At a meeting of the Thursley History Society early in 2025, it was agreed that the website should include a post for our many beloved villagers who are no longer with us. Our archive contains a lot of information and we shall gradually build up this entry retrospectively. If you would like to contribute any obituaries, eulogies, memories, orders of service or photographs (especially where none exist on the website) please do so via the website: https://www.thursleyhistorysociety.org/contact Lives celebrated: Ann Banks; Jane Brownrigg; Brian Camp; John Holt; Anthony Kentish Kathleen Jane Brownrigg: Died 10th September 1999 Jane joined us at the Hollies in the Summer term of 1985 to help us with music. She was delighted to be amongst children again and she was like an honorary grandmother to all of them. She came regularly every Wednesday: she didn't always stick to nursery rhymes, we were treated to 'the Lambeth Walk' or an outburst of jazz, until we gently led her back to the matter in hand. Jane adored the children and was always keen to follow their progress even after they had left the Hollies. She was such a gentle, kind and gracious lady; still in touch with modern youth and retaining real interest in other people. She had a great gift with people of all ages, always showing real interest in them. With her insuppressable sense of humour, we had great fun over the years. How could we forget Jane in the fire engine (complete with fireman's hat), Jane on a farm cart at Loseley, memorable Christmas concerts, Jane draped with several children queuing up for their cuddle... Jane standing obediently and patiently while Shirley cleaned several day's worth of face powder off her glasses, while she was buttoned up having arrived with all her buttons undone... or laughing as we scolded her for not doing up her boots and scuffing as she walked along the corridor... and no-one who ever had Jane for music will ever forget THAT TUNE... that good old standby which was the first tune she had ever learnt, which meant she could play and turn around and watch the children at the same time! Needless to say, over the years that Jane was a part of the Hollies, she was greatly loved by us all, staff and children alike. Alison Anderson, Shirley Cole & Dilla Davis, for The Hollies Further Tribute from the Parish Magazine December 1999 Jane was a Devonian who never lost her affection for her native county but spent her married life helping her husband, Charles, to run Fernden School and bringing up their three children, Linda, Andrew and Johnnie. She married Charles in 1939 and was his greatest support and ally. She was immensely fond of children and had trained as a Norland nannie, so was just the person to look after generations of small boys who needed mothering. The great affection Fernden boys had for "Mrs Charles" was ample evidence of how much she meant to many of them. When she and Charles came towards retirement they bought Baker's Cottages which they converted into Wild Goose and finally settled into the village in 1975. Jane quickly became a friend to all the neighbours, including their children. Charles ran cricket coaching for local children and Jane was a popular part of these sessions - as befitted someone who was a past Captain of the Devon Ladies Cricket Team! Her talent for friendship and kindness touched all her friends in Thursley - she will be much missed. Marion O'Brien Brian Edward Camp: 1928 - 5th September 1999 These tributes came from Thursley Parish Council & Community and published in the Parish Magazine October 1999: It is with enormous regret and sadness we record here the death of our chairman Brian Camp. Brian had been a council member since 1973 and chairman for the past 20 years. During this remarkably long period he worked with great energy and enthusiasm and with a powerful sense of duty, always with the interests of Thursley and its residents in mind. With his experience at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, he was a force to be reckoned with in matters relating to local government and the residents of Thursley could take comfort from the fact that they had a man like Brian fighting their corner on issues ranging from planning, police matters, highways, footpaths and finance. Brian was a dedicated and tenacious lobbyist and was renowned up to national government level for his tireless efforts to resolve the traffic issues in Thursley. The right hand turn into Thursley off the south-bound A3 became his personal crusade and resolution of the Hindhead bypass problem was his dearest wish. Council meetings under Brian's chairmanship were lively, controversial, unpredictable and amusing. Representatives of the press and Surrey and Waverley councils were regular attendees as a result. To his fellow parish councillors, Brian's selfless dedication to his duties was a shining example to be emulated and his wise counsel will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are very much with Lynda, David and Harriet in their tragic loss. Dear Friends – Letter from Revd William Lang (Oct 1999): This last month saw the death of a remarkable man one who gave over his retirement entirely to his young family and to this parish. He served both the Parish Council and the Parochial Church Council over many years, and was a keen member of the Horticultural Society and Secretary to the Thursley Charity, but he deserves to be remembered every bit as much as a loving and conscientious husband and father. I said at his funeral, "One of the things that marked Brian out was his tremendous sense of duty, whatever he turned his hand to, he would pursue it diligently and doggedly a wonderful person to have on your side, and a wearisome opponent!" and certainly, Brian never gave up not even at the end, for he was still making plans and drafting letters until a few days before his death. I also said, "It is undoubtedly as the Chairman of the Parish Council [from 1973 to 1999] that he has really left his mark here as the champion of 'Thursley for Thursley people'. The phrase in the local press: 'The Chairman, Major Brian Camp, said...' must have presaged quite a few chills in officialdom and thrills among the locals. He deplored the depletion of the village's facilities; he implored the authorities to create a safe A3 crossing; he explored every proposal, however small, with a rigour which few appreciated (unless he was on your side) but which was done (as far as he was concerned) with scrupulous fairness. He had a tremendous ability to master detail - and, if necessary, great chunks of legislation and he loved playing with words. When he was in a good mood he was very witty; when he wasn't, he could be abrupt past the point of rudeness - I don't think he could always tell the difference." We all saw the 'public face', heard the 'public voice', but comparatively few in the village knew Brian as the 'affable Dad'. Members of (for instance) the Elstead Mother and Toddler Group saw a very different side to him one which Lynda, David and Harriet will now sorely miss, and our hearts go out to them as they begin to face life without him. I concluded, "Brian loved Thursley, and he loved its wildlife; his walks with Tammy were a source of great contentment to him; but above all, he loved his family. He may be dead, but he will not, I think, leave us" and indeed, his contributions to the life of Thursley and to his family have been considerable and will be, I feel sure, lasting ones. William Lang Anthony John Kentish: 1911 - 1998 Anthony lived at Sunset Cottage From the Parish Magazine August 1999: Anthony Kentish, or "Ant" to all his friends, went to Mill Hill School where he made numerous lifetime friends. Ant was a great sportsman, active in his time, playing rugger and sailing, and he continued to support the Old Millhillian Society. Ant's grandfather was in the wine trade and Ant joined the firm H. Parrott, eventually becoming Chairman. During the War he served in the Artillery. However, the wine trade continued to be his great love. He was a traditionalist and completely unflappable in any situation, extricating himself from anything awkward with characteristic calm. Through his wine connections he grew to know and love Portugal and there he met Ros, a talented artist painting under the name of Ros Kent. They were married and lived amongst us in Bowlhead Green at Lower House for many happy years, extending great hospitality. After Ros's death Ant moved to Sunset Cottage where he married Anna. He continued to be very much part of the village life, being a Parish Councillor, Chairman of the Conservatives and a keen supporter of all village activities. He had a great capacity for enjoyment and making other people feel happy around him, and will be very much missed by all his friends whose lives he so enriched. John Bayley Holt Admiral Holt lived in Sailors Lane. He retired from the Navy in 1970 and spent the remainder of his life at his home in Thursley. He was married in 1940 to Olga Esme Creake and had three daughters. National Portrait Gallery Ann Paton Banks: 17th December 1920 - 5th April 1998

