Surley Row, Caversham

On the 2nd May 1942 I was born at The Grove, 75 Surley Row U.LD Caversham. My home was in south east London but my mother had been moved out of London for the birth.

Question: on my birth certificate, in the address, is "U.LD" what is this?

Question: North of the river seems to be Oxfordshire, in May 1942 which county was Caversham in?

With thanks, Terry
Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada

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18 January 2007

Response

I came across your enquiry whilst researching on the internet, doing my own genealogy.

I am afraid I don't know what U.LD means, but I used to go to school at The Grove, 75 Surley Row Emmer Green, and lived just down the road from there from 1951 to '69. Even I didn't know that the school was used as a maternity home during war years. However, I have found this very interesting website that I am sure you will be interested in, since there is information, about The Grove being a maternity home early in the war years. Also there are some great pictures of what it was like then.

Today the old buildings still stand, but have been added to, and made into a large comprehensive school. Sadly I no longer live in Reading , but in Devon UK , so I cannot provide you with any more info.

Here is a link to the website for the pictures and information on the Grove.

I am not a member of the Berkshire historical Association, but just an avid genealogist.

Best regards,

Dawn Lynes

Response

I have just come across your entry- I too was born at the Grove in Surley road and my mother was moved there for the birth - mine was 29th August,1941. This was in Berkshire at the time and still is. my sister was put in a childrens home at Emmer Green which was close by for the duration.

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Milne Family, Lambourne

I am researching my family history and wonder if any of your members have any knowledge of the Milne family who lived in Lambourne in the mid 1800s.
My great grandfather, Robert Milne, was a gardener who came from Aboyne and may have previously been a gardener at Balmoral. He was married to Lucy Louisa and they had a daughter Minnie, sons Robert, John and William and also my grandmother, Mary Emma, in the 1860s. They subsequently moved to Cheshire where he became head gardener for Lord Delamere at Vale Royal.

I would appreciate any help in tracing them.
Thank you, Jane Kingsbury.

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24 January 2007

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Alfred Watts, Binfield

My gg-grandfather Alfred Watts was the licensee of the Royal Standard public house in Binfield in 1882. He was a plasterer in Middlesex prior to this. I should like to know whether he had any relations living in the area at that time,or any ideas as to why he left London for Berkshire.
I would very much appreciate any help.

Betty Crisp

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27 January 2007

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Benham Park, Marsh Benham

I am researching Benham Park in Marsh Benham and was trying to find a sketch and information on the original marble housing for the monument to the Margrave of Anspach circa 1806 - 10. The monument is now in the church at Speen and the housing has been destroyed, although when it existed it was visited by travelers on the London to Bath Road.

Roy Houston

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28 January 2007

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Head Family, Chilton

Any information regarding the Head family of Chilton village (south of Wantage) from the 16th & 17th centuries. My ancestor was Adam Head, Gentleman land owner (manorial??) born approx 1580, his family remained in the area for many years after this date. Any information or advice gratefully received.

Andy Head

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28 January 2007

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Edgbarrow Woods

I am trying to find out who was responsible for construction of the features which appear in Edgbarrow Woods (between Sandhurst and Crowthorne) and for what purpose they were constructed. The features in question are the rectangular, brick-built structure (now demolished) which surmounted Edgbarrow hill, the large carter in the side of Edgbarrow Hill and the deep trench, which ran the length of the woods and was crossed by a bridge.

Justin Moule

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30 January 2007

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Butler Pub, Chatham Street

I am currently looking into the history of the Butler Pub in Chatham Street , Reading . I am particularly interested in any history known whilst it was Butler and Sons Brewery. If anyone knows any history on the place please let me know as the pub is due a refurbishment and when it reopens the landlady would like to have a complete history shown on the walls. Thanks

Angie Booth

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31 January 2007

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Scott's Emulsion advertising sign

Does anyone have any information on the Scott's Emulsion advertising sign on the side of a building to the left of the railway line as Trains from London entered or left Reading station? It appeared to be made of ceramic tiling and depicted a fisherman with a large cod fish over his shoulder. Is it still there and what was the building on which it was sited?

