2010 comments

12th December, 2010

Arthur Mylam (Dick)

Remembering Eton Wick 1930s - Christmas at Grandma's

Christmas at Grandma's Grandma had four daughters Each married with three children. The summons went out to all Come to the parental home To celebrate at Christmas. What father laughingly called The gathering of the clan. Grandma's sitting room was large Known to all as the front room Only used on special days. Pictures of past relatives Decked with homemade paper chains Looked down with benevolence. Uncle red faced and merry Had early found the sherry. The children were crocodiled Across the road to chapel To sing favourite carols And hear the Christmas story. The sitting room now transformed With six foot trestle tables Covered with white bed linen Now laid ready for the feast Three chickens filled with stuffing By grandma, raised the year long Proudly graced the festive board Bowls of crisp roast potatoes Brussels sprouts and roast parsnips The large blue jug of gravy Would as by a miracle Return when the pudding came Brimming with yellow custard. Grandmother in white apron Called for the grace, which she led Then the merriment began Father carving the chicken Christmas pudding all aflame Seeking the silver sixpence. When the folk had had their fill The tables were put away We gathered around the tree To open the surprises So the happy day progressed Under the attentive gaze Of our loving Grandmama.

23rd November, 2010

Heidi Barrow

Searching for Benham / Maisey

My grandmother Eileen Aida Mills nee Maisey was born in a street just around the corner from the church in Eton Wick in 1929. I know not of any brothers or sisters though I suspect she may of had one or two (considering the times). I believe her mothers maiden name was Benham but I do not have any names or dates. Eileen was a bell ringer in Windsor somewhere and married my grandad, Robert Watkin Vaughan Mills at said church when she was in her 20's(??). Her ashes were interned to her mother and fathers grave at Eton Wick Church in 1998. That is all the information I know and would desperately like to know more. I would be most grateful for any information. If you can help with any information for Heidi, please get in touch using the email link at the top of the page.

15 November, 2010

Reg Willsher

The Prior Family

I have read with great interest the guestbook comments and in particular have found a request for information relating to the above from Michelle Hewett in Feb 2009. (There was also another in the guestbook referring to the address as a 1920s council house and mentioning the family but I have been unable to locate this again.) Anyway, I recall that during WW2, whilst my father Fred Willsher was serving in the Army, my mother had to sell our grocery shop known as Shakespeare Stores, in Alma Road, and after a few months of living with relatives in Leeds, we found "digs" at 3 South View, the home of Mrs Lou Prior, who lived with with daughter Daphne. An elder daughter Ruby was married to a Mr. Lane, and lived in Windsor Lane, Burnham, and had a daughter Wendy. My mother and I shared a double bed in a back bedroom, whilst a single room was occupied by a Land Army girl Doris Bentley whom I believed worked at Kinross's farm. Lou and Daphne shared a double bed in what would have been the dining room, and for part of the 3 years we were there, 2 RAF servicemen were also there and shared a double bed in the front bedroom......! They were based on the mixed military site at Dorney Common. Yes, although it was a large council house with one bathroom upstairs, and a second toilet downstairs, it was at times cramped, especially sharing the kitchen and pantry, and of course when my dad came home on leave from the Army, or Ruby and her family came over for tea - that was wartime...! Lou's elder sons George and I believe Guy (?) were in the Army, and had both attended Eton Porny School, as I did during the three years we lived at 3 South View. We all suffered from the Headmaster Mr. Frampton's frequent use of the cane, which I see has been mentioned elsewhere in this guestbook. I think it was in the mid 40's that with my Mum Olive we moved to a new prefab at 5 Bell Lane, and where my parents lived for many happy years. Whilst we lived at 3 South View, my mum used to organise dances held on Saturday nights in the Village Hall, and which the soldiers etc., from Dorney Camp attended. A five-piece band with a leader who played piano, and named "Hutch" were occasionally booked, or, more frequently, Vic Clymo from Dorney Reach, (who had a "radio business" and delivered to houses in Eton Wick charged up Accumulators which worked with rather large batteries to power radios) and he had a large heavy board with a posh speaker in the centre of it. On his "posh" gramophone, he would play top quality dance music by Victor Sylvester, Edmundo Ross and other radio broadcasting orchestras. A funny story emerged from this one evening, when the girls Daphne (Lou's daughter) and Land Army girl Doris Bentley who had been to the dance, failed to return well after midnight, Lou donned an old sheet and pretending she was a ghost and making appropriate "ghost-like noises", wandered round in the garden and along the bushes in Eton Wick Road, trying to "flush them out" with whichever soldier had walked them home...!!!

