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.

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29/08/2010 A Memory of the late 1950s to early 1960s.
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Posted by Jennifer Elaine Skinner, 8, Church Walk North, Rodbourne Cheney, Swindon, Wiltshire.

 01793 433305  SKINNER_JENNIFER@sky.com

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
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Posted by Robin, France

 lemotais@hotmail.com

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]

21/07/2010 Roach Family
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Posted by Keith, Bristol

 kc54497@googlemail.com

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
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Posted by Keith Cranney, Bristol

 01454 613985  kc54497@googlemail.com

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]

19/02/2010 Shirehampton History, specifically Shirehampton Public Hall
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Posted by Gillian Smith, Shirehampton

 hecte@hotmail.co.uk

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
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Posted by Kim Pennell (Gilbert), Shirehamtpon

 07876590452  kim@thebts.co.uk

Please note my mobile number is 07876590452. Please contact me for tickets. Thanks. Kim [ref: 0291]

02/01/2010 Old children's picture
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Posted by Andrew McRobert, Sydney, Australia

 andrewmcrobert@gmail.com

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
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Posted by Jayne Harvey, 11, The Bean Acre, Shire

 jayne.arvey@blueyonder.co.uk

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
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Posted by Ron Simmons

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]

31/03/2009 Philip Napier Miles
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Posted by Niall Hoskin, Dundry

 01179642804  niallhoskin@tiscali.co.uk

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]

30/08/2006 Remount Depot
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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]

08/01/2009 Wassail at Atwood Drive Allotment, saturday 17th Jan, 10am
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Posted by Sam Bailey

 curlyredsam@hotmail.com

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
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Posted by Emma

 emma_hanby@yahoo.com

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]

19/12/2008 Found Brooch
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Posted by Jennifer clarke

 jennifer.clarke@aedas.com

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
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Posted by Sal Langley

 sal.langley@ntlworld.com

Does anyone have any archive of this visit? [ref: 0144]

27/06/2006 Merriman's Road
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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]

12/08/2008 Books by Ethel Thomas
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Posted by Sally, Shirehampton

 9828016  sally@angelswing.co.uk

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]

24/02/2006 Cornwall
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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]

24/10/2007 Portishead Cruising Club
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Posted by Margaret O’Connor

 oconnor007@btinternet.com

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]

23/03/2006 Row Houses
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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]

10/02/2006 Penpole Point Seat
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Posted by Doreen Dorrington, Ontario Canada

 lewissiwel@sympatico.ca

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]