The Valley Diary

Charlton  East Dean  Singleton  West Dean

...what's going on in the villages of the lavant valley

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Old Villagers

Did you used to live in one of the four villages? Moved away?

This page is designed for people to share their memories and news about what they're doing now. Please feel free to email us here to share your experience...

IVAN BLUNDEN

Hello there. My name is Ivan Blunden and I was born in Halnaker in 1936 and am now interested in family history, the article on Harry Hamlin caught my eye as Harry - or uncle Harry as I knew him - was married to Ellen (nee Pennicott) and they were my mothers aunt and uncle by way of Ellen being the youngest sister of Grandad (William) Pennicott. During my family history research I have found that Harry and Ellen had four daughters Frances, Gladys, Grace and Doris who are my mother's first cousins. I also found marriages for all four daughters but not any children. So when I saw your article was by Anna Slipper - a daughter of one of those girls - I realised that Anna and myself are of the same generation and I would like to contact her if possible. Is there any way perhaps you know how this can be done, if you are able to contact Anna could you pass on my email address so that we can get to know one another, my email address is :- ivan952@btinternet.com. I do hope you can help and get two cousins in touch, Regards, Ivan Blunden.

 

GILES BUGAILISKIS

Based on a letter my mother wrote me 30 years ago, the following is all that I know about my first years in England. Any additional help, history or descriptions would fill in the gaps, and will certainly help me find my roots. I look forward to the day when I can return and experience the geography of my early childhood.
My parents arrived in the UK in 1947 from the British Zone in Germany as Displaced Persons from Lithuania. They were sent to an immigrant facility in the Chichester area that was temporary housing for a number of DPs. My father got hired by a cucumber farmer, Mr. Stone. Our first house as a family was on a hill "Hat Hill" where we stayed in a stone house that was divided into two dwelling units. My father was living there when my mother brought me home at 7 weeks in February 1948. My mother does not remember where the hospital and "rest home" were but that they were located in Surrey. My parents asked Mr. Stone for a better housing and in September 1948 we moved into Singleton. Our address was: 5C Singleton Chichester Sussex. We lived in an old stucco house, one half that faced a well was occupied by a kind elderly lady, the other half facing the street was were we stayed. We had a large garden where we grew vegetables and flowers. The kitchen window faced a school yard where children played. Here my sister was born. My father worked for Mr. Stone until the fall of 1950. We then moved to the Cocking area near Midhurst where our address was C365 Cocking Midhurst, Sussex. We lived there for nine months where my father worked for a prize-winning dairy farmer named Mr. S.E. Leighton. We left for Canada July1, 1951. A neighbour, Mr. Lambert , was kind enough to drive us to Southampton for our journey to Canada. Thank you very much. gbugailiskis@winnipeg.ca 17/10/07

 

LAURIE COOK

I cannot profess to be an old villager, but I do believe my mother was born in East Dean. Her name was Lilian Johnson - born March 1st 1902 and registered at Westhampnett. She lived with her mother Annie (known as Nance) with her mothers parents at 27 East Dean along with at least two sisters and a brother of Annie. Annie of course being my Grandmother, who later married Arthur "Oakey" Elms in 1907 and they lived in Arundel until they both passed away in the 1950's. My siblings (four sisters) and myself spent many happy holidays after the war years staying with our mothers Aunt and Uncle at No 27. They were George and Georgena White (known as Ena). George was the village baker at the back of the shop on the road to Singleton. Aunt Ena had a massive goitre which was a bit off putting to us children, but she was a lovely lady and led us on many expeditions up onto Court Hill, and the Clump. In those days the sun always seemed to shine and it stayed light until 10 o'clock at night. Double Summertime I suppose. Of an evening we climbed over the stile to their back garden and into the meadow and there Ena instructed us in the finer points of Cricket. She was a real mean bowler and I personally had the bruises to prove it. But Oh! Happy days.

I have just spent a very happy half an hour reading through the entries to " Old Villagers" and came across so many names I remember from my childhood.... the Wests, Crouchers, Kennetts, the Humphreys, et al. I particularly remember Chrissy West, and Puffin Lillywhite who were about our age and befriended us. My wife and I visit East Dean from time to time and two summers ago when in 'The Star & Garter' I enquired after both of these ladies to be told Puffin had been in about half an hour before we arrived. I never did get to make her acquaintance, and she probably would not remember me!!

I felt I must put my thoughts into print as East Dean and its sister villages meant so much to us children then, just after the 39-45 War, and still do now - 60 years later. All my descendents, that I know of, on both sides of the family came from Sussex. I believe the Johnsons were in East Dean back in the 1700's. So you can see why I ramble on a bit. Please forgive me, its just that I am very proud of being "Silly Sussex".

