Keith DAVIDSON – Memories 1957-1963 – and letters from mother and father 1964-1974
Memories of Keith Davidson (lived in Leigh 1957-1963)
Keith Davidson was 25 when he came to Leigh in 1957. He moved to Northampton in 1963, although his parents continued to live at Ardullie until also moving to Northampton to be nearer Keith and his family, hence the mention of events subsequent to 1963. Below are a few photos sent to us: there are a couple more in the archives but were too small and unclear to put successfully on the website.
I was born on 12 September 1932 in Croydon. My father and mother, ‘Jock’ and Rene Davidson, had met while working for the Westminster Bank in Lombard Street in the City of London. On their marriage, my mother had to leave the bank, as it did not employ married women! My father had been blown up and wounded in the Flanders blood bath in 1917. We lived in West Wickham, and I went to the Whitgift School and matriculated in 1949. I then did 5 year articles in an Upper Norwood legal practice. On qualifying in July 1955, I was conscripted into the RASC, then completed the 2 years as a clerk at the Army School of Education at Beaconsfield. On leaving the army, I joined a major legal practice in the City of London.
It was when my father retired that we moved to Ardullie in the Penshurst Road, in the autumn of 1957.
My parents were not the first owners of Ardullie. My parents had bought the house from the mother of Andrew Reid, who was Treasurer of the Church Youth Club. (see later). Andrew and his sister lived with their mother in the Penshurst Road. Andrew’s mother had bought Ardullie for the grandmother, but unfortunately shortly after that purchase the grandmother died; hence my parents’ acquisition.
Soon after arriving at Leigh, my father took a job collecting insurance premiums for an insurance company around the village, but he gave up quite quickly as folk were often out when he called: petrol was wasted and pay was poor! You will see the plaque on the wall of remembrance in the churchyard (which was instigated by Rev Bounds) to my parents, whose ashes are buried in the graveyard; I am hoping my ashes will in due course be buried in the churchyard, too.
My parents and I had been active in the Anglican church we had attended near West Wickham. On arrival in Leigh, the Rector at West Wickham wrote to the Rev. John Bounds about us: the Rev. Bounds was Leigh’s newly appointed vicar. So, very soon after moving to Leigh, he arrived on our doorstep. He told us about himself, his wife, Mary, whom he had met as a curate in Weymouth (she was the daughter of the incumbent there, who had returned from working for the Church Missionary Society in Africa). The Bounds had a, daughter, Angela, and three sons, Christopher, Philip and Nicholas.
[IN 1957 Rev. Bounds started first parish mag and talked about his family, hence the four children]
Church Youth Club
He asked whether I would help in running the Church Youth Club – just right for me. The members were expected to attend a specified monthly evening service, adjourning afterwards to the Vicarage (initially the old one, then the present one) for coffee, a chat and a prayer afterwards. We met on a Friday evening most months of the year. Not an easy assignment – the main problem was that ‘louts’ would come from neighbouring villages and disrupt. However, the club met in the Small Hall. Miss Sheila Whitebread used to help.
We had table tennis tables, darts (which could become a problem when thrown about), music and, whenever possible, a speaker on various subjects. Coffee and biscuits were provided. At the end we had a quiet time for God and a prayer, led by me. The secretary was Carole Thorpe, who also sang in the church choir (and whose boyfriend, Ian Lee, also came). (The Thorpe family lived at Kearsley, Green View Avenue). Andrew Reid was treasurer (mentioned above). Also, Stewart Kerr was a member – Rev. Bounds very kindly let Stewart use his car to learn to drive and also gave him lessons. Jo Mills, a daughter of Mrs Norah Mills of Green View Avenue (who led the Church Sunday School on a Sunday morning) was also a member.
On Bank Holiday Mondays, the Youth Club invariably went on a day’s walk, taking our lunches – most walks were from the village. On one occasion a cow was giving birth to a calf in a field at Leigh, so we fetched Eduard Crawford of Hollow Trees to help with the birth . On another occasion we started the circular walk from Ide Hill (using several cars to get there).
One Sunday evening the Youth Club was invited to join Hildenborough Church’s Youth Club for a service and a social afterwards – and a good evening was had by all – but on returning to Leigh, our cars stopped outside Porcupine House, then owned by Hilary Magnus WC – the noise was considerable and he came out angry and shouting, but seeing it was us, he quickly stopped and chatted instead.
Whilst running the Youth Club, a Church Missionary Society group of young twenty year olds run by a friend of mine, John Rose, from Croydon borrowed suitable clothes from its HQ and put on an African evening, with suitable food. (The idea of ‘suitable’ clothes might be frowned upon now?)
The Church
The Patron of the living of Leigh is the Church Trust Fund, a Trust dedicated to maintaining the evangelical tradition . At that time, whilst the incumbents in many Anglican churches would face east with their backs to the congregation during the consecration of the elements, in the evangelical tradition the minister took the north end of the Communion Table. Most churches including Leigh now face the congregation with the table in front of him/her.
Lord Hollenden and his (3rd wife) were regular attendees at Church, walking across the Park from Hall Place through the little copse and graveyard to their pew by the organ. Sir Arthur Page and his wife lived near Hildenborough Station and were regular church supporters, their son the MP for Harrow and his family joining them when in the area. After the death of her husband, Lady Page remained very active supporting activities in the village, helped by a lady who lived in a detached modern house in Powder Mill Lane. In Church she always sat in the pew by the plaque to her husband, Sir Arthur Page.