Mr Whitson

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31 January 2007

Response

The mosaic was on the side of a facory built around 1890, the site was redeveloped in I think mid 1970 and the mosaic taken off thebuilding and mounted on a concrete plinth re-erected facing the railway. The site was sold to a plastics manufacturere circa 1986/7 - not sure what happened to the mosaic

Robert Lea

Response

The mosaic was on the side of a factory building situated on the south side of the railway line between Southall and Hayes (but in Southall). When the factory was demolished many years ago the mosaic was installed on a free-standing plinth in front of a new building and still visible (as far as I'm aware) from the passing trains.

Gerry Lewis

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St. Georges Church, Reading

Do any of the parts of the church hall buildings to the north of St Georges church, West Reading pre-date the church itself?

David Williams

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31 January 2007

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Highgrove, Swallowfield

I am researching family history. I wonder if anyone can help locate Highgrove in Swallowfields. It is where one of our ancestors George A Joyce lived and later died there in 1941. His daughter also lived in the area her name was Edith May Denton, also can I ask if anyone has heard of Smear pots believe it could be an old quarry workings with a whirl pool this was around early 1950s.
Any help would be appreciated.

D Orchard

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31 January 2007

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Elm Tree House, Shrivenham

I'm looking for information on who lived at Elm Tree House, Shrivenham in 1887. I'm researching an artist, Rose Maynard Barton, who gave Elm Tree House as her address in 1887 and am trying to find her connection with this house. I'd really appreciate any help with this.

Niamh O'Sullivan

Response

I am curious to know how you got on with your quest! We now live at Elm Tree House and we only have deeds going back to 1917 - but I do know that the Barrington Family - Lord Barrington owned the house and it was probably let out.

Diana Crockett

Response

I grew up in Elm Tree House, Shrivenham and it remains in my family - my parents live there. We have the full deeds of the house. I believe it was part of the Barrington Estate until about 1900, where it was bought by a doctor, who sold it to another doctor who sold it to another doctor who sold it to my father (a doctor), hence the village people call it "the Doctor's house". I will ask my parents about your question and see if they can help you, I am a historian and have taken an interest in the house (which really is very fine), but the name does not, Im afraid ring any bells.

Thomas Crockett

 

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1 February 2007

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Base-Ball in Berkshire

I am an American sports historian looking for information about the little known game of "base-ball" that was practiced in Berkshire 200 years ago.

This pastime was the ancestor of the modern games of rounders and American baseball. I am focusing on Berkshire because several of the earliest mentions of the English game of base-ball have associations there. John Newbery, the children's publisher and the first to use the term "base-ball", spent his youth in Reading . Another example is the novelist Mary Russell Mitford who spent much of her life near Reading and mentioned base-ball numerous times in her works. I'd be grateful for information about this old pastime, or suggestions of local archives that might be most suited for my research. Thank you.

David Block

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1 February 2007

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St. James Chuch, Ruscombe

I am interested in any old maps showing St. James Chuch, Ruscombe and its surrounding area. Can anyone help please.

Trevor Pope

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6 February 2007

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POW Camp, Shrivenham

Was there a POW Camp for Axis Forces near Shrivenham in 1945-46? My research indicates that it was referred to as "V. C. #1" Any idea as to what the V. C. meant?

Richard V. Horrell

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10 February 2007

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The Jack of Newbury

I am researching my family the Deemings and found that one daughter married a Thomas Fennell in Marylebone and by 1861 they were running the Jack Of Newbury Hotel, in Newbury. This may also have been known as the Short Jack? This is what their inn was called in the 1871 census apparently. Are there any photographs od this place? Anyone have any anecdotes or information about the pub? I know about the historical character who gave it it's name. I'm looking for more about the pub itself.