3rd November, 2010

Barbara Chapman nee Benham

Memories brought back by photo

I have loved navigating the site and have found mentions of my granddad Bert Benham and even a comment about my dad Douglas and his nickname of Brusher. I have almost forgotten little things. I certainly remember the Lynch family and have often wondered what happened to Monica who married an Italian and went with to live there. My family were involved with lots of things my uncle Earnie a runner for the local bookie, everyone knew him. Everyone knew the Benhams and I feel I know the village. Does any one remember jumping in the Thames off the Chinese Bridge?

2nd October 2010

Frank Bond

Richard Jordan (1939 - 2010)

The mid-1950's to 1960's produced many fine Youth Club members, none more so than Richard Jordan. He joined the club at the starting age of 14 in 1953, developing into an enthusiastic and outspoken member until at 18 years he was drafted into the Army for two years National Service. On returning, he soon became the village youth club leader. He married an Eton Wick lass, Carol Chamberlain, and with two young children went to Kaiapoi in New Zealand to set up home. His constant zest for involvement inevitably led to pursuing ideas in his new country including a track and a club for youngsters BMX cycle racing; saving an old dis-functionary wood bridge, and its renovation; and moving an old timber, disused rail station to an attractive riverside position a considerable distance away. Sadly in later years Richard had been ‘dogged' by failing health and eventually on September 25th 2010 his work was done and he died. In all that he has done he will surely live on in memories, and to his family we wish them love and condolences. This is a shortened version of Frank Bond's tribute to Richard Jordan. To read the full tribute, click here.

19th September, 2010

Russell Haggerty

Wheatbutts Cottage

I lived in Wheatbutts Cottage in the early fifties. My father was in the US air force. We moved in just after David Niven moved out (so we were told). I went to Eton Porny. At that time the 'cottage' had a nine acre orchard, a large garden in front and a nine room thatched cottage on the left from the front door. This was down a ways from the 'carriage house' also on the left. My father was a photographer and took many pictures of the cottage and grounds. Outside the fence in back was a bicycle path and a duck and swan pond. Beyond the pond was a small dairy farm. Imagine my surprise and disappointment to see what became of it all. This was a cherished memory for me. My bedroom looked out the front on the first floor and Windsor castle was on the horizon. I went with my mates over to the lock on the Thames and we opened and closed the lock gates for a thrupenny bit a time from the boaters.

13th September, 2010

Website administrator

Message for Graham Saunders

Graham, could you re-send your message about the Photographic History please? My reply to your email has been bounced back.

29th August, 2010

Susan Bussey (nee Graham)

Eton Wick - past and present

I moved to Broken Furlong in 1951 with my mother and grandmother and started E.W. school when there was only Miss Rooke and Mrs Miles. When the school started to grow I remember Mr White very well, he lived in the next road to me. Reading through the messages on Guestbook, several names I remembered i.e. Hazel Pygall, Ann Sable, Martin Deebank and his sister Christine etc. I now live in Oxfordshire but am regularly in Eton Wick at the Football & Social Club where I still see people who I knew and grew up with from those early days moving to Eton Wick. Anyone who rode at the Spanish Bit on Dorney Common may remember me as I worked there with Mr Simmons (the owner) and on his death managed it for Harry Woodley.