The Church had then a sizeable mixed choir of all ages: the boys were paid – I am not sure about the girls. The choir master was a married man from Tonbridge or Hildenborough. Unfortunately, his marriage was a bit unsteady and then his organ playing became somewhat erratic. My mother played the piano sometimes at a Mothers’ Union meeting and was most musical. Poor Carole Thorpe sang solos beautifully until the higher notes when she went all flat; the organist (P J Clayton of 8 Brook Street, Tonbridge) did not seem to notice. Eduard Crawford had a lovely voice and sang his solos beautifully. His sister Betty was also in the choir. They lived with their widowed mother (French or Belgian by birth) in Hollow Trees – a somewhat dilapidated house with an unkempt garden.
I shall always remember my first Christmas in Leigh. One evening, the Church choir decided to go carol singing around the Parish. Bearing in mind there were no street lights, lanterns on poles were carried. I provided my car (my singing is non-existent) and Mr Wood was allocated to me. He clambered in and out of the car at each stopping place with his lantern. We ended up at Ramhurst Manor, with Lord and Lady Kindersley providing refreshments, whilst the choir sang round their Christmas tree. Coming from an impersonal south London suburb, it was a wonderful occasion! Rev. Bounds started in the afternoon on the Sunday before Christmas with the candle light carol service and the Church was full. Christmas was truly wonderful in Leigh.
Another inspiring occasion was Remembrance Sunday. After Morning Service, the choir and Rev. Bounds proceeded to the War Memorial to join the British Legion members and others mustered there. A short service with bugle sounding the last post and reveille then followed, at the end of which the choir returned to the Church and the Legion to the big hall – all so English.
Rev. Bounds also introduced the Summer Church Fete held first in the grounds of the Old Vicarage and subsequently the New Vicarage. Thankfully it normally seemed to be free of rain. He made sure the Church was central to his thinking. Rev. Bounds had both ears operated on, funded in full or in part by Lord Kindersley – wonderful for the Vicar to hear everything easily. Lord Kindersley had the right to nominate from time to time a pupil to Christ’s Hospital School at Horsham. When his turn came, he had no family member of the right age to nominate, so he nominated Angela Bounds.
Shortly after my arrival, World Refugee Year was called nationally – the aim being to provide funds to re-settle refugees in Europe. The Parish Council was keen to support this and convened a meeting in the Small Village Hall. Some ten folk formed a committee and I was appointed secretary. This was a golden opportunity for me to get to know the Parish and its souls. A considerable sum was raised and I would assume the Minute Book is with the Parish Council records – it was an independent committee, not part of the Parish Council.
On 24 June 1961 the Bishop of Rochester licensed me to be a Lay Reader to Leigh – the first the Parish had had. Before the licensing, I had to obtain the approval of the PCC and I had to do a course of study (Rochester then had its own syllabus); there were four papers and an exam. On a Saturday morning I went to the Vicarage to answer the questions – I passed. Being able to take non-Communion services and help generally in all others was a great honour.
In September, 1962 I married Susan Pigott in Leigh Church. She lived with her parents in Sevenoaks and Eric MacLennan, the Rector of St Nicholas Church Sevenoaks, where they worshipped, joined with Rev. Bounds in conducting the marriage ceremony. It was a beautiful day in every way. The robed choir sang with glee and as we left the Church formed two lines into the churchyard using their service sheets to form an arch. Many villagers turned out and joined in the excitement.
Our daughter Catherine Mary, was born on 12 August 1964. However, by then we had moved to Northampton, but our daughter was baptized in Leigh Church by Rev. Bounds as all our contacts were still in Kent; being fed up with railway travelling conditions and the prospect of some forty years more for me, we decided to leave working in London and I was employed in a first-class legal practice in Northampton. Eventually, both my parents and also Susan’s parents moved to Northampton too. Sadly, however, our marriage ended in divorce.
Fairly early on after my arrival in Leigh, the PCC took the decision to build a new vicarage in the grounds of the old. This called for much discussion, but the Diocese supported the project – the Courier dated 7 September 1962 has a picture of the new vicarage with the Rev Bounds and his family (in the LHS archive).
The PCC meetings were first held in the Old Vicarage with the lovely bow window facing the entrance pathway and subsequently in the new vicarage. Miss Upfield, who lived at the top of Green View Avenue on the right, was treasurer; Lawrence Biddle, who lived at the Woods, a London solicitor was the secretary (his firm, Biddle & Co. did the legal work for the Estate). Mr Kinch, who lived with his wife and daughter, Christine, in Powder Mill Lane in a detached house opposite the drive to Ramhurst Manor, was one of the churchwardens. He had been Lord Kindersley’s batman in WW2. (Mr and Mrs Kinch’s son, David, became a Methodist minister). Other attendees included Hilary Magnus, QC, Hugh Gamon, a London solicitor, who practised in Westminster as his speciality was dealing with the drafting of legislation (he always arrived at the last minute straight from Hildenborough station), Betty Crawford, me ( I was asked to join to represent the interests of the newly formed Youth Club), Mrs Mills of Green View Avenue (The Minute Books will give other names). It was, in fact, a talented group and Rev. Bounds at times had difficulty in its management.
Mr McLaren checked the Church’s Annual Accounts; he lived near Ardullie with his wife and family. Unfortunately, many years later he was killed on his bicycle returning from Hildenborough Station after working in London.
