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Lower Highfield Farm was sold in 1952 as part of the break-up of the Cosford Estate. The entries below are from the auction catalogue. Lower Highfield Farm as it is today

Formerly the Old Manor House, it is a Grade II listed building (9 March 1960) The house dates back to the 16 th Century in the back part and interior.  It is a Grade II listed building, March 9, 1960. Rear view of Hill Farm House in the early 1990s. Surnames of previous owners include: M Rapley; L Rapley; Stevens; Havilland In 1952 the Cosford Estate was broken up and Hill Farm was Lot 19. The annotation on the relevant page of the sale catalogue notes that it was 'Sold to tenants' and the tenant was listed as Mr M L Rapley: Ron and Rosemary's grandfather farmed at Hill Farm. He went toLondon to claim his bride,The Lutyens's governess Maurice Rapley and pony Mr & Mrs Maurice Rapley with sons Vernon and Lionel and daughter Aileen Aileen Rapley, Maurice's daughter, school teacher. She left Thursley when war broke out. The stars of Mrs Fisher'schoir were the three Hill Farm Rapleys: Lionel; Vernon and Aileen who was also Miss Lutyens's daughter and Maggie Walters whom Vernon Rapley married. Lionel Rapley, Maurice's son, Rosemary Walker's father. Labrador breeder, founded Hilldown kennels. Church organist. Vernon Rapley nicknamed 'Bay', Maurice's son and Ron's (nicknamed Boy) father, chicken farmer. Lionel Rapley, church organist for many years Martin and Rosemary Rapley, son and daughter of Lionel Rapley The Reverend Edmund and Jane Haviland, 1998 Photograph above and below by Sean Edwards

This article written by Jackie Rickenberg appeared in the Parish Magazine in March 2024 Warren Park Surely the smallest of the parish’s hamlets must be Warren Park. The archives contain little to no history about it, but potentially someone may know more? “ In 1618, Sir Robert More of Loseley and Henry Bell of Witley, set up a rabbit warren on what is now Thursley Common. At this time, artificial warrens were built to house rabbits, which were farmed for their fur and meat during the medieval and post medieval periods. A collection of these warrens was called pillow mounds and a licence was required from the King which gave the “Right of Free Warren”. The people who looked after these pillow mounds were called warreners. A house for said warrener was built on this site. Over three centuries later, in 1939, long after this practice had been discontinued, a military camp for Canadian soldiers, similar to the one at Tweedsmuir, was constructed on the site. At the end of the war, after the Canadians had returned home, displaced Polish troops who fought with the British Army in North Africa and Central Europe, were temporarily housed in the now empty camp”. Thank you to John Luff for this summary. Loseley House As is often the way when researching these articles, for several hours I have been down the proverbial rabbit hole, indeed a positive pillow mound of rabbit warrens! The reason the name of our society was changed from The History of Thursley Society to The Thursley History Society was exactly for this reason. It allows us to include tenuous historical links to areas outside of the village’s parameters – in this case we travel to Loseley House, near Guildford. Sir Robert More piqued my interest and it transpires setting up a pillow mound of rabbit warrens in Thursley was perhaps one of his lesser celebrated achievements. Born in 1581 at Loseley House, Robert was the first son of Sir George More and his wife Anne. He came down from Corpus Christi, Oxford with a BA in 1598, making him seventeen years old at graduation. It was said he lived in the shadow of his father, one of the most prominent parliamentarians of this period. Sir Robert (he was knighted at the grand old age of twenty-two) entered Parliament, becoming MP for Guildford whilst still a minor. He became joint keeper, along with his father, Sir George, and his grandfather, Sir William, of Farnham Little Park and Joint Constable of Farnham Castle. Until his death in 1626 at the age of forty-four, he served as a JP for Surrey and an MP for Surrey or Guildford no less than six times. He left a wife and eleven children, all residing in “The Old House” at Loseley Park. Some of his more memorable (to me at least) committee seats were to prevent unlawful games, to consider recusant wives (wives who refused to submit to their husbands), better observance of the Sabbath and the naturalisation of the daughters of Sir Horace Vere (falling again down that warren!). Upon his death, More was buried in the Loseley Chapel in St Nicholas’, Guildford. His eldest son, Poynings More, succeeded him as an MP, serving Haslemere. His last remaining sister, Margaret, who had married Thomas Molyneux of Lancashire, inherited the estate. The present family of More-Molyneux are descended from this couple. So there. We now have a better understanding of the man, Sir Robert More, his political career and his many public responsibilities. However, we also know that he had a passion/hobby for raising rabbits in the quiet surroundings of Thursley and whenceforth the origin of Warren Park’s name. Any filling in of the blanks between 1618 and 1939 would be most appreciated! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warren Park in the 20th Century:   Photographs taken by Eddie Gale in the late 80s/early 90s