21st July, 2010

Jocelyn Baldwin

Trotter/Trotman family history query

My ancestors came from Eton Wick and Windsor. Could you please tell me if the picture of the drummer is the uniform of the Eton Wick drum & Fyfe band about 1880. My great grandfather was a member. He was also in the Eton choir and the 1st Bucks rifle volunteers when he immigrated to Queensland in 1889. His name was Robert Trotter and his wife was Alice Kate Trotman. He was a carpenter in Windsor. I have photos of the area about this time and the references he was given when he immigrated. I would appreciate any information you could give me. The second photo is also of either a Trotman or Trotter and I would like to know if you recognise the uniform. If you can help with Jocelyn's enquiry, or have any other information about the Trotters or Trotmans, please get in touch using the link at the top of the page, and we will forward your reply to her.

17th July, 2010

Bob Moss

Mrs Jane Moss

This is just to let those who remember her know that my mother Jane Moss passed away on May 11th 2010 at the age of 89. She did some teaching at EW school, though obviously former pupils are more likely to remember Dad, who was headmaster for 21 years (1955-1976). Mum had become increasingly frail this year as her heart was wearing out but she retained her mental faculties right to the end; a few days before she died she asked me for help with "The Times" cryptic crossword and when I looked there was just one clue left unsolved! She is buried together with Dad in the village churchyard in Acton Turville (South Glos).

11th July, 2010

George Tarrant

(Sgt) Samuel Dyas

George Tarrant is looking for any information on Samuel Dyas, b.1824 in Ireland, d. 1912 in Slough. Samuel was described as an Army Pensioner in the 1891 census, and he and his wife were known to have fostered several children while living in Slough, at least some of the time in Pressfield Place. When Samuel died, his funeral cortege was headed through the streets by the Slough Town Band, and the chairman of Slough Urban District Council attended, so he was obviously a well respected local man. If you can help with any further information about Samuel Dyas or his family, please get in touch using the link at the top of the page, and we'll forward your email to George Tarrant.

26th June, 2010

Viv Williams

Youth Club Tramps Dance early 1950s

Top row from left: Bill Swain; Geoffrey (Padlock) Pardoe; [not known]; Viv Williams; Trevor Botsford; [not known]; Robert Buster Irvin Bottom row from left: Ian Lewis; [not known]; Paddy Kavanagh; Terry O'Flaherty; Tony Flowers Front lying down: Joe Beckett? If you can name any of the other 'tramps', please send a message using the link at the top of the page.

23rd June, 2010

Roger Paintin

Memories

Seeing all these messages and recalling the methodist sunday school, eton wick school,five a side football and wicko carnival - its fantastic. Does anyone know what happened to Simon Tweddle, Clive Brooks, Jillian Bowyer, Denise Fogarty,Yvonne Farrell and anyone else from the 1964 to 1969 days? If you would like to get in touch with Roger, please send a message using the link at the top of the page and we will forward it on to him.

5th June, 2010

Peter Dowell

Memories

Hello,I lived in Eton Wick from 1969-1980. I attended Eton Wick primary school under the headmaster Mr.Moss. I remember all my teachers especially Mr.NASH and Mr.MCARG. And cold swimming lessons. I worked for the great Frank Bond who taught me many things that I still use today. I used to wash Jack Knights car to earn a little extra money money each week. I sang in the choir and was an alter boy. I was a member of the boy scouts and used to play in the regular Easter Monday football competition. I lived in Cornwall close and often played in the streets with the other kids. Nick Lipscombe and Simpson. Anybody remember me,and my brother Chris Dowell. Very very happy times. The age of innocence and freedom. Does it still exist in The Wick? If you would like to get in touch with Peter, please send a message using the link at the top of the page and we will forward it on to him.

19th May, 2010

Eton Wick History Group

In memory of John Fennel

It is with sadness that we heard of the death of John Fennel who passed away on May 11th 2010. John was employed by Bob Bond the civil works contractor, but is perhaps best remembered for his dedication to Scouting. With his wife Margaret, both are remembered for their service to the Eton Wick Cubs and Scouts to which they became in 1952, Akela and Cub Master. John, as Area District Commissioner, was in 1964 awarded the Gold Medal of Merit for outstanding service to Scouting. Memories abound of John’s enthusiasm for Scout Fetes, Remembrance parades, collecting waste paper to raise monies to send Scouts to World Jamborees, organising camping trips and his fatherly care and advice to the young Cubs. A stalwart to local and county scouting. He was also a committee member of the Eton Wick History Group.