Terry White

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11 February 2007

Response

The Jack of Newbury was a largish hotel in Northbrook St far more than a pub. It did have the Jack Tap attached for the beer drinkers - whilst I have not heard the term before this tap could perhaps have been called the Short Jack. The hotel was demolished c 1934 to make way for a Marks & Spencer store (which is still there). As you know it gets its name from John Winchcombe aka Jack of Newbury who lived on the site in the early C16th. His house and workshop complex here has a claim to being the first factory in England with up to a 1,000.
Pictures of it come up for sale on ebay from time to time -

Newbury Museum has a few photographs showing the hotel.

Phil Wood

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The Ladybird Company

I am researching the early history (pre-1964) of the Ladybird company, during the period that it was an independent firm owned by the Pasold family and based at Langley, Berks. My particular interest is in the clothing produced and how the Ladybird clothes were advertised and promoted. I would also like to know of any records, memorabilia and so on connected to Ladybird that may be lodged with any local history societies, local museums, libraries or town halls.

Many thanks

Dr Kaori O'Connor

White

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18 February 2007

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Winkfield POW Camp

I am a military historian and author, and am at present researching Second World War PoW camps headquartered in Guildford.  These included a hostel for Italian working parties at Winkfield .  It served local farms and was operational in 1943.

I should be immensely grateful if you could cast any light on this, however slight, and perhaps also suggest possible sources of further information and even photographs.

John Glanfield

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18 February 2007

Response

I can remember the POW camp at Winkfield in 1946. My family were having a garden made at Brookside at that time and I can recall my father collecting 'prisoners' from the camp to do the work, and as far a I can remember they were German, and I do know that my folks kept in touch with them when they were reunited with their own families. Hope this helps a bit more. Just as an aside, I do think that the area used for the camp was later some form of tracking station.

Dudley Sands

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Brick making in Shaw

Does anyone know when brick and tile making in Shaw, Newbury ceased. I should like to know the location of the brickworks.

Vince Smith

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28 February 2007

 

Response

Hi, the brick works used to be at the top of the hill on Kiln Road on the left around the Pear Tree Lane area. I remember the chimmney being demolished around 1962 (approx.) but the works had been closed for some time. It was close to where Donnington Castle Caravans used to be.

Ian Booth

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Ascot Priory

I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about Ascot Priory

Margaret Finch

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3 March 2007

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Hungerford House

I am working on the Wheble family of woodley Berkshire,I know that Woodley Lodge and Bulmershe Court are the same house , later they lived in "Hungerford house" is this the same?.

Don Eyre

Response

I dont think they are the same. There was a large estate called Hungerford Lodge by Earley Station. There was a canal between Bulmershe Farm and Hungerford Lodge. Bulmershe Court had its own Lodge. Neither Bulmershe Court nor Hungerford Lodge were part of the auction sale in 1926.

Chris

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17 March 2007

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True Form

My grandfather Albert Parker had a shoe shop in Broad Street, where True Form Shoes were/are now, near Marks & Spencer and almost opposite Wellsteeds. It was there during WWII. Could anyone tell me what it was called and what happened to it?

Sue Easter

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18 March 2007

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Mansion House, Prospect Park

I would like to know a bit about the Mansion House,Prospect Park Reading.
I believe there is a colourful story regarding Francis Kendrick involved.
It's supposed to have a heart shaped pond,is this part of the story?

Ann Rees

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27 March 2007

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Shefford School

I have a photograph taken by 'Righton' of Newbury of Shefford School about 1905, in which the children are spread across the road outside the school, boys on the left and girls on the right. Do school registers still exist anywhere for this date? My mother and her two brothers are in this photograph. I would like to date the picture precisely?

Ann Ramell

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1st April 2007

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Old Church Mystery

Does anybody remember the old church that stood on land behind the cottages near to the junctoin of the Binfield Road and Downshire Way? It was demolished in the 1970s. Opposite was Priestwood School also now gone and Saint Anthonys childrens home. On the left of the school playground there was a very small grave yard which as children we found a little bit strange. If there are anybody that can give infomation and a name of this church I would be most grateful.