Cobbett was an English radical pamphleteer, journalist, author, politician and farmer born. in Farnham Surrey. This article is from the Parish Magazine, October 2023, where Jackie Rickenberg reveals the author's 'slight obsession with turnips'! The following piece is from an article headlined “Delights on Thursley History”, date, author and origin unknown . William Cobbett at Thursley One of the best-known writers who have visited Thursley was William Cobbett, the author of “Rural Rides”. Cobbett was born in 1762 at The Jolly Farmer in Farnham, and this was, therefore, more or less his home county. He spent some time in America and on his return wrote many political and other pamphlets. He was an ardent reformer, and never hesitated to say exactly what he thought. Any cause he took up he championed with his whole soul. At the beginning of the last century a mighty controversy was raging in farming circles as to whether seeds should be sown, broadcast (a method of seeding that involves scattering seed over a relatively large area) or drilled. Cobbett believed in drilling and recommended this method as he went up and down the country. In the course of his rides, he frequently came to Thursley, where he stayed with his friend Mr Knowles (at Heath Hall). He always mentions Thursley as “this beautiful village” and he describes the land as “some of the very best barley-land in the kingdom………finer barley and turnip land it is impossible to see”. But Thursley farmers would broadcast their turnips. On August 7th 1823, he writes “The turnips cannot fail to be good in such a season and on such land; yet the farmers are most dreadfully tormented with the weeds, and with the super-abundant turnips. They have sown their fields broadcast; they have no means of destroying the weeds by the plough”. Two days later he contrasts the crops here with those in Reigate, where they followed his advice and drilled their turnips. “At Thursley I left the turnip-hoers poking and pulling and mudding about the weeds, and wholly incapable, after all, of putting the turnips in anything like the state in which they ought to be…… In leaving Reigate this morning I saw a field of Swedish turnips, drilled upon ridges at about four feet distance, the whole field as clean as the cleanest of garden ground. A crop twice as large as any in the parish of Thursley. It seems strange, that men are not to be convinced of the advantage of the row-culture for turnips”. Cobbett was also an enthusiastic admirer of the locust or acacia tree, and introduced it from America. This is a very hard wood and was valuable for making pins for ship building. He persuaded Mr Knowles to plant some, and he himself planted those which still stand opposite the Post Office at Thursley. Although Cobbett brought in these trees for patriotic reasons, they were never required, for iron had replaced wood for ship building before they were mature. The William Cobbett pub in Farnham, Surrey Wiilliam Cobbett's portrait in the National Portrait Gallery

Thursley History Society organised a walk and talk on Hankley Common in August 2025 in order to learn about the derivation, construction and use of the Atlantic Wall in World War 2. The well-attended talk was given by Paul McCue, Executive Trustee of Secret WW2, who briefly explained the work of https://secret-ww2.net/ , and invited those interested to join, before giving a wonderful presentation on the Atlantic Wall. Hearing his commentary while being in close proximity to the remains on the wall on Hankley Common felt very special. His talk was warmly applauded and was followed by a marvellous tea prepared by Sarah Grillo. History and cakes on a glorious August day cannot really be bettered! Paul McCue's presentation: SECRET WW2 LEARNING NETWORK is a registered educational charity specialising in raising awareness about the secret, clandestine and behind-the-lines aspects of the Second World War, as can be seen from the brochure:   Today I will talk about: WHAT WAS THE ATLANTIKWALL (to use the German spelling) WHO THOUGHT UP THE CONCEPT HOW WAS IT ATTACKED WHY IS IT HERE? AND WHY IS IT WRONG TO CALL IT ROMMEL’S ATLANTIC WALL? In 1941 Field Marshal Erwin von Witzleben was appointed Commander in Chief OB West, replacing Field Marshal von Rundstedt who was needed for the invasion of Russia. Von Witzleben realised western coast of German-occupied Europe had to be protected against attack by Britain and her Allies.   Fi eld Marshal Erwin von Witzleben The Germans’ concerns increased after the entry of USA into the war in December 1941 and so in February 1942, Von Witzleben undertook a tour of inspection which led to Hitler’s Directive no 40 on 23 March 1942.  It was that coastal defences, backed by troops, should extend from Norway to Spain with the aim of smashing any attacks, landings or invasion on the beaches  not allowing ingress into mainland Europe.   Atlantic Wall as originally specified by Directive No 40 The Germans’ concerns were underlined only five days later by the British commando raid on the docks at Saint Nazaire on the French coast.   