This article written by Jackie Rickenberg was published in the Parish Magazine in July 2022 Well, I hope you have all recovered from the truly memorable Platinum Jubilee celebrations! A magnificent week of pride and pagaentry in celebration of our hard-working, devoted and beloved monarch. If you can cast your mind back to before this time (it seems an age away!) and the last article, which was all about our famous one time resident H A L Fisher and his involvement in Operation Mincemeat, I wanted to continue the story, this month focusing on his wife Lettice Fisher and next month their daughter, Mary, at one time, all past residents of Thursley. They were both ground-breaking and inspiring women in their own right and here is Lettice’s story. Brass Plaque for H A L Fisher in Brockenhurst Church - Photograph by Sally Scheffers Lettice Fisher (nee Ilbert) was born in 1875 in Kensington, London, to Lady Jessie and Sir Courtenay Peregrine Ilbert, a lawyer who was soon to become Clerk of the House of Commons. She was one of the earliest female students at Somerville College, Oxford and as such, Herbert (HAL) agreed to take her on as a pupil. In 1897, Lettice duly got her first in Modern History, and proceeded to the London School of Economics, working as a researcher for a two-year tenure. The Ilberts, so Lettice’s sister later wrote “had long coveted Mr Fisher as a son-in-law”, and Lady Ilbert took appropriate steps; she rented a house on the outskirts of Oxford for the summer following Lettice’s London placement. With four lively daughters between the ages of sixteen and twenty-three, plus their engaging little sister of eight, there was no shortage of young men to walk up Headington Hill for tennis or dinner, Fisher being among them. The engagement was announced, and in the summer of 1899, they were married. She then returned to Oxford to teach History at St Hugh’s College and also teaching Economics for the Association for the Higher Education of Women in Oxford. H A L Fisher and Lettice Ilbert in Oxford As her daughter, Mary, recounted; “With his in-laws, Fisher was an unqualified success, however the Fishers were not so sure about Lettice. It was true that she was an efficient housekeeper – the Ilbert daughters were all brought up to believe that husbands must be sheltered from practical cares! It was true also that she was an admirable hostess to his colleagues, friends and pupils, and that it never occurred to her not to put his work first. But the Fisher view of Woman was as a “dark star” reflecting the glory of Man and Lettice was not at all like a dark star. She was enthusiastic, confident and articulate, ready to throw herself into any generous cause, not in the least concerned with conventions and quite determined to earn her own living. She gardened and kept hens, she played the violin, she involved herself in housing management, infant welfare, women’s suffrage and liberal politics. As a teacher of History and Economics, she was one of the first, perhaps the very first, married woman to hold a tutorship in an Oxford women’s college. As a good liberal, her husband approved all the causes but perhaps wished there were not so many of them!” Portrait of Lettice Fisher - artist unknown In 1913, the Fishers had a daughter Mary, destined to be their only child. It didn’t appear to have diminished Lettice's ambitions and in 1916-1918 she chaired the national executive of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies. During World War 1, Lettice undertook welfare work among women munitions workers. It was the wartime scale of illegitimacy and its resulting hardships that led her, in 1918, to found the National Council for the Unmarried Mother and her Child, in order to challenge the stigma associated with single parent families, and to provide them with the support they needed. The Council aimed to reform the Acts that discriminated against illegitimate children, and also to address the higher death rates of children born outside marriage, by providing accommodation for single mothers and their babies. Lettice Fisher was the first chair of the Council, from 1918 to 1950. In the early 1970’s, after Lettice’s departure, the name was changed to National Council for One Parent Families and in 2007, it merged with Gingerbread, and continues to this day working to improve the livelihood of single parents. J K Rowling is currently the charity’s President. Mary continues “There was a very odd situation after my father died in 1940, because my mother thought that New College (where my father was Warden) would elect another Warden and she would be returning to Thursley as soon as she could get out of the house. However, New College decided that they didn’t want to elect another Warden at the beginning of the war; they wanted to hold the position and let the Sub-Warden go on administering. And so, they asked her to stay on and keep on running the Lodgings, perhaps put up some evacuees, keep in touch with undergraduates and so on. So that is what my mother did until 1943, when they did brace themselves and elect another Warden.” Hence why H A L Fisher’s belongings were still in Oxford when Operation Mincemeat had the need for his quality underwear. And why Lettice Fisher did not move permanently to Rock Cottage at the top of Highfield Lane until 1943. She was then able to involve herself in the activities of the village: she was a governor of Thursley School, a member of the WI, started a choir and made many friends. She suffered her first stroke in 1949 and died in 1956. Lettice was an extraordinary woman of her time, strong, fiercely intelligent with a great capacity for empathy and kindness. Thursley should feel very proud to have had such a dazzling (not dark!) star in its midst during this time. This letter was read by Jane Hepburn at the Thursley Parish Harvest Supper on Saturday, 10th October 2026: Letter from Lettice Fisher to her mother Lady Jessie Ilbert Prior to the 1923 General Election Thursley Sunday December 2 My darling mother I found Thursley white with snow when I got home, such a wintry scene. It’s all gone now, it began to thaw hard yesterday, and it poured gallons in the night, and now the sun is shining and a soft air blowing and I suppose winter is over for a bit. Till it comes back. Great excitement here, for they have had three political meetings three nights running, a thing which can never have happened before, indeed there hasn’t been a political meeting of any sort here for many a long year. The Tory came first on Wed, and our local builder, who is like us an alien immigrant and a keen Liberal, told me with great satisfaction that he had put some unanswerable questions at the end of his speech. I so wonder what they are but I believe the poor man, the Tory member, is about as stupid as it is possible to be so I daresay he could be stumped. The next night, Thursday, they had the Liberal candidate, with the said builder in the chair, and I gather that every one came, to enjoy themselves. A nice quiet meeting, quite British, said Warner, but what sort of a meeting that means I don’t quite know. However, it seems to have given satisfaction. The third night was the Labour man but I don’t gather he was so well attended. Master Warner, age 13, who is an ardent politician, went, and said he talked about the capital levy and “what does the working classes know about that” said Warner. “I never have heard of it to understand and I don’t suppose any of us wants to”. And finally we are to poll here in the village instead of having to go all the way into Witley, which fills us with joy. The only other news seems to be that the nuthatch has been feeding on the bird table, which is very nice of him… Mary is gloriously well and rosy and full of agitations over Xmas, the thought of which fills me with great agitation for I have scarcely begun yet. Daisy came in for a bath yesterday, and we have been picking up the bits since. She comes up with me on Tuesday and alas proposes to stay at [the flat]. I hope not for too long… Background for Lettice Fisher’s Letter by Sally Scheffers: Lettice bought Rock Cottage at the top of Highfield Lane in 1919 as a weekend cottage for she, her husband (Herbert Albert Laurens) H A L Fisher and six year old daughter Mary (later Bennett). They were a very political family, H A L served as Minister for Education in Lloyd George’s Government. Lettice’s father Sir Courtenay Ilbert served as Clerk of the House of Commons until 1921. The ‘alien’ builder mentioned was Mr. William Featherby as most people in Thursley were born and lived here. Warner was the Fisher’s gardener, groom and handyman. George Warner and his family lived at 1 Church Cottages. Daisy was ‘Cousin Daisy’ and her name was actually Margaret L Woods. Her portrait hung in the dining room of the Three Horseshoes and will be returned once the 2026-27 renovations has been completed. She was a novelist and poet and took rooms at Vine Cottage. • Daisy died at Vine Cottage in 1945 aged 90. • Lettice died at Rock Cottage in 1956 aged 80. • Mary Bennett died at Rock Cottage in 2003 aged 92.

This article was written by Jackie Rickenberg and was published in the Parish Magazine in May 2025. We are all aware that Thursley is a particularly equestrian village although perhaps not all of us are aware of the significance of some of the horses grazing in the fields and pastures around the village. This month I wanted to highlight just one Thursley equestrian success story – I am sure there are plenty more – so that it is captured in our archives for the future. Before that, here is an article from our website, initially researched by Sally Scheffers following a conversation with her veterinary surgeon, Jeremy Mantel. If you haven’t visited it yet, please do at www.thursleyhistorysociety.com. Lots of interesting articles to dip in and out of. This is the reproduction of a newspaper article from the Woking Mail and News, shown below, entitled: “Stampede of 90 horses. Remarkable affair at Thursley Story of RFA Driver’s death" The story of the remarkable stampede by ninety horses attached to an ammunition column of the Royal Field Artillery, in which driver Frederick Collier, aged 23 years, received injuries from which he died in Connaught Hospital, Aldershot, was told at the inquest held by Mr W. E. Foster, the Aldershot coroner, at the hospital, on Saturday afternoon. The accident occurred near the military camp at Thursley, about 10.30am., on the 23rd June 1915.The stampede was apparently caused by a loose horse coming careering towards the column, which was drawn up on the common off the road leading to Thursley. Lieut. Blower, who was in command of the column, said there were about 90 horses altogether. He had given the order to dismount and for the men to look after their horses. This they were doing and the witness had received the report of one of the N.C.O’s that his team was correct. The witness was on his way to look at the horses when he heard a commotion, and, without the slightest warning, all the horses simply rushed away. He was about 20 yards away. The coroner: What do you think caused the stampede to take place? Witness: A loose horse came careering in the opposite direction towards our horses, and I think that must have startled them. I cannot say for certain. I have never seen anything like it before in my life. Did they all go off together? Every one of them galloped into the narrow road which has high banks on either side. One wagon overturned, and the other horses collided with it. They fell in a heap, and in their struggles one of the horses was so injured that it had to be destroyed, and several were very badly injured. How long had these horses been in training? Some of them six months, some of them not quite so long, but all of them not less than four months. I take it that they had been licked into shape a bit? Yes, they were quiet horses. I have had all to do with them from the time we have had them. There is nothing the matter with them. It is one of those things you cannot explain. The coroner: It is remarkable more of you were not killed. Witness: It is extraordinary. Several other men were run over. One was run over by two wagons. Sgt. Alfred Ware said he witnessed the accident. He saw the horses stampede, and also saw the deceased dragged some distance. The witness found him in a stooping condition, and with the assistance of another driver, carried him some 20 yards and left him in charge of another driver. Lieut. Charles Ready, R.A.M.C., said the deceased was admitted to the Connaught Hospital about 2pm on Wednesday. He had been run over. Everything was done that could be done for him. He was operated on at 4pm, and it was found that he had sustained a rupture of the liver, which had been followed by a haemorrhage. It was really a hopeless case. The deceased bore the operation very well, but the loss of blood was excessive and he died at 11.30 that night. The coroner said anyone who had any knowledge of horses knew how capricious they were. Apparently, a loose horse startled them and the men could congratulate themselves that there were not more killed. The coroner added that they could not help congratulating the military authorities on the care they must exercise in the training of such a large number of troops as there were in the district, as few accidents had really taken place. One had held a good many inquests this year, but they were really few in proportion to the number of troops we had. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death”. This incident happened in our village one hundred and ten years ago and yet due to the diligence, time and efforts of the Society’s archivists throughout the years (big thanks to the current team of Alie, Sue and Sukey!) we have the story and newspaper article at our fingertips. It’s a fantastic resource and now open to everyone. Winston Churchill once said “The present is history in the making” and this next article written recently by Lisa Roper and Tom Monghan informs many of us of the equestrian history currently being made in Thursley: “We are incredibly proud and excited to introduce to you The Thursley Group Ltd. We have had 17 wonderful years of breeding and producing top-level showjumping horses in Thursley. Thursley is more than just a location – it is the foundation of everything we do. It is where our horses have grown up, where our dreams have taken shape and where we have been surrounded by an amazing community of people who have supported us every step of the way. We could not have done this without you. A special mention must go to the Rickenberg’s at Kestral Wood, where we first started out and also to Malcolm and Patricia Coles at Upper Ridgeway Farm, where our horses have been raised. We passionately believe that their early years on the farm have played a vital role in their success. Growing up in a natural environment, with the freedom to develop as horses first, has given them the strength, confidence and resilience that sets them apart in competition. Later, when their training began, the miles spent hacking around the farm helped shape them, both physically and mentally, preparing them for the demands of an international showjumping career. The results speak for themselves. Just recently our homebred mare, Luttoria, made us all proud by winning both her opening class and the Grand Prix at the Longines League of Nations show at the World Equestrian Centre in Ocala, USA. An unforgettable moment! On the very same day her son, Lassino, also won his Grand Prix at HITS Ocala. It was a day we will never forget – one that proved just how special this breeding programme truly is. Adding to this incredible success, Bisquetta, a mare who started her career with us in Thursley as a three-year-old, jumped clear again at the same show, the prestigious 5* Grand Prix at WEC. After being sold to one of the USA’s most decorated female athletes, she has continued to showcase her world-class talent on the biggest stages. She is now a hot contender for the $750,000 5* Grand Prix in Wellington this coming weekend, and we will be cheering her on as she continues to prove her exceptional ability. But this success is not just ours. It belongs to every single person who has been part of our journey – our friends, our neighbours and all those in Thursley who have cheered us on, supported us and believed in what we do. Now, as the Thursley Group Ltd, our horses will continue to compete under this name, carrying the values of our village into every arena they step into. Every time they enter the ring, they will represent the legacy of where they came from – the people, the place and the philosophy that shaped them”. To learn more about how you can become more involved in The Thursley Group please contact Lisa or Tom directly on lisaroperequestrian@hotmail.co.uk. Tom Monghan on Luttoria

The country and Thursley turned out in force! Copyright Yui Mok/Press Association The village's celebrations were many and varied. There was a classic car and tractor show: Camilla Daubeney's Coffee Pod did a roaring trade James Maclean generously provided a HUGE digger in which you had to pick up and egg and put it in a frying pan!: A game of cricket, of course: A huge hog-roast at the Three Horseshoes And a Tug-o-War! Here is another set of wonderful photographs by Andrew Kaplanovsk

The climax of the national celebrations came in early June. On the evening of Monday 6 June, The Queen lit a bonfire beacon at Windsor which started a chain of beacons across the country. On Tuesday 7 June, vast crowds saw The Queen driven in the Gold State Coach to St Paul's Cathedral for a Service of Thanksgiving attended by heads of state from around the world and former prime ministers of the UK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3hfM1R4Xvw An estimated 500 million people watched on television as the procession returned down The Mall. Back at Buckingham Palace, The Queen made several balcony appearances. Street parties and village parties started up all over the country: in London alone, 4,000 were reported to have been held. The final event of the central week of celebrations was a river progress down the Thames from Greenwich to Lambeth on Thursday 9 June, emulating the ceremonial barge trips of Elizabeth I. The journey ended with a firework display, and a procession of lighted carriages took The Queen back to Buckingham Palace for more balcony appearances to a cheering crowd. In Thursley, a whole host of events (for every age and predilections apparently) were planned under the watchful auspices of Norman Ratcliffe, then the village bobby, living in the police house on The Street. It all took place on Tuesday 7th June and I am guessing the following day must also have been a Bank Holiday as it was a busy old day, culminating in dancing until midnight! The programme of events from Norman was such: HORSE SHOW At 10am at Haybarn stables. Programme and entry form available from Thursley Stores, Thursley Post Office, the Police House and the Red Lion garage. OLD PEOPLE’S LUNCH At 12 noon in the Village Hall, a lunch and entertainment will be held for our senior citizens. PROCESSION At 2.30pm the procession will go from The Red Lion to the cricket field. Anyone is welcome to join in. Please come in fancy dress, on foot or horseback. You can organise a group float, decorate your cycle or car and just join in the fun. CRICKET MATCH At 3pm the Half Moon (one of three pubs in the village – Ed) will do battle against the Three Horseshoes, in a not too serious match. DOG DISPLAY At 5pm on the cricket field, there will be a display by Guardwell Security Dogs. CHILDRENS PARTY At 5.30pm all children of school age will be welcome to a party in the Village Hall. This will be tea and a magic show. DANCE AND CABARET The dance will be 8pm to 12 midnight on the cricket field. There will be a cabaret during the evening. Dancing will be to The Gold Top Roadshow. This is a show in its own right. There will be a bar. The rider is Elizabeth Norman from 1 Church Cottages

This article written by Jackie Rickenberg was published in the Parish Magazine in March 2022 Part of the procession through the village en route to the cricket green With Michelle De Vries and her team currently busy planning fun and interesting activities for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, marking 70 years since Her Majesty’s accession to the throne, I thought it would be worth revisiting previous Jubilee’s for some inspiration. Indeed, it would appear that Thursley has never shied away from an opportunity to celebrate when a celebration is called for! Royal Jubilees are an occasion to celebrate the life and reign of a Monarch, and are significant events which are celebrated around the world. Though the concept of the jubilee began in biblical times, today the term is most closely associated with the Royal Family, and the ceremony and spectacle which the term symbolises. Royal Jubilees celebrate significant periods in monarchs' reigns and the national life. Few British monarchs have achieved reigns of 50 years, and Golden Jubilees are very rare. There are few records of how - if at all - Henry III, Edward III and James VI celebrated their 50-year milestones. The first British monarch to mark 50 years on the throne in a significant way was George III, followed by Queen Victoria. The Queen has had significant jubilee celebrations, in 1977 for her Silver, 2002 for her Golden, 2012 for her Diamond and 2017 for her Sapphire jubilee. The Silver Jubilee The climax of the national celebrations came in early June. On the evening of Monday 6 June, The Queen lit a bonfire beacon at Windsor which started a chain of beacons across the country. On Tuesday 7 June, vast crowds saw The Queen driven in the Gold State Coach to St Paul's Cathedral for a Service of Thanksgiving attended by heads of state from around the world and former prime ministers of the UK. An estimated 500 million people watched on television as the procession returned down The Mall. Back at Buckingham Palace, The Queen made several balcony appearances. Street parties and village parties started up all over the country: in London alone, 4,000 were reported to have been held. The final event of the central week of celebrations was a river progress down the Thames from Greenwich to Lambeth on Thursday 9 June, emulating the ceremonial barge trips of Elizabeth I. The journey ended with a firework display, and a procession of lighted carriages took The Queen back to Buckingham Palace for more balcony appearances to a cheering crowd. In Thursley, a whole host of events (for every age and predilections apparently) were planned under the watchful auspices of Norman Ratcliffe, then the village bobby, living in the police house on The Street. It all took place on Tuesday 7th June and I am guessing the following day must also have been a Bank Holiday as it was a busy old day, culminating in dancing until midnight! The programme of events from Norman was such: HORSE SHOW At 10am at Haybarn stables. Programme and entry form available from Thursley Stores, Thursley Post Office, the Police House and the Red Lion garage. OLD PEOPLE’S LUNCH At 12 noon in the Village Hall, a lunch and entertainment will be held for our senior citizens. PROCESSION At 2.30pm the procession will go from The Red Lion to the cricket field. Anyone is welcome to join in. Please come in fancy dress, on foot or horseback. You can organise a group float, decorate your cycle or car and just join in the fun. CRICKET MATCH At 3pm the Half Moon (one of three pubs in the village – Ed) will do battle against the Three Horseshoes, in a not too serious match. DOG DISPLAY At 5pm on the cricket field, there will be a display by Guardwell Security Dogs. CHILDRENS PARTY At 5.30pm all children of school age will be welcome to a party in the Village Hall. This will be tea and a magic show. DANCE AND CABARET The dance will be 8pm to 12 midnight on the cricket field. There will be a cabaret during the evening. Dancing will be to The Gold Top Roadshow. This is a show in its own right. There will be a bar. Wow! As I said, a full day and absolutely exhausting from the sounds of it! But I’ll bet a lot of fun was had. Golden Jubilee The central focus for the year was the Jubilee weekend in June 2002 which began with a classical music concert in the gardens at Buckingham Palace. There was a Jubilee Church Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor and a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral which followed a Ceremonial Procession from Buckingham Palace. Events culminated in a pop concert at Buckingham Palace with performers including Paul McCartney, Bryan Adams, Elton John and Shirley Bassey. The evening ended with a spectacular firework display and The Queen lighting the National Beacon, the last in a string of 2,006 beacons which had been lit in a chain across the Commonwealth. It was much more difficult to track down much information on the Golden Jubilee albeit it was in 2002, only twenty years ago. It was noted “that on Saturday the 1st June, there will be a Thursley Village party – a pig roast, jazz and fun for all the family in the Village Hall”. And so, it was to be. A fantastic whole village feast was prepared. Long tables were set up, bunting was hung and young and old enjoyed a day of sunshine, celebrations and commemorations for our dearly loved Queen. The Diamond Jubilee The Diamond Jubilee in 2012 celebrated the 60 years since the accession and was marked with a spectacular central weekend and a series of regional tours throughout the UK and Commonwealth. The central weekend began with The Queen’s visit to the Epsom Derby on the Saturday. On the Sunday, ‘Big Jubilee Lunches’ were held across the UK: building on the already popular ‘Big Lunch’ initiative, people were encouraged to share lunch with neighbours and friends as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant also took place on the Sunday, with up to 1,000 boats assembled on the Thames from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh travelled in the Royal Barge which formed the centrepiece of the flotilla. On the Monday, a host of famous faces came together to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace for a concert organised by Take That singer and songwriter Gary Barlow for the BBC. Performers included Will.i.am, Stevie Wonder, Grace Jones and Kylie Minogue. Following the concert, The Queen lit the National Beacon: one of a network of 2,012 Beacons which were lit by communities and individuals throughout the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth. In Thursley, as is tradition now, again a large marquee was erected in the garden of the village hall and a feast of pig roast was served to all villagers. Memories of the village Diamond Jubilee celebration. And so, we look forward to our extended national celebrations this year for the Platinum Jubilee, from 2nd – 5th June, and in particular our own village celebrations. Never let it be said that Thursley doesn’t know how to celebrate and have a good time! And oh, how our fabulous, hard-working and admirable Queen is worthy of our celebrations. The earliest village Jubilee celebration found in our archives.