L.J.Belsham

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1st April 2007

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Cheapside, Ascot

Does anyone remember a photographers called 'End' in the Cheapside area of Ascot.

Freda Longhurst nee Goodchild

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6th April 2007

Response

My name is Tiina End and we live in Sunningdale village. My late Grandfather, and Great Aunt were professional photographers. My Father John End, also did photography for a few years

Tiina End

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Lord Caernarvon School

Does anyone know if between 1906 and 1920 was there a Lord Caernarvon School in Berkshire for orphans.

Nicola Sillitoe

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13th April 2007

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Boatyards in Reading

I am trying to find a list of boatyards in the Reading
and Caversham area which were active during the first
world war.

Bob French

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19th April 2007

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The Earley Players

Is there any information about "The Earley Players"? They were a group of amateur actors organised by a Mrs Elsie Short of Bulmershe Court. They produced a Shakespearean pastoral play every summer in High Wood which was part of the grounds of the house. The grounds had been specially prepared as a theatre. They also produced plays in Park Congregational Hall in the winter. The Short family had connections with Serpells factory in Reading.

Mrs Pat Parsons

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23rd April 2007

Response

I too am trying to track down the Earley players and find out if any of them are still existent. My father Wilfred Wild was with them some years and as a boy I played small parts in some plays. I knew most of them fairly well including of course Elsie Short...who really was the Edith Evans of Reading. I was terrified of her as were most but she was. an excellent actress and a very good director.

Michael Wild

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The Bog, Sunninghill

I am researching my family history and my mother's side of the family all came from Berkshire. At one time they were living at The Bog, Sunninghill. I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the place called the Bog. The family name was GOODCHILD

Margaret Finch

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27th April 2007

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The Berkshire Laboratory Company

We are in the U.S. and are trying to find any information you may have about a company called Berkshire Laboratory Company. I have an old glass bottle marked with that name.

Ed Green

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4th May 2007

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Stained Glass Sundials

I am currently researching the stained glass sundials of John Rowell, particularly the one in Purley House. I have read the 1965 book on Rowell by Sidney Gold and would like to get in touch with him. Do you have any contact details for him, please?

Dr John Davis

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4th May 2007

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Winloed, Pangbourne

Has anyone info on a large House Called “Winloed ” Pangbourne?
Some of my ancestors were there in service about from 6.1.1912 -- 7.6.1915. I have searched for this house & have found nothing on it! I have a photo of it, so it did exist, a Mrs Brine may have lived in the house at the time .

Any info will be most welcome.

Ann Ryder

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7th May 2007

Response

I have a WW1 memorial plaque for a George Carlyon Armstrong which was sent to his father, Commander Sir George Armstrong at Winloed, Pangbourne, Berks probably some time during 1915. I have since found out that the present address of the house is Winloed, Bere Court Road, Pangbourne, Reading, Berks RG8 8LB and it appeared in the Daily Telegraph property section on 24th May 2003 with a photograph extolling the delights of the four and a half acre garden. If at all possible I would love to see the photograph you have of the house as all I have is the one that appeared in the Telegraph.

Graham Johnson

Response

My parents and grandparents lived there - but we sold it when my grandfather, Duncan Simonds died 3 years ago. The garden is amazing.. many happy memories. Monica - my grandmother now lives on the Isle of Wight. If you have not found the info you need my father has a whole lot of history on the house..

Jo Simmonds

Reply

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Ruddles Pool

I would like to know any information about a Pub that used to be in the grounds of Ruddles Pool on the Maidenhead Road {A308} Windsor Berks. Thanking you very much

R J Bill

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11th May 2007

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Biggles Nightclub

Hello. What was the name of the pub on Woodley aerodrome prior to it becoming "Biggles" nightclub?
Kind Regards

Raymond Stone

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15th May 2007

Response

I think the pub was called 'The Falcon'. What I'm not sure about is whether the nightclub was Biggles- we are pretty sure it was 'Raffles' at some point- it may have had other names?