From time to time we used to see the boys from Knotley Hall School being taken to Leigh Church, walking double file.
Mr and Mrs Bennett with their daughter, who rode a horse around the village, lived at Paul’s Farm and were Church supporters. Dr Margaret Gill lived with her mother two or three doors away from us towards Penshurst. Mr Davis, a London solicitor, lived with his family in a new house just behind Lightfoots, worshipping at Penshurst Church. Mr Len and Mrs Betty Shields, with their three boys, lived next door to us – mum always said they were the best neighbours we had ever had. Betty’s maiden name was Peel – the name from the famous song ‘D’ye ken, John Peel’ which refers to the hunt of the Earls of Lonsdale at Lowther Castle (now in Cumbria). For generations, Betty’s family were involved with this hunt and looked after the hounds.
Mr Penny (who lived next to the Shields), Dennis Hill (who lived in the end house in the road) and I got together to use one car each day to Hildenborough Station; we three used the same train to and from London and money was saved – the station master had all three car number plates and was happy with the arrangement. My father and Alf Houghton (Hall Place agent) had many a chat over our dog dashing around the Estate on his walks.
Young Conservatives and Sevenoaks Conservative Association
As soon as I had arrived, I joined the Sevenoaks Branch of the Young Conservatives (becoming in due course its chairman) and the Committee of the Leigh Branch of the Sevenoaks Conservative Association. Leigh at that time was in the Sevenoaks Parliamentary Constituency and I became its secretary. It was an active branch. Miss Tyler, who lived at 1 Lealands Avenue, was Treasurer (she lived with her mother who unfortunately suffered from dementia, meaning every time I had occasion to call to see Miss Tyler she had to be told who I was.) Mr R E Hope Faulkner of Chilling House was Chairman initially. He and his wife moved to Gibraltar and Mr Wilding took over. We met in their respective homes. (I think the Hope Faulkners returned to live somewhere in Leigh, no doubt becoming bored by Gibraltar’s smallness or that was the rumour). Subscriptions were collected by committee members from roads in Leigh; I was given Penshurst Road to collect. My neighbour would say jokingly ‘you are always collecting money from us for the Church or the Tories!’
The Branch ran an annual dance in the Large Village Hall, with a small band and the customary bar and food were gathered from members. I used to MC it. What was really great, I thought, was that the lady who ran the local Labour Party branch and her husband always came and were asked to draw the raffle prizes – that would never have happened in London suburbia. Lord and Lady Kindersley came; he danced with my then girlfriend from Sevenoaks; that gave her a pleasant surprise.
The High Street
Essentially the layout is the same today as it was then. In the village itself, there was considerable activity. The old folks’ bungalows had just been built at Charlotte Cottages. A campaign to stop a plan to build on what is now Well Close led by Mr Crawford was successful. However, moving along the High Street from the school, we first come to the village stores, run by Mr and Mrs Adin Coates (their daughter, Susan belonged to the Church Youth Club) and located where the hairdresser and Orchard House are now: it was a departmental store selling haberdashery and lots of odds and ends – it used to deliver goods to Ardullie – but it eventually closed and the premises were then occupied by an upmarket antique furniture shop. Next there was Mr Wells’s butcher shop in the High Street – in the Square – which subsequently became a ladies hairdresser. Mr Wells suffered from arthritis and lived with his wife at 8 The Square. Then there is The Bat and Ball pub, the Village stores run then by the parents of Mrs Johnston; the doctor’s surgery; and Fleur de Lis.
I loved Leigh so much that in April 1985 we bought 9 The Square as a second or holiday home. I sold it in November 2015 as due to advancing years and other problems, driving down the M1 and on to the M25 became onerous.
The Green
I always loved watching the sport, stool ball, cricket and soccer. The north side is the same as now. The building on the left was a village store and post office and next to it was a butchers’ shop (now private houses). The west had the school as now, but the outside toilets were a subsequent addition. On the other side lived elderly Mr Randerson and his sister, both of whom were strong supporters of the Church. Mr and Mrs Charlie Ingram lived in Oak Cottage – it was very run down at that time.
Garages
There were two garages and petrol filling stations. Moons Garage in Penshurst Road was where Fairlawns is now. George Bowyer was a first class motor engineer there, doing the servicing, etc. Rev. Bounds and I used that garage, the Rev. Bounds even coming back to use it for servicing after he had retired. The other was run by the Healy brothers, one of whom lived in the Penshurst Road and whose daughter came to the Youth Club.
One Saturday morning, when I was enjoying my first winter, it very cold with icy roads. Mother and I decided to go to Tonbridge via Ensfield Road; when the car refused to go up a particular slope on the road, I turned round and came back into the village; on slowly turning into Penshurst Road by the Fleur I skidded and hit the wall of Hall Place. In a flash one of the Healy brothers was there to take the car in for repair My mother, who always thought that I drove too fast, did not make that allegation this time.
Elsewhere in the village
Mr and Mrs Bennett and their daughter lived at Paul’s Farm and helped in the church. I remember on one occasion there was a party held there for the Church, perhaps that event was a forerunner of the church garden party.
The houses on the left in Ensfield Road were about to be built, but Well Close was empty land. The Green Lane remains the same, but the police house on the left was then occupied by our policeman and his family. I had shopped at the Baker’s Shop in Lower Green (the Old Bakery) when cycling from West Wickham in the mid-1950s.
