Spring 2013
Well, I
think it is spring, though we are hard-pressed to tell. Here
in our corner of England we had a relatively mild winter and March soon
got out really bright and sunny. How deceptive because later in March
the temperatures plummeted and though we did not get more than a
sprinkling of snow here in Bagshot the temperature was freezing for an
extended period. I feel sorry for farmers, and their animals,
elsewhere in the country where sheep, particularly, were getting buried
in snow drifts and lambs dying from the cold. We heard from
friends who live in North Yorkshire and they were cut off with the snow
and their neighbouring farmer was having huge problems with lambing.
The weather has caused chaos with nature. As I write this on 11 April I have in my garden snowdrops, crocus, primrose and daffodils all in flower at the same time. Those who know more about these matters than me tell us that the wild birds are having problems feeding because the insects are late coming out and this could impact on their breeding and thus the number of young.
Our local WI (Womens' Institute) are celebrating their 90th anniversary. How else would they do it other than with a tea party in the Parish Hall where they have met since the hall was opened in 1925? The ladies were especially thrilled to welcome as their guest of honour HRH The Countess of Wessex.
Ann Roberson (nee Kircher)
wrote saying "Receiving Bagshot news has inspired me to get in touch
with people I knew in my teens. I recently met with a group of girls -
Erica Norman, Kathleen Brown, Molly Hughes, Susan Jones, Shelia Mears,
Rita Cooper, June Woods, Shirley Seager, Hilda Draper, Brenda Paris,
Pam Sleet and more (these are maiden names). We had such a good time
and plan to meet regularly. That has got me thinking further and wonder
if anyone knows of Peter Moss originally from Chobham, he went into the
Royal Navy. Its so nice to remember Bagshot in the old days
when it really was a village and everyone seemed to know everyone else,
the highlight of the week being the dance on a Friday night in St
Anne's Hall.
Were you in the 1st Bagshot Scouts?
1st Bagshot Scout Group are trying to contact as many former Scouts and leaders as they can. They want to create the 1st Bagshot Alumni and share news with past members and perhaps hear some of their stories. If you were involved with the group, or know someone who was, then please see www.bagshotscouts.org.uk
Our vicar, Rev David Chillman, was a contestant on the BBC1 TV quiz programme "Pointless" that was transmitted 5:15pm on Thursday 18 April. You can see the show on BBC iPlayer or a catch-up-tv service.
Additions to the website since the last newsletter include:
- Ian and Tevor add to the memories of Rosie Barrett
- Ian and Vernon both provide some answers to the question raised by Nigel about the connection between Penny Hill Park and sandpaper.
- Steve Parker adds to the memories of the Pantiles swimming pool,
- Sylvia Champion remembers milkman Peter Burrows
- Wendy & Catherine remember Miss Wardle, Wendy telling us that there were two Misses Wardle.
- Wendy has also replied to the query about Sunday School teacher Mrs Vince.
- Pat asks if anyone knows anything about Charlie Cooper who, in the 1950s, drove a taxi for Mr Chubb of Matthews Corner Garage, Windlesham.
- June has provided a photo of Bagshot Hall
- Peter remembers travelling with the Seltones
- Kim, the grand daughter of the founder of Parker's Garden Centre, has provided several contributions including Parker's history, Fortunas, Scouts, Bagshot Park, & Half Moon Street
- Catherine remembers St Anne's church, its choir, Sunday School and youth group from the 1970s
- Miles is trying to date a reference to a Bagshot school in the very early 1800's from a scrap of a flier for the school.
- Jan asks "Does anyone have any info on the history of the Cedars at Bagshot."
- Sonia recalls Bagshot in the 1950s, Johnson & Spooner's shoe shop and the former cinema
- Pat is trying to locate Humfrey's Farm
circa 1870, and also notes that in the 1841 census there is an address
of BLACK FORGE, NORTH OF WINDLESHAM, CHURCH ROAD and asks does anyone
know where this is or was. This was one of the many properties owned by
James Humfrey. Does anyone have Humfrey's in
their family tree?
Pat has also contributed memories of the Chobham Common POW camp. - Don has added to the memories of Fortuna's
- I have had several enquiries concerning cars belonging to the Duke of Connaught or his family. Meddy has written to say that her grandfather was driver and engineer to the Duke - but despite having got various memorabilia she cannot help with these specific enquiries.
With best wishes to you and those you hold dear.
Neil
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