Kind regards to everyone in "The Valley" keep the articles coming and if anyone out there remembers the Johnsons or the Whites I might read about them one day in a later article.

Laurie Cook, Lindfield, West Sussex. laurieandjoy.lindfield@uwclub.net

RESPONSE: This is a response to the article by Laurie Cook in the November 2007 Printed Edition of The Valley Diary from Albert West (westal@clear.net.nz). He was interested in hearing about Johnsons and Whites. As a child I can remember Tommy Johnson, the father of Ena. Ena lived with her brother, Charlie, [both single at that time] at No 27 East Dean, with her father. Charlie was the foreman on the roads for the East Dean district. My first memories of George White, who later married Ena, are of a motor cycle accident he had with Bob Croucher at the top of the Parson's Brow. George, minus one of his ears, was being carried up to Wilson’s house when I came along: [an inquisitive younster]. I also remember Ena's goitre. I remember George as the baker. He made superb cottage loaves, currant buns, plum heavies and flaky jam puffs. George used to pull a two wheeled covered cart around the village once or twice a week delivering bread, buns etc. He also came round in a van driven by old Mr Bryant, delivering bread and orders which Kitty Bryant had collected on Mondays. As an ardent cyclist she came on a bike. She did extended tours on Sundays. After the Bryants sold the shop, George went to work for the Forestry Commission, planting trees. This was a common occupation for many after the forests were felled. I made the last faggots for bread baking for the local shop after the Bryants sold it about 1951. After this I made a few for Blundens of Halnaker and some for a shop in Northgate, Chichester. My father once made 14,000 in one season, a phenomenal amount, but indicative of the quantity then used generally.

 

THE REED FAMILY
Celia Turner

I wonder if anyone knows of the relatives of the Reeds? William Reed was born in 1864 in East Marden. In 1890 he married my Great Aunt Jane (known to my mother as Jennie) Dobson Kidd in Q4 1890. William was an agricultural worker, Jane had trained as a teacher. According to the 1891 Census they were living in a cottage 3 away from Stone Rock Cottage in Chilgrove. By 1901 he was a carter on the farm at Agriculture ? House. There were 3 children Frances (1894), Reginald John (1900) and Wilfred (3 months).

I understand from my mother that they then lived on the main road in West Dean, opposite the pub. I have a jury summons for my grandmother dated 1941 which was forwarded from her address in London to "169 West Dean" where she was staying with her sister-in-law Jennie and William, so they were still there during the War. I can't find out when Jennie or William died, or anything about the boys. I do know that Frances worked in the post office in London and stayed with my mother and grandmother during World War I in Stratford, Essex. Can't find out when Frances died either.

My husband and I visited West Dean a few years ago and took a photo of a cottage, opposite the pub, for my mother to look at and she confirmed we had the right one. Since researching the Kidd family I have found out a lot of things that my mother never knew about, or she got wrong, i.e. she said Jennie's husband's name was Wilfred (probably referred to as Wil) and certainly didn't know about Frances' two brothers. I understand that Jennie was the teacher at the school in West Dean, presumably the one just down the road from the above mentioned cottages. Jennie was born in Ryton, Co. Durham in 1862, her father was Septimus Kidd, coalminer, and mother Isabella Dobson (his second wife), she died in a railway accident in Radstock, Somerset in1876 - a year after Septimus's death. They had moved from Ryton to Radstock in 1861/62 and there were 6 children in all from that marriage (mother only knew about 3 of them!), and 2 from the first marriage (didn't know about that either). The orphaned children were dispersed around Radstock and my Grandfather John James joined Victoria's Navy in 1886 until 1900, when he left and he too ended up working in the GPO in London as a messenger. He met my Grandmother, who originated from Hungerford, and lived in Stratford until his untimely death when she moved to Forest Gate.

Does anyone know of relatives of William, Reginald or Wilfred. Frances died a spinster. Please contact me on: celia.turner@btopenworld.com

 

STEPHEN HIBBERD APPEAL

I was wondering if anyone can help me find out were this photo was taken in Singleton around 1900. [Click on it for a larger version.] I know it's poor quality but you can make out the brickwork and well with bucket. In this picture there is Helen/Ellen Crane but not sure who the little boy is. According to the census Helen lived two cottages down from the grocers shop not towards the Horse and Groom but the other way. Does any one have any idea if this cottage still exists or have any information on the Crane family at this time. Thanks for any help. You can email Stephen at steve@origin3d.co.uk.