In the narrow lane leading from Penshurst Road to Edenbridge Road was a run down cottage, where lived a ‘little bent’ lady who had no hands; the cottage had no sewerage, gas or electricity. In due course she was re-housed to No. 2 The Alms Houses, The Green (apparently she kept all her firewood in the bath – and played the mouth organ! Chris Rowley) and the old cottage was sold off and renovated.
Powder Mill Lane is much the same as now, save the houses on the right hand side at the end of the village were not built, although the houses on the left just past Old School House had been newly built (the Airey houses at the Forstall) and at the other end of the village, Donkey Field was a vacant piece of land when we arrived.
General
I have always had a bad memory for names. I could amplify references to names with the help of a Census and Minute Books of the church and local Tory group. Knowing me, I shall remember or find out about other things over time and will keep you informed.
My time in Leigh was the most enjoyable period of my life, having completed all my studies and National Service, I was at least free to live!
LETTERS FROM MOTHER AND FATHER at ARDULLIE to son, Keith in Northampton
Keith Davidson sent the Society some letters he had received from his parents who lived at Ardullie, after Keith and his wife had moved to Northampton. During this period, his parents were looking to leave Leigh and move closer to their son. Of course, there was no email, text, whatsapp, video apps, skype or ‘zoom’, so letters as well as telephone were the main means of communication as well as frequent family visits, particularly when his parents started to house hunt in Northamptonshire. It means that he had a record of his parents’ everyday lives in Leigh which would probably be lost now as emails, texts, etc are readily deleted and even the pictures sent down by whatsapp. Letters would have taken some thought and time, and at times it appeared difficult to find much of interest to say and what was said was fairly mundane,, but it was an important link that kept the family together.
The letters are, Keith also confesses, not particularly interesting, except to Keith, his wife and daughter, who were kept up-to-date with the humdrum of his parents’ lives in Leigh. It is perhaps a forgotten art with our quick-fire communications today.
So, they contain lots of reports on the weather, on their up and coming move from Leigh to Northampton, on the difficulties in selling Ardullie, on the church in which they were very much involved and the Rev. Bounds and the friends they had in Leigh. They run from 1964 until 1974 and each envelope contained a separate letter from his mother and from his dad.
Although Keith and his wife (Susan) had moved to Northampton, Keith had spent 6 years in Leigh and would have known the people his parents mention and the places.
The following are purely brief snippets from the letters only – the letters are in our Archives.
20 September 1964
From dad: I do hope you all had a happy and peaceful Sabbath today. Miss Upfield deposited the usual harvest appeal envelopes etc. Carol Thorpe, bridegroom and relatives sat in Gamon’s pew this morning to hear banns read. Mr G and children found another pew. You will see from the Courier I am forwarding that a Young Conservative Group has been formed in Leigh.
From mother: Went to Bexhill to see how Ada was keeping. Weather not too good. Expect you are getting busy with this election business Keith. I am really sick of old Wilson already. A Liberal man is going up round here now. (His mother mentions not having seen little Catherine properly yet – so their new grandchild).
30 June 1968
From dad: a real summer day, hot and sunny. Hope S. Devon is same for your stay.
From mother: Trust you have found Slapton by now, for your holiday. Weather here is perfect. Family service at Leigh, and the children of Sunday School sang a very pretty hymn and chorus. We have not got up to the Hills yet. Last Wednesday he was having some treatment, he does not seem too fit. Expect father will have told you about Mr Moon, he sounds far from well, what nasty things accidents are. Poor old Gyp does not seem too well today, very weak, lays about a lot. This rail strike will upset a lot of people, going on holiday. It seems very quiet here without the trains going along. Front of bungalow the noise is terrific, all kinds of cars or anything on wheels dashing past.
23 Feb 1969
From dad: Family service at Leigh, so we tried St Stephen’s Tonbridge – a very popular church. But we must not desert Rev Bounds. Mother visited Mrs Moon – we do not want her to feel she is being neglected now she has to fight life’s battle son her own.
From mother: Appalling weather. The thaw now started. Maddening English climate because it meant you (i.e. Keith) and the family could not come down. It sounds as if you have settled with these other solicitors; from your letter Keith, sounds as if you will have to have a big bonfire, what a pity an old established firm like that should go to pieces. Father getting on very well with the kitchen, woodwork to paint, we have so many doors and cupboards. Gyp has been wonderfully fit this last week, if his eyesight was alright you would think he was quite well.
27 April 1969
From dad: quiet time since you were here. We were at the Spa last night, but because of old Gyp we left a bit early. Tomorrow take the folk to the Red X Hall at Tonbridge. Tuesday meet Auntie F. She will be full of the big change – Bournemouth after Lewisham and Catford must sound like a dream. We will need to go to Hants to see her as I don’t suppose she will get o Leigh again.
From mum: Back to letter writing – she talks about Aunt Florrie’s move to Bournemouth – it is such an expensive place, she will be paying £4.17.6 a week for two rooms. A woman comes in to clean once a week. Went to our dinner and dance at the Spa Hotel TW. Paid £1.5.6 for the dinner and dance, but the dinner was poor. Shields (i.e. Betty Shields) children all had German measles just before Easter. Love to Katie, she will be starting a real school this week. I do hope she will like the learning part.
18 May 1969
From dad: mother had written you a hurried letter about her visit to Denes House. Weather is beastly at the moment. At church, not a poor turn-out, Lord Kindersley and lawyer Gasson read the lessons. Yesterday cold and wet so we walked Gyp around the Gough Cooper estate in Hildenborough. I am fed up wiping Gyp down and his paws must be getting tender. Getting good nights now from our terrier is a great blessing. I wish we’d get a general election before Britain sinks beyond recall.