As usual the village turned out in force (all photographs courtesy Valérie Ferris): Spread from the July 2016 Parish Magazine

As usual, the village celebrated this Royal occasion and it began with a Royal Ball in the village hall on Saturday, 7th May 2023: A tractor parade... And then a big lunch at the Three Horseshoes on Sunday, 8th May: And ending with a cricket match on Saturday, 23rd May, 2023: The Captains: Neil Woods and Mike Spencer

The Diamond Jubilee in 2012 celebrated the 60 years since the accession and was marked with a spectacular central weekend and a series of regional tours throughout the UK and Commonwealth. The central weekend began with The Queen’s visit to the Epsom Derby on the Saturday. On the Sunday, ‘Big Jubilee Lunches’ were held across the UK: building on the already popular ‘Big Lunch’ initiative, people were encouraged to share lunch with neighbours and friends as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant also took place on the Sunday, with up to 1,000 boats assembled on the Thames from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh travelled in the Royal Barge which formed the centrepiece of the flotilla. On the Monday, a host of famous faces came together to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace for a concert organised by Take That singer and songwriter Gary Barlow for the BBC. Performers included Will.i.am, Stevie Wonder, Grace Jones and Kylie Minogue. Following the concert, The Queen lit the National Beacon: one of a network of 2,012 Beacons which were lit by communities and individuals throughout the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth. In Thursley, as is tradition now, again a large marquee was erected in the garden of the village hall and a feast of pig roast was served to all villagers:

WORK IN PROGRESS - Photographs only and see separate entries for The Three Horseshoes, Bears Barn, The Well House, The Old Vicarage, The Village Hall, The Corner, The Clump, The Dye House and Brook and Horn Cottages FOLDSDOWN The Patrick Family, Foldsdown, 1997 Surnames of previous owners of Foldsdown include: Parker; Jobson; Matthews FOLDSDOWN COTTAGE THURSLEY HOUSE Details to come of current building The above four photographs are of the original Thorcroft, now demolished, which sat on the site of Thursley House. A note on the reverse of the first photograph states, "In her will Miss Branchini donated money to the village hall". Pencil sketches of Thorcroft by Edward Langdon, 1963 THORCROFT HOUSE Taken from sale particulars from March 2026 Thorcroft is a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom house that was built in 2006. It sits in 2.5 acres. https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/dye-house-road-thursley-godalming-surrey-gu8/gld180207 THORFIELD THE VILLAGE HALL* VEAN COTTAGE This photograph by Sean Edwards Vean Cottage, November 2027 THE OUTLOOK Reg Fosberry in 1996 The Outlook was originally the workshop of the builder, William Karn Fosberry, he and his family lived at what is now known as Vean Cottage. He eventually converted it into living accommodation. As you can see, a studio was built at the back for the use of his brother-in-law, Henry Tozer, who lived at The Clump when it was a shop and Post Office. Eveline Lance, the artist, rented the house in the summer months, eventually coming to live there permanently in 1929. The studio was then used by her. After the Fosberry family sold Vean Cottage, they moved into The Outlook, where Reg, William's grandson still lives. The Outlook faces Thursley Common and lies behind The Clump and Vean Cottage THE CLUMP* THE CORNER* THE OLD POST HOUSE The Old Post House 1932 Old Post House and Sawyers c1965 Ben and Nancy Wonham, The Post Office The Old Post Office was extensively remodelled in 2022 Surnames of previous owners of The Old Post Office include: Davidson; Wonham; Wishart SAWYERS Sawyers c 1980 Sawyers, Mary Rapley and Elizabeth Copeman 1996/7 Surnames of previous owners of Sawyers include: Ellison; Arnold; Gabriel; Sparks; Copeman Sawyers in 2025 From sales particulars in 2025: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/details/e4f55920-dde7-44c7-8602-dedfd1030af2?v=media&id=media1&ref=photoCollage THE THREE HORSESHOES* THE WELL HOUSE* BEAR'S BARN* THE OLD VICARAGE* CHETWYND COTTAGE Prudence Jones, Chetwynd Cottage MAGPIE COTTAGE Magpie Cottage was sold in 1952 as part of the break-up of the Cosford Estate: THE OLD STORES Caroline Mendelssohn writes: We moved into The Old Stores on the 1st of July 1985. We bought it from Mr Holroyd who lived in Elstead and ran the supermarket there. He had converted it from a shop to 2 dwellings, Stores Cottage and The Old Stores. Previously Stores Cottage had been a wine shop and the main house had been part delicatessen and part pine furniture shop. There was a lot of work to do as the renovation had not been done to a very high standard. There was a very large attic which was reached through a hatch in the ceiling of one of the front rooms on the first floor and we put in a staircase and made a fifth bedroom on the top floor. The sitting room had a parquet floor which was very damp so that had to come out. There was an old Victorian fireplace but the Chimney had been taken down previously and so we had the Chimney rebuilt and put in a pine mantelpiece. The cellar was reached through a hatch in the kitchen floor down old, worn brick steps. We added a porthole in the floor and lit the steps as a feature. The garden was a long, thin cottage garden which went behind Stores Cottage to a driveway beyond it. There was a right of way through the gardens of Stores Cottage and The Old Stores to Marigold Cottage. We managed to get this removed. Any further work was cosmetic until 2009 when we knocked the two back rooms together making a large kitchen/Family room with a wood burner and a range cooker. We moved the downstairs cloakroom to the middle of the house and had a utility room built on the back. We moved from The Old Stores in 2009. Information from undated sales particulars: https://themovemarket.com/tools/propertyprices/the-old-stores-dye-house-road-thursley-godalming-gu8-6qa STORES COTTAGE Stores Cottage is a 102 square metre bungalow built between 1983-1990. Rodney and Tone Badcock, 1997 OVERDALE and CRICKETS 2025 Crickets, below, was built by the Canadian Army in World War 1 for the recuperation of wounded soldiers and is the original construction. Overdale, above, was built in 1985 and replaced a similar building to Crickets. From sales particulars in 2004 Sales particulars in 2004: Purchased in December 2002 for £312,500 by Michael and Sandra Arnold, Crickets Cottage was modified to allow Patricia Lemieux (formerly of Upper Highfield Farm) to live at home towards the end of her life and was her home until she died in July 2003. Crickets Cottage was then sold privately in 2004 to Mrs Sheila Coupland (a fellow Chiddingfold Farmers Pony Club “mum”) for £395,000. 2025 FORGE COTTAGE From a series of photocopies of nine paintings of the Forge, Thursley, by C W 'Bill' Cooper in 1948 Forge Cottage, September 2025 Sale Particulars in September 2025: https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/dye-house-road-thursley-nr-godalming-surrey-gu8-6qa/gld0125845199331ea8c9b72&csg=34d3e8edf97180a5d7b02f5c163b59f66a8062d5dd02fed71b44555796fbb3bc&#/?channel=RES_BUY Previous owners of Forge Cottage include: Holford YEW COTTAGE Taken from 2020 sales particulars: https://themovemarket.com/tools/propertyprices/yew-cottage-dye-house-road-thursley-godalming-gu8-6qa SOUTH HOUSE, RED LODGE Simon, Joyce and Christopher Hall, South House, Red Lodge, December 1966 Red Lodge, 1930 BROOK COTTAGE & HORN COTTAGE* THE DYE HOUSE*

Upper Highfield Farm is a timber-framed, smoke-bay house that dates from the second half of the 16th century. Grade II listed building (9 March 1960) The entry below was published by SurreyLive under the heading "Secrets of a farmhouse at Thursley: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/local-news/secrets-farmhouse-thursley-4845854 UPPER Highfield Farm in Thursley has a fascinating history. The farmhouse was, at one time, owned by a school. In 1913 a folk song collector visited one of its tenants and noted down three traditional songs. House detective Philip Gorton has been researching its history for the current owners. He has found out a lot, but there are still details that need to be uncovered and clarified. Here is what he has discovered so far. Situated on the lane to the Devils’ Punchbowl, Highfield Farm is a timber-framed, smoke-bay house that dates from the second half of the 16th century when it was occupied by Richard Boxfold. From then, until 1951, it was owned by various landlords and has been the home of a succession of tenant farmers. By 1662 the chimney had been built and, during the next decade, a second fireplace was built upstairs in the bedchamber for which the tenant, Richard Haddington, was charged an extra 2 shillings per year in Hearth Tax. Perhaps it was to celebrate his latest home improvement that he burnt his initials on to the hearth beam with his cattle branding iron! In 1704, the farm was bought by the trustees of the newly founded Robert May’s School in Odiham. It was a small school with about 20 boys on roll and the rents of the farm went to maintain the building, to provide free education and to fund apprenticeships. The archives of the school record their stewardship of the farm, the continual need for maintenance and relations with its various tenants. Maria Karn came to the farm with her husband Joseph in 1822 and was widowed with two small children 10 years later. Their letters to the trustees reveal how Mr and Mrs Karn struggled to make a living and pay their rent during the agricultural depression that followed the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815. The records show that Maria continued to run the farm through the “Hungry 30s”, supplementing her living by baking and selling bread. Upper Highfield was in the ownership of the school for more than 150 years until Mrs Karn left and the Cosford House estate bought the farm in 1857. Edward Baker and family at Upper Highfield Farm dated 1904. There were 10 children. Surnames of previous owners include: E Baker; J Baker; Wilton; Abels Studio portrait of Edward Baker probably with two of his daughters A series of short-term tenants followed until 1885 when Edward Baker came to the farm.In 1913, a folksong collector visited Edward and noted down three of his traditional songs, John Barleycorn, The Sweet Nightingale and The Cuckoo. It has been many decades since these songs, which reflect Mr Baker’s world and way of life, were sung within the walls of Upper Highfield Farm. Edward Baker in the early 1930s. He was 91 when he died and he never went to church, not even to give his daughters away. From the Surrey Advertiser, 4th November 2005. From the Surrey Advertiser, 13th May 2005 Edward Baker remained at Upper Highfield until his death in the mid 1930s when his son, John, took on the tenancy.It says a lot for the continuity of rural life that he was farming the same 33 acres of land during the Second World War that were tenanted by Richard Boxfold four centuries earlier. Edward and John Baker in the 1920's Miss E Baker John Baker Snr, plowing at Upper Highfield in the 1920's Philip Gorton is a professional researcher who specialises in the history of houses. A recent project is the history of Upper Highfield Farm. He would like to speak to anyone who may have family connections, memories or pictures of the farm or its former inhabitants.He is particularly keen to contact descendants of Edward Baker. If you are able to help in any way, he will be very grateful if you could contact him. Write to him at 11 Orchardfield Road, Godalming GU7 3PB or ring 01483 420763. His website is: www.house-history-research.co.uk https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/how-to-sign-in-to-hotmail-c378938b-c0eb-40c1-b99e-338dd9e776a8 Upper Highfield in 1984 Sales particulars in 1984: Michael Arnold writes: In 1984 Judy Lemieux moved to upper Highfield Farm and subsequently married John Leavitt. Robert (her son) and Clare Lemieux moved to Upper Highfield Cottage which they then sold in 1996 and moved into the newly converted barn at Upper Highfield Farm with the stables being used for Robert’s event horses. Upper Highfield Farm as it is today Previous owners of Upper Highfield Farm include: Baker; Abels; Robertson; Leavitt; Anderson; Cooper; Axtell Art from a fallen beech try carved by Patrick Daw