 

PETE CROUCHER
April 2nd 1915 - April 29th 2007

Pete Croucher, who died on April 29th aged 92, will be remembered by everyone who knew him for his sweet nature, his kindness, his enthusiasm for life and his interest in other people.
A Valley man through and through, Pete grew up in Huntsman’s Cottage in Charlton and moved to no. 43 on his marriage in 1939 to Doris Goff.  He often talked of his happy childhood in the Valley between the wars. Of school at Singleton, of walks in the hills and woods, tree-climbing, playing football, and of what he called ‘larks with the boys’; the regular Sunday outings when a group of Valley lads would take their sandwiches and cycle down to the sea at Bracklesham for a glorious unsupervised day of swimming and picnicking. Pete enjoyed life.  He loved his work at the Charlton saw-mill, particularly the war years, when he drove lorry-loads of timber all over the country. He spent a happy ten years before retirement on the dust-carts, going up and down the Valley and over to Chilgrove, making friends everywhere and having what he called the time of his life.  He loved gardening, and he was a passionate supporter of Pompey football club.  He and Doris had no children of their own, but took a proud interest in the doings of Doris’ large family and their offspring.
Pete’s reminiscences of the good old days in the Valley almost always seemed to include drinking. He had his first drink in the Fox on his sixteenth birthday, April 2nd 1931 and his last at the same bar just seventy-five years later in 2006.  He would have loved to see the group of Valley friends who gathered to raise a glass to him in the Fox on the day after his funeral, when some good drinking time was spent in trying to work out just how many pints of his beloved bottled Guinness he must have downed in there in his lifetime.
Pete never went abroad, he never travelled in an aeroplane, he turned down a chance to buy his own house and he never took the cruise he sometimes talked about.  But when he turned ninety, I heard him say ‘I’ve had a wonderful life, and if I died tomorrow, I wouldn’t have wanted anything different.’
He was the best and kindest of neighbours and a dear friend.  We shall all miss him.
Nicola Braban

 

CHARLIE PRATT
(1915-2007)
END OF PRATT SINGLETON DYNASTY

Charlie Pratt, who has passed away aged 91, spent most of his life in Singleton. He was born at Rose Cottage, Singleton on 25 May 1915, one of three brothers. The Pratt family had lived in the village from the Victorian era. Charlie was educated at Singleton School (now The Old School) before progressing to Midhurst Grammar. As a young man, Charlie assisted his parents running the Horse & Groom pub in Singleton. He established a reputation as a formidable darts player winning various competitions including a national tournament. Charlie also enjoyed a successful career with Singleton Builders where he was involved in much of the development work which took place within the village during the nineteen fifties, sixties and seventies. Following retirement, Charlie, a true country soul, enjoyed tending to his allotment and following his sporting interests which included horseracing, football and cricket. He was the last member of the Pratt family, spanning three centuries, living in Singleton. Charlie died on 18 March 2007.

 

In Loving Memory of Rosemary Joan Scott

Back in December 2006 the ladies of the sewing group to which Rosemary belonged decided to hold a memorial sale by finished the many items which had partly been completed by Rosemary, together with their own work. This group had for many years supported Rosemary as she raised money for Macmillan Nurse. I would like to personally say a big thank you to them and everyone who supported us on the day. It was very special for me as I managed to have all my children Paula, Susan and Matthew there on the day. This event raised £450 so once again a big thank you.
Sorry its taken so long to write this article. Submitted by Malcolm Scott on 20/03/07

 

JOY DEANS
1910 - 2007

Following the death of Joy Deans, wife of Desmond and mother of Carol and Fiona, we take this opportunity to remember her as we knew her during her life in Singleton. She was very involved in Desmond’s local vetinary practices as animal nurse (!) where she showed great understanding and compassion for both the animals and their owners. Joy was a very artistic and gifted flower arranger which she used to great effect both in local shows and for the church. Some of her happiest times were spent working in her garden and walking her dogs on the Downs.
Joy was President of Singleton & East Dean WI for six years and a member for many more. She always showed enthusiasm and interest in WI activities and provided beautiful flower arrangements for all our events. Joy always enjoyed her life in Singleton and was glad to make her contributuion to any local events. In her 37 years here she made many friends, all of whom will miss her greatly.

 

MEMORIES OF EAST DEAN SCHOOL
Ruth Flint (nee West)

On passing by the Village Hall and seeing the work being carried out, I recalled to a worker some of my memories of my days at school there before it was closed. I remember the walk to school when the Beech Trees had shed their leaves - the joy of scuffing shoes through the dry leaves and hearing the crisp sounds.