16 Nov 1969
From dad: Thank you Keith for phoning to enquire as to my welfare during my wife’s absence in Northants and Hants. What a terrible shock for the Quinnells – I read about it in the front page of Monday’s Daily Telegraph. Wendy was the only child I believe. There does not seem hope of further survivors. 5 saved and 2 taken.
From mother: General letter about family – Auntie Florrie. weather, church.
22 Nov 1969
From dad: We appear to be getting through winter quite nicely – only one month to Christmas and we still are glorying in sunny spells. Yesterday took car to Shipbourne Road and had a good walk along Cornwallis Avenue and Hadlow Road . Walking is a very healthy exercise.
From mother: Not many in church this morning. Lady Page was the only cream to arrive. Went and had cup of tea with Mrs Shields last Thursday. We still miss poor old Gyp – we are two silly old people we cannot bring ourselves to do the walks we took with Gyp. Nice to hear the Roes are coming to pay you a visit, what a pity the children are not coming.
6 Dec 1969
From dad: Busy time looking after myself – cooking, washing up. Moher phone yesterday and will be returning on Monday. Spent bulk of Wednesday morning at Vicarage helping Rev Bounds sort out magazines, insets to go in and also Christmas appeal envelopes. Thursday – haircut and shopping, PCC meeting in evening. Mrs White had a pretty red cyclamen pot plant she wanted taken to old Mrs Crawford (Bettty Crawford) (as a present). So, I walked back, got car and delivered same and had chat with Betty C at Hollow Trees. Nigel and Jeremy now arrived with piece of egg & ham pie Mrs Shields had made. Very kind thought. Lucky having them as neighbours. Snow now and I had slushy crawl along to Coates and the butcher. Well splashed by traffic. Not many at church on Sunday – footpaths covered with frozen snow.
18 Jan 1970
From dad: (He says he has sent sweets for Catherine separately). It is wintry, cold and dull. Cannot delay dental appointment now, as two teeth loose. The Batterbys, who usually sit in front of us in church, have been absent for some Sundays – I hear they are unable to get about and now get food per the Meals on Wheels voluntary aid.
From other: Went to church, quite a big congregation. Are you looking in on TV at Forsyte Saga and Vanity Fair. Both very interesting and on BBC1. We feel some decorations in the house must be started, before garden wants attending to.
25 Jan 1970
From dad: We got a most interesting address this a.m. from the vicar of Hever, his subject was ‘Eyes’. Len is up to his eyes in constructive decoration, putting a wash basin in the back bedroom and also tyling (sic) the ceiling. I have just done the hall ceiing (white emulsion) and tomorrow hope to commence the walls. This dental ‘operation Kilcoyne’ is an unpleasant necessity. Trouble will out – so out the teeth must come.
From mother: mentions church and dentist – after MU meeting at Vicarage I popped in to see Miss Randerson (sister of Joseph Randerson, Inglenook). She is far from well, had a touch of flu; she has not been out since Christmas: Mr Randerson is wonderful for his 89 years, he had been busy all morning putting in roses.
22 Feb 1970
From dad: Mr Proctor died rather suddenly. I was at The Rise visiting them on Friday and then he seemed his normal self. Intended to take walks with me when weather improved. He had been senior French Master at Judd school for years. I like Mr P. immensely. Family service at St Mary’s. Nora Mills Sunday school tots sang a hymn very beautifully.
From mother: Sorry we have not seen you all this weekend, but weather has not been very good. We enjoyed seeing your parents on Friday evening, Susan (Keith’s wife). We have sent Katie a little present as we did not see her half-term. I expect you, Keith, put Katie to bed, the day Susan was in town (London), did you give her a nice rub down with Vim after her bath, so good for the skin.
2 August 1970
From dad: Lovely spell of really decent weather. Happy outing last Wednesday because of sunshine. Lunch at wee shop, Langton Green and then light thermos tea and two strolls around Ashdown Forest.
We went to Eric Hill on Thursday. He seems just the same. Their brief holiday at Worthing did Mrs H a lot of good. Holy Communion at church this morning 1st Sunday. Several of parishioners at Penshurst Church – I believe a stained glass window was dedicated by Rt Hon Bishop of Chichester Still we had quite a reasonable gathering. I liked JBs (Rev. Bounds) address, simple and straightforward. I expect mother has told you Lady Page is off on a bathing holiday – to Jugoslavia (sic). Marvellous what that octogenarian gets up to.
From mother: We went up to Hills for tea last Thursday, really do not think he gets any better. I do hope Katie gets some more little girls for her party, two is rather a few. The coach I took at Victoria last year, left about 3pm arrived at Northampton 4.30pm. Perhaps one of you will meet me, that will be Tuesday 11th, then I must come back Thursday or Friday.
16 Jan 1972
From dad: Poor weather has continued. Usual fields have been flooded. St Mary’s still in the red. £70 and on Saturday at Hall Place we are having a soup and cheese lunch, a needlework stall and bring and buy surplus Xmas present stall. Admission 5p and 30p for the lunch. Expect we will go. Church support is weak these days. JB (Rev. Bounds) has many worries. Now some cads have messed up the church oil heating tank. Devilment again.