WORK IN PROGRESS: See separate entries for The Old Parsonage, St Michael & All Angles, Upper Highfield, Lower Highfield, Hedge Farm, Hall Farm Barns, Hill Farm House: *denotes separate entry Photograph by Sean Edwards THE OLD PARSONAGE* ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS* Photograph by Andrew Kaplanovsky HILL FARM HOUSE* Photograph by Sean Edwards Highfield Bungalows and Cottages. Photograph by Jill Fry Photographs by Sean Edwards HIGHFIELD BUNGALOWS 1 Highfield Bungalows, the home of Adrian, Teresa and George Linegar in 1997 2 Highfield Bungalows, this photograph of Ray and Peggy Stokes was taken in 1993 4 Highfield Bungalows, Eddie Gale photographed in 1997 Eddie Gale Mr & Mrs Arthur Gale on his son Jim's motorcycle outside Highfield Bungalows. Nos 3 & 4 Highfield Bungalows. Surnames of previous owners of No3 include: Winter and Dobson; of No4 include Avis, Woodger, Grant and Gale These, more recent photographs, were taken by Sean Edwards: HILL FARM COTTAGES HILL FARM BARNS* Photograph by Sean Edwards COPPER BEECHES Sale particulars in September 2025: https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/highfield-lane-thursley-godalming-surrey-gu8/gld012456244 BRAMBLETON HOMEFIELDS Homefields is a cul-de-sac off Highfield Lane and consists of six 4-bedroom semi-detached houses that we built between the wars (1918 - 1939) with the majority being finished in 1937. An example of a house in Homefield that was marketed in 2025 Dick Winter and wife, Homefield Cottages THREE ACRES Thursley born and bred at Three Acres HALCYON FIELDS, formerly THE BRIARY Information to come Brian and Mary Sharp, The Briary, 1997 Halcyon Fields in June 2026 AMBLESIDE Sale particulars in September 2025: https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/highfield-lane-thursley-godalming-surrey-gu8/gld012510005 FOUR WINDS Taken from 2018 sale particulars. View of Four Winds from Highfield Lane HILL HOUSE Hill House was purchased over 20 years ago and has since been demolished. In its place (photographs and other information to follow) are a timber framed farmhouse style property and some magnificent oak framed barns for cattle, pigs and other livestock. David and Catherine Phillimore, 1997 Surnames of previous owners of Hill House include: Middleton; Drewery; Edwards; RAWDON COTTAGE Rawdon Cottage from sales particulars in 1984 Sales particulars 1984: Michael Arnold writes: Alan and Patricia Arnold moved from Frensham in 1984 to Rawdon Cottage, which they purchased for £110,000, as their son Michael had moved to London, and daughter Clare had married Robert Lemieux. At the same time, Robert’s mother Judy Lemieux moved to upper Highfield Farm and subsequently married John Leavitt. Robert and Clare moved to Upper Highfield Cottage which they then sold in 1996 and moved into the newly converted Barn at Upper Highfield Farm with the stables being used for Robert’s event horses. Michael and Sandra (Macleod) married at Thursley Church on 16th May 1987 and the wedding reception was held at Rawdon Cottage. During the family tenure, Rawdon Cottage was extended with a third bedroom added over the kitchen. It was always understood that the small barn, then used as a garage, was initially constructed to collect tolls from users of Highfield Lane which is why it had a hatch in the end wall adjoining the lane – this may or may not be true. Alan Arnold died in 1993 leaving Patricia living at Rawdon Cottage until illness meant a move to Crickets Cottage in December 2002 where all the accommodation is ground floor. Rawdon Cottage was then let for a year before being sold to Mr and Mrs Procter in December 2003 by Hamptons for £695,000. Rawdon Cottage from sales particulars in 2003 Sales particulars 2003: S THE WOODLARKS, formerly THE RONARY Ronary Bungalow was built in 1994 and named after Mary Rapley's original home nearby Mary Rapley, 1994 HILLDOWN Home of the Smarts and the Emersics in 1997 Anne Marie Emersic lives there now LOWER HIGHFIELD FARM* UPPER HIGHFIELD FARM* From sales particulars in 1984 UPPER HIGHFIELD COTTAGE Sale particulars prepared by Knight Frank in 2024: LITTLE COWDRAY FARM COWDRAY CROSS Cowdray Cross under construction.

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: Nina Allen; Tone Badcock; John Baker; Hilary Barr; Pat Barr; Richard Bates; Tich Corrigan; Salosh Edwards; Joyce Hall; Peter Hanaeur; Edmund Haviland; Elizabeth Jones; Anthony Langdale; Angela Muir; Ruth Nightingale; Herbert Perrier; John 'Tony' Scales; Jo Scheffers; Traudi Shah; Alan Sharland; Alan Traill; Philip Traill; Pia Wansborough; Jill Whitwell; Neil Woods Herbert Percy Perrier: 22nd September 2026 This beautifully designed Order of Service was for a very special baby and can be downloaded from the pdf below. Alan Sharland: 28th October 1962 - 26th August 2026 This brief summary of Alan's life is by his cousin, Miriam Sharland: Alan Peter Sharland was born on 28 October 1962, the youngest child of Derek and Marjorie Sharland, and younger brother of Andrew and Paul. Alan’s father Derek was born in what is now The Olde Hall on The Lane before his family moved to the newly built Homefields in 1937. Marjorie grew up at Wheeler’s Farm. When Derek and Marjorie were first married they lived in a caravan on the corner next to Hook Cottage, before moving into the home they shared for the rest of their lives, Chez Nous on Milford Road in Elstead. This was where Alan grew up, and it was this family home that provided the bedrock of his life. The family were frequent visitors to Homefields where Alan’s grandmother and uncle continued to live. Alan attended St James Primary School, Elstead, Rodborough School and Godalming College, excelling both academically and at sport. He then took a BSc in physics at University College Cardiff followed by a PGCE in maths and science. This was followed by a Master’s in Values in Education at UCL Institute of Education. Alan worked as a secondary school teacher but it was when he began volunteering as a mediator that he really found his niche. He went on to work as a mediator in various organisations in London, eventually becoming Director of Hillingdon Community Mediation, a role he held for 10 years. Alan then set up his own conflict management consultancy, CAOS. He ran a Youtube channel and podcast, and published two books. Throughout his career, Alan helped numerous people resolve conflict in their lives, while passing on his skills by training others. His influence spread far and wide, and lives on. Alan’s star quality was demonstrated when he featured in a music video shot by a schoolfriend for a little-known band called Blue Boy – the song Remember Me went on to become a monster hit and is still being used in adverts today. He also had a winning run on TV quiz shows Countdown and Brainteaser. While London was Alan’s home for most of his life, he was often returned home to Elstead, which offered a calming, rural contrast to his busy city life. When he was back in Surrey he loved nothing more than walking the family dog Simba across the common, or evening walks to the carpark at Hankley to listen out for nightjars, before returning for a warming cup of tea at Chez Nous. Alan would sometimes walk all the way to Thursley, and after his parents died, he often visited Thursley churchyard, where he now joins them. This eulogy is by his cousin, Joyce Sharland: Alan Peter Sharland came into the world at 4.05am on Sunday, October 28th 1962, the youngest child of Derek and Marjorie Sharland and little brother to Andrew and Paul. He was a bonny baby, weighing in at 8lbs 11ozs. A friend wrote to his mum that she was sure she was ‘very proud of yourself for producing such a beautiful big boy’, adding that he ‘certainly has got a good start in life, thanks to his clever mum’. And Alan certainly did have a good start in life. At the family home, Chez Nous, in Elstead, he grew up alongside his brothers, part of a loved and loving family as he navigated the scrapes and scraps, highs and lows of school and friendships as a child of the sixties and seventies. His family extended further too, with a raft of aunts and uncles and cousins, most of whom lived locally, and with whom his family had frequent contact. As one of those cousins I remember with great fondness visiting Chez Nous, revelling in the warm yet always slightly chaotic welcome we always received. I have memories of Christmases spent playing cards with the grownups for pennies, in games that often went on until late into the night. Alan loved those games, the competitive edge, the triumph of clearing the table and sweeping up all those coins into a great big pile, the scheming, the runs of luck, the laughter that eddied round us as we searched for that elusive Black Jack or third Queen to make up a winning hand. In his later life Alan often harked back to those Christmases, recalling those evenings with great fondness. Alan excelled at school, his quick wit and intelligence earning him good grades and many friends. A keen sportsman and athlete, he broke running records and charmed his opponents on the field. I remember him at one Rodborough School sports day, winning races with ease, chatting and laughing with his mates, and always – ALWAYS – surrounded by a gaggle of adoring girls. As a cousin, I spent a fair amount of time with Alan as a child, but my favourite memories come from a time when we were slightly older, and studying at Godalming College. Alan was working on the A-Levels that would eventually take him onto Cardiff University, and his friendship group and mine encountered each other frequently at The Star in Godalming, our pub of choice. We would take over large tables, drinking, talking, laughing and putting the world to rights as young know-it-all students tend to do, and probably royally hacking off the real grownups on neighbouring tables. We joined the party circuit in the area, and often decamped en masse to discoes held at village halls in Elstead, Witley, Farncombe, Milford and Brook. I still carry to this day a sense of guilt about one of those events. As the group know-it-all I always got wind of these events and somehow it became my job to let everybody else know what was going on, and where. We’d have a big ring-round the night before so everybody knew what was happening. The flurry of phone calls saw me telling everyone to meet at Brook Village Hall for a Seventies fancy dress disco one Saturday night. As my dad pulled up outside the hall to drop me off I saw a group of agitated hippies marching across the car park towards us, Alan resplendent in the most outlandish Afghan coat and feather garland you’ve ever seen. They’d inadvertently gatecrashed a very sedate Bridge competition. The disco was the following week. Although some of the crowd were understandably narked at my error, Alan took the incident in his customary easy-going way, remarking that the Star was about to be invaded by hippies instead. Sorry Alan! That was his way of dealing with setbacks. He was a very clever, inquisitive and thoughtful man but had about him a self-deprecating way that charmed all those who met him – and he always saw the humour in any given situation. Around that time Alan and a group of his mates formed a band – Alan taking up sticks and becoming the drummer. I remember his dad making space for his drumkit in the garage at Chez Nous, where Alan could crash and bash away to his heart’s content. They called themselves Prophet, and I recall sitting in on rehearsals as they strutted their stuff with an eye on making it big. Life took them all in different directions and the big break never happened, but they had a lot of fun pretending it would. Our paths diverged for some time in later life but we reconnected fairly recently while clearing out Chez Nous, and enjoyed deep and wide-ranging conversations about life, the universe and everything. He had his own opinions and wasn’t afraid to voice them to those willing to listen. He was a man of conviction with an open mind and a big heart. Family meant a great deal to Alan, and it’s fitting that we have brought him here today to be laid to rest near his mum and dad, aunts and uncles and his grandparents. Despite the paths along which his life’s journey took him and his decision to make London his home for most of his adult life he always referred back to his family roots, to his deep-seated sense of belonging in this area and of feeling grounded every time he visited Chez Nous. He loved and valued his family, and they loved and treasured him in return. As I opened my laptop last week to write this piece the randomly-generated picture that showed up was of a boat at sunset heading across the calm waters of the sea towards a range of misty hills. As an analogy it was fitting: I like to think of Alan now, having run his race on this earth, heading off elsewhere, taking his curiosity, intelligence, compassion and joy with him. We’ll miss you Alan – all of us here today – but we are undoubtedly all the better for having known you. This eulogy is by Alan's best friend, Nick Wilton: Alan Sharland in 5 minutes As human beings, are very complex, idiosyncratic, nuanced creatures, each with our own curious habits, contradictions and anomalies. Alan particularly so. How then to summarise a man as exquisitely and intricately formed and multifaceted as Alan in 300 seconds? How do I distil a relationship spanning 50 years into 5 minutes? Its like trying to eat an elephant with a teaspoon! Of course, it’s Mission Impossible, and I am no Tom Cruise! All I can do, in these brief moments, is offer my own, subjective and personal impressions of my dearest friend: a man I’ve known and loved for half a century and who enriched my life. What follows are just a few snapshots: a few frames from an epic film! That said, I hope you’ll recognise aspects of his character, and smile, as we commune together to remember our fallen Prince. So who was Alan Sharland? 1 - Alan the Explorer Alan had a sharp intellect and an inquisitive mind. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a life-long curiosity about the world, and especially the world of ideas. Whether it was Zen / Reiki / Homeopathic Medicine / Keto & Intermittent Fasting / the Bates Method / Tai Chi / mediation or meditation, Alan was passionate about his interests and pursued them with relish and gusto. He would expound the merits of turmeric / garlic / cloves / Hibiscus, Hawthorne or of water fasting with enthusiasm and animation. He never stopped exploring and delighted in discovering new ideas. Nor were his interests restricted to the intellectual. He could also wax lyrical about the size, texture, succulence and taste of his courgettes or what natural composts and fertilizers or irrigation regime he’d used to best effect. Whatever he was into he pursued with passion, energy and enthusiasm. He loved life. Even during the dark days of his illness, Alan discovered a treatment involving tuning forks on the temples so had to try it! 2 - Alan : Champion of Truth & Justice Alan was not a religious man, in the conventional sense, but he had a very finely tuned moral compass. His sense of justice was not legalistic or codified, indeed Alan loathed bureaucratic authority badly applied, but rather that innate sense of fair play and fairness. When Alan encountered an injustice particularly, where there was an imbalance of power, he would lock on, like a Jack Russell terrier. That fearlessness, that tenacity, that dogged determination and moral courage was something I always admired about him when he fought for what he believed to right, whether for himself or for those who needed his help. Yet it was always about principle and he was always respectful even when handling difficult issues and difficult people he maintained that basic respect for his fellow human beings. 