At a meeting of the Thursley History Society early in 2025, it was agreed that the website should include a post for our many beloved villagers who are no longer with us. Our archive contains a lot of information and we shall gradually build up this entry retrospectively. If you would like to contribute any obituaries, eulogies, memories, orders of service or photographs (especially where none exist on the website) please do so via the website: https://www.thursleyhistorysociety.org/contact Lives celebrated: Peter Anderson; Michael Chant; Pat Coles; Diana Cory; Margie Crawfurd; Katherine Feld; Ray Fry; Kate Hurman; Alfred 'Cocker' Keen; Arthur Moss; Jean Moss; Clive Platfoot; Drusilla Pye; Grace Ranson; Bridget Stewardson; Cynthia Tann; Kathleen Watson Alfred Frank Keen or “Cocker”: 8th September 1926 - 30th October 2019 From the Parish Magazine December 2019: Alfred Frank Keen or “Cocker” born to Agnes and Frank Keen on 8th September 1926 at their home The Cabin (now The Well House) next door to the pub. Cocker was the 3rd child of 6 with older sisters Dorothy and Jean and younger brothers John and Don and youngest sister Hazel, ‘plenty to have a fight with’ he would joke! Cocker enjoyed what he described recently as ‘a good childhood with plenty of room to run about’ and displayed early signs of his mischievous character by tying the door handles of cottages together! He attended school just across the road in what is now the village hall. In 1936 aged 9 the family moved up to Homefields where he was to live the rest of his life. Cocker’s first paid work came at the age of 13 in the form of delivering milk to Cosford House before he left school and became a garden boy at Milhanger. At age 16, Cocker joined Mr Cottle at Red Lion Garage, now Mathwall, where he would work during the war and learn his skills as a mechanic. Village life during the war was tough and Cocker and his younger brothers John and Don used to catch rabbits and poach pheasants, the only time meat was served at home, and every inch of ground would be dug to grow vegetables. After the war in 1947 Cocker was posted to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire to serve his 2 years National Service in the army before returning to Thursley. On returning to Thursley Cocker worked at Pitlands farm (now Punchbowl Farm) and Upper Highfield Farm. He enjoyed playing cricket for Thursley and became a very accomplished vegetable gardener. After farming he moved into livestock transportation with a firm named Keen (no relation) in Witley. It was following this move that Cocker saw the opportunity to become an owner/operator, he bought his own livestock lorry, parked it at Hill Farm Barns and started to transport livestock all over Surrey and beyond. We met Cocker in 1990 when we bought the barns and that was to be the beginning of a near 30 year friendship. Around this time he retired and seemed to spend all his spare time helping us. He tirelessly worked with us to establish the garden we have today and in doing so became a big part of our family’s life here in Thursley. During his retirement Cocker looked after his mother, who he lived with in Homefields, and spent much of his time helping others around the village. Cocker will be remembered by his family, friends and all those who he helped in the village. He is irreplaceable and as one villager said to me ‘they don’t make’em like that anymore’. The end of an era. Mike and Debbie Spencer Bridget Mary Stewardson: 20th February 1930 - 5th March 2019 Bridget lived in Rose Cottage, The Lane Raymond Maurice Fry: 22nd January 1936 - 6th May 2019 Ray Fry was a long-term warden and advocate for Thursley Common Jane Haviland: 21st May 1931 - 8th February 2019 Diana Cory: 2nd April 1929 - 14th February 2019 Katherine Louise Feld: 10th January 1985 - 4th April 2018 Michael Patrick Chant: 7 January 1944 - 6 February 2018 Michael, known as Mick, was husband of Tina who is a member of the Horticultural Committee. He ran the Cedars pub in Binsted. When they moved to Thursley, he became the caretaker of the village hall and was very helpful to the elderly. From the Parish Magazine March 2018: Born at Abingdon on 7.1.1944, (he managed to miss National Service by 7 days), the only son to Kath and Monty. School holidays were often spent at Grandfather's farm in Dunsfold along with his cousins, loads of fun and mischief, gaining a love of the countryside and rural activities, hunting and poaching with uncle Bill. Apprenticed to the Oxford University Press as a printer and copper plate engraver. After inheriting 'Sunnyside' the family relocated to Bramley where they took in lodgers, one being Tina. Kath was trying her hardest to matchmake with a local farmer's daughter and was horrified when Mick and Tina secretly married in 1974 and disappeared to Yorkshire. Ben was born a year later and Dan 3 years after. With his interest in tropical fish they bought a pet shop which Tina managed with her brother while Mick continued working in the print department of Selby District Council. With the deterioration of health of his parents and the changes in the print industry they decided to sell up and return to Sunnyside and became a gardener at Grafham Grange. After a back injury in 1999 a change of occupation was needed so Sunnyside was sold and The Cedars at Binsted was the new venture. Mick was in his element propping up the bar talking to the customers with his never empty glass of beer. After deciding to take early retirement from the pub a move was made to Thursley to be caretaker of their Village Hall. These years were the best, he integrated into village life helping the older inhabitants keep their independence. The boys married two beautiful girls Bex and Charlotte, the mothers of his precious grandchildren Oliver, Emma, Alice and Gabriel. Remembering back to the days he spent with his grandparents he was determined to enjoy being Grandad. Retirement meant moving to Witley where his health gradually deteriorated. In August 2016, diagnosed with oesophagus cancer, unafraid of death (can't be too bad wherever you go as no one comes back to complain) he kept telling stories and jokes up to the last few days. “Thank you to everyone who sent such kind messages of condolence on the death of Mick. I never realised how comforting reading those words could be, other people's memories and anecdotes adding to my own. We felt honoured to see so many Thursley residents at his funeral on a day that challenged the travel arrangements of many of our relatives. Convinced he had a hand in orchestrating the dreadful weather conditions would have appealed to his sense of humour. It was thanks to you that the crematorium filled up and we felt he had a good send off. The years spent at the village hall were some of the best, integrating into the village and making so many friends, seeing our sons mature and marry but best of all the births of his precious grandchildren.” Tina Chant John Patrick Coles: 8th September 1934 - 22nd August 2017 The eulogy was delivered by Alan Peters, Pat's greatest friend, and his sons Simon and Matthew: This moving address was given by the Revd Edmund Haviland: Kathleen Winifred Watson: 6th November 1917 - 24th April 2017 Margaret Vowe Crawfurd: 24th January - 11th January 2016 Margie Crawfurd was involved in a nursing charity in the village and was keen on welcoming newcomers. She was in charge of a high-class and prestigious art show held in the village hall for many years (see separate entry). She was the prime mover of the church kneelers (see separate entry) and also served on Waverley Borough Council. Margie Crawfurd, 1981 Grace Pope Ranson: 10th April 1927 - 9th March 2015 Major Clive Gordon Frederick Platfoot: 16th February 1931 - 31st August 2014 Major Platfoot lived in Churt, next to The Pride of the Valley, and was a keen churchgoer at St Michael & All Angels. He sold wrist alarms for the elderly and dubious home-made wine was a hobby. Drusilla Pye: 28th December 1927 - 13th January 2014 Drusilla was the formidable village and much-loved midwife who lived at 2 Church Cottages Drusilla Pye's Memorial Bench designed by her brother, the sculptor, William Pye Kate Hurman: 24th September 1928 - 31st July 2013 She lived in Old Potters on Pitch Place, an equestrienne and she and her husband had a fine collection of bronze statuary. She lived in Old Potters on Pitch Place, an equestrienne and she and her husband had a fine collection of bronze statuary. 6th March 1926 – 5th October 2012 Cynthia Tann: 6th March 1926 - 5th October 2012 Cynthia lived on Pitch Place, she was a glamourous ex-model who had three children. She was an artist and a keen churchgoer whose brilliant flower arrangements were often on display. She read the lessons beautifully. Peter Richard Anderson: 1944 - 2011 Arthur Edward Moss: 1916 - 2010 Arthur lived at Wheelwrights on The Street with his wife, Jean (see below). He was on the village hall committee and was in charge of raising the flag. This was Arthur's recollections of his war which was produced for the History of Thursley Society's 'Victory in 1945 Celebration' exhibition held in 1995: I spent VE Day marching away from the Russian Front, we were still POWs but the Germans were very agitated and disorganised and we could hear the Russian guns so we knew that our captors were losing the war. Ten of broke away from the chaos and found ourselves in a small German Village. There we met the local schoolteacher who took us into her home, took the down her picture of Hitler from the wall and cooked us a marvellous sit down supper. We then met up with a group of Serbs and were driven around on a horse and cart. After the Serbs, we joined a small party of Russians who plied us with methylated spirits and schnapps! At Chemnitz Station we finally me the Americans, who took us to Rheims to the Frech and we were flown home in Lancasters to freedom. I arrived back on the 19th May 1945 having been a prisoner of the Germans for almost five years bar a week. I was able to join in the celebrations for VJ Day and stood outside Buckingham Palace wit Gwladys, a young nurse friend, cheering as loudly as I could. Peter Richard Anderson: 1944 - 2011 Peter was married to Alison and lived in Brook Cottage on Dye House Road. Jean Scotson Moss: 1927 - 2010 Jean lived at Wheelwrights with her husband, Arthur