No sooner agreed then von Witzleben left his position, the official reason being illness, and had to be replaced. His successor was Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt who returned to again be Commander-in Chief OB-West   Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt Now, for the first time, the term ATLANTIKWALL was used and it was to stretch from Antwerp in Belgium to the French/Spanish border.  A far more realistic proposition than the directive which included the vast Norwegian coastline. Revised scope of the Atlantic Wall Construction of the wall and defences was to be the responsibility of the Todt Organisation, a national engineering organisation (which, for example, constructed the pre-war autobahns), largely using slave labour and founded by Fritz Todt, in 1933. Dr Fritz Todt   Todt, however, was killed in an air crash in February 1942, but his place was taken by an equally efficient Nazi official, Albert Speer, Minister of Armaments and Munitions. Albert Speer   Slave workers To counter the new German defences, additional intelligence was needed. Types of intelligence: Sigint (Bletchley Park, Enigma code etc); Aerial Recce; Humint (MI5’s London Reception Centre at the Royal Victoria Patriotic School on Wandsworth Common, south-west London and Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS- MI6 was its wartime ‘cover name’, but has since endured), intelligence agents of various governments in exile, and resistance organisations in the occupied countries). There was a lack of intelligence on the Normandy area, but they had to be careful to also continue to pay attention to Pas de Calais as part of Operation FORTITUDE, which was  a crucial Allied deception operation during World War II, designed to mislead the Germans about the location and timing of the D-Day landings in Normandy .   So what resources were available in Normandy?   SIS/MI6 – we know very little, the official files have not been released and it is pledged they never will be. But we do know an almost-incredible story of the crucial part played by a 40-year-old painter/decorator in Caen as part of the resistance reporting to the Free French intelligence service.   But first we need to go back a step.   One of the earliest French Resistance groups to be founded, in 1940 in Paris, was the Confrérie Notre-Dame , the CND (later CND-Castille), a Catholic, intelligence-gathering organisation, headed by this man, Gilbert Renault and known as Colonel Rémy.   Colonel Rémy The CND in Paris reported to General de Gaulle’s Free French intelligence service, the Bureau Central de Renseignements et d'Action  (BCRA)   in London which was headed by this man – André Dewavrin, codenamed Colonel Passy .   André Dewavrin, codenamed Colonel Passy   BCRA had operated out of 10 Duke Street, London since 1940 and, despite the innocent, boyish looks of Dewavrin, the address had a reputation for brutality on occasions as violence was allegedly used to extract information from those interrogated there. Marcel Girard and Les Touristes By 1942, the BCRA were committed to helping provide intelligence on the Atlantic coast and the CND were ordered to expand their activities and, in particular, to fill an intelligence gap in the Caen area of Normandy – the very area that was to be used for the D-Day invasion. The local CND organiser was Marcel Girard, a former French Army  artillery captain. His group in Caen used to meet at the café ‘Les Touristes’ (still there to this day) and kept an eye on the Todt HQ in the nearby Rue de Geôle. Rue de Geôle, Caen, HQ ofthe Todt Organisation in the city Enter René Duchex, 40-year-old painter/decorator, member of CND’s group in Caen   René Duchex He was a ‘Marmite’ character: a calvados imbiber, a heavy smoker, garrulous and lax about security.  Many though him an engaging character, some thought him a fool. He was not helped by his favourite saying, “C’est le sang-froid, mon ami, toujours le sang-froid”. Which could be translated as "That's coolness, my friend, always coolness"  . The local OT head, Col Schnedder was replaced by Col Keller. He put out a contract for the redecoration of the building and although Duchez submitted a late bid, he won the day and started painting in May 1942. He discovered the detailed plans for the Atlantikwall that had beeb delivered to Keller and hid them behind a mirror until, while working over a weekend, he was able to spirit them out of the building and give them to  Girard who in turn delivered them to Renault in Paris. The Renault family left France by the small boat ‘Les Deux Anges’ from Pont Aven on 17 June 1942. They were taken out to see to RV with the fishing trawler N51, operated covertly by the Royal Navy on behalf of Britain’s intelligence services. The plans were hidden in a biscuit tin among luggage of the Renault family and the tin can just be seen in a photograph taken during the voyage   Duchez’s map, an extraordinary intelligence achievement, arrived in Britain at a critical period - pl anning was already in hand in 1942 for an invasion of France.Just two months later, the Dieppe Raid, code name Operation JUBILEE, on 19 th  August 1942 saw 6,000 infantry, largely Canadian, and a regiment of tanks put ashore in what was clearly a rehearsal for an eventual invasion.  