3 - Alan the Joker Alan was passionate and principled it is true, but to characterise him as a dour stoic : earnest and pure but boring, would be to diminish his lightness and levity. On the contrary, Alan was always up for a laugh, and how we laughed! His sense of fun and his willingness to engage with the ludicrous, lunacy of living was infectious and invigorating. I have many stories, but they won’t fit in 5 minutes, and some are rude! Whether we were dancing in sweaty village halls not far from here, or ruminating on life’s inner meaning on Godalming train platform, after 3 pints of best bitter in the Star, in our late teens; or interrailing across Europe, enjoying wine, women and song whilst at university, or exploring the wilds of Devon and Exmoor, or the castles of Northumbria, or the mountains, churches and bars of Zermatt as young men, we had so much of fun…. He was always the best company and never took himself too seriously. 4 - Alan: the Carer and the Shepherd For all his other virtues though, perhaps his finest quality was his love and kindness, his empathy and compassion and here I want to borrow from the bible (Corinthians 13:4-5). “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs”. Alan embodied these words. I saw the way he cared for his father, Derek, when he was dying, for his mother and brothers, and I was myself a beneficiary of his patient love and care, when negotiating periods of darkness in my own life. Alan was always there for me, offering support, but never judgement, empathy but never prescriptive or critical, and for that I shall always be grateful. He was the best friend anyone could wish for and, like all of us in this room, I miss him enormously, but as Alfred Lord Tennyson said, “better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” To love is to expose ourselves to the grief and loss of parting, but I’d not have had it any other way. Alan said he wanted to be remembered, I know I shall never forget him and I dare say you all feel the same. He was a unique and very special human being and he lives in my mind. I feel his presence, not in a paranormal way, but because I know what he’d has said in any given situation. We that survive him will never forget him, but our lives were the richer for his presence. Goodbye my dear, dear brother. I shall miss you greatly. Order of Service: Gertraud "Traudi" Luise Shah, 15th September 1942 - 17th June 2026 John Anthony Scales, 'Tony', 3rd January 1941-12th February 2026 Tony Scales's sons, Ben & Tim, gave this eulogy, part of which is below: the complete eulogy is in the pdf: Growing up in Yorkshire John Anthony Scales was born on 3rd January 1941 in the village of Knaresborough in Yorkshire, the son of Cameron and Nellie and the 2nd of 3 boys. He grew up with his brothers Bob and Peter in an atmosphere of healthy, fraternal competition which spilt over into lively confrontation on a regular basis. The Scales brothers would earn themselves something of a reputation in and around Harrogate in later years (although he might claim that this was more by association than by personal merit). School His formative years were spent in Yorkshire and he remained a proud Yorkshireman throughout his life. Boarding school first at Terrington Hall and then at Sedburgh (then still part of West Yorkshire), where the beauty of the natural surroundings was offset by a Spartan regime which involved being fully submerged in a cold bath each morning, punishing cross-country runs up hill and down dale (the famous “10”), and rugby in all weathers, including deep snow. He told us that he was ready for pretty much anything after that and Anne recalls that he subsequently particularly enjoyed running downhill recreating the thrill (and relief no doubt) of careering down hillsides at school. Robin Gourlay remembers him at Sedburgh as quiet, musical, popular and responsible, someone who never seemed to get into trouble and who came into his own as a mediator, settling arguments between warring factions (notably Hunt House versus School House). Perhaps a precursor for his career in law. Oxford He left Yorkshire after winning a place to read law at University College, Oxford, an achievement of which his parents were immensely proud, and intrepidly made the long trip down on a scooter which became his preferred means of transport. At Oxford, he continued to play rugby, and also rowed for the college eight under the watchful eye of the cox, Stephen Hawking. My godfather David Pullen remembers him as a very fast and elusive winger (although not very good at tackling) as well as a very light (11 and a half stone – “almost unheard of”) bow in the college eight. Thank you, David, and thank you also for introducing Dad to Mum (without which we wouldn’t be standing here). And actually, we also wanted to acknowledge how happy we are that Mum and Dad were eventually able to rekindle their friendship and thank Anne and Gervase for encouraging this – it has meant a huge amount to the three of us, just as we know it has to Mum. Sutter Creek In 1963, Dad pushed back his start date in London by a year and travelled to California to work as a Maths and English teacher in the old Gold Rush town of Sutter Creek. He supplemented his teaching wages by working at weekends as a cashier in the casinos of Taho, and in forestry, where he worked felling and stripping logs. He recounted that on one occasion, he was following the tractor up hill, when a chain supporting its load of logs snapped, releasing its cargo to roll down the hill. Were it not for Dad’s natural prowess as a high hurdler, we might also not be standing here today! Edward John Baker, "John", 21st July 1934 - 13th March 2026 Pia Wansborough, 7th November 1938 - 10th February 2026 Richard Charles Bates 12th February 1943 - 4th January 2026 This tribute was written by the family and read by the Celebrant, Paul Winder: Richard Bates - A Life Well Lived Richard grew up in the World War 2 bombed streets of London’s East End with his Dad, a bus conductor following his service in the War, Mum, a seamstress, and his younger sister Dorothy. One of his academic achievements was to pass the 11+ exam and be accepted into the local Grammar School where he made lifelong friends. His Uncle Albert was an early inspiration. He spoke Arabic, played the piano, painted and knew artists like the writer Laurie Lee. Richard also took up oil painting and played the clarinet but it was his desire to see beyond the claustrophobic East End that defined him. Early on he loved cycling to Epping Forest where he read The Sunday Times from front to back, a routine he kept his whole life. His social and organisational skills meant he was the one to get his school friends out and about, starting off with youth-hostelling in Britain but he soon had sights on tougher challenges. At 21 he cycled up Norway, in winter, as far as the Arctic Circle with Graham. Word had got round about his trip and at the top he was greeted by a newspaper journalist and a British diplomat. Another trip in his early twenties was with a group of mates driving through Europe, ending up working in a hotel restaurant by Lake Geneva. While living at home he worked in the City and in the evenings studied for a Drawing Practice & Machine Design Diploma which allowed him to work as a Draughtsman. However he wasn’t going to work in an office in the City for the rest of his life, so at 26 the travelling bug infected him again, this time with the grand idea of an overland trip to Australia. He advertised in the paper and went with two girls and Sean Sinnott, an Irish guitar playing singer, who stayed a lifelong dear friend. Richard did most of the driving in a converted Bedford Dormobile, christened Rosinante (from Don Quixote). This was the journey of a lifetime, nearly having to give up in the snow in Turkey and getting very ill in India but eventually they made it to Sydney, Australia, the land of opportunity, a world away from Stepney Green. Richard took a job in a drawing office, living over Bondi Beach and made close, life-long friends in John Egger and Richard Debenham. From then on he was known as Dicko! Geoff Prouse, an old school friend asked Richard to help him run a supermarket in Darwin, then a remote town in the outback of Northern Australia. Richard was in his element here as his social skills made him a Pom everyone could like, even if he did have to knock out the occasional Aborigine who’d had too much to drink! In 1974 Cyclone Tracy flattened Darwin. He was a driving force in helping the Red Cross in the aftermath but eventually he decided to come home. In the late Seventies, a trip to Egypt provided the setting for Richard to meet Nicki, a nurse and former air hostess. And though they came from different backgrounds, they shared a love of travelling and doing things their way. After marriage in Farnham they found a run-down cottage in Thursley, backing on to Thursley Common. They thought it would be a great place to raise a family. Richard learnt squash in Australia and his entrepreneurial skills and love of sport meant he wasn’t satisfied working as a draughtsman for a company, so he decided to start up his own Squash & Sports Club. Squash was a sport that hadn’t taken off yet in 1980’s England and he saw the business potential and health benefits for all. Then his two sons came along, James, then Andrew, and with Dingo the dog he was living a life he could never have imagined growing up in the East End. Richard installed a wood burner that connected to the radiators in the house and he was very proud of his money saving idea. In return for volunteering on Thursley Common, the wardens allowed him to use his prized Land Rover to collect any spare wood available. It became a life-time passion to spend most of his free time collecting, cutting and burning wood! He struck up a close friendship with James Giles, the Natural England Warden. The family enjoyed many cycling holidays throughout Europe, fond memories for all. When Richard retired a new life opened up for him as he now had the time to get to know the village and villagers. With his East End charm and famous sense of humour he was equally at home with everyone. He soon became the Village Hall Grand Quizmaster and ran a Table Tennis Club for over 10 years. He volunteered to mow the grass in the village for the Parish Council and also enjoyed helping the Churchyard Working Party. Richard was a self-made man. He grew up in humble surroundings and made the best of his time. He ventured out into the world with a smile for everyone and a bad joke for those who would listen! His attitude meant he was accepted wherever he went. A life well-lived. Richard's sons, James and Andrew, also delivered moving eulogies which can be read in the pdf below: Ruth Irwin Nightingale, 9th July 1931 - 27th October 2025 Honor Marion Jill Whitwell, 'Jill' 16th September 1934 - 24th August 2025 The eulogy was delivered by Jill's son, Kevin Osgood, part of which is below: the complete eulogy is in the pdf: Thank you all for joining us here today to celebrate the life of Jill Whitwell, my Mum. Jill was born Honor Marion Jill Temple on 16th September 1934. She was born at home in an upstairs room of her parents’ guest house, The Temple Lounge, in West Street, Farnham where she grew up alongside her elder brothers, Ranger and Nigel, who were 13 and 8 years her senior respectively. Her parents were Sydney and Honor Temple and at the age of 16 Sydney had been blinded during a rugby match at Dulwich College and subsequently devoted much of his life to charity work for the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Jill also immersed herself in this, teaching blind people the art of chair caning and making wicker baskets, something she returned to in later life. Jill was almost five when Britain declared war on Germany and within a year Farnham was suffering from the fallout of bombing missions more likely targeting the surrounding areas of Brooklands, Farnborough, Aldershot, Bordon and Odiham, all having military or air bases. Her parents’ cellar was converted into an air raid shelter where locals would cram in during nighttime bombing raids. At 5 years old it was time to start school at St. Andrew’s in Farnham. Jill developed a distaste for school on her first day which set the pattern for the next three years. She could already read and write quite well and on her first day the class had to write their names, addresses and their parents’ names. Jill was sent to see Mrs Burrows, the headmistress, for arguing that she had not misspelt her father’s name (it was Sydney and NOT Sidney). By lucky coincidence Mrs Burrows lived at the Temple Lounge during term time and confirmed that Jill was, in fact, correct but this injustice stuck in her craw for the remaining three years at the school. By 1942 her parents had decided that the town was too dangerous for a child of that age and they would move her away from the bombings. She was