From mother: Pleased Katie went off to her new school so happily. We went to Leigh Church this morning, very small congregation, only Miss Whitebread in the adult choir. Glad your trip to Jersey turned out so well, next week I suppose you are off to Dorchester, have you heard back from Vera? I have not received a line since before Christmas. Mrs Roberts up the road has put an advertisement in Courier selling lots of children’s toys.
30 Jan 1972
From dad: Is there need for me to write – have just noted lengthy letter mother has written! Family service, not a bad turn out considering snow on ground. Mr Lewis read the 2nd lesson. Dr Bunney at the organ. Mellor has flu. Mrs Shields in for a cuppa on Tuesday. Result of Lady Hollenden’s soup and cheese party now totals £175.50p. Amazing figure and big help to the church. Called at Kenbar. Mr Haytor is in a very serious condition. She was in tears. Now being brought up to a London hospital. He always appeared a strong healthy man, ex footballer and cricketer. So, two less for the congregation. We certainly need new blood in St Marys. Tonight listened to community singing from East Kilbride. Two of Billy Graham’s helpers taking part.
From mother: Thick snow – father walked to church on own, as you know I do not care for the glare, it gives me a headache. Tried to walk up Cinder Lane yesterday – so cold. Hope you got to Bournemouth to stay with your Auntie alright. Blow last week, washing machine making funny noise, oil leaking, were told it is finished – over 20 years old. I am too old to buy a new one; if we had the money. So, going to get a reconditioned one, £12, which seems to me a terrible lot, far from what we can afford. Mrs Cecil here the other day, she is going with two friends to Austria next week for 2 or 3 weeks; they are going skiing, she has bought all the suitable clothes and seems ever so excited. It would not suit me. Mr Hayter has gone to hospital in London. They do not know what is wrong with him. Mrs Hayter very worried.
6 Feb 1972
From dad: Today very dismal, dull and raining: we took our usual little stroll about 4pm, up the road, down Blackhoath and back along railway embankment. Re: coal strike – no electric light cuts so far. Get your candles ready just in case.
From mother: Mrs Moon here last Friday – she is going to have a major operation at Chelsea Hospital for Women; sounds serious, another member of the church ill, it is very depressing to hear of so much illness. Mr Haytor is in Brook St Hospital. You were lucky not to have all that snow last weekend. Did not last long. Get Katie back to school. Bought reconditioned Hoover washing machine from White’s Tonbridge – more electric gadgets about it than the old one, £12.00 of our precious money spent. Good congregation at Church: Mr Mellor back at the organ. Hope you’ll all be able to get down to Kent for Katie’s half-term.
11 March 1973 (1973 – 1st class postage 3p)
From dad: Stroll near Withyham yesterday – so you will realize I am quite well again – tonsillitis is very painful. Sorry to say Mr Harland (Gillian’s father) is in a critical condition. I saw E Crawford for a few minutes after church today. The old lady has had to go into hospital. This should give Betty C a bit of a rest. I expect we will be here on our own this Easter. The Faulconers are splashing out for this Silver Wedding anniversary about 60 invites out. We will send something by way of gift. Friday, Mrs Cummings on the step: could I take Don’s mother (82 years) into Tonbridge? Graham had her over at Speldhurst and he couldn’t get engine to turnover. Mr Cummings (Don) was out with the big car. So, I got a move on (sharing etc) and get the old lady into her abode (home in Dry Hill Road). What do you think of Jeremy Thorpe going gay? The new missus looks very pleasant.
From mother: Keith, it is a good thing the rail strike is over – if only for time being. Father well again. Not going to Vera for Easter; Ted and Gwen live at Headley which is just as far from B’th as we are here. I feel I could not do a journey like that there and back in a day. Very pleased to hear you have a gardener. The bungalow you went to see at White Hills, is it in a nice part of N’ton? You say it is smaller than here, in what way do you mean? Think twice before you turn it down, we are getting desperate about this huge garden.
28 March 1973
Letters enclosed little press cutting about the death of Donald Waller Harland – Mar 20 1973 peacefully in Sevenoaks Hospital. Aged 75 years of Edghill, Greenview Avenue, Leigh, Kent, beloved husband of Bessie and father of Gillian. Funeral at TW Crematorium on Friday March 23 at 2.30pm. Family flowers only. Donations to Gardeners’ Benevolent Fund, c/o of RHS; or Guide Dogs.
From dad: end of long spell of dry weather; Looked at articles in Hoffs (jeweller and watch makers) for silver wedding binge of Auntie Sybil’s son – but all too expensive. Now Easter upon us, with gifts to get and we mustn’t forget our hard working vicar. Vicar called and told us Miss Webb died. Do not know if you knew her. Mother has told you about Mr Harland. He was a fine man and will be much missed. Saw Dr Law on Wednesday and he agreed to my driving for another 12 months and accepted my £2.10s. Almost seems like bribery! Insurance premium will certainly be up. A bad business this mine disaster. Believe there are many old shafts and disused mine workings throughout Britain, all a potential danger. McClarens had us in on Friday to see their transparencies of the tour to his homeland down under.
From mother: Dr Law passed your father OK for driving insurance, we are safe for another year. Mr Harland died – was in the Telegraph. You seem to be going to a lot of dinners, Keith, hope you get enough to eat. Decided not to got to Ted and Gwen’s ‘do’ – it is too far away, but we shall send present – everything is so dear. It will have to be silver plated. When does Katie start her holidays? When are you off to Slapton? Saw photos of McClarens’ tour of Australia – they went for a month. Also photos of Peter’s wedding – married at Kemsing (Peter and best man with that long hair spoilt the photo). We are having a coffee morning in vicarage; also bring and buy stall next Wednesday in aid of Working Party and M.U. What about a new car Keith – will VAT make any difference in price. Clothes and food going up already.