I recall the Infants class (known as The Little Room) and Miss Smith our teacher. The steps up to the classroom seemed so steep. The small beech chairs with the rounded top rail and the dowelled back. (I particularly remember coming off the school bus from Secondary School at Chichester later on after the school closed and seeing the chairs being taken round the back of the school and being burned. I asked if I could have one and was told by the woman cleaner “no”!) We had an open fire in the classroom and a metal guard around it, but the teacher used to stand in front of it and lift her skirt to warm herself! I do remember some of the children daring one another to go to the right, towards the door, which lead to the Big Room, because there it was said you could see her long pink knickers! No doubt the children did not appreciate the fact that she rode her bike from Fishbourne to East Dean to teach - so she must have felt cold! The bucket toilets were outside round the back of the school and most of the school children were used to these at home, but quite a venture out the back when you were allowed to go and the fear of asking - especially in the middle of a lesson. Nowhere to wash your hands that I can remember. I think we did wash our hands before lunch - in cold water in an enamelled bowl with carbolic soap. Going into the Big Room, the Juniors - the mystery beyond the door between classrooms. Miss Holland taught in the Big Room - she was also Headteacher. What a marvel she was - the things she did for us. Being a Church of England School naturally everything was based on Religion and morals. I remember the Scripture lessons - lots of drawing of Disciples etc. We were taken up to the church sometimes for a service in the week - the Vicar was Reverend Miller. I remember having to kneel on rough hassocks in the pews - which seemed to a small child so dark - and boring. (None of this modern stuff allowing toys and freedom to get loose in the Aisle!) I remember the wonderful pleasure of Mothering Sunday - we had our service and for a few pennies we each had a bunch of cultured Violets - they were beautiful! Art featured quite a lot and the paint had to be mixed up. The desks were metal framed and some double and some single - with inkwell at the top and a place for the dip pen. The Ink powder was stored in the wooden Manger (which was used for the Christmas Nativity play.) It had to be mixed up. I also recall using a slate sometimes. We had needlework and wool spinning and weaving and a few English and Maths lessons. History and Geography. Nature walks were wonderful! But the Allotments were quite a thing. We used to march down the village past the pond, the garage, and ours were the ones on the left at the tapering end of the Triangle of allotments. On a hot day (on our return journey) Miss Holland would stop at the shop and buy Lemonade for us and let us drink it outside her house. I remember trying to peer into her water butt and loosing my glasses in it - she reminded me of it years later! We did Country Dancing - sometimes in the playground, or in bad weather or on other occasions inside in the classroom. The dust used to rise in the air off the wide dusty floorboards as we all danced up and back down the classroom - enough to make one cough! There used to be a box full of second, third or fourth hand Plimsolls for us to wear for sport or dancing(?). They used to be put in a bowl of Dettol sometimes and washed. Playtime was skipping or tag games and running around in the playground with the flint walls would not be allowed in today’s schools. We had a Flag Pole to the left of the school up in the corner - and ribbons were attached to it for Maypole dancing practice. For the Queens Coronation celebrations - a Fete was held in the meadow to the back left of the school and a Maypole was erected. We had to dance to the village. I remember the fear of going wrong and messing up the pattern made by the ribbons! Then came Christmas and the climax of the year - the Nativity Play. Boxes of stored items were unpacked and strings were put across the classroom and we unravelled thin strips of tin foil to drape over the string. I think this marked the edge of the stage area. A wooden frame was placed in front of the cupboards and I think blankets were placed around to make a stable - the crib was placed in the middle. I remember on one occasion my doll was loaned to be the baby Jesus. Miss Holland spent days boiling up the White Muslin on the big metal coke stove which was halfway along the classroom wall - it had a big Iron Fire Guard around it - and the washing was hung around it to dry. The Blue bag dip used and the Blue robes sometimes washed. Out of the boxes came Robes for Mary, Elizabeth (I was Elizabeth one year), White Muslin round the face and Blue robe and headdress and the Angel Gabriel - white Muslin and white tunic and Tinsel for the head. Shepherds in brown robes and brown blanket type material and the Kings and the little Angels from the infant’s class. There was a big build up to Christmas with making of things for the Nativity Play - rehearsing and singing. As I said, what a wonderful person Miss Holland was. On top of all the production and washing of garments etc., she would be behind the piano playing and yet still watching and prompting the children. We also had a Christmas Tree each year with a present for each child in the school which was paid for by Mrs Hughes who lived opposite the Garage.

And that was not half of it! We were so lucky to have had such a wonderful childhood. The school closed after I left to go to Secondary school and my sister Eileen and my cousin Janet were amongst a few who finished their education at Singleton school.

My father, Sidney West and my Mother, Elsie May (nee Lillywhite) both attended East Dean School. They recalled that there were children who were so poor that they did not have shoes. I believe Miss Belham was the Headteacher in those days. My mothers father, Harold Lillywhite, also went to East Dean School but it was said that his parents Frank Lillywhite & Sarah (nee Glover) had to pay a Shilling for his education. Frank Lillywhite, my great grandfather, who was born at East Dean, received Free Education at Molecombe Goodwood with the Duke of Richmond’s children.

