mother we lost touch. I would love to contact her again. My family (Hill) were potato merchants and owned the Eddystone Country Club. Apparently my great uncle Fred Mitchell was a coal merchant there. I have no info about him, but remember Auntie Hilda Mitchell who lived ...see more

Does anyone in Downderry remember the village postman Tom Neal. Tom was born in West Bromwich in 1874, moved to Downderry during WW1 and I believe died in 1955 aged 81. He used to ride on his donkey (Jenny) & trap, delivering the mail. Ask your parents or your grandparents. He used to live in a small cottage in Bottlegate / Buddle Gate. This is the little ...see more

My Grandfather, a former Police Sergeant, lived in Downderry and we lived there for periods in my childhood. I believe I recall Carolyn Blake, who writes one of the memories on this site. I certainly recall a Carolyn whose father, I think, was post master. I, too, was one of the boys who spent many hours out 'lobstering' with Billy Hocking or out 'drifting' on his boat, the Ella. Billy has an enormous influence ...see more

I, Helen Blake and my sister Carolyn moved with our parents Eileen and Arthur Blake to South Hill Cottages, next door to what was then the Post Office in Downderry run by Mrs Harris. Mrs Harris retired and the post office moved to our front room and my mother became the post mistress. My aunt, Kitty Sims was the post lady for many years having served an apprenticeship as the petrol pump lady at the garage that ...see more