26th April, 2010

Sharon Pickles (nee - Collins)

Bill (William Ronald) Copson

My Grandpa lived at 16 Northfield Road he sadly passed away in 1981 and i have never been back since but i will one day with my daughter to show her the beauty of Eton Wick and the memories i have of spending all my school holidays there... Going down to river to fish all day, helping my Grandpa on his allotment with Fred from next door and mucking out at the stables across from allotments!! My Grandpa moved to Eton Wick after i believe he married Margaret who was an adopted daughter of Fred Summers? Sorry i cant remember exactly.. My Grandpa owned The Christopher Courage (at that time) in which i was born in 1966..My Grandma Margaret Copson passed away in 1968 and i used to visit her grave at the church yard nearest to Eton but still on Eton Wick road? I dont know the name of the church but it was small and she was buried on right hand side towards the wall... I just wanted to ask if anyone remembers my Grandpa as he was such a funny man and taught me so much.. I had a life travelling with my parents as my father was in the army.. Thank you so much for your time and for reading all the fantastic memories of Eton Wick. If you have memories of Sharon's Grandpa, Bill Copson, please get in touch using the link at the top of the page and we will forward your message to her.

17th April, 2010

Ken A Evans

1960 - 1967

I lived in Slough & 1960 being just married to A Maureen Cryer from Langley. We moved to Eton Wick, in to new homes cornwall close. We had two children there. It was handy for the trading estate, throe the track past the sewage farm on a cycle. I often walked our dog over to the river & taken the children to the park for swings & slide. We left 1967 to go to Crowthorne lots of things have changed since then. Got divorced, remarried Shiona who past away 2005. If we had stayed @ Eton Wick i think things would have been better, I liked it there a lot. Ken

30th March, 2010

Ann Ward nee Sable

Memories of Eton Wick

I was sent a copy of Dick Mylam's poem [see 17 December 2009] by a friend who lives in Eton. Dick is my uncle. My mother's older brother. My mum was Lilian Sable nee Mylam. I was born in the house at 71 Colenorton Crescent which Dick mentions in the poem. Although I now live in Wakefield West Yorkshire I still have very strong feelings about Eton Wick as being my roots. I married Malcolm Ward (who used to work for Frank Bond) at St John the baptist in Sept 1977 and we had our reception in the village hall. Happy days. Was pleased to see some comments from members of the Paintin family. My Grandmother Violet was a Paintin, Gordon is Dick, my mother Lilian and their younger brother Andrew's cousin. I remember Roger and Jennifer from when we were all growing up. Although I lived in Broken Furlong I went to Sunday school at the methodist chapel and had Sundays at nan's in Colenorton Crescent.

10th January, 2010

Hilary Cruze nee Eyles

Chamberlain Family

The message from Louise Chamberlain/Gumm [see 27 September 2008] brought back memories as I was only looking at a picture of her grandad taken with my dad his cousin the day they joined the RAF. They didnt see each other again till war ended. Have fond memories of Aunt Betty and Uncle Jim and the twins.

1st January, 2010

Doreen Ridden

Memoir of Annie Tough

Whilst searching for some family information regarding my grandmother Lilian Bailey (nee Moore) in the "Tough Assignment" a history of the Eton Wick Methodist Chapel 1886 - 1986 I noticed a paragraph that talks about Annie Tough's memoirs. Is there anyone who either has a copy of who might know where I could get one, so that we have a better insight into her life. She was my grandmother's sister and both of them had John William Moore as their father. I know that there are a few people on the site who are also related to John Moore who have already contacted me, so if they have anything on Annie's memoirs could they get in touch. I am also keen to find any photos of the family as we have limited pictures. Kind regards to everyone at the History group and a Happy New Year to you all. If you can help with information about Annie Tough's memoirs, please get in touch using the link at the top of the page and we will forward your message to Doreen Ridden.