Ah - Happy Days! (as Miss Holland said to me many times in later years). flintb_r@hotmail.com

 

BRAVE UNCLE BILLY'S STORY
Diane Snow

Very few people have heard of the most decorated small ship of WWII, HMS Li Wo or her crew and their brave final battle during their escape from Singapore. Luckily the ship owners had the only surviving officer’s record for me to work from and with many enquiries I found the archives of the few survivors. Click here to read the whole article about our family's brave Uncle Billy in the war. Submitted by Diane Snow

 

PHIL NORRELL
1922 - 2006

Phil Norrell, who died on October 19th aged 84 was a remarkable man: full of energy and vitality. Though he leaves behind an outstanding reputation for service to the community, he was essentially and outdoor man. Even during his advanced years he could be found every week on Levin Down with his group of friends known affectionately as “The Crumblies” contributing to the protection and maintenance of this important area of his beloved downland.
He was born in Singleton in 1922 the son of George and Henrietta (née Elliott) at Ivy Cottage next to the old Post Office. In 1926 the family moved to number 2, Rose Cottage in Singleton where Phil lived for most of the next 58 years. With his wife Marjorie he moved next door to Bramley Cottage in 1984.
He attended Singleton Cof E school. Aged eleven, he passed the scholarship exam which took him to Chichester High School, where, despite the normal school leaving age at that time being fourteen, he stayed on until at the age of sixteen he achieved his Oxford School Certificate. On leaving school he got a job with the Railways, an association that, apart from war service in the RAF, was to continue for the rest of his working life.
At the start of the war, serving in the Sussex Home Guard, his work at Singleton Station involved being responsible for the wagon trains which were loaded with ammunition and hidden from prying German bombers in the tunnels under Cucumber Farm and at Cocking. After enlisting in the RAF in March 1941 he spent the rest of the war loading bombers with ammunition. On demobilisation Phil resumed his work with the Railways (soon to be nationalised and become British Rail) at Singleton, Selham and for over 30 years at Chichester. He became a familiar face at Chichester Station, always putting service to the customer first and having the time to help and support his colleagues.
But it is for his service to the village community that he will best be remembered. Following the example of his grandfather Harry Norrell, Phil served as a Parish Councillor for 45 years. Phil always made sure the Parish Council was up to date with planning and other developments affecting the County and Chichester District. He also for many years represented Singleton’s interests on the West Sussex Executive Committee of Parish Councils.
Two other local landmarks benefited from his enthusiasm: the Village Hall and the Church. He was Secretary and Treasurer to the Hall for 45 years, and continued as Treasurer until this year. He served on the Parochial Church Council for the same number of years for much of that time as Churchwarden. Only one Churchwarden - during the period 1872 to 1900 - surpassed Phil’s 20 years service in the Church’s 1000 year history. Phil even found time to be the village Tree Warden.
For sixty years Phil was ably and lovingly supported by Marjorie whom he married on February 2nd 1946. Together they brought up two sons, Andrew and Clive, of whom he was so proud. They can't recall a time that their dad lost his temper. As a father he was fun, fair and firm. The sons followed him first to Singleton School and then to Chichester High School. Phil was for a number of years a Singleton School Governor.
As if his total commitment to Village activities was not enough, Phil was appointed a Magistrate to the Chichester Bench, where he sat for over 19 years, as a much loved and respected member relied upon for his common sense.
Phil regularly joined in the annual 25 mile Charity March with the Royal Military Police, raising a considerable sum for charity, and completed the Annual Walk covering the entire length of the South Downs Way. He was also an active member and supporter of the Royal British Legion, serving as secretary of the Singleton and District Branch for 16 years.
There have been many tributes to Phil. He was loyal and supportive. Ever ready quietly to help a neighbour. A true gentleman and friend. More than one tribute referred to Phil as ‘Mr Singleton’, and one member of the community wrote that the heart had gone out of the village. There was a phrase often used to sum up people’s efforts during World War II: “We just got on with it”. That could also have been Phil’s own motto during his life: he just got on with it.

 

GEORGE CLANCY
Ian Clancy

According to family history, my Grandfather, George Clancy, lived in Singleton during the World Wars, ran or owned a Horse Racing Stable, and raced frequently at Goodwood and other race courses. I am looking for any information about the family and their links with Singleton. George Clancy has two sons, Ernest William and Arthur. Any information will be appreciated. ian.clancy@tiscali.co.uk.

 

MISSING PHOTOS
Diane Snow

In last months edition of the Valley Diary, Jan Elliott was trying to trace the Groombridge descendants as she had found a photograph of a member of that family. I however am searching for missing photos that were lent to the Horse & Groom during Sparky's time there by my family. The photos were very important to the family as they are of The Ancient Order of Foresters celebrating my Grandfather (Frank Pilcher) winning of a national shield which had earlier in the day been paraded through the streets of Chichester. The photos were taken in the back room of the pub and had been displayed in the saloon bar in the months prior to its closure. My father (Frederick Pilcher) is also in these photos and we only have one photo of them together. Does anyone know what happened to these photos? Contact Diane at VenusianSnow@aol.com. Have attached a photo of Grandad and Gran Annie when first married 1904 (click on it for a larger version). [Scroll down the page for Diane's previous submission about the Pilcher Family.]