This article written by Jackie Rickenberg was published in the Parish Magazine in June 2020 As we missed our planned VE Day celebration in the village hall on May 8th, we thought we would stick with the theme for a few months more for our peep into the archives. We have such interesting records of past and present Thursley residents’ recollections from this time, that it’s worth reminiscing and trying to imagine just how they felt when the announcement was made and the war was finally over. We start with “Cocker” Keen, who very sadly recently passed away. Here is his story: Recollections by “Cocker” Keen “I’ve lived in Thursley all of my life and in this house in Homefield since 1937. At the start of the war I was at school in what is now the Village Hall. I left when I was 14 and started work for Reg Cottle at the Red Lion Garage (still there today but now called X). I stayed there until I was called up into the army between VE and VJ Days. I already had some military experience having served in Thursley’s Home Guard. I joined the Home Guard in 1942 when I was 16. There were 28 of us in it when it started, 6 of us on duty every night. You had 2 hours on duty and 4 hours off through the night and then you were back to your regular job the next morning. We would meet at the servant’s quarters at Foldsdown; the servants had gone to war and so their wooden annexe building at the back of the main house had been vacated. After D-Day, the night duties ended and we just played around; attacking the RAF pylon up at Gibbet Hill and practising firing live ammunition on the rifle range at Longmoor. In the village at this time was also the AFS (Auxiliary Fire Service), based in the studio of Red Lodge and the Air Raid Wardens who were based at the Village Institute (now Prospect Cottage). During the war the village was always full of troops. The Tank Corps were here when they came out of Dunkirk and were camped up in the trees in Dye House, the Canadians were at Tweedsmuir and the Free French were up at Rodborough. As a result, the pubs were always short of beer! Mr Fosberry, the landlord of the Three Horseshoes, kept the villagers happy by closing the pub but allowing the regulars round the back door and into the kitchen where they could enjoy their cherished pint! I remember once, a German bomber was being chased and jettisoned his bombs. One landed in the Hall’s barn field where the dairy cows were, killing all of them. A bomb also landed in the folly, the valley below Hedge Farm. Another couple fell on the fields of Upper Highfield Farm but it was only the Halls’ who lost their animals. They reckoned the bombs had been destined for the Armoured Corp, who were up in the woods with the troops. The Canadians used to drive their Sherman tanks up to the Punch Bowl and it became a desert from all the tank activity up there. They also blew up the remains of George May’s farm, Highcombe Farm, down in the Punch Bowl. Mr Gorringe from Upper Ridgeway Farm cleared up the rubble and used it to convert the barn into the cottage where Malcolm Cole now lives. We would go down to the Moat when the troops were water-proofing their vehicles and watch them drive through. They’d give us a ride; those Canadians didn’t care! The Canadians were good fun and once the war was over, we had to get back to the quiet life of a rural community. For me, that meant that some of my neighbours had been killed and my sister was married (to a Canadian soldier) and living across the Atlantic. The Parker’s lived at Foldsdown and their son was killed in Holland. His name is inscribed on his parents’ headstone in the churchyard. A neighbour from Homefield, Ronald Francis, was killed in a Bren Gun carrier (a light machine gun armament) out in France and Bob Sharland who lived at Number 7 Homefield was also killed”. Fascinating to see the war from a youngster’s perspective. The trauma and horror of the reality, only latterly impacting on the excitement and enthusiasm of a teenage boy. More recollections next month. Cocker Keen's Obituary: Alfred Frank Keen or “Cocker” born to Agnes and Frank Keen on 8th September 1926 at their home The Cabin (now The Well House) next door to the pub. Cocker was the 3rd child of 6 with older sisters Dorothy and Jean and younger brothers John and Don and youngest sister Hazel, ‘plenty to have a fight with’ he would joke! Cocker enjoyed what he described recently as ‘a good childhood with plenty of room to run about’ and displayed early signs of his mischievous character by tying the door handles of cottages together! He attended school just across the road in what is now the village hall. In 1936 aged 9 the family moved up to Homefields where he was to live the rest of his life. Cocker’s first paid work came at the age of 13 in the form of delivering milk to Cosford House before he left school and became a garden boy at Milhanger. At age 16, Cocker joined Mr Cottle at Red Lion Garage, now Mathwall, where he would work during the war and learn his skills as a mechanic. Village life during the war was tough and Cocker and his younger brothers John and Don used to catch rabbits and poach pheasants, the only time meat was served at home, and every inch of ground would be dug to grow vegetables. After the war in 1947 Cocker was posted to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire to serve his 2 years National Service in the army before returning to Thursley. On returning to Thursley Cocker worked at Pitlands farm (now Punchbowl Farm) and Upper Highfield Farm. He enjoyed playing cricket for Thursley and became a very accomplished vegetable gardener. After farming he moved into livestock transportation with a firm named Keen (no relation) in Witley. It was following this move that Cocker saw the opportunity to become an owner/operator, he bought his own livestock lorry, parked it at Hill Farm Barns and started to transport livestock all over Surrey and beyond. We met Cocker in 1990 when we bought the barns and that was to be the beginning of a near 30 year friendship. Around this time he retired and seemed to spend all his spare time helping us. He tirelessly worked with us to establish the garden we have today and in doing so became a big part of our family’s life here in Thursley. During his retirement Cocker looked after his mother, who he lived with in Homefields, and spent much of his time helping others around the village. Cocker will be remembered by his family, friends and all those who he helped in the village. He is irreplaceable and as one villager said to me ‘they don’t make’em like that anymore’. The end of an era. Mike and Debbie Spencer The eulogy for Cocker Keen written and delivered by Mike Spencer Alfred Frank Keen or “Cocker” born to Agnes and Frank Keen on 8th September 1926 at their home The Cabin (now The Well House) next door to the pub. Cocker was the 3rd child of 6 with older sisters Dorothy and Jean and younger brothers John and Don and youngest sister Hazel, ‘plenty to have a fight with’ he would joke! Cocker enjoyed what he described recently as ‘a good childhood with plenty of room to run about’ and displayed early signs of his mischievous character by tying the door handles of cottages together! He attended school just across the road in what is now the village hall. In 1936 aged 9 the family moved up to Homefields where he was to live the rest of his life. Cocker’s first paid work came at the age of 13 in the form of delivering milk to Cosford House before he left school and became a garden boy at Milhanger. At age 16, Cocker joined Mr Cottle at Red Lion Garage, now Mathwall, where he would work during the war and learn his skills as a mechanic. Village life during the war was tough and Cocker and his younger brothers John and Don used to catch rabbits and poach pheasants, the only time meat was served at home, and every inch of the garden would be dug to grow vegetables. After the war in 1947 Cocker was posted to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire to serve his 2 years National Service in the army before returning to Thursley. On returning to Thursley Cocker worked at Pitlands farm (now Punchbowl Farm) and Upper Highfield Farm. He enjoyed playing cricket for Thursley and became an accomplished vegetable gardener. After farming he moved into livestock transportation with a firm named Keen in Witley. It was following this move that Cocker saw the opportunity to become an owner/operator, he bought his own livestock lorry, parked it at Hill Farm Barns and started to transport livestock all over Surrey and beyond. Debbie and I met Cocker in 1990 when we bought the barns in Thursley where he parked his lorry.He was always mysterious about his age saying he was ‘as old as my tongue and a little bit older than my teeth’ but he had reached retirement and seemed to spend all his spare time helping us.That was to be the beginning of a near 30 year friendship.Aged 30 and naive we had embarked on a huge project to convert the barns to a home and we really couldn’t have done it without him.He was endlessly resourceful, always had the right tool for the job, strong as an ox and worked tirelessly.Cocker was many things to usA good friendA kind of grandfather to our boysHe was always looking out for us even when we weren’t around. And he was a teacher: Yes, he was a teacher He taught me everything I know about gardening:When we first moved to Thursley we had nothing but a tumbled down building and 6 foot high weeds and even before we did the renovation and moved in - cocker had established a beautiful veg garden for us. We probably had the worst house in Thursley at that time but the best vegetable garden, we didn’t have a proper kitchen but we ate the best new potatoes ever!Every spring come rain or shine he would come and help plant the potatoes and start off the beans on the bean poles he’d made - and after a couple of years he gave me the flattering title of Head Gardener but clearly I was still the novice and he was the font of all horticultural knowledge. Cocker would say Mike was the labourer who wasn’t much good at digging as the ‘ground was too low’...He had a great sense of humour he liked to tease me - like when the clocks changed in the spring and autumn he would say he’d been busy climbing the church spire to change the sundial. And he would say I should garden at night to prevent weeds and used to say he whoever can grow parsley wears the trousers so I got a new title - Petticoat Government. So when spring comes next year I will think of Cocker as I double dig the veg plot the way he taught me, I’ll sow the potatoes over the Easter weekend, I will plant green beans and courgettes in May, I will be trimming the box hedges on Derby day never before and late summer when I harvest the tomatoes and dig up the potatoes I’ll hope I’ll hear his voice saying - I'm not doing badly for a Head Gardener! We’ll miss you Cocker but you’ll always be with me in the garden.

