Turners Hill, Corner Shop And Chapel c.1965

Photo ref: T248044

My memory of Turners Hill goes back 60 years, to 1955, when our scout troop camped across the road from Worth Priory. We were the 53rd Croydon (St Gertrude's) Troop. I recall we were given the run of the woods in the priory grounds for wide games. But on one occasion the troop set out on a hike to the village of Turners Hill. My memory recalls a sleepy little Sussex village with hardly a soul about ...see more

I was one of many children evacuated from Balham, London to Turners Hill on 3rd Sept 1939. My first billet was 106 Lion Lane, which at that time was the village sweetshop. How lucky was that. It was owned by Mr & Mrs Terry. They were very kind, but a bit surprised to have two 10 year olds to look after. Unfortunately, Mr Terry suffered bad health, so in June 1940 I moved to the Brackpools residence at ...see more

My father was landlord of the Crown from 1958 until 1984. He was previously manager of the Beachy Head Hotel which he managed on behalf of his mother. When he took over the hotel on the 13th January 1958 it was snowing and he hardly had any customers due to the weather. He slowly built up trade and was one of the first pub grub hotels in the south of England, specialising in Ham and Eggs and even received letters addressed to The Ham and Egg pub Sussex.

My paternal great-grandparents used to live in 4 Mantlemass Cottages and I can remember my grand-parents taking me there quite often. I have vivid memories of sitting around the Aga and looking look up the chimney and seeing the sky. I also often used to go across the road to see other relations called the Milhams as the wife Madge was a relative on the Baker side of my family.