 

THOMAS FREDERICK READ
Victoria Read (Great Granddaughter)

In the course of my family tree research I have found that my great grandfather (and his son) were Gamekeepers on the West Dean Estate - according to the 1901 census of West Dean St Andrews parish. The information I have is: Thomas (Frederick) READ born c.1864 in Chichester working as Gamekeeper in 1901 on the West Dean Estate. His son was down as Horace (actual name Thomas Horace) born 1886 Staffs working as Gamekeeper (presumably under his father). Other children within the household - Olive Blanche, Daisy Francis and Frank Eustace. Thomas' mother Harriet was widowed and living with them, she was born c.1818 Aldingbourne. Thomas was a widower (the wife having died in childbirth) and the family moved from Gloucestershire. Harriett joined them from the Portsea area. It is possible Harriett died in the West Dean area. According to the 1901 census the family are recorded as living in WD woods Cottages, Chilgrove (which I have found was incorporated into the West Dean Estate). Any information regarding this family would be gratefully received. Many thanks for your help. Victoria Read, Darlington - Co Durham, vik.read3@ntlworld.com

HARRY (HENRY) HAMLIN
Anna Slipper (Granddaughter)

I have just happened to come across the old photos of East Dean, Charlton and Singleton on your web site. Two of the pictures: numbers 25 and 49 ‘The Old Post Office, Singleton’ were the home of my maternal grandparents. My grandfather Harry (Henry) Hamlin was the postmaster there from c. 1903 to about 1950. I’m not too sure when he gave up the Post Office. The Post Office was moved to the little shop - that is no longer there - where the cricket ground now is. My mother and her three sisters were all born there from 1903 to 1913. I am enclosing a photos of my grandparents out side of the Post Office, which was of course also there home. Click on the photo for its original size.
 

DESMOND DEANS
John Deans (Ralph Deans' son)

I am living in West Australia and am writing to ask if anyone has any information about my Uncle, Desmond Deans, who is/was a retired vet and lived for 30 odd years (I believe) in the village of Singleton. I would love to know if he's still alive and if so, get his address. I'd like to make contact as I will be over in the summer. You can email me with any information at johndeans@westnet.com.au. Many thanks in advance.
 

AUSTRALIANS SEEK FAMILY TIES
John Richards

Hello there. We live in Australia and would like to find out a bit about our family background in and around the Lavant Valley. William Richards was christened at Singleton on 30th August 1807. His parents, John Richards and Mary Money, were married Singleton on 25th May 1797. His Grandparents, Henry Richards and Ann Banks were married in Westhampnett on 15th April 1762. William may be my Great-grandfather arriving in Australia in 1836 on the “Recovery”. We’d love to hear from any descendants of John and Henry. Please get in touch so we can discover family ties.
John Richards, Scarborough, Queensland, Australia. email: diandjr131@hotmail.com
 

Jan & Rob Kellett

As a follow up to Jan & Rob Kellet's entry (see below) we have the following...
Here's an old photo of the Charlton Football Team of 1926 with my Dad, James Stuart Mackintosh seated in the front row with one of his beloved 'woodies' in his mouth. I wonder if anyone can identify others from the Photo (which is not of very good quality, I'm sorry to say). You may recall our previous contact re. search for my Great Grandmother's maiden name which we now know to be Mary o'Doud (O'Dowd). Have been in contact with the Singleton Forum regarding the identity of the 'Goose Girl' as my Grandmother was Amy Louise Lambert (nee Davis). Also have Jupp, Collins, Wild, Jenner, Mitchell, Button and Reeves links in the family.
 

Peter Marland
Born March 9th 1928 - Died April 30th 2005 age 77
Ellen Marland

During his Time as a Reporter for ITN Peter interviewed many famous people including Churchill, Peter Sellers, Sophia Loren, Bob Hope, had audience with the Pope and Arch Bishop Makarios. He covered major stories like the Dam burst in Frejus, Earthquake in Agadir and just regular stories like New Slums for Old in London. He was Commercial & Fashion photographer. He had works in various publications including a Vogue cover and a back cover for Playboy. He spent 5 years in Athens and spoke fluent Greek. He worked for the Athens Daily Post as a regular columnist reporting on the goings on in Athens in a column entitled Looking around with Peter Marland. He taught school in Athens at the American School and also taught in Jerusalem. He travelled extensively visiting over 30 countries. He loved to meet knew people and experience new cultures. He worked for a time at the McCain Leprosarium in Changmai Thailand a period in his life which he found very fascinating and spiritually rewarding.

