Christmas Memories

What do you remember about your childhood Christmases?
What was your families routine on the big day?
I awoke to all my presents in a pillowcase at the bottom of my bed. Did you have a stocking? Did you have to wait for your presents until after dinner or after Church.
Did you go to Church?
Midnight  Mass.
Shepherds with crooks.
Christmas puddings with sixpences in.

What are your memories?
J

Carole Brown R I P.

I am sorry to pass on the news that Dear Carole passed away on 21st. October after a  long and courageous fight.

Carole would have been 70 next January and very nearly made that milestone although she packed a lot into the years she did survive.

She managed to see her son married and  attend the Reception before being taken back to hospital. A very determined lady. Marion told me that she was very involved in several charities  which kept her busy and which reminded me of all the Red Cross work that her parents did.

I am also told that she thoroughly enjoyed the reunion and although I did not make it that gives me a lot of pleasure.

Here are some photos of her through the years.

 

 

This last photo was taken at the reunion with her sisters and Gloria (an honorary sister!).

On behalf of all the Summervalians

Carole it was wonderful having you in our lives.

Jean

Well Done Gloria!

When a padded envelope arrived this morning I thought my prayers had been answered and I was not disappointed.

A long letter From Gloria with a CD of photos from the reunion.

Before I post the photos Gloria mentioned the Noads. I remember them well as they moved into the bungalow next to us when the Durhams moved out.

Victor went to the boys grammar and Pam went to the girl’s grammar. We used to play tennis together despite some age difference.

I think Victor moved away although he kept in contact with my Dad for a bit. Pam used to live in Paignton  but I have not seen her for many years. Pretty sure she married someone from STC but not certain.

Back to the Photos.

Gloria has painstakingly named those she can remember but you know who you are so, sit back and indulge in some harmless nostalgia. After all, the Olympics have finished. What else to do?

JJ

Thank you Gloria, I have loved looking at these and reminiscing.

JJ

IS ANYONE THERE?

With so many people making it to the reunion I have been expecting lots of photos and letters especially as I was not there. Apart from a couple, no one has been in touch and I am just wondering if another meet, here in Torbay would be possible next year? The little feed back I have received was that those of you that made it did enjoy it and I am aware that many more might like a meeting nearer home.

Come on, please let me have your thoughts.

Peter Westmacott promises to do a write up of the reunion but I would like to hear from others as well. Were you surprised at recognising people after 50+ years?

Who had changed the most? Who still looked incredibly glamorous? Which of the men still caused a little heart flutter? What did you think of modern Ilminster? Did you stay over night ? Where did you go? Did you meet up with old school friends? Have you exchanged addresses and phone numbers?

If this blog is to continue I could do with a little help from you all. It doesn't take too long to drop me an email and send some photos. Let us keep it going. PLEASE.

In the meantime, as I was unable to attend I thought I should post a photo of me so that you might recognise me at some future date.

That is me on the left. The handsome man is my Mike.

This was taken back in May whilst visiting a bar in the old town square of Benalmadina. If you go to the Costa Del Sol do visit the old town high on the hill. So much nicer than the Marina where most people go.

Here is a pretty little white washed church shaded all around with pine trees Far from the Madding Crowd.

JJ

 

More Reunion Photos from Joan Wakeham

If I told you how many hours it has taken for me to receive these photos from Joan you would not believe me.
Firstly, she sent me 15 separate emails with a photo attached with an explanation of who it was. However, when I opened the photos on my iPad there was the same one attached to all the mails.
I gave Joan a ring and we had a giggle about modern technology etc., she, of course thought it was her mistake but we finally realised that it was a fault with the iPad. A common problem – apparently.
So, that meant I had to check my webmail which was easier said than done as Sky had deleted my password (!) so that meant a phone call to them. Finally, I managed to actually see all the photos which I copied and pasted to my laptop.
With any luck, much touching of wood and finger crossing I hope they are here ………….
Mary Ralph with ?

Marion Brown

John Wood ( Joan’s cousin) with his wife Anne and Auntie Ruth
 
I am not sure who this is ?? Mike Smith?

No. this is Mike Smith I think.

Brenda and Norma Simpson

This is Peter Plumridge and Cathy I think.

George Brown

Mike Jolly and Bobby Chambers

The man I was supposed to marry – Clive Williams and his wife. Can’t see his freckles).

Bobby & Mike again.

Gloria and Peter

Malcolm Driver and Roger Everson

And last but not least -
Malcom Driver, Carol Richards. Bobby Chambers. Margaret Mason and Marjorie Richards.

Thanks to Joan for sending the above, I have loved seeing them and hope you do to.
Who will be next?
JJ

The Wakeham Family

Much loved by many of us.

Mum Rose with a wonderful sense of humour, Bill the quiet one in a house full off women.

June, the eldest who had beautiful long hair often worn in a plait.

Joan, younger than me but one of my closest friends and so much taller than me. I was so jealous.

Cindy, I did not know so well or the baby Lesley but all very pretty girls.

Here are some photos sent to me by Joan

Pat Laughton, Carol Richards and Joan.

Yes, we really did have tin baths ………… for the garden! In front with Joan is her cousin Elaine

and a little Wakeham in the middle I assume. Always remember the lovely roses in their garden.

Joan receiving a prize from the Carnival queen.

June and Joan, with ringlets, Margaret Mason on the right and Peter Plumridge at the back on the left.

Guess the pantomime? June with the pigtails, can you recognise anyone else?

Joan is recognisable, she is the tallest and the little one first left was called Cousens I think. Help me out with these please.

Do you remember Tony White and his wife who owned the shop at the top of the hill, on the main road. Aptly called WHITES I think.

I was asked to do the Christmas Draw one year but after pulling out several tickets with the name “Boyce” on them, I was relieved of my duties.

 

 

Here is a photo of the Dads at an STC do. See below for a closer look.

I RECOGNISE LOADS OF FACES BUT CAN ONLY REMEMBER A FEW NAMES.

THANKS TO JOAN FORALL THE ABOVE.

JJ

Email from Doreen Powell

Hi

I just wanted to say thank you for the Summervale reunion. My mum and I had a great day. It was lovely to see so many old friends there, and how great to talk about all the old times.

Heres to the next one!!!

I was sorry my brother Alan was unable to come though.

I have just enjoyed looking on the Blog and seeing some of the old photos.I couldn't see many of the Powell family so I have attached some old photos of mum,dad, Alan and myself.

Many thanks.

Kind Regards

Doreen ( Powell - no. 36 )

 

 

 

Doreen tells me they moved into Summervale in 1949 and that Alan is the same age as me but I don’t remember him. Strange that.

Anyway, Doreen has started the ball rolling – who is next?

Thanks Doreen for helping to keep the blog alive

JJ