15th October 2007

Response

The pub was called the Falcon. I worked next door to it- Falcon garage. The pub changed its name to Biggles then to Rafles. The owner of the night club was John Barnett

18 July 2009

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Goodrest, Wantage

My Grandma has asked me to search the internet for a drill hall called Goodrest in Wantage, I cant seem to find any mention of such a place. She was based there in ww2 at age 17. Her name at the time was Peggy Hunn. If anybody could help me that would be wonderful. Thank you.

Jenna Lowe

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15th May 2007

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Victorian clerical scandals

I am researching Victorian clerical scandals --- of the moral rather than theological variety. I have already found a couple from Berkshire in White Waltham and Burghfield. Can anyone help with more --- specifically divorces, affairs, elopements, separations? Thank you.

Tom

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17th May 2007

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Roman & Saxon Times

We are currently doing a local history project on the parishes of Waltham St Lawrence and Shurlock Row and we need to find out what we can about Roman and Saxon times. Can you suggest where we may get this information please?

Lesley Chaplin

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27th May 2007

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Caversham House School

Has anyone any information on Caversham House School, Oxfordshire a relative name Gerald Gude attended the school on the 1901 census I cannot find anything out about the school. Thank You.

Susan Wood

Response

http://www.cadra.org.uk/documents/CadranewsletterSeptember2007.pdf

"Where the precinct now stands there stood a Georgian house. This had been owned in the 19th century by Mr. Frank Knighton. He opened his Caversham House Academy here in 1849 but after the first world war the house reverted to being private property. It gradually fell into a ruinous state of repair and in the 1960’s a new shopping centre was planned..."

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29th May 2007

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GWR Coley Branch

I am attempting to research facts on the above for publication in a specialist transport magazine. I have been able to gather info from a local resident who lived in Lower Brook Street while the yard and line were still working but I am having trouble enlarging the scope of the information with particular reference to Simonds Brewery (the line served the malthouses by Bear Wharf on the K&A, the yard, its layout and other commercial undertakings which it served from 1908 (its opening) until the early '80's.

There was a CWS 'Jam' factory, various coal merchants (eg. Toomers) and an oil installation to my certain knowledge - but apart from that I'm struggling. Can you suggest any leads. I have approached an archivist for Simonds who, amazingly, has drawn a blank on any mention of the line in the Brewery records and have a few sketchy facts from the railway point of view.

I now realise I may have to visit National Records at Kew as well as the Central Library/Museum in Reading! As I now live in Cornwall I can't afford to do this too many times! Any straws you can throw me would be gratefully clutched at. Regards,

Nick Deacon

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6th June 2007

Response

I came across this enquiry whilst researching Reading 1950's coal merchants. The enquirer may already have these two references pertaining to Coley central goods depot,

Rail centres, Reading by Lawrence Waters, pages 52 - 54 Steam around Reading by kevin roberstson, pages 119 - 121

I am also interested in building a detailed picture of the railway installations and history of Reading before inexorable progress of this city/town changes the railway locations beyond recognition from the steam era.

Chris Vaughan

 

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Millers in Kennet Valley

In researching my family history I have found that my paternal Watts family ancestors were millers in the Kennett Valley. I would be interested to learn more about the history of the following watermills:-

Bagnor Mill, Bagnor - 3x Gt grandfather was a miller & farmer here in 1851 Chamberhouse Mill, Thatcham - 3x Gt Grandfather moved here circa 1855 and died whilst living here in 1872.

Hamstead Marshall Mill, Sockcross - Gt Grandfather was born here in 1881. Any information gratefully received.

Thank you in anticipation

Linda Sherwood

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10th June 2007

Response

I can tell you that a John Farmer, my great grandfather, was the master miller at Chamberhouse Mill from about 1875 to 1885.