Some of his early English Acting credits were in the Army Game, The Avengers (Baby Bouncers) and Happy Go Lovely. He was taught to Twist by Chubby Checkers and loved to Dance. In his Acting Career he worked in Hollywood as a member of the Screen Actors Guild doing Bonanza, Star Trek, It Takes a Thief, Mission Impossible, Wild Wild West, Hallmark Hall of Fame “The File on Devlin” and Dreams of Glass. He did too many commercials to list but one of which was as the Dandruff spy for Head and Shoulders Shampoo.

He spent many years in Portland Oregon and was a pioneer in Talk Radio. His programme on KEX Radio reached audiences from Alaska to Los Angeles and as far west as Hawaii. His PhD (from Cambridge) in Psychology gave him a grounding in counselling and advice but more than that his wide range of life experience meant he was able to communicate with people at all levels. On Portland Television he worked on the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy and Hosted the Portland Section of the Easter Seals Telethon where he worked with Peter Faulk (Columbo) raising money for handicapped children. Whilst in Oregon he was a Notary Public for the State of Oregon. He learned to fly in the states and had his own Cessna aircraft. Loving flying he went hot air ballooning, Road in the Goodyear Blimp, flew in Helicopters and did a fascinating news report with the American military going out over the Pacific Ocean in search for the Russian Fleet which were encroaching on the 3 mile limit in American fishing Territory.

His Father and Mother, Harold & Gertrude Marland lived in Singleton for many years. In 1975 his father passed away and in 1979 he moved from Oregon in America to England to live for a short time in Singleton. Upon his return to England he joined Equity and appeared in many television productions including Boon, Emmerdale Farm, Stay Lucky, Chancer. He was in the very first episode of Soldier Soldier as a Catholic Priest. He was in PD James Devices and Desires, House of Cards, The Chief and the Statesman. There were many others extra parts over the years.

Peter and his wife Ellen moved to Lincoln. Here he and Ellen had the Abbey Tackle Plus Fishing Shop and the Shopping Basket on Monks Road. Last August they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They raised their family, Simon Sarah and Tim in Metheringham Fen and had a life full of adventure. Always up for a new idea, he was just the kind of guy you cold listen to for a lifetime. He had a passion for converting old buildings and made a family home out of the Old School at Tanvats … renamed the Old School Ranch. He converted a Tin House in Dunston, a cottage on the Green in Dunston and The Green Tree Inn Public house became his final home. Whilst at the Old School Ranch he made rehearsal rooms and a recording studio for young musicians. His own passion was the Double Bass and Drums. He used to carry his Conga Drums in the back of the car so that he could sit in with any Jazz band that he happened to come across. He managed many Rock bands in the area and touched many young lives. Some of the Bands included Gun Metal Blue, Tayma, Sweet Teaze and Borderline. He was a have a go guy. Helping to promote and found the Bikers Nights down at the Metheringham Heath Quarry. He had a wonderful collection of over 100 belt buckles from around the world which the echo came out to photograph. Peter put together a book of poetry about some of his life experiences which was for a time on sale in Lincoln at one of the local book shops.

Peter Marland – Peter Marland-Jones or PMJ as he was known in his acting career. Peter was a man of many talents … some known, some unknown…too many to mention but he was above all Loved by all who knew him and whose lives he touched. He was one of life’s characters. To all is family he was Magic.
 

Alfred Marriott
Andrew Greer

To anyone living in and around the East Dean/Singleton area during 1939-1940!! An Appeal! I am researching family history and am keen to trace anyone with knowledge of Alfred Marriott who frequented the area at that time. He is known to have used the Star and Garter pub and was friendly with the Landlord (Mr Bushby) and his Family. I have no idea if he was a serviceman or a 'local' man. Any information greatly recieved. Please email me at: findam06@yahoo.co.uk  or phone on 01243 778488. Many thanks for the help!
 

Christopher Fry
John Gale, East Dean

Lisel and I of course were aware of Christopher from an early age. We had been taken to see his wonderful play ‘The Lady's not for Burning’ as teenagers, but it was to be many years before we met him. It was when we came to the village of East Dean that he became a friend. He was the most wonderful neighbour and member of the community and enchanted everyone who came in contact with him. His door was always open and there was a constant stream of village friends as well as the good the great and the famous who came to visit him. I suppose it was after we arranged his 85th party at Max and Eden's lovely home that we became really close. Sunday lunches with Christopher and his great friend Roger Eland became a regular occurrence. Christopher was famous locally for his dislike of green vegetables and it challenged Lisel's culinary skills to find a vegetable he might like. After one lunch he wrote a little poem.

