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My name is James Goodchild (born 1977). I gather my family branch goes back to Corfe Castle and Kimmeridge, Dorset. I’m in Bristol.
Hello Richard, there should be a way of adding an image to a comment. Otherwise send it to me as an attachment and i will add it to the Engine post. I think all pubs had pewter measures to ensure you were given a whole pint. Thanks Peter peter@ashwellmuseum.org.uk
I got an old victorian pewter pub mug from The Engine. Be happy to forward a pic if somebody knows how to load it on here.
It would appear that Mary Morice, wife to James Alexander Wood, died in 1880. Cf. https://www.flickr.com/photos/52219527@N00/4928569697
Hi great reading the two comments after my one. I would love to have copies of any photos you may have of my grand and great grandparents. Did Henry and Aunt Doll live in a big bungalow in South Woodford. I’m almost sure I can remember going round there with my grandad. How can I get in contact with you for any copies of photos. This is amazing.
With reference to Steve Milne text l may have some pics of your nan and grandad . Or Alb and Bet as they were known .
Just an update re Henry. I am David one of Dolls sons, Doll being Dolley one of Henrys daughters. He was quite estranged from his daughters in the end because of family history he also owned a lot of land in Clacton of which he sold to Billy Butlin. His grave has been desecrated by the church St Peters in the forest and the last time l visited there was a sign post where his grave was.
My grandad was Albert Edward Leverett and Henry was Grandads father. And Henry was my Mums (Janet Beatrice Leverett) Grandad. My grandad was my hero so if any one knows more please let me know
Thanks for this addition our records. We are starting work on WWII soldiers now to add to the stories. Do you have a picture of William that we could add to his record?
William was my Great grandfather, they were living in Breachwood Green in 1939, and William and Daisy had another daughter Maire in 1936. William moved to Breachwood Green to work for Captain Harrison on the Kings Walden Estate, my grandfather also worked for the Estate for a while as a painter and decorator. William is buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, Kings Walden. Daisy was born in Caxton, Cambridgeshire and died in 1991 age 100. My grandfather Harold served in the RAF during the Second World War with a Spitfire ground attack squadron of the 2nd Tactical Air Force that went to France and Belgium after D-Day, his brother Doug served in the Royal Navy
My goodness! This has stirred some memories. My family lived in Bygrave and Doctor John was our doctor in my early years. Then Doctor Fergus joined the practice. Their care was excellent. We left the area in 1975 but I still remember the old surgery and its small waiting room with great affection.
Peter I have no direct links to The Engine, my comments are hardly “Memories”, I was after all less than a year old. I do however remember sitting in my pushchair in the water at the centre of The Spring, and of being pushed in the pushchair from the village to Pembroke Farm, towards Slip End. I was told of a level of panic by the villagers for my safety when a V1 rocket flew over. Several years later the family attended the wedding of the Daughter of the farm at St Mary’s, and the later reception at The Three Tuns.
Thank you Keith for your memories. Did you have any special connection with the Engine?
My mother and I moved to Ashwell in 1944 to avoid the Nazi rocket raids of London during WW2. Apparently as a baby I was fed with large amounts of chocolate by the American airmen from the local bomber base who frequented The Engine. Father visited at the weekends. I was Christened in Ashwell Church in November 1944.
Would these Sheldrick’s be related?
John Ansell Sheldrick Born 29 Jun 1837 in Little Shelford, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom Son of James Sheldrick and Mary (Ansell) Sheldrick
Thank you Jayden for the connection. Have you got a picture of him in your family? We would love to have one for the website.
Arthur is my great great grandfather
Thank you Clifford for this correction. Our information is only as good as our sources and this is a very welcome addition.
The information you have documented re the children of Clifford and Lucy Harradine is incomplete as it omits another daughter – Eileen Mabel born 25th Jan 1923. Clifford John died in 1947 when Eileen Mabel Lynn (nee Harradine) was pregnant. I am Clifford John Lynn and am proud to carry my grandfather’s name, but am saddened that my brother, sister and I (along with our mother) are excluded from our rightful place in our family’s history! Lucy Harradine bore four daughters and one son! My uncle -Alexander John Harradine appointed me as executor of his will. Yours faithfully Clifford John Lynn
Thank you for this memory. It is just the thing we hope the website inspires.
Mary Redford was my dear cousin and I used to go and stay with her, Aunties Nell and Annie at their bungalow, West End, during my Luton High School holidays, WW2. I was put on the bus at Luton (changed buses at Hitchin) and I cannot describe the happiness I felt as the bus came over the hill and I could see the spire of the church appear. I enjoyed being spoilt by my Uncles and Aunts, and had the absolute ecstasy of being adopted as an “apprentice” in the carpenters’ shop, West End. No Health and Safety then! Because of the stern instructions I received then, I became a really competent DIY girl. Each summer, I was greeted back by the men “You back again, kid?” I also assisted Mary at the services canteen for soldiers. These were some of the happiest days of my life. I am 93 now, and I felt I must share these days whilst I am able.
Jean Janes, nee Bray Daughter of William Musson Bray
I am Olive’s nephew and I never knew this. Interesting stuff!!
Hello Mike, you may well be right in your researches and our records agree with your findings. However in the Attestation Paper for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force his birthdate is given as 2nd April 1887. This does seem the most likely to have been put down wrong and then become fact.
I think his birthdate cannot be in 1887. The GRO online index has: PACK, FRED GEORGE [BERRY] GRO Ref: 1885 q2 in ROYSTON vol 03A p438 And his marriage certificate (image available online) shows his age as 36 on 28 May 1921 (ie: born between 29 May 1884 and 28 May 1885). In the 1901 Census (31 Mar) he is lodging at 11 Weymouth Terrace, Shoreditch, London (RG13/283/6) aged 15 (ie: born between 1 Apr 1885 and 31 Mar 1886).
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