Response

Hello Linda,

re your enquiry about Millers in Berkshire. I have extensive knowledge of Berks Mills and Millers names. I have been compiling much info for the last 14 years, maybe with a view to publishing a book....eventually! (I`d better get a move on `cos I`m 74 now! Please feel free to email me with your info and enquiry. I`m a member of Berks F.H.S.(2096)and S.P.A.B. (preservation old buildings and Mills)

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Tilehurst Triangle War Memorial

I am currently researching all the names on the Tilehurst Triangle War Memorial, if any family members have ancestors on this memorial, I would be very grateful for any information given

Mark Bennett

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14th June 2007

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Beasleys Bakery,Tilehurst

Recreation Road used to be a central area for shops in the first half of the 20th century with bakers, nurseries, a dairy and a grocers. Beasleys became an electrical shop in the 50`s.... but when exactly? Does anyone know anything else about the bakery apart from what is in the Tilehurst memories books?

Maxine Sendall

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5th July 2007

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Shinfield Lodge

Shinfield Lodge, built c 1814 is close to Crosfiled School at the centre of which is a large house that was once called Goodrest or perhaps Goodrest Lodge. A Lt gen Sir Jasper Nicolls died there in 1849 and so he presumably bought it from the estate of Edward Willes who died there in 1847.
Can anyone help? And are there pictures of bothe Goodrest and Shinfield Lodge? All the RAF personnel and meteorologists must have taken pictures.

John Capel

Response

The Lodge at Shinfield Park became the officers mess when it was H.Q.F.T.C Shinfield Park. In 1962 it became part of the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forcast. They relocated to Exeter in 2002 and the site sold off for housing. It is in the process of refurbishment, haveing had the extensions (WRAF mess hall) demolished and is being marketed by Barrett's for £1.2m as a 5 bedroom family house.

Dawn Williamson

 

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3rd August 2007

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Stroud Green coronation party

Does anyone have any photos of Stroud Green coronation party 2nd june 1953

Linda Mullaney

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5th August 2007

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Winnersh Civil Parish

Can anyone tell me whether the trees in the above parish have been surveyed at any time in the past.

Why do I ask? I have just taken on the role as Winnersh Parish Co-ordinator for the Wokingham and District Veteran Tree Association and would like to know any past history relating to the trees in the area, whether to specific trees or how Winnersh has evolved over time. This knowledge will be included in the Winnersh veteran tree database.

Thanks for any assistance you can give.

Fee Young

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9th August 2007

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Starlight Farm, Lambourne

I would be very grateful for any information about a family with the surname Boston who lived and worked Starlight Farm (Lambourne, Berks) in the early 20th century. Elsie or Alice Boston sold the farm during WW2. I would also be interested t know anything about the farm in wartime and after. Thank you.

Rachel Malik

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11th August 2007

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Winloed, Bere Court Road, Pangbourne

I have a WW1 memorial plaque for a George Carlyon Armstrong which was sent to his father, Commander Sir George Armstrong at Winloed, Pangbourne, Berks probably some time during 1915. I have since found out that the present address of the house is Winloed, Bere Court Road, Pangbourne, Reading, Berks RG8 8LB and it appeared in the Daily Telegraph property section on 24th May 2003 with a photograph extolling the delights of the four and a half acre garden. If at all possible I would love to see the photograph you have of the house as all I have is the one that appeared in the Telegraph.

Graham Johnson

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13th August 2007

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Blagrove Farmhouse

I have recently moved into the above house built in the 16th century, I have been looking on sites for information but have only found out the following so far:

It was a pig farm
In the 18th century was called Blackgroves farm Blackgroves Lane, Oakingham.

Would you be able to give me anymore information or tell me where I can obtain it.

Shirley Whitehead

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15th August 2007

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Bryant Cottage, Yattendon

I would like to know the history of the house I live in. It was once an ale house joined on to the forge.

Sonya

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20th August 2007

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Chatham Street, Reading

Can anyone remember when the housing in Chatham Street was demolished to make way for the now demolished Chatham Street car park.
I am trying to trace a relative who lived there.

