Notes & Queries Message Board
Welcome to the Notes & Queries message board. This Board can be used to publicise coming events. It can also be used to note the date of a future event, so that other organisations can check that no other event clashes with one they are planning. Message are shown in order of original date received or the date of the most recent comment. If you would like to post a response to a message, use the Respond link above each message.
All comments will be moderated before they appear on the Message Board. Shire Publications reserves the right to amend comments and will retain the copyright on any information submitted.
Post a new message
Back to Message Board index
29/08/2010 A Memory of the late 1950s to early 1960s.
Posted by Jennifer Elaine Skinner, 8, Church Walk North, Rodbourne Cheney, Swindon, Wiltshire.
I was wondering if there was anyone out there in Shirehampton, that remembers the condemned cottages off
Pembroke Road. I lived there from 1955 to I think 1963. My
address was 5, Ellenborough Place, Pembroke Road. I used to play at the back of Woolworths up the lane, with
friends Jill Bowyer, Steven Symons, Steven Pearce, Steven Dall,
Alison Hargraves, who all lived in Pembroke Road.
It would be great if anyone has any photo's or memory, of
these cottages. They were opposite a hair dressers called
Teresa's.
Me and my friends used to go to the cinema on a Saturday
morning, watch a western, then go to the back of Woolworths,
and act out a western, with the large crate boxes.
Any comments much appreciated. [ref: 0345]
26/07/2010 Myrtle Hall Shirehampton
In 1826 Henry Kemp and his family lived at Myrtle Hall.
Henry was an associate of James Lyon of Redland, Clifton a merchant and shipping broker. Henry had retired from the East India Company as a Chief Mate.
What I would like to know is the physical size and social status of Myrtle Hall at that time [ref: 0332]
I am researching the Roach Family of - Hotwells and Bristol area.
Would anyone have any connection or information related to this local family
Please contact : kc54497@googlemail.com [ref: 0330]
08/04/2009 Weston House - Kingsweston Road - Lawrence Weston
Posted by Keith Cranney, Bristol
Would any readers have any knowledge of Lawrence Weston house also known as Weston House that was situated on or near Kingsweston Road - Lawrence Weston.
This house should not be confused with Kingsweston House, it was once the home of the Robinson family.
I believe the property may also possibly have had a connection to the PALMER family
I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has any memories, family links or photographs of the property
Please Contact : kc54497@googlemail.com
Kind Regards
Keith [ref: 0205]
Tony Haggerty, New Zealand on 19/07/2010
Lawrence Weston House was once owned by the Harford family who built Blaise House. It was indeed owned by Philip? Robinson of the ES & A Robinson dynasty and subsequently in the 1950s by the Bryan family of Bryan Bros, the Bristol Ford dealer. My link is that I was at St Brendan's College a year or two behind Mike Bryan, Jim Bryan's son. I also worked for ES & AR although I didn't know of their connection at that time.
Most importantly, my grandmother was a Palmer of Lawrence Weston. I believe her eldest brother William built a cottage in the grounds of the house.
A good source of information is "In the footsteps of Giants A history of Lawrence Weston by Judy Helme published by Acta Community Theatre Ltd. of Bristol.
19/02/2010 Shirehampton History, specifically Shirehampton Public Hall
Posted by Gillian Smith, Shirehampton
Hello. I am a MA Historical Archaeology Student at the University of Bristol. I am undertaking a historic building survey of Shirehampton Public Hall, and would like to appeal for any information relating to this building and the wider area of Shirehampton. Any pictures, maps and memories of the building and area would be extremely useful.
Thank You
Gillian Smith [ref: 0295]
26/01/2010 1983 Portway School Reunion Saturday March 13th 2010
Posted by Kim Pennell (Gilbert), Shirehamtpon
Please note my mobile number is 07876590452.
Please contact me for tickets.
Thanks.
Kim [ref: 0291]
02/01/2010 Old children's picture
Posted by Andrew McRobert, Sydney, Australia
I have just been given a hand-drawn picture, comprising my given names, with a separate drawing below each letter. It is signed "W. Pretty". It must have been done when I was quite small (I am now 61). I can find nothing in Google referring to a W. Pretty as an artist, but I have noticed a number of "Mr. Pretty" references to people who seem to have played a part in the life of Shirehampton. I am wondering whether anybody reading this has any information on 'my' W. Pretty. [ref: 0277]
25/09/2009 SHIRE CHRISTMAS MARKET - NOVEMBER
Posted by Jayne Harvey, 11, The Bean Acre, Shire
Can anyone please give me any info on the proposed Shire Christmas Market - which I understand is to be held in November.
In particular I need the contact details of the person/s who are organising the market.
