Southwater, Holy Innocents Church c.1960

Photo ref: S798004

I was the owner of Southwater Bakery for 31 years from 1971--2003, at the start it was a very small village and I got to know most of the people in that time, now 83 and live near Worthing

My Grandfather was Frank Swabey, who lived at POND FARM SOUTHWATER . He ran his COAL business and Cattle/Live stock haulage company from there. It is now A housing estate with no sign of any of the old businesses. My Sister and I had many days of fun running around the gardens and yard, when I got older going out with my Uncle David who also lived in Southwater in his, Cattle lorry around the Farms. I had an ...see more

I lived in Cripplegate Lane (formerly known as Bottings Hill) for about 16 years. I went to Southwater County Primary School from 1957 till 1963 when I went off to The Forest Boys School in Horsham till 1967. My father worked (as many did in those days) at the Brickworks. Before 1961 the houses down our part of the lane backed onto Wiltshers Farm. Many a morning the cows had broken through the fence and were ...see more

My grandfather was Stanley Gardener and lived with his wife Rose at the Blacksmiths House, 11 Worthing Road. My mother, Joyce was born here, as were her sisters Marjorie and Peggy. The forge gradually turned into a garage, with tea rooms. All the girls went to Southwater village school and with the great help of the then, headmistress all went on to Horsham girls High school. Stan was usually 'father ...see more