Butchers Arms 1939 To 1955

A Memory of Oving.

William and Charlotte Steers, my great grandparents, became the landlords of The Butchers Arms in 1939 when they moved from Woolwich, SE London. Unfortunately William died in early 1940 and my grandparents, Edith and John William (known as Jack) Mortlock took over the licence. Edith was Charlottes’ daughter. Charlotte continued to live with her daughter and son-in-law along with Roy, Edith and Jacks’ younger son. Edith and Jack also had an older Son called John who was my father. I remember stories of the serviceman who were regular customers,many of them American, who enjoyed the hospitality of Edith and Jack. John married my mother, Betty in 1946 and I was born in one of the bedrooms of the Butchers Arms in 1948. I spent a lot of time during my first 7 years with my grandparents. I remember the big wooden settles and table by the fire: the flagstone floor:scullery with the mangle and butler sink: outside toilet and no bathroom: watching the dray men unloading the barrels of beer and the freedom of playing in the lane outside as a child without fear of traffic. Jack and Eddie left the pub in 1955 and moved to Bognor Regis and bought a small holding. I am so grateful to have such idyllic memories. My husband and I returned this weekend and the centre of the village has not changed at all. The Butchers Arms is now a beautiful home but it has retained its beauty.