11 November 1973
From dad: Delighted to receive phone call and your news and letters during week. We did some shopping in T’bridge Wells and had a meal at Greyhound to celebrate your youthful mother’s birthday. Attended PCC at Priory on 7th. Fete helpers are getting so few and Mr Bounds becoming worried. Can Fete continue? Went to Healy’s garage and Linda said “Mr Bounds has been to us.” I said “What at last!” For 16 years he has been going to Mill Garage on A21. He will do better by Old George H. We had uniformed lads and lassies in church – some enter church once a year for this memorial service! Excellent address from J Bounds. Kindersleys were present in full force. Liptons opened at Angel site in Tonbridge – we have shopped there but have not yet visited their café. I have stared (at home) painting another picture. Brockham Green and Church. This spot has memories for us.
From mother: Thanking for birthday present. Had lunch at Greyhound Hotel, Langton Green, the waiter told us it belonged to Claridge’s, lovely red velvet curtains. Food as usual fine. Terrific crowd in church, being remembrance. Suppose Keith, you have not heard anything more about that bungalow? Mrs Atkins, she is seriously ill, we heard it might be cancer, poor Mr Bounds is losing all his congregation one by one. Quite a lot of shops at TW are staying open all day Wednesday, six day week. We have had long waits at the car park.
25 November 1973
From dad: Refers to Lady Page coming to church with frame and wheelchair – very frail now. We have 29 item questionnaire from diocese headquarters re parish church activities or lack of them. An extra PCC meeting convened for next Wednesday. I have visited several of the aged this week. And a second visit to Mr Batterby. 89 this year. Been to see Miss Randerson. She is worried at being alone and also thinks she will be in that big house by herself for Xmas. He is so thin, weight of a child I would think. Now Mrs Hobbs at Prices Farm is not getting about. All crocks around us and, of course, Eric and Gladys Hill we visited. Some of the garages around this area who are usually open on Sunday are now closing at the weekend. If one sees a car going slowly along, the driver is on the crawl looking for a petrol station open for business. Conservatives have their Xmas fayre next Saturday at the Village Hall. Mr Boyd has been on at us to come along and Miss Crawford has been at mother to bake a cake. The Reynolds want bottles for their stall. So far I have been getting my little supply of petrol at Healys.
In same envelope – additional letter undated from Dad: mentions church’s foundations are subsiding! Choir has shrunk and now Mellor is at rest in Pembury.
Cannot say much re Xmas. While oil situation is still a crisis and you will be unable to spend it in the south with Sevenoaks cut off for any kind of welcome or sleeping accommodation. All very awkward as food for nearly a week must be garnered where ever we may reside and eat. Our mini has had its MOT, minis of value now, many miles to the gallon, less expense and smaller tyres. Garage managements are having problems. They shut round here now on Sundays.
2 December 1973
From dad: Poor weather. We have not been far this past week as I was able to get our petrol coupons in the village P.O. on Saturday. Got our joint there on Friday and the coupons on Saturday. One thing to keep us going, the other to keep car going. Evidently all going well with the extra work for the Post Office’s staff.
From mum: Mr Mellor gone to Pembury hospital with slight heart attack. We have our petrol coupons ready for rationing, looks as if we are going to have it, problem at moment is some of garages have run out of petrol, Healeys would only let Mrs Shields have 2 gallons last week. It looks with the petrol troubles and tomorrow the railways are starting a nice little game of go slow or not at all; we shall have to stay here for Christmas. What a mess the whole world seems i
20 January 1974
From dad: mother has told you about ‘rats leaving the sinking ship’. Another couple she did not mention, the Fletchers who run the Fleur de Lisle pub. Edward Crawford spoke to me for a few minutes after church. He surprised me by telling me he had worked in Ceylon, India and Kenya.
From mother: Don’t know what is happening to our village, last week told you that Coates was selling his business and retiring, now Wells are going, and Mrs Hawkins going to join daughter in Africa. Poor old Parrett is considering retiring, ‘it rather looks as if we shall be without any shops in the village’. We feel people do not like the idea of the tunnel, also widen this railway line at back of us is going to make more trains running and more noise.
6 January 1974
From dad: Today after church I ran the car to Lady Page’s and walked a long Philpot Lane a little way. Lots of seabirds in the fields, a wintry sign. I haven’t tried pumps for any petrol yet. Today near here they are closed anyway. No church mags for January so far. Vicar say the firm producing are on 3 day week.
From mother: Perhaps 1974 will find us a bungalow around Northampton.
9 June 1974
From dad: Mentions the passing of Lady Page. She went quite suddenly on Wednesday, though frail she attended a WI at Wildings. I am thinking of giving up the PCC. Last Wednesday went to Tonbridge to view the BR plans for this multi-rail track. I was surprised to see Pantiles, the Gills and Dixons going around to see plans and models. I have a very big booklet with details and 9 or 10 draftsman’s large drawings plus photographic pictures. We can only wait and see how the future develops. Can this country afford the scheme?
