Outwell, Church Bridge c.1965

Photo ref: O79011

My mother, Maude Doyle was billeted at a farm in Outwell while stationed at searchlight battery at Sutton Bridge that served as RAF base. Fighter aircraft used the gun butts there to adjust their cone of fire I understand. The farmer's name was Wiles and he and his wife had a son and lived in a tiny cottage and I think they only had room available for one billet. While returning from a dance in Wisbech during the ...see more

The shop on the left was, from 1900 to 1950, a sweet shop and newsagents. First owned by Fennel and Means, two single ladies. Then the Coxs bought it and moved the shop across the road to the right of the picture. Then it was a barber's shop, violin maker's shop and now it's owned by an Eel Catcher and Willow merchant. The terrace was built in 1774.

My great great grandfather, Fred Mason was born in Outwell, Norfolk around 1859, he had a brother, john Thomas. It is believed that the family ran/owned a laundrette business. In 1880 he married Jane Ann Yates from Rostherne Village, Altrincham, cheshire. Why he and his brother moved to cheshire is unknown. still looking for any information. geoff mason