From Wikipedia: In a heatwave in 2006, an out-of-control wildfire burned 60% of the common, but by 2010 the heath was regenerating, with heather and gorse spreading across the charred ground. Forty-five pairs of Dartford warblers were recorded before the event, and six pairs in 2010. See Jill Fry's timeline and annotations to the second batch of photographs. Map overlay by Sean Edwards Newspaper coverage of the 2006 fire Reporting by the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/5180828.stm A vast amount of equipment and manpower was used to bring the fire under control: https://www.fire-appliances.com/Fire/United-Kingdom/County-Services-Current/Surrey-Fire-Rescue-Service/Thursley-Common-Fire-15072006/i-Mc4XP7D/A Jill Fry's account In April 2024, Thursley History Society was given a vast amount of records, photographs and CDs by Julia Connell who had sorted them from her mother and father's archives. Her parents, Ray and Jill Fry were great lovers of Thursley Common where Ray was the warden for X years. This comprehensive record of the devastating 2006 fire, with photographs from Jill, Tim Walsh, Sean Edwards, Steve Webster and Hugh Turrell-Clarke, along with a timeline, was taken from one of Jill's CDs Read Jill Fry's timeline of the fire from inception to regrowth - the numbers match the sequence of the photographs above: This letter of appreciation from Brian Moore, Deputy Chief Constable of Surrey Police speaks to the wonderful communioty spirit that we have in Thursley Surrey Advertiser, Friday 14th September 2012

In 1892, a return of Licensed Houses to Guildford Petty Sessions, show the pub as a free house. The Licensee was Arthur Steed, and the owner was Miss Rushbrooke. The usage was that of the general public. Listed under Thursley Public Houses were Railway Hotel, Crown and Cushion and other Haslemere Pubs. This shows they were in Thursley Parish. In the early part of World War 1, the publican of of The Three Horse Shoes, Arthur Ford and his wife, were dismissed by the brewery for procuring girls for the soldiers. This photo was taken when the pub was being used as a filmset. 'Save the Pub' and celebration poster Val and Paddy De Burgh, New Year's Eve 1984 Identified revellers are: David Jeffcoat; Popsy; Katy Jeffcoat; Hilary Barr Val De Burgh, Landlord of the Three Horse Shoes - January 1985 Men of Thursley Ride from The Three Horseshoes Pub 2008: Paul Smolas, Peter Broste, Philip Traill, Peter Rickenberg From the Parish Magazine January 2004: T he Three Horseshoes re-opens after Quarantine, 4 July 2020: Photographs by Andrew Kaplanovsky

Placards in the village hall. From The Mail On Sunday, April 2023, 1989. A fancy dress parade was held to celebrate winning in 1960: Michael Jupe, Chairman of Thursley Parish Council and Lord Hamilton of Dalzell - Best Kept village presentation. September 1961 Dick Winter receiving a tankard from Lord Hamilton of Dalzell. Best Kept Village presentation, September 1961 Best Kept Village Celebrations at the Cricket Green, 1961. Back Row: C Cooper, B Ashley, J Ellison, Watson, Craddock-Henry, R Crawfurd, ?, Dick Winter, J Bozward, K Guyatt. Front Row: M Rapley, C Darlow, W Cooper, L Cooper, R Loarridge, M Cooper The 1970s: 1985: Unveiling Best Kept Village Award, 1985 L to R: Anthony Kentish, unknown, Leslie Fenn, Eddie Gale, unknown Two groups attending the Best Kept Village Award, 1985, and in the centre, Major Brian Camp, Chairman of Thursley Parish Council with Mrs Guyatt, late of Hedge Farm. Best kept village Hall award ceremony 19?, Unknown, Brian Camp, Eddie Gayle, Peter Scheffers From the Parish Magazine September 2005:

On 20th February 2025, Marion O'Brien and Amanda Flint-Roberts gave a talk in the Church. This article, written by Jackie Rickenberg, first appeared in the Parish Magazine in February 2025: St Michael and All Angels, John Hassell 1824 Please, if you haven’t already done so, could you put Thursday the 20th February into your diaries. Marion O’Brien and Amanda Flint-Roberts will be giving a talk in our beautiful church about …. our beautiful church, as it approaches it millennium. It starts at 7.30pm and the History Society will be collecting donations on the door. No need to book, just turn up to learn more about the amazing history of this ancient building at the centre of our village. Our archives have recently moved (I could tell you where but …) and it has given us an opportunity to delve deep into its contents. Now and again, amongst the deeds and the official documents, a little piece of magic is unearthed and this is one such piece. It is a photocopy of an original hand-written record, not particularly old, but nonetheless, intriguing. It is not signed or dated and it is in little random paragraphs, full of past church life. “The churchyard wall along the road used to have iron rings set in it at intervals, for horses to be tied to during services. Now, alas, all have disappeared. Lionel Rapley told me that when he was a young man attending a funeral, the gravedigger had dug the hole too small, so that during interment the coffin got stuck and nothing would free it. The gravedigger then jumped up and down on it and bashed it with a shovel, to no more avail than was the highly infunereal language he used throughout. He had to get down to it and dig the hole properly! Lionel Rapley told me that one Sunday when he was a young man, the congregation wondered why the vicar was so late for Matins, and the reason was that since he drove like a bat out of hell, he had overturned his coach in The Street on the way up to the church. A year before the bells were recast and overhauled we were forbidden to ring them because of their dilapidated state, as there was a real danger that they would break from their head stocks and descend to the floor of the nave. During the ministry of Bill Mills a bird flew into Matins one morning. After teasing the vicar considerably, it settled on the steps of the pulpit during the sermon. The vicar, a better cricketer than footballer, took a kick at it and missed. During the last hymn it settled on Mr Rapley’s head as he played the organ, and in fending it off he dislodged the fall, which being extremely heavy, descended on his hands. This brought the service to an unconventional close. Before the advent of the fundraising scheme known as Christian Stewardship, the finances of the church were in such poor shape that only the most pressing fabric repairs could be undertaken and the school, now in the village hall, was sold to the council because the church could not afford to keep the roof repaired. In those days the only way of raising money was by a Day of Gifts when a bucket was placed beside the font for donors to use. Strict anonymity was observed and the total raised was not very large. Some time ago the weather vane on the church steeple had for many years been stationary. This annoyed Christopher Watson, who lived at The Lodge, so much, that eventually he financed its removal and had it repaired to its present operational condition. For many years there was a line of elms along the south side of the churchyard, which shut out the sun and made the “new” part of the churchyard constantly damp and dark. The trees were felled about twelve years ago, making the bright and attractive end to the churchyard we have today. Since elms have a way of raising up as saplings after felling, it is much to be hoped that they will be kept clipped. The crocuses just inside the churchyard gate were planted by Mrs Malins who lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr Jobson, at Foldown. Though she has gone, her crocuses are a constant delight to us all in the Spring. On the altar there used to be two brass candlesticks which were part of a matching set which included the cross. The candlesticks were both stolen about ten years ago. Other vandalism from time to time has included smashing of the stained-glass windows in the chancel and North Aisle, smashing open the organ and vestry with attempts to open the safe, and immeasurable attempts on the alms box, as the many jemmy marks on the surrounding stonework testify. The best way of guarding against such damage is by unpremeditated visits, and restricting entry of the church to all and sundry”. It would seem that there have been many dramas in our church’s life throughout the years but we’re delighted to report that it is currently in a healthy financial position and that any repairs are dealt with promptly by our marvellous Clerk of Works, Simon Treadwell. The current Parochial Church Council, headed up by our wonderful Rev Hannah, oversee all Church matters and we are delighted and appreciative that this historic church is open daily for villagers and visitors alike. This beautifully hand-written, undated brief history of St Michael's Church is from our archive: THE SUN DIAL: from the Partish Magazine July 2002 Saxon window in church which was uncovered in1927 The page below accompanied this illustration of the Church which indicates it was published c1823 From the Parish Magazine April 2004 A pastel sketch dated 25th May 1929 made by Norman Parley Five photographs from 1934: The Altar in or around 1934 Detail of Thursley Font, F.E.N. 24th May, 1934 The Tower Structure in Thursley Nave, John Gould, 24th May, 1934 Base of Tower Upright, Thursley Nave, John Gould, 24th May 1934 The North Wall of Thursley Nave, John Gould, 24th May 1934 From The Guildford Diocesan Herald, 2008