The Dieppe Raid was regarded a disaster by the Allies as over 10 hours, 3600 of the 6000 put ashore were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Of the many lessons learned, one was that even more intelligence would be needed, especially as it was realised Germans would now stiffen defences and build more fortifications. Duchez’s stolen map was incredibly important as they showed not only existing defences and those under construction, but those planned for the future.  As a result aerial reconnaissance stepped up with both Spitfires and Mustangs being used for low-level flying. As can be seen from the photos below, the USAAF and the RAF both used the other nation’s aircraft. Mustang and Spitfire In February, 1943 worked started on the construction of Atlantic Wall on Hankley Common.  174 Workshop and Park Company, Royal Engineers, helped by elements of the Royal Canadian Engineers, worked in continuous shifts, 24 hours a day. A fleets of 20 lorries, for sand, gravel and cement, were used and fine weather enabled the completion of the tasks in seven weeks.   The wall was 300 feet long, 10 feet high, 11 feet deep and there were also dragon’s teeth, bunkers, concrete blocks, rail track…..and a minefield.   There are five (some say seven) similar structures around Britain, including Sherriffmuir, near Dunblane in Perthshire, Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire; Sudbourne, Suffolk; and Shoeburyness, Essex.     The wall, and the other obstacles on Hankley Common were used not just to test their own durability and effectiveness, but to develop specially adapted armoured vehicles (using a tank chassis and hull) to assault and overcome them. These, developed by the Royal Engineers and formally known as Assault Vehicle Royal Engineers (AVRE), were nick-named Hobart’s Funnies, after Major General Percy Hobart of the British Army’s 79 th  Division.  Variants included the Onion and (with a double charge) the Double Onion and an improved version called the Goat [see pics below]. While these versions ultimately didn’t see use for the invasion, the AVRE fitted with a Petard 29mm spigot mortar was successfully used on D-Day. This, too, was tested at Hankley Common. AVRE (Assault Vehicle Royal Engineers) with Petard spigot mortar and (far right) its projectile – ‘the flying dustbin’ Developed in light of Dieppe, the main gun was replaced by a petard mortar that fired a forty-pound HE-filled projectile (nicknamed the "flying dustbin") 150 yards (137 m); capable of destroying concrete obstacles such as roadblocks and bunkers.  Extremely high casualty rates among engineers was one of the primary reasons for the failure of the Dieppe Raid of August 1942. Sappers were tasked to get the tanks off the beach, destroy obstacles and build ramps over the concrete sea wall. At Dieppe, the sappers drew fire and became a priority target for the German defenders. As well, they lost significant amounts of their supplies on sunken landing craft. With the tanks unable to leave the beaches, the raid stalled and failed. Following the failure of Dieppe, an RCE officer, Lt  J.J. Denovan who was attached to the Department of Tank Design, proposed a vehicle to protect engineers during assault operations. While the idea received praise, their were higher priorities and development could not be supported.  Determined to do it on his own, Denovan 'procured' a Churchill tank and with the assistance of friends at 1 st  Canadian Mechanical Equipment Company, and the connivance of the upper levels of the Royal Canadian Engineers in Britain, set out to build a prototype. The Churchill proved to be the ideal chassis. It had lots of space inside for demolition stores and side exit doors to allow sappers to get in and out as necessary. The tank gun turret basket and ammunition storage racks were removed and replaced with stowage for demolition supplies and tools. The turret was retained and a large calibre petard mortar replaced the main gun.  The petard could fire a 44-pound demolition charge up to 110 yards.  There was a crew and five sappers and an armoured corps driver. In January 1943, the prototype was demonstrated successfully and orders swere placed for what would become a fleet of nearly 600 vehicles.  Deliveries to frontline units started in early 1944 to British Forces in Italy.     Vital intelligence was procured by COMBINED OPERATIONS PILOTAGE PARTIES – COPP – Hayling Island   COPP Memorial on Hayling Island There were also commando raids conducted along the Atlantic coast, to test the enemy’s defences and to again cover the Pas de Calais area and as far north as Dunkirk, in order to maintain Operation FORTITUDE.   AND AT LAST…. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel took responsibility for Wall in the latter half of 1943. On a first tour of inspection in December 1943 he was un impressed by the insufficient number of troops, the weakness of the defences and the lack of a uniform plan for the erection of these defences. Von Rundstedt had strayed to a concept of a defensive-offensive type of defence wherein success was to be achieved by rapid operations with concentrated reserves after the invasion forces had landed. Rommel, believing strongly in a cordon defence, felt that every effort should be made to oppose the actual landing. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel     Come D-Day….. Were the Funnies used in action?   The Double Onion – no   AVRE Petard – yes (already mentioned above and see pic – on D-Day beach - below     So Hankley Common and its Atlantic Wall contributed directly to the success of D-Day – and other armoured assault operations in NW Europe    What became of the players in this story?   Duchez carried on his spying duties in Caen, he became a wanted man, and only narrowly escaped arrest. He joined the Maquis Saint Clair, and he was decorated by the award of the Croix de Guerre after the liberation of France.        He died in 1948.  His wife, Odette, also an active member of the Resistance, never remarried and died in 2005. She was at last reunited with René by being buried at his side, 57 years after his death.    The Germans: Von Witzleben, was tried and hanged August 1944, aged 62. He was to have been head of German Army after July 20 th  1944 if the plot to assassinate Hitler had worked.  These were his words before his hideous execution: You may hand us over to the executioner, but in a few months' time the disgusted and furious four major world powers will destroy you forever, and bring you to book for all the hideous crimes we just tried to put an end to in advance.   Von Rundstedt, was captured in 1945, charged with war crimes but did not stand trial due to poor health, he was released in 1949 and died in 1953, aged 77.   Rommel, committed suicide October 1944 rather than face trial, disgrace and execution, aged 52. For further investigation/reading I recommend:   ‘Ten Thousand Eyes’ 1958 book by Richard Collier                 and ‘Vanguard’ 2019 book by David Abrutat         Paul McCue The following attended and apologies for any omissions: Adam Adler; Sandra and Michael Arnold; Amy Brown; Sally Catchpole; Carolyn Crookall; Sabry Dragoni-Long; Lesley Eyre-Walker; Sarah and Tom Grillo; Else Grygelis; John Gunner; Sandy Hanauer; Jane Howard; Peter Hunter; Jo and Tony Kelly; Sukey Langdale; Alina and Sophie Ling; Jackie Malton; James Mendelssohn; Marion O’Brien; Alan and Sally Perrier; Sue Ranson; Jackie and Peter Rickenberg;  Sally Scheffers; Mike Spencer; Jilly and Andrew Storey; Maggi Tompkins; Sarah Traill; Anne and Simon Treadwell; Tim and Anne Wakeley; Margaret and Tim Walsh, Wendy Williams; Lizzie and David Young The wall as it is today, August 2024:

Secret WW2 Learning Network is an educational charity specialising in the secret, clandestine and behind-the-lines aspects of the Second World War. Thursley History Society was fortunate to have a presentation in August 2025 from Paul McCue, Executive Trustee of Secret WW2, on the Atlantic Wall on Hankley Common. Paul McCue giving a fascinating talk on the Atlantic Wall on Hankley Common For further information on Secret WW2, here's a link to their website: https://secret-ww2.net/

This entry is from articles written by Jackie Rickenberg, taken from the archives of the Thursley History Society, and first published in our Parish Magazine in August and September 2025. Parish Magazine article August 2025 As well as being synonymous with combine harvesters in the fields, sweet peas rambling wildly in the garden, seaside visits and long balmy nights, my summers are also a reminder to visit that wonderous creative space that is the Royal Academy in London’s Piccadilly, for their annual open Summer Exhibition. For over 250 years, the RA has existed to champion art and artists. Every year, since 1768, they have held an annual Summer Exhibition, the largest open-submission art exhibition in the world. Thursley has had more than its fair share of artists, and still does, and incredibly, even the occasional PRA – Past Royal Academician. Thursley’s Artists through the years. 1.    A R Quinton exhibited his romantic watercolour painting of Keeper’s Cottage in the Devil’s Punchbowl in the exhibition of 1879, at the ripe old age of 26 years old. Alfred Robert Quinton’s work routine would be to travel around England and Wales for three months of the year, mostly during the summer months and often by bicycle, during which he would draw sketches and take photographs of locations which he would work up into paintings in his studio during the winter months. He painted several from his time in Surrey, including “Blackdown from Hindhead”, “Abbot’s Hospital, Guildford”, “St Martha’s Chapel, Guildford” and “Guildford, Five Views”. Many of his paintings, including this one of Keeper’s Cottage, were published as postcards and some were used in calendars. He was quite prolific, painting over 2,000 paintings until the time of his death in 1934 at the age of 81. However, latterly towards the end of his life he was banned from exhibiting at the RA as the authorities were not in favour of “commercialisation” of art. Postcard of painting of Keeper’s Cottage by A.R. Quinton.   2.    