Nostalgic memories of Haytor Vale's local history

Share your own memories of Haytor Vale and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 11 - 14 of 14 in total

Just wondering if anyone knows what happened to Pinchaford riding stables in Haytor? I seem to remember heading up to the Rock Hotel circa 1973/74/75 for a shandy! Some of the very best times... Ii remember Caroline (Scoular) and Emma (Ginnett) - fan of Beau Bob/Bandit/Apollo and Bright Eyes as well as (of course!) as Bob (RIP) & Rosie, Jane, Nicky, Polly and Simon and George.
I worked at Moorlands with Chef Freddie Davis, a Basque Chef, great man, brandy and a garlic clove before we started the day, had a pastry cook who drove an Austin Champ. I believe the manager was called Smith. Freddie gave me a Chefs recommendation to the Kitchens of the Dorchester, where i spent several great years under Chef Eugene Kauffman. Klinkenberg i seem to remember was the name of the stable owner, we used to ride down to his stables with the horses every night we could, great days.
This was always known as Rock Inn, Haytor when I visited. I got to know a few of the local families, most of which are long gone. Courtier, Clifton, Morrish, Middleweek, Ford to name but a few. The Rock Inn was always very popular in the summer, cars often parked more than half-way up Inverness Hill at Sunday lunchtime. There used to be a tennis court at the top of the garden opposite, never used as far as I know. I left Devon in 1975 and have never been back to The Rock Inn.
It was a Trust House Hotel when I worked there in the bar for a few years up to 1964. By that time it was very much larger than the photograph shows. The manager was Mr. Trew. It never made any money due to the short season. When it burnt down about 1967/8 it was left almost derelict for many years until purchased by a wealthy businessman from Torbay who restored part of it and ran it more or less as a hobby. ...see more