Is it possible that there is any information about evacuees from Birmingham during WW11? Photos etc? My dad was evacuated to Badsey from Birmingham and he had many happy memories of his time there, especially at school. He stayed near a bakers shop. I remember him saying he could smell bread baking in the morning.
Any info appreciated.
P. Clark
If you send your father’s name, we may be able to give you further information about when he entered the school and when he left and exactly where he stayed.
My 11th Great grandfather is Sir Thomas Hoby, to get to me, you go all the way through to George Hoby, the boot maker, One of his sons came to NZ in 1860s. So a majority of my family still carry the last name. I’m hoping to visit both the church and monemunt in the near future.
I have just seen my grandfathers name on your site. You have some incorrect information attached to him. He was actually born in Sidbury, Worcester, and not Ledbury.
Back in the 60s I played keyboards in a rock band called ‘Ebenezer Baylis’ (twas fashionable back then to name bands after historical characters, such as ‘Jethro Tull’). Whilst idly searching on Google today I came across this https://www.badseysociety.uk/people/bayliss/ebenezer Curiously, my partner’s son, David Webster is a current Badsey resident and his mother was born in Shelton Mallet, as was your Ebenezer’s mother I think. Just one of life’s coincidences I guess.
Hello,
I am posting from the Hive in Worcester; as you know there is an ancestry hub here - I found a page on your site after looking up George Augustus Sandys Hill who was married to 2 sisters . These 2 sisters were the daughters of Edward Austen Knight(1768-1822) and Elizabeth Bridges...Edward had a literary sister.
Thank you for your email. Just to point out that, although Knight was the commonest surname in Badsey for three centuries, Cassandra and Louisa Knight, who each married Lord George Hill, were not connected to the Badsey Knights at all. They were the daughters of Edward Austen Knight who was the eldest brother of Jane Austen.
Hello
I see that there was a William Clarence Salter living in Badsey. My father's name was Clarence Salter so I think there may be a connection between these two. My grandparents lived in Badsey with their baby son Frederick who was my father's brother. They also lived in Bretfortan and one of the members of the family was a blind man who ran a shop.
Violet Salter
Thank you for your email. Your grandfather, Charles Salter, was one of 11 children of John & Leah Salter. Three of John & Leah’s grandchildren were given the name Clarence:
Clarence Edwin Frank, born at Llanfoist, Monmouthshire, in 1913, son of Samuel Salter
Clarence Vivian, born at Cardiff in 1914, son of Charles Salter
William Clarence, born at Badsey in 1918, son of Ernest Frederick Salter
So there were three cousins all with the name Clarence, all born at a similar time. Clarence was quite a popular boys’ name at the beginning of the 20th century.
My father was Clarence Vivian. I was not aware of the other two Clarences until now. I knew that some of the family moved to Llanfoist/Abergavenny, Monmouthshire in the early part of last century.
Hello, I have just found by chance the Badsey Society. My grandparents Charles and Agnes Salter lived there along with their baby son Frederick, my uncle. I will be looking more closely. I have done my family history and know there were other Salters living there. My Uncle Reginald was also born in Badsey who was the second son of Charles and Agnes. They were market gardeners.
Hi Valerie, many thanks for all of the information that you have posted and I would be very interested in receiving the photos that you have of my dad & his brother. Sorry but I don't know how we can contact one another other than via the website.
I have long intended to visit this beautiful little church - on account of the painted royal coat of arms of Charles II/James II, the medieval wall painting in the chancel, and the outstanding Jacobean/Carolean Sandys tombs. I did so yesterday and it was all well worth the visit.
My mother, Angela Reed, was the niece (through marriage) of Eva Mary Reed nee Keen and is a little intrigued as she was never aware that Eva's stepmother/aunt, Eva Kate, (stay with me!) was even alive whilst she was growing up in the 50s and 60s, let alone living in Badsey... and she was very close to Eva Mary, which makes it even more surprising. I wonder if anyone could throw any light on this at all, it may just have been a generational attitude to visiting relatives maybe?
My mother's father was Ronald James Reed (Jim or Ron) who was married to Maisie and then, following Maisie's death, to Betty. Mum's uncle was Archie and her grandparents were William and Mary Reed who lived in Chapel Street. If anyone has any stories or general history, that would be much appreciated, thank you.
Harry Keen and his second wife, Eva Kate, lived at the small house sandwiched between The Wheatsheaf and The Bell Inn. They married in 1937. Possibly Eva Mary, by now married to William Archibald Reed, did not get on with her new step-mother? Eva Mary’s father, Harry, died in 1948 (you can see his obituary) so, perhaps Eva Mary just didn’t see much of her step-mother after Harry’s death. Pure guesswork, but a possibility.
Hi, I have read the article that my father wrote concerning Badsey School &, unfortunately, it needs a small correction. He was not born in Badsey but in Walthamstow, London & moved to Badsey when he was a young infant.
I have only just seen your message. My uncle Harry Mason was friendly with your father and his brother John. They all lived on Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford. When Harry died I inherited his collection of photographs and there are several taken with John and Peter when they were living in Wickhamford and also when they moved away. I have for some time been trying to find someone to pass them on to and I am wondering if you would be interested in them. I also have a Christmas card sent to my grandparents by John and they received it after he had been killed in WW2.
Please let me know if you would be interested in these photographs.
Regards
Valerie Harman
I have just realised since writing my earlier reply that there is an article about the Collett family written in October 2022. If you look on the Home Page and Recently Added Articles. Scroll down to October 2022 and you will find the article. Under Fredk. John Richard Collett, the first two photos are part of my collection. Under The Daniels Family the photo with George, Fred and Constance also belongs to me.
Hope you enjoy the article.