sent to St. Ursula’s, a girls’ boarding school in the local village of Grayshott which was considered outside the bombers’ flight paths. She immediately took to the head mistress, Mrs Stevenson, who had a little dog, Craddock, who Jill was given almost sole charge of during term time. You can imagine how much she enjoyed that responsibility. I can find no record of this school so due to her mischievous nature I teased her many times that she must have been mistaken, and the school was really called St Trinian’s. She told me recently that she was amongst several girls who used to escape through the dormitory window to attend the dance at the local village hall before returning to bed as if nothing had happened. Jill later attended the Guildford Technical College and qualified in Catering in 1952 and Restaurant Management the following year and found employment cooking for the many residents of Farnham’s Moor Park House which had been used as a billet for Canadian troops in the war and was being refurbished by a Canon Parsons whilst being used as a Christian adult education college. Angela Muir MW 29th September 1948 - 14th July 2025 Order of Service, see PDF below We were all saddened to hear of the death in Cyprus on July 15th of Angela Muir, widow of Peter who was for several years Associate Vicar of St Michael and All Angels Thursley. Many of us will remember their legendary hospitality both at Yew Cottage, The Three Horseshoes and at Church, and that Angela was not only a world-renowned Master of Wine, but also a superb cook. They were greatly missed in the village when, in 2019, they decided to emigrate permanently to Cyprus. Angela showed early talent by winning the Vintners Scholarship in 1977, enabling her to travel around Europe for six months studying wine, finally becoming a Master of Wine in 1980, a considerable achievement, especially for a woman, in those days. She spent eight years in the Wine Merchant Division of John Harvey and Sons in Bristol followed by ten years as overseas buyer for Grants of St James and Victoria Wine. After this, she set up in her own business called Cellarworld with Peter, travelling the world as a wine consultant, helping producers both in Europe and South America to make their wines more saleable in the export market. Few people realised that one of her many intellectual talents was as a linguist, which made travelling easier for her. She has truly left her mark on the wine industry as an educator of future Masters of Wine, many of whom have left glowing tributes to her rigorous and meticulous training, but also mentioning her kindness and the selfless gift of her time in helping them to achieve their goal. There have also been a number of lengthy articles in the Cypriot press written with great fondness by her friends in the wine industry there recalling her immense talent and enormous contribution to their success over the years. Angela fell in love with Cyprus many years ago when she was employed by the industry to improve the quality of their wine making, so when they moved there, we were delighted that they chose a house in the same village in which we have had a holiday home for over twenty years. We joked that we lived almost exactly the same distance from each other as we did in Thursley. Their house has a magnificent view of a large area of the south coast west of Paphos towards the Akamas peninsula and they loved to sit on their balcony with a glass of something rather good to enjoy the magnificent sunsets for which Cyprus is famous. They soon were absorbed into the large expat community, playing lots of bridge and Angela also joined the ladies gastronomy circle where she soon became a leading light. She also kept up with her contacts with the local wineries, a number of whom she had helped for many years. It was an eye opener to have the privilege of accompanying her to some of these, she was treated like royalty and they hung on her every word. It was also educational, on one occasion, at a rather grand establishment, she tasted a particular supposedly single grape varietal and announced that there was a percentage of another grape in it. An embarrassed owner huffed that he had added 2% to smooth it out, at which Angela looked at him over her glasses, and enquired whether he had forgotten that perhaps it was 5%. An embarrassed vigneron turned bright red in the face and admitted that she was, of course, correct. Peter’s sudden death on New Year’s Eve 2022 came as a terrible shock and Angela’s health suffered very badly. She became completely incapacitated and spent a considerable period in Hospital. When she came home, she had the help of constant carers to look after her. One particularly wonderful friend took over the organisation of her life and I do not know what would have happened without her devoted attention. Angela gradually and bravely fought her way back to better health and was able to get about to play bridge and see friends, even managing the cruise that they both had looked forward to. Her end seems to have been peaceful, she was found by one of her carers in bed, the inevitable book still in hand. Peter once said to me “There is only one Angela!” and he was right. RIP great lady. Hilary Joy Denholm Barr, 3rd May 1945 - 12th January 2025 Hilary's obituary in Thursley Parish Magazine, May 2025 Order of Service: Pete Hanauer 26th September 1946 - 15th December 2024 There were tributes to Pete from family and friends as well as poem. The tribute below from Dick Lowther, a friend and former colleague, is reproduced in full: Peter Warm, generous, witty Peter - 47 YEARS MY FRIEND. We took many paths together but then you trod many more. Memories of you, glued in my souvenirs, coming back as sure as swifts in summer. As surely as the seeds you sowed in your veg plot - from the smooth bean to the wrinkled pea. Some forgotten for a time, but greeted with joy when they pop up again. I met you in the autumn of 77 in Farnham the same day as Brad, who is also here today. You were a new student, yet already rich with experience. Your second bite of the art school cherry. With your generosity and effortless way of making friends - witness this turnout - I soon found myself enjoying the delightful company of Pete. And of Sandra, of Rachel, and Sam. You brought with you a history and an inquisitive mind, tempted by a new path trusting it would lead somewhere - a characteristic of art students, We who took a stroll with out a care, never knowing how we’ll fare. How I wish I had met the much younger you. But the music of Hole Cottage gave me a rewarding glimpse into the lay of your land. This shared musicality led us to - Springsteen in Paris, Leonard in Lyon, Baez in Portsmouth, Dylan in London You fared well at Farnham as glassblowing caught your breath. Those fiery workshops set you on another new path, one that would take you to the Royal College of Art. I recognized early on that you were someone respectful of tradition, yet always open to the modern. Even those paintings you worked on for Bridgit Riley where beautifully hand crafted. Two years later, our paths crossed again — this time with greater consequence. I was scouting for talent for Epsom when we met at your Royal College show. I proposed part-time teaching , wanting you to have days to continue creating your beautiful glasswork. But you wanted a full-time job. The principal, on looking into your box of glasswork, pounced on you. And so we worked together again. I confess I bear the responsibility for England losing a talented glassblower — but there are many many students, some here today I believe, who would thank me for that. You anchored yourself at Epsom, devoting your days to teaching, guiding, listening to and inspiring others. You became a weekly presence in my life once more: the kind, charming committed colleague, a steadfast friend. But my most treasured memories are of Hole Cottage. Descending the track from the A3 always brought the anticipation of the warmest of welcomes, your hand held high and the ever-open back door. The country kitchen, where much was talked of and chuckled at. A small corner of England you and Sandra have long been caring for - a place for people, animals, and birds and celebration. At one point a homestead of black sheep, black chickens, black pigs, black cat, and Blackberry the cow. The crows and blackbirds were well impressed. Green finches and blue tits not so much. Warm welcome and warm nights nights too, often a new year’s eve, much enlivened by the grape. Once you put me to bed in front of the open fire and closed all the doors. I woke up smelling like an Arbroath Smokie for a day. Another example of your commitment to a country craft and love of food the cottage always brings to mind. But whilst Spotted Dick is is a famous english pudding, Kippered Dick has yet to make it to a menu. And the barn - multifunctional, ever-evolving. At times it housed vintage vehicles, a cinema, a dance floor, an illicit still, and Sandra’s six-star restaurant. Above it all, your little studio - the elevated man cave filled with books, art, and bits of this and mementos of that, gathered with care. Surrounding it all the the perfect summer-party garden. Not too far away were the cricket grounds, grand at Lord’s or modest in Thursley, where we could slow our life down for an hour or a day. Along with morning dog walks and pub lunches. You identified with, and reintroduced me to, the culture of rural England. You would probably have been wassailing this month where it not for why we are here. Your talent you wore lightly. but there was always a reminder of it - in your delightfully drawn birthday and Christmas cards, your graceful handwriting instantly recognizable on the envelope. These are not just nostalgic memories - they are an appreciation of a life well-lived, rooted in craft yet open to innovation. Life is a collection of meandering paths, with missteps along the way. Yet we leave footprints in the sands of time. You, of course, would modestly deny this. But Peter, you and Sandra have made your small corner of England a better place, filled with goodness. For Sandy and Rachel and Sam there will now be the undone years as Wilfred Owen called them - not just the years that Pete will not now do, but those which you will not now experience. But they will be enriched because you new and loved him and he was there. He will be still be there - invisible but you will be able to call on memories and be guided by his humanity, his generosity, his humour, his ease with people, young and old, whatever path they found themselves on. So lets not whine at death but withstand it ( so wrote that gloomy poet of my home town Philip Larkin) and celebrate Pete’s life and be thankfully happy that his paths crossed ours. So I say Fare thee well, Pete. I will miss you terribly. Two examples of Pete's glass-blowing in the V&A This eulogy was from a close neighbour, Jo Kelly: For me Pete was a friend and neighbour, a fellow valley dweller and wassailer, a muddy biking buddy and member of the Help in Thursley team, a litter picking organiser and ever friendly greeter of my horses and dogs. Pete was our runner bean supplier and bringer of mice for our barn owl - (although I am not sure that the Amazon drivers ever got used to the surprise of dead mice looking up at them from a flowerpot in our parcel bin!). A long-standing dog grooming client (he and Stanley were the only two who thought that my haircuts with horse clippers were acceptable, albeit after a couple of weeks regrowth!). He had been the previous keeper of our Land Rover, and a few years later with Sandy, crept in at the crack of dawn in a snow blizzard to decorate it for our wedding. He was also the village illustrator and creator of the most beautiful and memorable Christmas Cards. As you all know Pete wore many hats! Anyone who witnessed Pete and my relationship will know it consisted of a lot of banter and a very dubious sense of humour. I fear he has gained the last laugh looking down on me here today trying to hold it all together. I was deeply touched, honoured and daunted when Sandy asked me to say a few words. How on earth do you do justice to Pete and his life? So I googled the definition of “a life well lived”. One version was, “more people have benefitted from your presence than not”. And BLIMEY! - didn’t we all benefit?! I’m sure that every one of you here can’t reflect on Pete’s time in your life, however long or short, even those fleeting interactions, without smiling and recalling his ever cheery chat and endless positivity. That is a life well lived. If we all tried to live our lives a bit more like Pete ….. that would be a truly great legacy. Philip George Traill: 8th November 1965 - 8th September 2024 Joyce Dulcie Hall: 12 July 1931 - 21st February 2024 This eulogy was delivered by her son, Simon: After 63 wonderful years of life at South house Mum at the young age of 92 left the building for the last time and amazingly, she did it without the use of her wheelchair! Joyce was known to many of us as Joy and it’s because she brought so much Joy and laughter to all of us. 11 years ago, we converted South house so mum could stay at the family home, it also meant that there would be now 3 generations living under one roof, plus one cat called Harry who she didn’t like very much. Harry however was very fond of mum and he showed it by bringing in the odd, mouse, bird and frog. This was not appreciated at all! Mum loved people and after living on her own for several years, South house was again a busy household. Both Amanda, my wife, and mum had a passion for gardening, and this was a strong bond right to the end. In the last few years childhood Polio came back, which meant mum could not get about like she used to. But seeing her plants and garden every day meant as much to her as also been able to do the Times sudoku most of the day and every day. We have had some wonderful times together and some great parties that many of you here will have attended. Mum loved a party; she also loved her music particularly the Austrian conductor and violinist Andre Rieu. She watched his concerts on television religiously every Sunday and Monday evening without her hearing aids on very, very loudly! Often my daughter Hannah or son Nathanial would have to come down at midnight and say “Please Granny turn the volume down! I have school in the morning”. Oddly very late in life. in fact, this year Mum suddenly went with a conversion from classical Strauss music to the Rolling Stones. This time it was my turn to be woken up at one o’clock in the morning as BBC4 were running a tribute back-to-back of all the band’s songs to the early hours of the morning. Though her hearing was not very good she always denied this, it was more the case people just mumble these days. As Mike Jaggar shouted out “I can’t get no satisfaction” pumped out at full volume. It was my turn to plead for her to turn it down as had an early start for work the next day. Whereas she replied, “Aren't they good very, very good. Such nice young men and so well dressed!”