No thought of treasure troves or holy grails,
My dream is having luncheon with the Gales,
You bring me pleasure by the plateful,
I spend my days in being grateful
For more than I can make a list of
God bless you both with love from Christoph

Five years ago Christopher wrote a beautiful poem for our 50th Anniversary

It was like standing on a narrow shore
(That was how it had seemed to me)
To look back across the shaping sea
Which had brought us there,
Shadow and sunlight on the foam-backed waves
As the tides caried us
Or we breasted the turn of the tides
Not knowing the destination
So this is where we have come, we said
And how golden the sand is,
How very golden the sand is.

Christopher the heartache will eventually fade, the passing will be gentle but one thing Time will never quite erase is our memories. None of us who are here this afternoon will forget your quality; your warm and loving heart; your prodigious generosity and all your many kindnesses. I hope, dear Christopher, that after a short while there will be no further sorrow, no more tears. We will only remember all the years of fun and laughter and joy that we owe to you.

 

Jan & Rob Kellett

I am the grand daughter of William Lambert, Gamekeeper of Drove Park Cottages. I believe I am related to the West family from West Dean. My mother was Amy Louise Lambert (born 1911). Her father was William Lambert (born c.1863) and mother Amy Louisa Davis (born c.1877). William’s father was William Lambert (born c.1826) and mother Mary O’dowd (born c.1833). Family tradition has this surname but am unsable to confirm this. William was a soldier and appears to have married in Limerick, Ireland where the first son, James was born. My grandmother was Amy Louise Davis. Her father was John Davis (born c.1929). My great-grandmother was Celia Davis (born c.1835). Her birth name was Jupp. John Davis was a Charcoal Burner of Fernhurst as it appears was Celia’s father, Thomas Jupp (born c.1803). My dad worked at Charlton sawmill with my mum’s brothers Dick and Frank Lambert. I know I am related to Vera West of Droke Lane in East Dean. I would love to hear from anyone related to me. We live in Morrinsville, new Zealand, right in the heart of ‘Dairy Country’, having moved here about 3 years ago to retire after living in the Auckland area since December 1979. Originally, we emigrated to Adelaide, South Australia, in January 1971 and subsequently moved to NZ where my mother and brother were living. We have been back to the UK three times and did visit the Lavant Valley in January 1988. Please email us at rjkellett@xtra.co.nz. We’d love to hear from you.

Jan has now made contact with relatives in the Valley... This from Janet Holt... Just a follow up to Jan Kellets e-mail really! It is a very small world indeed and it was very exciting to contact Jan and compare some of our family findings! As Jan told you, my great grandfather and her grandfather were brothers - so we'll just be Italian and call ourselves cousins without worrying too much about the generations! My great grandfather James Lambert kept the Star and Garter and my grandmother was born there in 1901 on the day that Queen Victoria was brought back from Osborn House for burial, so my grandmother was named after the new Queen, Alexandra, wife of Edward VII The same week a boy was born to the blacksmith working at the forge in East Dean at the time, Mr Oakley, so he was named Edward, so East Dean had it's own royal couple! Even though my grandmother was born at the pub, she never went into the bar - at all not even when the pub was closed - until her 80th birthday, when she reluctantly agreed to come in for a meal with her family! How times have changed! As an aside, copies of the book - Why Did They Call Me Archibald? are still available from the Open Air Museum shop.

And from Jan again... As I said in the last email, your article re: The Lamberts' and the elusive Maiden name of Mary Lambert (O'Dowd?) produced a wonderful result in that I was contacted by a cousin, Janet (completely unknown to me at that point) directly related to Mary through her son James Lambert who married Ada Wild and their daughter Alexandra Marjorie Lambert who married Archibald Long and became Janet's Grandparents. Arch Long, of course, became a very prominent local identity and Janet very kindly sent a little book she and Richard Pailthorpe had written on his life which was a real joy to me. James and Ada Lambert were running the Star and Garter Pub in Butchers Lane, East Dean. Their Daughter was born there in 1901 (she was listed as 2mths old on the 1901 Census). James was son of William Lambert, career soldier and was born in Ireland and was brother of my Grandfather, William, who was a gamekeeper on the Goodwood Estate and not always in good odour with the villagers as you can see by reading the little book about Arch Long (Why did they call me Archibald?). My search continues, exciting to go along with the wanderings of Charcoal Burners between Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and Middlesex. Be transported to Lampeter in Cardiganshire, Wales to a Jones family who married an Overton, who was son of William James and Ann Overton (nee Davis). Ann  was the sister of John Davis, my Maternal Great Grandfather. And so the wheel continues to turn, my joy is to have been able to trace a little of where it's been and, who knows, how far back I will be able to go.

 

Michael S McCarthy

 

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