From mother: mentions death of Lady Page. Many talks are going on about this railway at the end of our garden, all those lovely trees coming down and the bridges modernized. Kent will be ruined, the value of property has gone down terribly, what a pity we did not clear away from here last year. Lord Magnus (of Gate House/Porcupine) was in his element this morning, they brought Lord Hailsham and his wife to Church. Lord Hailsham read the second lesson, they may have been staying with the Magnuses. Keith, do try and find us a bungalow or house soon, I must get away from here before they ruin it, to see all those lovely trees come down will break my heart, the railway walk is spoilt.
14 July 1974
From dad: again refers to torrential rainfall. Mr Bounds told us the fete made over £290. Excellent figure.
4 August 1974
From dad: Wet and stormy night. Remarks “There is little doubt that properties are selling easily at this time. Perhaps we too may have to auction Ardullie”. 10.30 HC this morning – very wet morning – 23 attended plus mother and me.
From mother: “well dears, at long last we have got a bungalow in N’ton, rather wish we were nearer, so we could have another look at it, having seen so many, you get rather muddled if you have to contact them at all. We phoned Brooke’s (estate agent from Tonbridge). Mr Walker coming out next Tuesday to measure Ardullie and see if he can sell it. Do not know what is going on in Leigh, except of course all this talk of the railway. We have just heard that Lord Magnus is going, selling his house for £55,000, everyone we know will have gone soon, only wants Mr Bounds to go next. Do trust we shall not have to wait a blue year to sell this bungalow, Coates has not sold his shop and house yet, do not think Cheriton (Mrs Ryder’s house) has gone or Mrs Hawkins place.
5 October 1974
From dad: Received apples, bramleys. Writes “Miss Randerson’s Inglenook is NOT definitely sold as no contract has been signed! He (the Vicar) said Miss Randerson told him. “I’ve made up my mind to go so I am going anyway”. She has left me Arthur Mee’s book on Northamptonshire signed inside “Joseph Randerson”. I also heard from Mr Bounds that the Wildings are also trying to sell their habitation on the green. Coates are still in business here. Last week the agent’s board disappeared from view and we thought “something doing”. Then Bill Faircloth, the van man, told us the wind plus the sodden ground had blown it down flat. What rain we have suffered. The usual lake district developed at Penshurst.
From mother: Refers to the election. “no one over here today, perhaps when the election is over, things may brighten up. Hope you have not been running around for this election, Keith, in the heavy rain we have been having. Will you stay up late on Thursday for the results, by the way did you have a photo of Mr Boardman in your Times. Keith, it was in the Telegraph one day last week, a marginal seat, do you think he will get in again this time? “Nice to have a chat on the phone Keith tonight..” Leigh Church looked lovely at the harvest festival this morning, some beautiful flowers in spite of all this rain. I am sending our summary of the service, to point out the modern version of “We plough the fields and scatter” – quite good really, a full church, plenty of children (see parish magazine article Sept 2020). Lord Kindersley read the lesson. It is rather worrying not selling this bungalow, we cannot afford two bungalows. I was hoping to get up to West Way before the winter sets in.
11 October 1974
From dad: You will remember we saw Biddles daughter’s photo in your country life – Bounds read out her banns today. So I expect Biddles will soon qualify for a grandad’s medal. Mr Walker seemed gloomy re. selling this bungalow. We may have to try more agents.
10 November 1974
From dad (to Keith & Susan): General about the move and visiting the Hills, who are obviously quite old as he says ‘they should be in a home’ (not unkindly).
From mother: Thanking for birthday present and card: 10 cards received. “This morning being Remembrance Sunday our little Leigh Church was packed, the usual walk to the Memorial afterwards, it was a lovely sunny morning, but colder”. Talks of visit to Ada down in Bexhill – “she had the hip operation under National Health about a year ago, I wish Sybil could have seen here, it is really marvellous. She is tripping about like a 2 year old .. she will be 80 years old this month.” Looks as if the Kitterings are buying this bungalow (Ardullie). She then talks about the difficult logistics of moving and downsizing.
24 November 74
From dad – who talks about move, and Hildenborough church also, but also “terrible bomb terror in B’Ham. Horrible are the casualties. I read Mr Crossman states that house prices are likely to rocket early next year! In the meantime, I wish we could get our move settled, the bank interest on the loan continues. The talk locally now is about the proposed reservoir near Leigh so the rail link for the tunnel talks have quietened down.
From mother: Reports of week of rain, of Christmas shopping in Croydon. Talked about surveyor visiting Ardullie, turning it upside down, over two hours. More talks about potential buyer. “We went to Hildenborough Church this morning, was crowded lots of young folk, such a bright service, those 2 long psalms we usually have after the bible reading; they have a book called “Psalm Praise” from the C.P.A.S. which makes those psalms into hymns and played to brighter tunes is much nicer.” Wish they could wake up one morning and find ourselves in Weston Way, all these talks over and moving nightmare.
1 December 1974
From dad: Mrs Shields popped in on Friday for a chat. Full of fun and giggles as usual. Sometimes almost speechless in ‘taking off’ people. There is to be a New Year Ball at Hall Place – tickets £5. The Castells and McLarens hope to go. However, Mrs Shields and Len are at Dennis and Brenda Hills on 31st.
From mother: “How much nicer it will be if very soon we can have a chat, instead of this letter writing” – general letter about their plans for moving to join son in Northampton. She also reports on a cake sale – and a week ago Mrs Law had a ‘bring and buy’ coffee do that made £67. The cubs had a good jumble sale.
From notes and correspondence from Keith Davidson: edited and put on website by Joyce Field (Sept 2020)