. I could not spoil that image, that rock stars very rarely wear suits anymore and as for Mick Jaggar well, he is only a few years younger than mum!! As mum’s world became smaller the number of visitors became bigger and bigger. My sister Ardiana would visit from Australia every year for 4 – 6 weeks also staying at South House and brother Chris would come down from London every second weekend taking her on magical tours around the local countryside. Most Sundays it was either a roast lunch with us or with her sister Ardri in Farnham. One of mum’s oldest friends Jennifer now lives in Australia but used to live in Bramley and share early school days at St. Catherines school. Jen gave a wonderful rose that was planted outside her bedroom window. Mum often used to remark how amazing that the petals managed to hang on for so long like her friendship too Jen and all the wonderful friends she has had. I feel very privileged to have had joy for all my life and proud to be called my mum. The last years of life the carers at Right at Home became also a very much part of our family and I would like to read out to you a poem written by one of them: This second eulogy was delivered by Joyce's elder son, Christopher, and can be downloaded from the pdf below: Basil Hamilton Barr 'Pat': 7th April 1935 - 7th February 2024 Andrew and Stephen Barr's eulogy for their father: Andrew: Dad was born 7th April, 1935 in Aldershot to an Irish father and English mother who came from Churt and Dad never really left this area. His father, Walter who was known as Stan, was born in Derry City at the turn of the last century in what is now Northern Ireland. Like many of his generation there was little for him in Ireland and following the partition Stan joined the British Army as part of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Consequently Dad’s early family life was spent at the Aldershot and then Hong Kong Garrisons before Stan returned to England at the start of the war. Dad was always extremely proud of his Irish heritage and was in contact with his cousins throughout his life, including some memorable family visits to Donegal where it was clear where he got his sense of humour from. His given name was actually Basil - but he was universally known as Pat or Paddy . This fascinated us as children, and we would interrogate him, and he would say we could only call him Basil when he became Sir Basil. Dad was the second of three children. The eldest Derek sadly died in the 1990’s but his younger sister Dorothy aka Dilys, survives him and is here with us today. At the start of the war Stan was on active service and in 1940, following the evacuation of Dunkirk was captured and remained a prisoner until close to the end of the war when he returned unexpectedly on a prisoner exchange, only to be sent straight back after D-Day. So Dad’s early life was spent without a father and he grew up in service quarters with few comforts and probably not a lot of money. It was a tough start and I believed it explains a lot about his drive and determination to get a good education in order to provide a good life for himself and his family. Dad never took anything for granted and was always extremely hard working, successful and careful with money. But he was also very generous and often funny. I remember his typical wit when asked if he had waited long for his much anticipated new convertible he responded – oh about 50 years! In 1952, Dad was called up for national service and joined the Royal Marines. After completing the Commando course and earning his green beret, he followed Derek into 42 Commando and together they were on active service in the Suez crisis. I think it is fair to say that Dad was more bon vivant than commando, a polar opposite to his elder brother, and we don’t think he much enjoyed the experience – but it resonated strongly with him for the rest of his life, and he was very proud of having been a Royal Marine. Following National Service Dad got a job with the Lloyd’s Policy Signing office in Chatham. From there he worked as a junior cargo broker at Maurice Tozer and Beck before moving to John Holman & Sons - a family business that historically included shipowning and insurance businesses. During his holiday’s Dad was involved with the Royal Show working in the accounts department. No doubt this was to earn extra money, but we think it was where and certainly around the time he met Jean Huxley, our mother. Pat and Jean got married, in 1960. They settled in Godalming and had three children in fairly short order me (Andrew), Julia and Stephen. Stephen: The City was a big part of Dad’s life and I look back with affection on the few years that Dad and I worked together in Lloyd’s. I saw a lot of him and got to know another side to his character, the business side. He was well respected, always immaculately dressed and set a great example to those around him. We would meet regularly in Lloyd’s or over breakfast at 8am or for lunch, usually a salad. Occasionally I would persuade him to come out for a curry or we would meet up with colleagues in a wine bar, but he was always busy and had somewhere to be! It hadn’t always been like that apparently. He told me that in his early days in the city junior brokers didn’t get a desk or telephone. They merely acted as runners, carrying instructions from the Senior broker, which in turn were received by telex from clients. During quiet they were advised to stay well clear of the office returning at 4pm for the day’s final instructions. This gave the young Pat enormous latitude to go missing in action. He and his friends would embark on adventures including in the East End, exploring bombsites from the war and drinking at pubs along the way such as the Capt Kidd, City of Ramsgate and Propect of Whitby generally returning at 4pm dirty and a few pints the worse of wear! Pat and Jean built a provincial insurance business alongside his city career calling it Hamilton Barr. It was successful and in time John Denner, an old friend of Dad’s, was hired as Managing Director to run it so that Dad could focus on his day job. The business was a great success and some years later Dad met Michael Wade and they eventually sold Holmans and Hamilton Barr to Clarkson’s shipping. The rest is just history, but it would be remiss not to mention Voyager which Dad and a number of his colleagues (Aubrey Abbott, John Peters and others) started in the1990’s and which continues to thrive today. Dad made many friends in his business life and travelled frequently, particularly to Canada and the USA. Some of those people became our friends too and I still have a number of city acquaintances whose first job was with Dad in Marine insurance. As children we had a very happy existence and I particularly remember the wonderful holidays we had together in Cornwall and France. Dad was completely different on holiday, and seemed to be able to completely relax. Sadly his first marriage to our mother Jean, was not to last. Dad moved to London and we remained at the family home. As we entered our teenage years he still kept a close eye on us and was never too far away, particularly it seemed, if we were doing something wrong. In about 1979, Hilary Dalby (Hilly, Mook, or just Bill to us) came into our lives. Her ability to keep Dad on the straight and narrow earned her his nick name “The Old Bill” and so it was that she became known to us as just Bill. Easy to explain in this day and age that your father’s married to someone called Bill, maybe not so back then! With Bill came Piers, Heather, Sonya and Ray and their families. I know that Dad was thankful to have met Hilary’s parents and for the relationships they both enjoyed with her family over many years. Pat and Hilary built a wonderful life together over 43 years of marriage, establishing their homes at Vean Cottage in Thursley and in Pimlico, before moving to The Old Vicarage and finally to Wild Goose Cottage. In Surrey they built a wide network of friends. Dad loved fine wine and as an aside, his former colleague Aubrey reminded Hilary how on one occasion he requisitioned the air conditioning unit in Aubrey’s office for use in his new wine cellar to avert what I think you might call a temperature violation! Over many years together they earned a reputation for hosting fabulous dinner parties marking every milestone with an amazing celebration. Dad and Hilary became accomplished golfers (Hilary arguably better than Dad – I can say that now!) spending a lot of time at West Surrey where they were both Captains. I used to play golf with them both from time to time and I remember Dad, a stickler for etiquette, becoming truly exasperated by the number of practice swings I took at the hallowed tees of West Surrey Golf Club when we entertained some city colleagues! Andrew Lastly we want to reflect on how happy Dad and Hilary were together over such a long period time, how common endeavours like owning a share in the pub, being part of this village, golf, entertaining and travel were the bedrock of a very successful marriage and we know that Hilary has been touched to receive so many lovely letters of condolence and reminiscence. Many talk about Dad’s wit, dry / waspish sense of humour and his quick-witted bonhomie while celebrating what a brilliant team they were at the very heart of the village social circle. Stephen Dad was well read and well versed in current affairs and had a sharp wit. He loved telling jokes, particularly those entailing an accent of some description! He was thoughtful and generous, wanting no fanfare for people he helped over the years, such as my maternal grandmother. We all knew that in a crisis (generally a financial one) you could always talk to him and he would help. But he wasn’t one to shy away from pointing out the error of your ways, which was the price you paid but it was generally well intentioned and just our Dad. Neil Geoffrey Lankester Woods: 7th September 1959 - 26th October 2023 From Thursley Parish Magazine, January 2024 Anthony Julian Langdale 22nd March 1945 - 20th June 2023 Anthony Langdale on his beloved Fordson Model N, with his grandsons. Salosh Edwards 12th July 1947 - 16th April 2023 Sean Edwards's eulogy for Salosh: My eulogy should talk about what a wonderful person Salosh was, and the wonderful life we had. And how desperately I miss her. But everybody here knows that. So what follows here is a background to the small ‘Picture Tribute’ slide-show that follows, and that has no commentary. With a lot of imagination you will see glimpses of our life together. Each of the 25 slides, in chronological order, has a year and a location on it. So for much of the 56 years that we were together, there are no pictures. It all started in 1967, on the King’s Road, Chelsea. Well, not exactly on it, but just a metre away, at a ‘Do’ at Chelsea College when I first saw Salosh, in a Mary Quant dress, across the proverbial crowded room. Salosh was 20 and I was 24. We chatted, and at the end of the evening we agreed to meet again. And we never separated after that. It was four years after that first meeting, when we were both living together in Bangor, that we realised we hadn’t got married – well, this was the ‘sixties, remember. So we did, in Anglesea. Salosh was studying at Keele, and I at Bangor, but an old banger (at Bangor) served to keep us sufficiently together. My parents farmed from 1947 in Thursley, where we regularly stayed, and so Salosh was a ‘Thursley girl’ from 1967. I include two Thursley pictures from 1974, from Gibbet Hill (bilberry picking), and from the Three Horse Shoes where we will shortly hold the wake. And pictures from around Manchester where we both worked for 31 years. And then from Vine Cottage in Thursley where we lived for the last 19 years. And photos from Harpenden where our daughter Kitty, her husband Mic and their daughters Maia and Elena (all here today) live. And from Germany and Austria where her three sisters (all here today) live. Salosh’s career was hard, as a Local Authority Mental Health Social Worker, doing the Sections under the Mental Health Act. She was both tough and compassionate, always putting her clients first even if it meant fighting the Authority. Which it often did. Socially she mixed easily, but was never really part of any group. She was absolutely her own person. Her relaxations included walking and oil painting. And happy happy meandering holidays, mostly in the south of France, staying in somewhat dilapidated rural