From Thursley Parish Magazine December 2019, written by Rosemary Stockdale The Tweedsmuir Camp (off Dye House Road) was built by the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1941 and it became the home of the Canadian Lorne Scots Regiment for over 3 years from 1941 to 1944. It officially closed in 1947 and then became the home of Polish displaced persons until it closed down. On January 10th 1943 the Lorne Scots Regiment marched through Thursley to the church to present a brass plaque to the village to mark the many occasions that the Canadian unit worshipped at the church during their stay at the camp (located on right hand side of the church). A live video of this visit is recorded on the Canadian Army Newsreels and can be viewed by clicking on the link . It is well worth viewing as it shows the village as it was in 1943 and the Lorne Scots Regiment marching through the village to the church. In April 2004 their pipes and drums were heard in Thursley once again when they returned to visit the camp and the commemorate plaque in the Church, to pay tribute to their comrades who served here during the war and those that didn’t return to Canada. Lorne Scots practice on the recreation ground - undated From the Parish Magazine July 2004

At a meeting of the Thursley History Society early in 2025, it was agreed that the website should include a post for our many beloved villagers who are no longer with us. Our archive contains a lot of information and we shall gradually build up this entry retrospectively. If you would like to contribute any obituaries, eulogies, memories, orders of service or photographs (especially where none exist on the website) please do so via the website: https://www.thursleyhistorysociety.org/contact Lives celebrated: Alastair Banks; Edward Crawfurd; Robert Crawfurd; Eve Fausset; Annette Graham-Stewart; John Graham-Stewart; Richard Kane; Barbara Marchant; Tom Ranson; John Roles; Brian Sharp; Susan Treadwell; Douglas Watson Annette Graham-Stewart: 14th April 1920 - 19th October 2009 Annette and John (see below) lived in Houndown, Pitch Place, and their sons, Alistair and Cameron still live there. John and Annette Graham-Stewart in 1977 Brian William Sharp: 2nd November 1928 - 18th September 2009 He was a newcomer to the village and he was not here long before he died, but he was keen to join in everything, a good organiser, on the village hall committee and Horticultural Society committee. Douglas Quartly Watson: 1st June 1945 - 10th May 2009 Wing Commander Douglas Watson DFC, lived in The Corner, his wife Kathleen was Chair of the village hall committee for many years and was known for her diplomacy. She was a physiotherapist by profession. Robert John Payne Crawfurd: 29th March 1917-24th February 2008 Robert was an identical twin of Edward, he played the organ, sang in the church choir, grew orchids and lived in Pitch Place. Eve Fausset: 11th July 1934 - 14th July 2008 Susan Caroline Lawies Treadwell: 1954 - 2008 John Eric Roles: 17th May 1938 - 1st May 2008 Thomas Arthur Ranson (Tom): 31st March 1922 - 13th July 2007 Dr John Cameron Graham-Stewart: 3rd December 1920 - 16th May 2007 Annette and John (see above) lived in Houndown, Pitch Place, and their sons still live there. Both were keen members of the Horticultural Society. John and Annette Graham-Stewart in 1977 Douglas Bernard Stocker Fitch: 16th April 1927 - 9th July 2006 Peggy Irene Stokes: Died 18th March 2005 Ray and Peggy Stokes in 1993 From the Parish Magazine August 2005: On behalf of Peggy Stokes who sadly is no longer with us, I would like to say thank you to Hilary Barr for providing and arranging the beautiful flowers in St Michael’s and All Angels Church when the remembrance service for Peggy took place. Also, many thanks to Ruth Nightingale; for your kindness in opening your home and providing refreshments to those of us who attended the church service. I should like to acknowledge everyone who attended and all of you who donated to the collection made on behalf of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. To all of you, your kind generosity is appreciated. Sandra Cheeseman Valery Jean Wishart: Died 2005 From the Parish Magazine June 2005: Thank you so much for your cards, letters, sympathy and offers of help following my mother's tragic death. Thank you also to Revd William Lang and to the villagers who were able to attend Mum's funeral. You have all been a great comfort to us and I hope that this poem, written by mum many years ago, will be a comfort to you also, and maybe even make you smile. Denise Good morning Mrs So-and-soWe're not long opened - please don't go!What did I say? What have I done?And the day has only just begun. Oh, here comes Mr What's-his-name,No need to be clever to guess his game!However, next time I'll show him the doorIf he dares to offend me anymore! No - wait! he's just posting a letter;Suddenly I feel so much better.It seems to me it's one of those daysThat nothing I do can quite erase. Just a second - here's Mrs B,One stamp or two, for your TV?Three, - that's more than I had hoped,Four, and I doubt if I'd have coped! Now for it! Here comes the rush.A host of youngsters, - Hush, please hush!No, sorry, we no longer sell barsOf chocolate; or loose sweets in jars What a relief, - its quiet again,But oh dear no, - it's started to rain,Not to worry, I'll put the kettle on -Whoops, there's the shop bell - and now she's gone! Never mind here comes another,And hasn't she grown just like her mother?Hello dear, what would you likeYou cheeky young imp! - Now on your bike. Yes Mr Erh... no, I hadn't heard.Well really and truly, isn't that absurd?A one-way-street, what do you mean?How will we get back from wherever we've been? Excuse me now, while I serve this young man,Well, you'd better turn round if that's your van.Go up the lane and past the church;Then after that, you'll have to search. Now, Mrs H, - what is the trouble?You dropped your shopping in the puddle!Oh, my goodness - what a messWhat was that? No, let me guess. First class stamps? Your usual dozen?They're not for you, - they're for your cousin.Just the one? Oh - second rate.Seems today that's just my fate. What a day, - heaven knows,Five more minutes and then I'll close,Now the 'phone, who can that be?Ernie's pulled one out, - for me? Valerie Wishart Edna Ada Lucy Goble: 5th June 1918 - 24th April 2004 From the Parish Magazine June 2004: Edna was born on June 5th, 1918 to Jessie and George Boxall. She was born in North-chapel where her father was a farm labourer. While she was still a small child the family moved to Ramsnest, Chiddingfold and lived in Oak Cottage for 25 years. Edna was educated at Chiddingfold School. On leaving she became a nanny for a local family. She joined the ATS at the beginning of WWII and did her part for the country as a Predictor, tracing enemy aircraft. She was transferred to many stations across the country. Edna became Corporal Boxall and taught Physical Training. Although she didn’t know it at the time, it was to be a good start for her future life as it made her very fit. On demob Edna returned to Ramsnest and became a dressmaker for a shop in Haslemere, a trade she never forgot as she made most of her clothes herself. Only a few weeks ago she showed me her latest blouse which she had just finished. Edna loved Old Time Dancing and was a regular guest at Chiddingfold Club. It was there that she met and fell in love with Arthur (known as Pete) Goble. They married at Chiddingfold Church on June 20th, 1953. They rented a room in a house in Homefield, Thursley. They then bought a plot of land and waited for planning permission to build Little Cowdray Farm. It took just 4 months to complete and they moved in May 1956. In the meantime a little surprise arrived by the name of Peter-John, who was their pride and joy and only child. Edna was a hard worker and helped Pete build up a small herd of Jersey cows. She also set up a Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, which was a great part of her life. She met many people from around the world, many of whom stayed friends with Edna over the years and kept in touch. Edna’s other great love was her garden. She spent many enjoyable hours tending her flowers and vegetables, proudly displaying her achievements in the local flower shows. She was also a very good cook, days before the show would find her beavering away preparing her exhibits. Fancy icing, as she called it, wasn’t her best point. I remember one year she wanted to have a go at decorated Harvest cake and was having trouble moulding the marzipan vegetables, so I gave her a lesson. Her finished results gave us both a good laugh: we weren’t too sure what they were supposed to represent, but our Edna proudly displayed it in the show and couldn’t believe her eyes when she won first prize. Until recently, if you ventured into the garden on a summer’s evening, you would see this strange white form gliding slowly down the path with a smoke gun in hand; you might have thought a Martian had arrived. No, it was only Edna attending her bees, which she originally bought at Ramsnest. It never bothered her if she got stung and said it was good for you and they were only being friendly. She loved to teach her grandchildren how to turn the handle of the honey extractor (mind you, she may have had an ulterior motive as it made one’s arm ache). The children didn’t mind, they knew they could have a spoon and scrape out the last of the honey and then trot home to mum with sticky faces. Edna gained a daughter, Teresa, when Peter married in October 1981. They gave her three precious grandchildren, Lucy, James and Emily. Just another job for Edna, a built-in baby sitter. I think she must have passed on a few of her genes as they are very sporty. It gave her a chuckle to see them standing more on their hands than on their feet. Sadly Peter, her husband, died suddenly in 1987. A few months later Edna announced she was going to take driving lessons and was determined to pass. She did so at the age of 70. It was a great asset to her and gave her great pleasure. She loved driving and continued to drive regularly to the last. Much of Edna’s latter years was being involved in the clubs of Thursley village and transporting the elderly to various places, including Milford Day Centre. When it was suggested she should join herself you would promptly be told it was for the elderly and she wasn’t there yet! She loved the village and served it well. She loved to walk its lanes with her best mate, her little dog Vicky. Animals have played a big part in her life; she was never without a pet. Church, too, was very important to her. She loved to take her turn in the Church arranging the flowers picked from her garden. She attended regularly. Edna will be very much missed... God bless you, Edna. Brian Michael Francis: 24th February 1939 - 31st March 200 Janina Kot: 1923 - 13th October 2003 From the Parish Magazine December 2003: Mrs Janina Kot, who died on October 13th 2003, was born in 1923 in Lodz, Poland. Following the German invasion in 1939 she was transported, with so many others, as forced labour to Germany. She spent the war years first in a fish processing factory in Cuxhaven, and later on a farm just outside that town. Following the terrible upheaval in Europe and the displacement of people at the end of the war, Mrs Kot was unwilling to return to her home in Poland - now firmly in Russian hands. As a result she found herself in UNRRA camps. Whilst in Gottingen she met Jan Kot who, also born in Poland, was serving in the British Army. Eventually they came to England and married. To begin with they lived in Tweedsmuir Camp in Thursley, and then at 10 Homefield. During this time she brought up her family, Michael, Eva and Tich. The following is part of the tribute paid at Mrs Kot’s funeral by Sarah O’Brien Mrs Kot was truly a second mother and grandmother to all of us in the O’Brien family. For my own mother, as a young bride in Thursley and then a young mother whose family lived in Scotland, Mrs Kot was always there to give support, advice and a dash of good old-fashioned Polish wisdom. For my Father, I do not think any blood parent or grandparent could have given him such heartfelt bear-hugs ad did Mrs Kot following the birth of each of us three children. I think a fourth child was out of the question if Dad was to survive! For the three of us children Mrs Kot’s constancy and warmth was a central theme in our lives and, as my brother Charlie remarked, these qualities were so much in evidence during energetic conversations around the kitchen table. This same kitchen table was also where Mrs Kot, herself a first-class seamstress, taught me to sew. My brother Jamie reminded me that I was not the only one to benefit from Mrs Kot’s talent with needle and thread. She could always be relied upon to take in or let out trouser ‘flares’ at a moment’s notice and thus help us avoid social failure at school. None of us, least of all Midge our Border Terrier, can remember a time, ever, when on reaching Mrs Kot’s door or on her reaching our, she did not respond to us with smiles, warmth and affection. We will miss her greatly. Sarah O'Brien Joseph Hunter Sharland: 3rd November 1922 - 27th August 2003 From the Parish Magazine October 2003: Joseph may have been know by some of you. He spent his childhood here in Thursley living at Upper Ridgeway Farm, now owned by Mr and Mrs Coles. He was always proud to have lived here but very sadly passed away on 27th August 2003, leaving his wife June, five children and nine grandchildren. His funeral was held at St Michael and all Angels, Thursley on 12th September and he was laid to rest with his parents and other family members. The family wanted to give him a memorable send off, which included a glass carriage drawn by two very smart black horses. The funeral procession started at Upper Ridgeway Farm. Mr and Mrs Coles very kindly lent the family a field in which to turn vehicles and leave the horsebox etc, so a big thank you to them. Reverend William Lang conducted the funeral service and the burial and the family and friends of Joseph were delighted with the service. So, thank you Rev William Lang, you did him proud! Rest in Peace Joe, you will be very sadly missed. Denise (née) Wishart Barbara Marchant: died 13th May 2003 Barbara lived at Pitch Place Farm From the Parish Magazine July 2003: Barbara died very peacefully on 13 May, three and a half years after being first diagnosed with breast cancer. She has faced this period with tremendous courage, determination and good humour. She survived 11 days in intensive care during February 2001 and was subsequently able to travel St.Lucia, Tresco(twice), Venice, Mauritius and also to ski in Verbier. We will remember Barbara with affection for the warmth that she brought to all that she did, the contribution that she made to all of our lives and the example that she was to us all. Barbara had many roles: wife, mother, daughter, sister, godparent, dentist (she had a reputation for not only being respected but actually liked by her patients!), neighbour, generous hostess, shopper?, sports supporter and dogcarer. To all these roles she brought certain qualities. Qualities which ensured that they were all fulfilled to the highest standard, assisted by a strong sense of determination, good planning and plain hard work. Whilst her interest in and love for her own family was paramount she was always there for others, showing a deep sense of care, interest and support. She not only had time and love for all her friends but the children of her friends. Barbara always looked immaculate and her skiing was fast and effortless. She encouraged all of those around her to raise their game to match hers and she did this with a mixture of good humour, tireless energy, a lovely giggle, a zest for enjoyment and through her dignified