Julias A Gems apparently exhibited a sculpture of a bust of William Karn Fosberry of Thursley, which was exhibited at the RA in 1939. This is according to an article in the History of Thursley Society Newsletter of Winter 2007/2008. William Fosberry was a builder of repute, who owned Vean Cottage, The Clump and The Corner, so a man of some importance in the village, hence maybe why he or someone else commissioned a bust of him. He died in 1943 aged 89 years. However, my research could not uncover any knowledge of Mr Gems or of him exhibiting in the Summer Exhibition and no one seems to have set eyes on the bust, although we do have a photograph of it. If anyone can help, please contact info@ thursleyhistorysociety.com . It is known that William’s sister, Anne Tozer, who ran the Post Office and general store from “The Clump” was married to Henry Tozer, an artist who worked out of a studio at the bottom of the garden known as “The Outlook”. This house was also rented out to Eveline Lance, a Victorian artist.   Willian Karn Fosberry sculpture on left and photograph with his son on right . Since the publication of this article, more information has come to light from Chris Gems, the grandson of Julius A Gems: "In 1939, Julius Albert [Gems] decided he would enter a model for the summer exhibition of the Royal Academy.  There was a very aged builder named William Fosberry in Thursley Village, who had a long beard and very large hands.  The old chap agreed to sit for Julius but, when he did so, as he was deaf he insisted on putting one of his hands up to his ear to hear what was being said to him, so Julius modelled him in this position and, not only was the model accepted by the Royal Academy, but it was placed on a pedestal in a very prominent position in the exhibition." 3.    Henry Edward Tozer spent his early years in Newlyn, Cornwall with his parents. His father, Henry Edmund Tozer, also an artist, exhibited “Surf and Rocks at the Mouth of the Cove” at the RA in 1892. Henry Edward painted scenes of country life (many of them from his life in Thursley) in oil and watercolour. By 1891 he had moved to Thursley, although we don’t know why, and in 1894 he married Mary, sister of William Fosberry. He continued painting alongside running the Post Office with his wife and died aged 90 still at “The Clump” in 1955. Minding the Fire by Henry Edward Spernon Tozer 4.    Eveline de la Belinay Lance (1866-1937) was born in Essex, but moved to “The Outlook” in Thursley in 1929. She was known as a watercolour landscape painter, but also illustrated books. She has a comprehensive back catalogue and her work is very much still in demand. Gee-up by Eveline de la Belinay Lance (1866-1937) Mercy Fosberry & her daughter Mary, by Eveline de la Belinay Lance   5.    Finally, we have the distinction, of having a past resident of the village as a past president of the Royal Academy. Between 1938-1944, Sir Edwin Lutyens was the elected president of the Academy. Most of us are aware of the importance of Lutyens work in architecture, furniture design, interior design, landscape architecture and garden design. He has two works in the RA Collection with a further six associated works. From his early days growing up in Street House, through his early career commissions in the village (Prospect Cottage and The Corner) to his lasting legacy of New Delhi, The Cenotaph and the Thiepval Memorial (the largest British war memorial in the world) , he is surely Thursley’s most acclaimed and eminent artist and Past Royal Academician.   Lutyens design for Jaipur Column, New Delhi Parish Magazine article September 2025 Last month we highlighted some of the past artists in the village, and of course, it was by no means, a comprehensive list. There are lots more renowned artists both past and present. Sadly, we recently lost one of the best in Peter Hanaue r. Peter was a skilled and acclaimed glass artist, with exhibits within the V&A’s Ceramics Collection and as an illustrator, he was first port of call for posters for village events. His Christmas cards were legendary and his smile and warmth is sorely missed. Peter’s V&A exhibits – a set of free-blown glass jugs Salli Tomlinson is another Thursley artist who pioneered Silent Companions in the 1970’s. Silent Companions are life-size flat wooden figures that were a popular room decoration in the 17 th  century. Painted and cut to resemble soldiers, children, servants and animals, they can be found standing in many of the places we care for. Salli has produced a range of artwork for the rich and famous; see an example of her work below: Another example of Salli's work: a musical artwork that opens up and reveals boxes within which also open and play music: painted on boards and approximately 1M x 1M Salli is now mostly retired, however some of the village artists in their prime include Rachel Bottomley, Helena Traill, Sallie Roles and Emily Butler, to name but a few. Here are examples of their work, clockwise from top left Rachel Bottomley, Helena Traill, Sallie Roles and Emily Butler. One of the best known and loved past village artists is Russell Brockbank who lived at Badgers in The Lane and worked from the studio there, which he named The Haven. This extract is from our website www.thursleyhistorysociety.org . Please do go on and browse – it’s incredible the volume of information and number of interesting articles on there!   Russell Brockbank   “Born in Canada and educated at Ridley College, Ontario, Russell came to England in 1929 and studied Art at Chelsea School of Art in London. A temporary diversion into industry occurred between 1932 and 1936 when he resumed his career as a freelance artist until the War. He married Eileen Hames in 1933.   