cottages, eating in small family-run restaurants, and picnics in sunny orchid-filled fields. At home, she loved her gardening, especially her roses – every one was scented. Salosh was my muse, but so much more than that. On our rambles it would be she who would spot a new plant or animal, or see a magical view that I had missed. She would sit and sketch or wander off to find more, whilst I photographed her finds. I am lost without her. My illustrations were technical and accurate, but Salosh’s paintings were the opposite. I would say “That tree’s not like that”, but Salosh would reply that to her it felt like that. They had a soul that I could never convey, and that soul was Salosh’s. In the following Tribute, I include two of her paintings that she did from Thursley Common and from France. The final slide of the Tribute is of Salosh on the Common this year, at sunset, just two months before going to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. This image symbolises to me the utter anguish of her going away, for ever. Josephine Jean Scheffers, "Jo": 21st December 1929 - 3rd April 2023 Reverend Peter Muir: 21st April 1949 - 30th December 2022 Tone Badcock: 27th June - 29th December 2022 MUM'S STORY Tone Iris Berner Badcock Née Bond Mum was born in Falmouth, Cornwall in 1925, her mother Tula was Norwegian and her father, Douglas, was English. Mum’s Norwegian heritage meant a lot to her and as a young child she lived in Norway for a few years where she learned the language and to ski and skate. Mum also recalled enjoying some birthday parties at the royal palace. Her Grandfather had been a Norwegian politician and Uncle Jacob was a double International at football and ice hockey. The family finally settled in the UK at Parkstone where her brother Erik and sister Eva were born. Mum had an idyllic childhood saying she spent most of her time upside down walking on her hands - a free spirit. In the latter years she told me of a story of when she worked at a riding stable. One day the owner said Tone, I want you to ride this horse to the blacksmith's to be shoed. Mum rode bare back across the Dorset downs on a beautiful day, never seeing a soul and described it as one of the most memorable days of her life. The family were keen sportsmen something Mum inherited. Her cousin David Bond became the first GB Yachtsman to win an Olympic gold medal. Mum’s father Dougie was the secretary at Parkstone Golf Club for 25 years. Her parents were county golfers with single handicaps and all three children, went on to have a love of golf. Overlooking the clubhouse is a picturesque lake and it was here Mum and her siblings learnt to swim. Her mother tied a rope around their waists before telling them to get in the lake and swim. Many years later, on trip to Norway we drove past a lake. Mum shouted, “STOP the car, Rodney”, she got out, stripped off and jumped in the lake. I followed but on finding the water freezing cold and with none of the buoyancy salt water provides ,I quickly got out. Mum left school in 1943 volunteering to join the Wrens, saying she fancied the uniform! She was sent up to HMS Cabbala a signal school near Warrington and qualified as a coder in cypher. One night in June 1944 she decoded a message which said, “Our small boats have sailed”. It signalled D Day. She took the message to the duty officer feeling very proud. Before being posted overseas she spent some time in London. She stayed at Crosby Hall sleeping in the corridor with tin hat and gas mask at the ready with the doodlebugs being dropped every night. She then boarded a troop ship for a six-week voyage to Ceylon and describes feeling much safer. The journey to the Far East turned out to be the first troop ship to go through the Suez Canal since the allies retook control. The convey split, Mum continued safely but sadly the other half of the convey went under heavy torpedo attack. In Ceylon there was a Mess social, worthy of mention where she drank too much resulting in her dancing on the table and being unfit for duty the next day. This is probably the reason why she drank very little alcohol ever again. Mum worked on Lord Mountbatten’s staff, and this was where she met Rodney our father. He proposed in Raffles Hotel and in August 1947 they married. Having accrued leave they had a six month honeymoon staying in Oak Cottage in Thursley, returning to Rodney’s childhood village Children duly arrived, first Wendy then Jill with me arriving last. Our formative years were spent in Southampton. Wendy married Jim. Jill on passing her O levels travelled the globe before meeting and marrying Brian and I was sent away to public school giving mum time to pursue her own interests. She spent 20 years volunteering in the league of friends at Southampton hospital. She played tennis at the local GPs home enjoying silver service tea parties afterwards. Mum was also a lifelong member of the Conservative party and one evening took Wendy to Southampton docks for a husting meeting where Harold Wilson was speaking. With Mr. Wilson in full flow a voice from the back shouted, “Rubbish!”. Our mother was duly ejected. She was delighted when Rishi Sunak was made Chancellor of the Exchequer and relates seeing him as a small boy sitting behind the counter at the local pharmacy counting the cash. She also told the Moorlands staff that she had met Jeremy Hunt at his mother’s home, and he was a lovely boy! Mums love of sport evolved, She became a member of Hampshire County Cricket Club and spent many a day in her deck chair watching play. She was also a loyal supporter of the Saints football team and enjoyed watching some matches from the Director’s box as her friend Mrs Bowyer’s husband Basil was a director of the club. She also received a surprise gift of two Cup Final tickets in 1976 against Manchester United. Her loyalty to Southampton was life long and she enjoyed friendly rivalry with Noelle when she visited her at Moorlands. In 1976 a quirk of good fate led to my parents return to Thursley where they spent many years in The Old Parsonage continuing the 60 years of happy marriage. Both Mum and Dad embraced village life and several younger friends recount being invited to sausage and mash suppers when they first moved to Thursley. Those who knew Mum well will know food was very important to her! Some of you may wonder why Mum is pictured hugging a bear on the front page of the Order of Service. Caroline and James live in Bears Cottage, and they saw this bear whilst on holiday in the States and had him shipped home. His name is Hamilton, and he can speak. When Tone visited the two were introduced and mum was flabbergasted when Hamilton said, “Hello, Tone, how are you today?!” A big part of her life from 1981 was West Surrey Golf Club where she made many friends and happy memories. She became lady captain, and I was present on this day waiting with guests outside the clubhouse when she appeared on the fairway in a motorcycle combination, helmet and all. She also managed a hole in one at Cowdrey Park in 1988, of which she was very proud. In later life Mum received tremendous support from her friends in the village Kathleen Watson, Caroline, Hilary and Alison to name just a few. Sadly, after several falls Mum made the big decision to move to Moorlands Lodge where she spent her final five years. Once again, she made great friends amongst the staff and residents and made it her home. Jill Anstey was a great friend, and they gave each other tremendous support. Her family remained a great source of pride throughout her life, and she adorned her walls with photos of her eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and shared news of her nieces, nephews and Godchildren. Over the last few months Mums health declined but she remained pragmatic and cheerful. On December 29th I took a call from Moorlands and Kim and I headed up to the home and were comforted to find Jess ,one of the carers, holding Mum’s hand until we arrived. During the day Dr Poon and the staff not only cared for Mum, but us too and their professionalism and kindness throughout was a great comfort. We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Moorlands. It was a long day and by chance we heard Ken Dodd singing Happiness. The words resonated summing up Mum’s philosophy of life. Also, on the news that night, we heard that all the planets were visible in the night sky and we like to think they helped light her way back to Rodney and her family. Nina Allen: 7th May - 1960 - 17th December 2022 Tich Corrigan: 16th July 1953 - 26th September 2022 Tich was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Kot who lived in the village, and for many years worked for the O'Briens. Sir Alan Traill: 7th May 1935 - 18th April 2020 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of our villagers, Sir Alan Traill GBE, QSO, MA, D.Mus. at the age of 84. He had been living with Parkinson's for the last seven years, being cared for at home and then in the final months at Moorhouse Nursing Home. Alan was born in North London and attended St Andrew's School, Eastbourne followed by Charterhouse School and Jesus College, Cambridge, where he studied law. His hobbies and passions were music and opera, and with a lifelong love of conducting he was delighted to conduct the LSO when he became Lord Mayor of London in 1984. He was passionate about supporting education, music and young people. Whilst at University he was a dab hand at building and painting stage sets, which later turned into DIY at home. He worked for many years in the City of London, as well as abroad, and was by profession an insurance risk analysis consultant, expert witness, arbitrator and mediator. He and Sarah moved to Thursley in 1988 and Alan was one of the original shareholders of The Three Horseshoes Pub and could always be relied upon to give sound advice and support. Sir Alan was Lord Mayor of London from 1984-5, an Honorary Governor and Almoner at Christ's Hospital School, Vice-President of King Edward's School, Witley, Governor of Treloar's School, Governor and Chair of the Yehudi Menuhin School, Master of the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, Governor of St. Paul's Cathedral Choir School Foundation, Trustee of the Ann Driver Trust, member of the advisor board and Educational Committee at the LSO and Chairman of the UK-NZ 1990 committee, for which he received the Queens' Service Order (QSO) from New Zealand in recognition of his voluntary service. Alan spent most of his spare time in voluntary service, supporting a huge variety of charities. He was a governor of the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music and his contributions to the improvement of the School were innumerable and helped many hundreds of children. He established the Education Committee and facilitated the construction of The Menuhin Hall (critical to improving the musical opportunities for the children). "It is no exaggeration to say that, without him, the Menuhin Hall would not have been built. The Hall took the school into a new era and greatly enhanced and promoted its reputation worldwide" was just one of the comments received by the family in a letter of condolences from the Yehudi Menuhin School. He was the driving force behind the founding of the St Pauls Cathedral School Foundation (Chorister Trust), through whose financial support very many boys have had the chance to excel through music - an experience that for many has been truly transformational. The school said "His enduring legacy is the Trust, we will continue to strive to keep his initial vision alive. It is needed now more than ever". Alan was also one of the longest serving Almoners of Christ's Hospital School. He joined the School's Finance Committee, where he brought expert insight from his highly successful career in the insurance industry. They commented that "Sir Alan was a wonderful advocate of Christs' Hospital and had a particular passion for the School's thriving music. Whilst Lord Mayor, in a 'never been done before act', he personally took to the stage on Speech Day and conducted the School orchestra". Alan was a patron of the Treloar School & College for Disabled Young People in Alton. "Sir Alan holds a special place in our hearts and was a fantastic supporter....He will be particularly remembered for his energy which led to the state of the art 'Traill centre for Creative Arts' opening in 1987 following his successful mayoral appeal." He was also very active in his support of Morden College, a long-standing charity which has been providing residential care for older people all of whom are in financial hardship, in Blackheath. In 1985 Alan became a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, his white eight-pointed cross on a black background is an international symbol of first aid. He was appointed to the Order of Medieval Knights of London in 2002. Sir Alan joined the Court of Common Council in 1970 and served as Alderman for the Ward of Langbourn from 1975 to his aldermanic retirement in 2005, as well as being elected Sheriff in 1982 and a JP. He was immensely proud that on the day he became Lord Mayor, Sarah took part in the Lord Mayor's Show, in a fashion unlike any other lady Mayoress. For the first time in recorded history, the Lady Mayoress rode in the procession mounted on horseback and was riding side-saddle on a wonderful grey police horse. His family are very proud of all he did during his lifetime to support music, the arts and education. He was kind, generous, open-hearted and devoted to his family, with a cheeky smile and a wicked sense of humour. He will be sorely missed. Edmund Selwyn Haviland: 6th April 1924 - 17th October 2020 Order of Service: Elizabeth Prudence Jones: 1927 - 2020 Prue Jones lived at Chetwyn Cottage and never married.