Tilford, Bridge 1909

Photo ref: 61912

My mother and father taught at Sheephatch from 1947 to 1956. The figure on the right hand side of this photograph with her back to the camera looks distinctly like my mother, Elizabeth Davies. Could it be her?

I spent some happy times whilst a boarder at Sheephatch Camp School, Tilford. I was staying there in the very bad winter of 1947 when we were snowed in for several weeks. Had long walks in the snow to Crooksbury Hill, Frensham Ponds and the surrounding countryside. We were all non-the-worse for our experiences. Certainly didn't have the warm padded clothing of today but kept warm by the walking we did. Anyone else out there remember Sheephatch in the 'old' days?

In 1920 the Hawkins family came to Canada. My grandfather was Edward Hawkins, known in the family as Ted. He had been the head gardener at the Whitmead estate. He and my grandmother Clarissa, had 5 children. Robert Montague, who served as signaler in the great war in Salonika, Helen (also known as Nellie) who became my mother, Arthur, Nora, and the youngest Ada. Although I have travelled in England I ...see more

My mom and dad and sister lived in Tilford until 1954 when we immigrated to Canada, as my dad rejoined the army so we left to join him in Ottawa, Canada. We left my Nan and Gramps and uncle and aunt and many cousins and so many little friends that I had made. But 60 years later I have returned to see the same neighbour on one side and my dad's local still standing, looking wonderful, and the old bridge I used to ...see more