Polegate, The Horse And Groom c.1970

Photo ref: P259023

The crossing photo was taken later than 1965 as we used to drive my grandfathers cattle through Polegate High Sreet early in the morning from New Barn Farm, Sayerlands to graze on land at the Black Path throughout the 1960's. At that time the old swing shut type gates were fitted which preventing the cattle going on to the railway line. My fathers family owned a newsagent/off licence business at Millfield, ...see more

I too remember these gardens as a small child in the 1950s. I loved the wallabies, and my special treat was the water otter. How I laughed - there was a pen with a small pond. There was a chain that hung over the pond, and a notice that said to see the water otter, please pull the chain.....when said chain was pulled, the water otter appeared! It was a rusty old kettle full of holes - hence the name water 'otter (we loved to drop our "h"s !!

I worked at Wannock Tea Gardens during the school holidays. I remember all the slices of Bread we had to butter and I still make sure that it reaches out to each corner. We really had to work hard carrying heavy crockery to the many out-building where the parties were fed. I remember that all the workers would sit down after the gardens closed and clear up the food - and how much us youngest looked forward to ...see more

My friends and I are intrigued with how this restaurant got it's name. There are a few stories being told but none feel quite right. I am guessing it was some kind of April Fool, can anyone help please?