Many thanks [ref: 0264]
02/11/2006 Old Portway School
Have you any pictures of the old Portway School which was at the end of the swimming baths road (I forgot the name) [Editor's note: Park Hill] and the Portway. This would be about 1942+. My teacher was Mr Bazeley. The girls part of the school was next door. The clinic was just around the corner. We used to ride our bikes up shire hill from Avonmouth 4 times a day rain or shine . I cannot see them doing that nowadays. [ref: 0046]
Dave Parker, 64, Ruze Vida Drive, Massey, Auckland, 0614, N.Z. on 11/05/2009
Hi Ron,
I am originally from Avonmouth and went to Portway school '48-'50. I have a photograph of all the teachers there
at that time and a list of most of their names. Email me with
your email address and I'll send it to you. I share your
sentiments about riding bikes to school in those days, I also remember holding onto to the 28 bus handrail and getting
pulled up Shire hill and the bus conductor rapping my knuckles if he caught me. ha,ha.
Regards, Dave Parker.
31/03/2009 Philip Napier Miles
Posted by Niall Hoskin, Dundry
I got interested last year in the life and especially the music of the last squire of Kingsweston: I shared that interest with the late lamented Brian Blandford. I am still determined that, as a tribute to Brian's efforts and in time for the 75th anniversary of Miles' death which will be in 2010, there should be a performance of some of Miles' music. I'd welcome any information and help from Shire readers! [ref: 0203]
Posted by Geoffrey A. Pocock (U.K. Historian)
I have noticed brief mentions on your website of the Remount Depot at Shirehampton Avonmouth. I have been researching this Depot and its associated one at Swaythling near Southampton. I have learned that the land used for Remounts at Swaythling, Southampton was offered for sale in 1919 by the War Office. I would like to discover whether the War Office carried out the same policy at Shirehampton and also find the location of the land used. Until the army took over Remounts in the spring of 1915, both depots were run by the Legion of Frontiersmen. The army took over when the Frontiersmen were granted their own named unit (25th Bn Royal Fusiliers (Frontiersmen)). I have a photograph of the Frontiersmen in their picturesque uniforms working with horses at Avonmouth in late 1914. This has been clearly reproduced in my History of One Hundred Years of the Legion of Frontiersmen, published by Phillimore in 2004. The depot was commanded at first by Legion Captain Arthur Burchardt-Ashton. www.frontiersmenhistorian.info [ref: 0049]
Sean O'Brien, st andrews road, bristol on 03/02/2009
Dear Mr Pocock, I would be interested in results of your research. My grandfather Joe O'Brien came to live in Bristol after working at the Remount depot at Shirehampton breaking in horses. Apparently the soldiers (frontiersmen?) would put on displays of horsemanship for the locals, that's how he met my Gran. I think he said his unit was in France and had to drive horses across the length of that country (He was Army service corps, recruited in Ireland) My sister is researching our family history so any information on the remount depot would be most welcome. Thank you. Sean O'Brien
Editor on 05/01/2007
A further footnote has been added connecting Percy Toplis, the 'Monocled Mutineer', with the Remount Depot. See the article in January 2007 SHIRE Newspaper
Mary Macey on 05/12/2006
Mary Macey has supplied an interesting footnote. Her uncle, Sid Parsons (father of the lately deceased John Parsons) lived in the area bounded by what are now Groveleaze, Barrow Hill, and the Portway. As he dug his garden, he was constantly digging up horseshoes. If only the old superstition carried any truth, he would have been the luckiest man in Shirehampton!
Editor on 05/12/2006
The interest readers have shown in Shirehampton's unusual part in the World War I story raises the consideration that perhaps something should be done to mark the history more significantly. How about some memorial devoted to the horses, many of whom died in what was the last major conflict to employ the? Perhaps there could be a small plaque put up on part of the camp site. One possible location is the Cotswold Community Centre whose previous building, replaced only twelve years ago, was an army hut that survived from World War I.
Editor on 05/11/2006
Please see the article in SHIRE by Ralph Hack in November 2006 SHIRE Newspaper
G Weatherhead, Severn Beach on 19/09/2006
My Grandfather came down from the North of England and was Sergeant Major Farrier in the Remount and remained in Shirehampton after the War as he was granted the contract to dismantle the site buildings in West Town Lane. As far as I know it was turned back into grazing land and a large part of it was given to the people of the area by Squire Miles as Playing Fields and a while afterwards in the 20`s some was sold off for housing, which meant my Father and Grandfather had to move their Blacksmiths Shop from West Town Road to Portview Road in Avonmouth. One of the stories goes that when the Armistice was declared all the Blacksmiths threw their tools onto the roofs of the Forges and went down to the "Hope & Anchor" Pub to celebrate !
08/01/2009 Wassail at Atwood Drive Allotment, saturday 17th Jan, 10am
Atwood Drive Allotment Association would like to invite the community to the Wassail in the Orchard of the allotments in Lawrence Weston.
The festivities start at 10am, everyone is welcome. There will be a raffle, home made goodies, have a look around the allotment if you are thinking of getting a plot.
Feel free to check out the website www.webjam.com/atwood_drive_allotment
A Wassail is a traditional Anglo-Saxon ceremoney to celebrate the new year and bless the apple trees.
