My Childhood

A Memory of Holmbury St Mary.

I was born to Victor Owen Colman Emmerson and Jean Florence Emmerson at the family home of Garden Cottage, Holmbury St Mary in September 1957. I have an older brother, John and a younger sister Diane who were also born there. My grandmother Catherine or 'Kit' was for many years housekeeper to Dorothea Flower who lived next door in Hurtwood Cottage. I have many memories of growing up in the village, attending Holmbury St Mary primary school, belonging first to the brownies and then the girl guides. Although I no longer have any family connections in the village there are still a number of family friends that still reside there. Some of my fondest memories are that of the special bonfire nights held near the village, the pyrotechniques of which were originally orchestrated by a Mr Bill Narroway. Garden Cottage is still very clear in my mind, being built on a raised bank directly opposite the rather grand house and grounds belonging to Lady Catto. It was, and still is a beautiful part of the country. As a young girl I can vividly remember being so much a part of this. My mother would describe me as always up a tree! Nature lessons were a big part of the school curriculum. Of the Post Office I recall it being owned by Godfrey Bullen and his wife Rosemary. They had two children Valerie and Stephen. I'm going to stop there because I could go on for hours - I may visit again with more memories.