Colin Froud

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27th August 2007

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Heywood Park, Maidenhead

I am looking for any infomation about Heywood Park/Manor/Lodge that used to stand where the Foliejohn Way estate now is in Woodlands Park, Maidenhead.

Kim Andrews

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5th September 2007

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Mayfield Cottages, Compton

I am researching my great- grandfather John Westwood Wildsmith, who died in Mayfield Cottages, Compton, in 1911.Were these alms houses, perhaps?
Also, does anyone know where Home Farm, Compton, was? This is where the rest of the Wildsmith/ Cove family lived around the turn of the century.
I would be very grateful for any information linked to the Coves or Wildsmiths.

Judy Earl

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8th September 2007

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Shrivenham Manor House

I have lived in Shrivenham for more than 25 years. It was originally in Berks but is now in Oxon. I would be really interested to have any information whatsoever, (including pictures) on the former Manor House that was sadly burnt down in I believe the 1950's. About 25 houses have been built on its former site.

Brian McDonough

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14th September 2007

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17th ITC Raniket Camp 1942

In 1942 I was transfred from Brock barracks to the above camp in Tilehurst, Royal Berkshire Regiment. I vist Reading every year for the reunion at Brock.I have jouneyed on to Tilhurst to locate the site of the camp which I can only guess that the area of the camp has now been refurbised?

Could you provide me with details of the site, which was an Infantry training camp?

Just as a aside. Having been trained at Raniket Camp,and then to India and Burma with the 1st battalion Royal Berkshire,in my travels back from Burma, I ended up at Raniket, north India.

Thanks

John Baugh

Response

I used to live on the site where Ranikhet camp was. It was developed into a housing estate which was originally call Dee Park which is off Dee Road in Tilehurst. You can access the estate from Elvaston Way off the top of Dee Road or Hardwick Road off the Meadway.

The camp was cleared in the 60s for rebuilding, nothing remains of the camp, but a school built down the road from where the camp was is named after the camp Ranikhet Primary School which is situated on Dee Road estate. Unfortunately details of the camp have been impossible to trace and most of the residents are not aware that an army training camp was even there.

Samantha Dyal

Response

I worked at Ranikhet Camp, Tilehurst from 1955 to 1961. I was a civilian working on the Pay Accounts of the R.Sigs. Most of the soldiers stationed there were doing their National Service. The land which housed the camp was handed back to the owners in the 1960s. It was land requishioned during WW2. Access was up Norcot Road to Honey End Lane,the white houses on the left going up the hill were officers married quarters. The Dee Road mentioned was used, when the RAPC were there, as the Practice Firing Range. I met my husband of 48 years while he was stationed at Ranikhet.

Pat Rolt nee Anderson

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23rd September 2007

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Beau Regard Hotel, Wallingford

I wondered if anyone may be able to help provide me with any information at all on the 'Beau Regard Hotel' that was run by my Great Great Grandmother Fanny Pleming probably between 1920-1930 sometime. Would anyone be old enough to remember her or the hotel, is it still there? I have searched the internet to no avail but did find one mention of it in an old directory of 1915 when somone called Fleetwood Wilson owned it in Clapcot.

I would be most greateful for any help.

Kieran Saunders

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3rd October 2007

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Green Girls Charity School

I am looking for information about the Green Girls Charity school in Broad St, Reading, my wife's gt Grandmother Elizabeth Pottinger was a pupil there in 1871 , we would like to know more about the school and its history

Tony Leveika

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6th October 2007

Response

There is a book, "Studies in Secondary Education," published in 1892, page 293, which contains a one page description of the school. The full text of the book is available (free) at http://books.google.com

This link should take you directly to the page http://books.google.com/books?id=r-hJAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA293&dq="Green+Girls"+school#PPA293,M1

If for some reason the above link doesn't work, just go to http://books.google.com and use the search terms "green girls" and "school"

Hope this helps.