During the War he served as Lieut. RNVR, Northern Convoys, in the British Pacific Fleet and was demobilised in 1946. He then freelanced until 1949 when he became Art Editor of Punch. This appointment was intended to be one to five years but in fact it lasted until 1960.   Russell accidently discovered Thursley on his travels, but needed to convince Eileen. Russell had been secretly receiving agents' particulars of properties for sale in the area including one on “Badgers” in The Lane, or Back Lane as it was then called. By some strange quirk, or so it appeared to Eileen at the time, they found themselves randomly in the village, had a brief inspection of the property, and out of the blue Russell made an offer to purchase which was accepted! Eileen was “rather surprised”. The year was 1951. Most of his work was carried out above the garage in the studio which Eileen called “The Haven”. He would draw seven days a week and as a result was not often in evidence when it came to various village activities with perhaps one exception – namely the annual New Year's Eve Party given by Val and Paddy at the Three Horse Shoes! Russell was a perfectionist as far as his drawing was concerned. When at work he would be surrounded by many photographs of the subject in order to build as much detail and accuracy into the drawings as possible and avoid too many critical letters from his readers. Apart from drawing, his other passion was cars. He started drawing them at the age of four and it seems couldn't stop. He was a regular contributor to magazines including Speed and Motor in ten countries, including Japan. He also drove fast cars, some say too fast, tried out exotic prototype models such as the Mini Cooper and D type Jaguar and was a motor racing aficionado. He visited all the Grand Prix.   The Three Horse Shoes when the breathaliser was introduced Russell became ill in the late 1970s and in 1978 they decided to move to Frome in Somerset to be nearer their daughter who was in the medical profession. He had once said to Eileen that he wanted to be buried in Thursley churchyard and wanted someone to draw an eye on his headstone so as to keep watch over Eileen. Sadly, he died within two years of leaving the village and was cremated in Somerset. He left a widow and two children, Susan and Roger. During the years following the Second World War, the name of Russell Brockbank became synonymous with his cartoons of cars. Grounded in his obsession with his favourite subjects, his delightful drawings are always completely accurate in detail, so can be enjoyed equally by all, from the non-motorist to the petrolhead”.

Photographs only of this Grade II listed building (28th October, 1986) Bedford Farm House in the Autumn, complete with Aston Martin DB2 View from Mount Pleasant across to Bedford Farm House The house was sold in 2022 and the following photographs were taken from the sale particulars: https://grantley.co.uk/property/bedford-lane-thursley/

Photographs only of this Grade II listed property (9th March 1960) in The Lane. The house was lived in by Russell Brockbank and his wife, Eileen, from 1951 to 1978 (see also two entries for Brockbank). Badgers, April 2025 Surnames of previous owners include: Wade; Brockbank; Collins. A view from the garden of Badgers, c 1980/90

This article written by Jackie Rickenberg was published in the Parish Magazine in July 2020 As we know, the recent fire on Thursley Common was devastating for the wildlife, environment and all that knew and used it. The grim scene that faced us afterwards, could have been so much worse, had it not been for swift and efficient help from the Goble family. Along with Roger Pride from Elstead and Mike Clear from Tilford, they were quickly on the scene, assisting and aiding the Surrey Fire and Rescue Services. They were able to use their tractors and tanks to stop the fire from spreading and stayed at the scene, working tirelessly through the night. No effort was spared and it was a whole family affair. All of us in the village were overwhelmed with their commitment and tireless exertions. As a small token of our appreciation, we have featured the current family’s history in Thursley and next month, we will be publishing an item on Robert Goble & Son, Instrument Makers. Huge thanks to Peter Goble for giving us this fascinating insight into the family archives. John Goble and his wife (Harriet Munday) moved to Wheelwrights in Thursley in 1902 to become the village blacksmith and wheelwright. They had three children; Ivy was the eldest, then came Robert and then my father, Arthur. Ivy became the cook for the village school and in later years looked after her elderly parents; Ivy never married. Robert married Betty Brown in 1930, they had 2 sons: Andrea and Paul. Robert handmade recorders, Harpsicords and furniture. John Goble Harriet Munday John Goble, wheelwright, blacksmith and undertaker. Van built by John Goble. Photograph taken in 1905 outside Wheelwrights J ohn Goble outside Wheelwrights with his son, Robert. NB: This shows two front doors, today there is one. Mr and Mrs Goble on their