demeanour. Above all was her fantastic smile, which she carried with her everywhere. Arthur Edward Gale BEM: 1918 - 24th February 2002 Judy Leavitt: 4 October 1922 - 2 February 2003 From the Parish Magazine May 2003: After education in England and abroad, Judy served in the WAAF during World War II. She married first in the late 1940's and converted to the Catholic faith. She had five daughters and two sons and eventually numerous grandchildren. She and her family moved to Frensham in the mid-1960's where her first husband died in the late 1970's. In 1984 she married John Leavitt (whose house is in Cape Cod) and they moved to Upper Highfield Farmhouse. Until more recently Judy and John used to spend the spring and autumn in Cape Cod and the rest of the year in Thursley. Judy was a warm, friendly, outgoing person who liked people. She had a great facility for making friendships and keeping them. Her Christmas card list was numbered in the hundreds and she was also a good letter and postcard writer and diarist. She loved Cornwall and other parts of the country and also Normandy and Brittany, and in all these areas she made and kept up with friends and stayed with them whenever possible. She loved travelling generally, and we and our friends have enjoyed several holidays in America and Europe with Judy and John. On these occasions as well as on Judy's other wanderings her camera was always well in evidence, even to the point of her nearly missing rendezvous or departure times. Judy's strong faith was most important to her and her concerned interest in humanity led her instinctively to do many kindnesses throughout her life. She was also a great lover of animals, especially horses and dogs. She used to ride her horse, Ben, in the Punchbowl and on Thursley Common, and she was devoted to her dog, Meg. She helped with Riding for the Disabled for some years. She was a member of the Thursley Club and the History Society and she enjoyed taking part in those and other village activities. Judy enjoyed outdoor pursuits, including swimming, golf and tennis and she would leap into the sea or her friends' pools at every opportunity. Nearly fifty years of close friendship and shared experiences, when ended, leave a large gap. We all feel for John in his grievous loss. Judy was a warm presence who will be very greatly missed by many people, old friends and new alike. Bridget and Rennie Stewardson Phyllis Reed: 1911 - 10th June 2002 From the Parish Magazine September 2002: Phil Reed was born at Wareham in Dorset, the only child of Mr & Mrs Childs. Her father was a blacksmith and a small farmer. When Phil left school at the age of fourteen years, she became apprenticed to a milliner in a nearby town. However she did not like country life and was longing to get to London, which she eventually did, and became a housemaid in a large house in Grosvenor Square, this is where she met her husband, who was working as a carpenter in the house. They were married in the village where she was born. During the war they lived in Cranleigh and by this time had two daughters Patricia and Monica. Eventually, because Mr Reed was a relative of the Fosberry family they moved into “The Clump” in the village and Mr Reed took over the family building business; This was in 1948. As a family they enjoyed taking part in, and visiting, steam rallies, and travelled to many parts of South East England. Phil was always interested in the life of the village, but the Thursley Club gave her most pleasure. It was at the club that I got to know her and we enjoyed many outings together. She was a good friend, Her grandchildren also gave her much pleasure. As she became less mobile, she was looked after at home by Monica. Eventually it became necessary for her to move into a nursing home. She died peacefully at “The Wilton” at Beacon Hill on June 10th age 91 years. Edna Goble Hilda Augusta Branchini: 1907 - 29th December 2000 From the Parish Magazine March 2021: At its recent meeting, the committee of the Horticultural Society expressed particular regret at the passing of Miss Branchini who was a generous and knowledgeable supporter of the Society. In her later years she appeared only fleetingly at our flower shows, but with the expert assistance of her gardener, Bill Davey, the vegetables she exhibited were always of a very high quality. Together they won many prizes over the years including the most prestigious award, the RHS Banksian Medal. Miss Branchini was always keen to hear of the progress of the Society and to discuss the relative merits of the many different varieties of fruit and vegetables growing in her garden. Even at the age of 93 she loved to spend time in the garden picking fruit or feeding the birds which were her great interest. We shall miss her wisdom and her enthusiasm for the natural world. John Gunner Terence Richard Hill Kane: 1911 to 25th June 2000 An obituary in the Thursley Parish Magazine, July 2000: Terence Kane was sometimes described as "one of the old fashioned sort", a successful businessman of firm, indeed fixed, views but a man of scrupulous honour whose word could be relied on as his bond. He was born in 1911 and educated at Marlborough but was much more attracted to mechanical engineering. He accordingly left school at sixteen to be apprenticed as a racing mechanic, seeing and working on many of the most interesting cars of his day at Brooklands. This left him with an abiding passion for speed that remained with him for the rest of his life. He was for many years a director of Maranello Concessionaires, the UK Ferrari importers. He subsequently went on to work in the family business, the Kango Hammer Company, which produced the construction hammers so familiar to today's builders. The hammer design was modified to provide a successful counter-measure to acoustic mines thus contributing significantly to saving life at sea during the height of attacks on Atlantic convoys. This was something of which he was justifiably very proud. He rose to be managing director before taking the company (now part of the Atlas Copco Group) public. During the war he served in air defence roles in the Army in Egypt and the Mediterranean, rising to the rank of major. He used to fascinate his small grandson with stories of how "Gra" used to travel in the bomb bay of aeroplanes flying over the Mediterranean. If someone had pulled the wrong lever Gra would have fallen into the sea!". He came to Thursley, living close to the Churt border, after his retirement in the 1980s and spent most of his time quietly with his family. He had an enduring love of nature, refusing to cut back even overgrowing branches or to hurt any animal, however lowly or humble. He was extremely happily married to Lilian. Nearly seven years ago she suffered a major stroke. From that time on many of his energies, in his later eighties, went on ensuring she was immaculately looked after by teams of nurses at home, despite the expense and disruption that this inevitably caused. They were absolutely devoted to each other and his love for her was unconditional. Despite a commanding manner, Terence was basically a shy man. His local activities were largely confined to membership of the Conservative Association and expressing his concerns over the proposals to modify the A3. He will be hugely missed by his family: Lilian, Suzanne, Janice and Philip especially. It is a great comfort to them that he was buried in Thursley Churchyard, surrounded by the fields and country that meant so much to him. Robert Patterson Morgan: 1919 to 15th May 2000 Robert Patterson Morgan & Edna Madeleine Hall A eulogy by Mary Rapley from Thursley parish Magazine July 2000: Robbie, as he was known to all of us, was born in Letham a small village in Fife in Scotland, but will always be thought of as a Thursley man having lived here for 53 years. He joined the 5th Btn. of the Royal Tank Regiment in 1937 and served in France at the beginning of the war. He managed to get away from Brest, landing at Falmouth with only shorts, singlet and no other possessions. A few weeks later he came to Thursley where he met Eddie. In October 1940 his regiment sailed for North Africa where he remained for four and a half years during which time he served with the Long Range Desert Group and saw action at Tobruk and El Alamein. When he was wounded he volunteered for Special Operations but broke his arm "parachute training" from the back of a lorry which saved