Richard Barnes

 

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Church Cottage, Winkfield

As a child I lived at Church Cottage Winkfield. My late mother was housekeeper to Sir Francis and Lady Towell. After Sir Francis' death in 1952 my mother and myself moved back to London. I visited Winkfield last month (a stroll down memory lane) and was shocked to see the Cottage had been demolished.

If anyone could tell me when my childhood haunt was demolished I would be most interested. Also any memories of Sir Francis and Lady Towell would be appreciated.

Many Thanks

Roy Pope

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12th October 2007

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The Royal Ascot Hotel 1950's

My parents first met in a hotel in Ascot in the late 50's. It used to be next to the All Saints Church, opposite Heatherwood Hospital and to the side of the racecourse. This hotel is no longer there.

Would anyone recall this hotel and what it was called?

Many thanks,

Matt

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29th October 2007

Response

I do remember the hotel in the 50's and was called the Royal Ascot Hotel. Also I do remember it being demolished but not sure of the date. At the time it was very popular.

Dudley Sands

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Paice's Hill, Aldermaston

My maiden name is Paice, my father's family lived in the Aldermaston, and we think Paice's hill in Aldermaston must be in some way linked back to the family but have no idea if this is actually true. Does anyone know about where the name came from?

Suzanne Leslie

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29th October 2007

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Salem House, Pangbourne

I write from Melbourne, Australia. In Graves' listing of exhibitors with the Royal Academy of the Arts, an address for my forebear Francis Stephen (Frank) Flockton is shown as Salem House, Pangbourne. No date is given by Graves, but it must have been around 1870. Can anyone give me any further information about the house, its owner, size, location, etc? Do any pictures of it survive? Thank you for the opportunity to obtain access to knowledgeable people who may know the answer to my question.

Louise Wilson

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1st November 2007

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The Coombe, Streatley

I am researching my family tree and have discovered that my grandparents were domestic servants (and gardener) at The Coombe, Streatley at the time of their marriage in 1934.
They were married in the Register office at Bradfield.

Does anyone have any information on 'The Coombe' ?

Rose Ledger

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3rd November 2007

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Boarding Schools in Bracknell

I am wondering if someone in your Society can assist me.  I am looking for the names of any boy’s boarding schools in Bracknell Berkshire that were active during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

I seem to remember there was one fairly good sized one and I think, if memory serves me, was run by a Reverend Brownless.

Does anyone have some information they could spare on this?

Sue Young

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7th November 2007

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The Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital

I am trying to find out any information about The Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital at Taplow. Like many Maidenhead residents I was born there, are there any books about it?

Kim Andrews

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15th November 2007

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Baker Engineering, Compton

I am seeking information regarding Baker Engineering of Compton who made agricultural equiptment during the 40.s and 50's as I am restoring one of their products but can find no reference to the company. Can anyone help?

Mick Wyles

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26th November 2007

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History of Woodley

I am trying to establish if there has ever been a History of Woodley written ?

Mick Wyles

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4th December 2007

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Windsor Forrest Chairs + Poem

I am a furniture historian researching an early 18thC form of seating known as a forrest or forest chair. I have found a 1720 reference for these being supplied from Windsor by a Jno Kennedy. Does anyone in your society happen to know anything about him or know of any other references to forrest chairs? I am also wondering whether there might be a connection with Alexander Pope who lived at Binfield between 1700 and 1715 and who also wrote the poem 'Windsor Forest'.

Robert Parrott

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6th December 2007

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Frances Keyzer

I am studying the french symbolist painter Eugene Carriere ( 1849-1906).

One woman was very important as witness of his life : Frances Keyzer. She organized his first exhibition in London at the Continental Gallery in 1897. But we found nothing about her, just she married Albert Keyzer.

Recently I discovered she was the sister of Rufus Issacs, Marquess of Reading.

We would enjoy to know more about her. Maybe her family still get letters or documents concerning their friendships

Sylvie Le Gratiet

President of the Carriere's Society

 

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7th December 2007

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