Golden wedding day. Robert Goble at work. Newspaper coverage following the death of Robert Goble in 1991 Arthur was born in 1911 and attended Thursley village school. After school he gained a position as a trainee game keeper in Great Windsor Park (he was at the gate when Edward VIII abdicated in 1936, he saw him drive out). After several years at Windsor he returned to Thursley, where he continued as a gamekeeper and farmer on the local farms and estates (Warren Mere, Cosford etc). During WW2, Arthur signed up and worked within the catering core. After the war he again returned to Thursley and was able to rent part of Hill Farm and started farming for himself. He also rented part of Hedge farm. During this time Arthur’s parents and sister remained in Thursley, moving from Wheelwrights to Prospect Cottage in 1914. Arthur was always keeping himself busy. Playing cricket was his favourite pastime and he could be found playing for Thursley cricket team each season. Dancing was another of his passions and this was where he met his wife Edna Boxall; they married in 1953. On the 1st January 1956 they bought a plot of land in Thursley, now called Little Cowdray Farm. Arthur started a small Jersey herd, got permission to build the house, and on the 1st May 1956 they moved in. Arthur continued to milk cows until he retired at the end of the 1970’s. I was the only child to Arthur and Edna, born in the mid-fifties. My childhood years were spent helping on the farm, but I preferred working with machinery rather than the dairy cows. After school I attended agricultural college, then returned to Little Cowdray Farm and started up as an agricultural contractor, working on my own for many years. My father, Arthur passed away in 1987 and my mother Edna passed away in 2004. I met my wife Teresa Boxall who was the cousin of my best friend. As well as the contracting we built up a small beef herd, flock of sheep and pigs. We married in 1981 and had 3 children, all of whom still work on the farm during their days off. Lucy is the eldest who has 2 children, Bethan and Oakley. She is a nurse at the local hospital, but helps on the farm and keeps on top of the farm paperwork. Lucy lives in the house my father built. James is married and has 2 children; Jeffery and Eleanor, they also live in the village near the church. James is now a partner in the Agricultural and Groundwork business which employs 6 local people. Emily is the youngest, she is married and lives with her husband in a nearby village. Emily is a firefighter in London Fire Brigade, but also helps out with the farm and contracting work. Little Cowdray Farm now runs a herd of around 100 beef cattle and a suckler Dexter herd. We are part of the red tractor food assurance scheme, supplying Marks and Spencer and a number of local butchers with excellent quality beef. The farm has recently diversified into glamping with just 2 high spec units for a family and a couple. It has been extremely popular since its launch with many people returning each year to visit the farm, the village and the beautiful surrounding countryside. This is four generations of the extended Goble family, taken at Little Cowdray Farm in January 1997. The family have lived here since the house was built in 1956. Grandad Goble came to Thursley in 1903 and was the village wheelwright and lived at Wheelwrights for some years.

The Festival of Britain was a national exhibition and fair that reached millions of visitors throughout the United Kingdom in the summer of 1951. Thursley celebrated the event on 4th May, 1951 The Festival of Britain Emblem, the Festival Star Ist Prize, Joan Sharland and other winners in the fancy dress parade of Festival Celebrations 4th May 1951 The Festival Queen was Joan Sharland, with attendants Joan and Margaret Baker. The chauffeur was Reg Cottle driving his Delage car Bo Peep and Balloon Lady (Mrs Cooper and daughter)

From Wikipedia : 'Have a Go' was a BBC Radio show that ran from 1946 to 1967. Hosted by Wilfred Pickles and co-presented with his wife Mabel (née Myerscough), it involved the couple travelling to venues around the UK and speaking to members of the public, who were then invited to answer quiz questions in the hope of winning a small amount of money. It was the first quiz show in Britain to offer such a prize. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_a_Go By Rosemary Stockdale Did you know that the Village Hall in the 1950’s was located where the bungalow close to the pub now stands. It hosted a variety of events including Wilfred Pickles ‘Have a Go’ in 1958. Do you recognise anyone? Please get in touch if you do or if you have any other information to add to the archives. Thursley ‘Have a Go’ contenders 1958 …. And you can hear all of the programme, 28 minutes, on the Thursley History Society YouTube channel: https://studio.youtube.com/video/74CzJk-Oe44/edit Wilfred Pickles hosting… Sid Hall facing microphone with Wilfred Pickles in the 'Have A Go" radio show. The winner(s)…..? The winner was Mrs Messenger who was given £4, 10 shillings, a chicken and dinner for two at a local hotel The cutting above includes the information that Thursley residents' big grouse was the housing shortage as it was driving young people from the village.