him from a disastrous mission to Yugoslavia. Robbie returned to this country in 1945 and married Eddie in Thursley church in 1946, eventually settling at Streetfield in 1948. For 26 years he managed Rushmoor Garage at Tilford, retiring in 1984. For many years his hobby was carpentry. He first made himself a lathe, then built a boat and furniture for his home including a lovely set of dining chairs which are still being used. Some 10 years ago Robbie developed cancer and was advised to abandon woodwork so he rekindled his other love of photography. He had been a great walker covering many miles every day with his camera and binoculars. Although in later life he was unable to walk so far he still continued with his photography and reproducing pictures for the History of Thursley Society who will miss his advice and expertise. Eddie and Robbie are two of the founder members of the History Society which is very much indeed indebted to their help and generosity. Robbie had a great sense of humour. We used his dining room some Thursday evenings for Whist Drives which became rather noisy with chatter. Robbie's response from the lounge was, 'It sounds like a poultry farm'. We all had a good laugh. Robbie was very interested in the life of Thursley often attending Parish Council Meetings. Through all his years of ill health, Robbie never complained and always greeted you with a smile. He will be greatly missed by everyone. George Albert Linegar: DoD 7th May 2000 A eulogy by Adrian Linegar from Thursley parish Magazine July 2000: We called you Daddy, Dad, and Father too - depending on the moment, the mood or the time. To others you were George or Gig or Bud or Bo - occasionally old So-and-So. To some you were the carpenter they knew could make or mend any shape or thing that wood might be fashioned into. But these names were only sounds which moved the air between us and you; they served to call you to ourselves in times of laughter or of need. They moved us to you and you to us, but they were not the real You. Yours was the body physical which ushered us through life with measures of both discipline and tenderness. That same body fought its passage across a war-torn continent, witnessed atrocities most of us may only imagine, and yet returned to us scarred mostly by the awfulness of what men's minds can contrive to inflict upon each other. That same body walked with us through all the vicissitudes of life, its triumphs and its disasters, its dark times and its light, and your hands - one artisan, one artist - alternately pulled us from suffering and pushed us to achievement. And that same body, grown old, we nursed in duty and with love, repaying also, as it were, that age-old 'debt' we all owe the world which brought us our breath. But that body was not the real You. Not for one moment shall we confuse the body which lies so still among us with the spirit which so singularly animated it. This was but a vehicle for the character we loved, who has upon call vacated it and gone to regions to which we give sacred names, but do not really know. It is this spirit that will live on in our hearts, like a song which with repetition grows more dear. And every image we evoke of you will yield a hundred more, each clearer than the last. It is this which shall live on for us, and shall never diminish nor grow ill nor old nor die. Your going has left a large gap in our presence which we cannot, and must not, fill with mediocrity. And your collective achievement will remain a benchmark against which our lesser lives must be measured. For all of us, in our different ways, and according to our differing perceptions, you will remain a star shining at the edge of our awareness: where memory and faith and hope intermingle in that mysterious landscape of the half-familiar and the wholly unfathomable. It is there, and also here in the quieter spaces of our daily lives, that the real You will live on for us. And in this way, and in others, we shall never forget you.

Photographs only - courtesy Valérie Ferris (VF) and Andrew Kaplanovsky (AK) Starting in 2016 (VF) Many more entries in 2017 (AK) And more entries in 2018 (VF) 2019 (AK) 2022 (VF)

The process of transferring the non-accessible hard copies of back numbers of the Parish Magazine has begun. It takes time, and will be done in a random fashion depending what comes out first from Nicki Bates's suitcase of magazines that she has donated to Thursley History Society. We are most grateful to her. 2016 Contents include: Pub Update from Jim and Dawn Dickie; Play review: It's a Wonderful Life Contents include: Village Hall update; Thursley Club Christmas lunch report Contents include: Village Hall News; update from the Three Horseshoes; Village Hall Quiz; letter from Tone Badcock Contents include: St Patrick's Dayu evening at The Three Horseshoes; advice of Charity Open Garden at Upper Ridgway Farm Appeal for help for the Queen's 90th Birthday; Thursley Club talk by Richard Bates. Article about traffic management if the tunnel closes by Peter Hunter; announcement of Pet Service at St Michael and All Angels; Rebirth of the Bowlhead Green pond. World war 1 in Thursley and the World, a report on the Thursley History Society's exhibition; photo spread of H M Queen's 90th Birthday Celebrations in the village; Surrey Cow Parade. Churchyard Working Party's work recognised; Defibrillators in the parish; Pet Service; Statement on Brexit by Archbishop Justin Welby & Archbishop John Sentamu . Revd Peter Muir's plans to launch Help in Thursley; Harvest Festival Buffet Lunch held in the Church; report on HM Queen;s 90th birthday celebrations. Report on Thursley Cricket Club v Lashings All Stars including Mike Spencer's two sixes!'; Thursley History Society's AGM announced; Dragonfly Trail launch. Update on Help in Thursley; Request for support for Richard Bates's Lake Taupo Challenge in aid of the Clockhouse; Report on Macmillan Coffee morning raising £2,760. 10 years of Jo Ranson's farming diary; Planting of a tree in the churchyard by the Bishop of Guildford to commemorate the parish winning The Most Eco-friendly Churchyard in the Diocese of Guildford. 2018 Grape Epectations, an article on wine by Angela Muir MOW which became a regular column; Thursley Pancake Race Moldovan Wine Dinner at the Three Horseshoes Help in Thursley Coffee Morning - all welcome! Advice of Annual Parish Assembly with welcome drinks; Mick Chant Obituary. Adventures with Arno (toddler) by Asha Knight; Installation of Defibrilators Lower House Open Garden The Future of the Three Horseshoes - questionnaire; Big Butterfly Count in the churchyard; Rock Cottage and Some Neighbours by Mary Bennett and Arthur Lindley. K9 Fire Patrol; The Silent Soldier Dramatic Crash on Red Lion Garage by Michael O'Brien; The Big Butterlfly Count by Amanda Flint; Thursley Village Neighbourhood in Early 20th Century (Part 2) by Mary Bennett and Arthur Lindley. WW1 Centenary plans announced; The Sharland Grave and the First World War by Miriam Sharland; Thursley Villagers in the Early 20C (Part 3) by Mary Bennett and Arthur Lindley Thursley Common Dog Trail Thursley's Scarecrow Trail; 100th Anniversary of WW1 Armistice.

Photos only. For further information: https://www.facebook.com/ThursleyCricketClub/ Minutes of the AGM held on May 1st, 1865 Taken from 'The Trial of August Sangret' edited by Macdonald Critchley, c1943 Bert Williams, groundsman and umpire, 1947 to 1980. Photo by Allan Woodger, 1958 The article above was published in Thursley Today, 1965 (see separate entry) The pavilion referred to above. I'anson Cup Winners 1970. Back Row: J Reffold, P Baldwin, D Hardy, P Pietrusiewicz, A Tilson, A Davidson. Front Row: A Staves, D Piper (Vice Captain), B Karn (Captain), G Pilbeam (Vice Captain), R Linegar, D Williams A Thursley Cricket Match in 1992, Thursley Gentlemen v Gentlemen of Thursley Back row from right to left: Robert Ranson; Richard Leet-Cook; Alan Traill; Malcolm Coles; Mike Spencer; unknown; Paul Gubby; Barry Rapley; unknown; Alan Staves; John Puttock; Julian Watt; Tony Tilson; Aubrey Karn; Alan Wells, Tony Cheeseman and Brian Karn Front row from left to right: two unknowns; Peter Goble; Peter Anderson; Anthony Langdale; Ant Hodges; unknown; Simon Treadwell; Neil Phipps; Tim Wakeley RA colour photograph of the same event. L to R: Sir Alan Traill; Richard Leet-Cook; Robert Ranson; Tim Wakeley; Neil Phipps; Sue Ranson; Anne-Marie Emersic; Joyce Hall; Peter Scheffers