Hope to see you there. [ref: 0179]
02/01/2009 Old Seamen Mission Portview Road
Recently moved to a flat at the above, and am trying to find any information and photos on the building. I was given a plan of the ground floor when I moved in but would love to know more about the building. I found a photo and some info on this website by googling and would love to know more. I'm also thinking of giving Most Haunted a call- but if they were to see a real ghostI I think they would freak out. thanks Em [ref: 0155]
Posted by Jennifer clarke
I found a brooch on Springfield avenue and Bradley crescent on the 19th December. If you're the owner please contact me for its return. [ref: 0147]
27/11/2008 Lord Mayor's visit to Shirehampton Infants School March 1978
Does anyone have any archive of this visit? [ref: 0144]
27/06/2006 Merriman's Road
Posted by Jane Simmonds, Shirehampton, Bristol
Does anyone have any interesting facts about Merriman's Rd or any history about the houses there? [ref: 0047]
Danny Clevely, Titirangi, Auckland, NZ on 28/08/2008
My Gt aunt, Margaret Howarth used to live on the corner of Merrimans at 27 Kings Weston Ave. I lived across the road at No. 28. I remember Merrimans being built, it must have been built around the late 50s early 60s. Before then it was a field and a handy place to get to the reen to play!
Phil Tudor, Melksham Wiltshire on 26/11/2006
Please pass on my email address to Jane Simmonds who is asking for information about Merrymans Road. I lived there for many years and may well have the contacts she is looking for. Kind regards
12/08/2008 Books by Ethel Thomas
Posted by Sally, Shirehampton
Hi, I'm looking to buy/find both of the Shirehampton books by Ethel Thomas, I'd be grateful if anyone was able to help, or point me in the right direction. Thanks [ref: 0114]
Posted by Diane Pople (nee Oram)
Hi there, I used to live in the prefabs at Old Barrow Hill. I lived there from the age of six until I was 21, and I was wondering if you have any photos or news on the prefabs, I would love to have any info or news. Thanks and regards. [ref: 0051]
Nigel Belsten, Berkeley, Glos: on 05/06/2008
Hi Diane.
I found the Shire web site for the first time today, I don't know if you remember me at all, but I lived at No 10 Old Barrow Hill, and you lived in No 24. Sadly both No 10 and 24 are no longer there as they have been pulled down to make way for new housing. Would love to hear from you as you may remember that you, Alan Stenner, Paul Davis, Christine Ware, John and Alan Harston, Richard (my Brother) and I all played in the park by the the Nursery.
Best Regards.
Nigel.
24/10/2007 Portishead Cruising Club
Posted by Margaret O’Connor
This year is the 75th anniversary of the Portishead Cruising Club. Although we are called the Portishead Cruising Club, our clubhouse is in Pill opposite the pub in Hung Road in Shire, that used to be called the Lamplighters, any stories or even better if anyone has any photos that are connected with the cruising club would be very gratefully received. Regards [ref: 0061]
Posted by John Rogers, St.Louis USA
Does anyone have any pictures of the old Row Houses that were situated in Lower High Street next to Meadow Grove, they were demolished in the early 1950s and the bungalows built in their place. They were called 'The bank". I lived there from 1932 until 1937. [ref: 0050]
John Rogers on 25/08/2006
Hello David, I have made contact with Ted Linsley in reference to a picture of the old house called the "Bank"he will be furnishing a copy of the picture,the search is over, many thanks to the "SHIRE". And thank you David for passing this information on to me. Kind Regards
John Rogers.
Edward (Ted) Linsley, Westbury-on-Trym on 12/08/2006
I am responding to the enquiry by Messrs. Rogers & Weekes in issue No.415. I was born in Bank Cottages in 1924 and do have a picture of same of which I will gladly supply a copy for John Rogers. The picture was kindly provided by Ralph Hack.
Graham Weekes on 26/06/2006
My name is Graham Weekes. I lived AT 20 Meadow Grove, for many years through and after the war, prior to living there, my parents lived on the bank where I was born about the time John Rogers refers to. My parents' names were Ernest and Doris Weekes and Mrs Gazzard who lived on the corner of Meadow Grove was my godparent.
It would be interesting to know whether Mr Rogers recalls knowing them. I left Shirehampton in 1956 to live in Frome in Somerset, but from time to time return to visit Shire and have fond memeries of my childhood there. I look forward every month to Shire News which keeps me up to date with events, and some of those who I knew many years ago, and should anyone there remember me I would be delighted to hear from them.
10/02/2006 Penpole Point Seat
Posted by Doreen Dorrington, Ontario Canada
Hello from Canada. love your Web site. I grew up in Shirehampton In the Fifties and spent many a summer day at the top of Penpole point. There was a very unusual seat at the top. I think it was green, made of iron. I was wondering if it was still there? And does anyone know anything about it? Is it some kind of monument? And when was it put there.
I lived at 25 Chelwood Road. My name was Doreen Cooper. If anyone remembers me I would love to hear from them. [ref: 0052]