Regards
Valerie Harman
Looking through the 1921 census I found my Great, Great Granny (Eliza Dore) living with the Gilberts at The Goren, Badsey, does anyone know where this was I would be interested to know.
If you look at the census returns on the Badsey website, you will see that the correct name is “The Green” and not “The Goren”: https://www.badseysociety.uk/census/badsey-1921/183. It also gives you the current-day address.
Hello! I am trying to trace this lady who attended school at Clewer in 1894. I have a diary of hers dated 1894 and several other fascinating family diaries. Is it possibly Clewer High School that she went to? I will enjoy ploughing through the Sladden letters as they are almost contemporary with my diary.
Thank you!
There are only a few memorial stones remaining in the Churchyard in Wickhamford. There is information on burials, so have look at this section - https://www.badseysociety.uk/churchyard-inscriptions/2055/churchyard
If you tell us the name of your ancestor, I can see if there is any other information about him.
Looking at the Burial Register, I see that there was only one man buried in 1906 - John Lawley. If this is your man, the gravestone for him and Vera Lawley is still in the Churchyard.
I have been going through my pictures of my time in Honeybourne from 1965 -1969 and found several prints done by the late John Barnard. I was wondering if copies of his 2002 book (Secret of the Skies), were still available?
During my time in Honeybourne, I lived on the old airfield and gained my love of airplanes and the Vale of Evesham. In 1969 we emigrated to Canada, and in 1974 I joined the RCAF, It wasn't until much later that I realized the connection between Honeybourne and Canada. During WWII, Honeybourne was 24 OTU, where many Canadian aircrew received their bomber training, prior to joining their operational squadrons.
I have been able to obtain a copy of "Angry Skies across the Vale" by Brian Kedward But would very much like to find a copy of Mr Barnard's book, to add to my collection. We are hoping for a return visit next spring and look forward to seeing the Vale one more time.
Andrew,
I am currently sorting through my library and disposing of many of my books. I do have a nice copy of Michael's 'Secret of the Skies' which you are welcome to have as a gift.
Fourteen Canadian aircrew from Honeybourne are buried in our local Waterside Cemetery in Evesham, where the local branch of the Royal Air Force Association hold an annual ceremony to commemorate their death.
Regards,
Peter Stewart (RAF.Rtd).
Thanks for your response and offer. I am also in the retired category(I probably should be downsizing too). I had the opportunity to visit the Cemetery back in 2013 and recorded the event in several pictures. My younger sister, was born in the former RAF Hospital in 1966. I was amazed to see that it was still there. I have very wonderful childhood memories of the area. I remember passing through Badsey on my way to Blackminster (Secondary Modern at that time). I think we even went to school on the train for a short while. Or going to Evesham on the Midland Red bus. Living on that old airfield, particularly as a child, made everyday an adventure. I remember Balloons and gliders alighting on the old runways and fields, on what must have been competitions and races. A little Cessna 172 used to land there routinely. There were many occasions I would be riding my bike and would be buzzed by a low flying Jet Provost, from Little Rissington. I remember how sad I was when they tore up most of the runways and the miles of copper wire in 1968. I'm sure the farmers were happy that the airfield was finally returned back to farmland. I also hated it when we left and moved to Canada. But I got to realize my dreams and had a wonderful career in the Canadian Air Force.
Please let me know if I could help with the postage on the book, and how we might facilitate the exchange. Again thank you for your response.
Andrew,
As my email address it so widely published elsewhere on the net, I have given it here so that we may continue with the conversation and arrange the sending of the book.
Peter
So pleased to find this local connection. Researching children of my Bromfield family's black sheep I came across Louise. She was one of four children born to George and Sarah Allen in Chelsea in 1878. I think there may have been a private adoption by the Duston family of Bristol. George Allen was a draper and John Duston's brother was a commercial traveller in linens. Not out of the question that Louise could have been adopted to "ease the burden " on the Allens. All this is supposition of course, but Louise led a comfortable life. I had got as far as the American trip and then found a marriage for her to William Harley Clark in 1947-New Forest reg. Louise died 26 May 1955 and probate was awarded to Eva Margaret Money and Cecil Herbert Spence Blatch, solicitor.Effects £51395 7s 7d. Her husband must have pre-deceased her as she is said to be a single woman. Wonder why not a widow!!
I live in Ashley and so am very familiar with the area. What a find!
Comments
Evacuees
Is it possible that there is any information about evacuees from Birmingham during WW11? Photos etc? My dad was evacuated to Badsey from Birmingham and he had many happy memories of his time there, especially at school. He stayed near a bakers shop. I remember him saying he could smell bread baking in the morning.
Any info appreciated.
P. Clark
Re: Evacuees
Thank you for your email. Our publication, Heads and Tales: A History of Badsey Schools, has quite a large section in Chapter 6 about Badsey Council School during WWII.
If you send your father’s name, we may be able to give you further information about when he entered the school and when he left and exactly where he stayed.
My Familiy Church
My 11th Great grandfather is Sir Thomas Hoby, to get to me, you go all the way through to George Hoby, the boot maker, One of his sons came to NZ in 1860s. So a majority of my family still carry the last name. I’m hoping to visit both the church and monemunt in the near future.
Re: My Familiy Church
Thank you for your email. Let us know if you have a date for visiting and, if available, one of us would be happy to meet you and show you around.
Edward Oliver Mytton
I have just seen my grandfathers name on your site. You have some incorrect information attached to him. He was actually born in Sidbury, Worcester, and not Ledbury.
Re: Edward Oliver Mytton
Thank you for contacting us, Jayne. I have made the correction.
Tom
Ebenezer Baylis(s)
Back in the 60s I played keyboards in a rock band called ‘Ebenezer Baylis’ (twas fashionable back then to name bands after historical characters, such as ‘Jethro Tull’). Whilst idly searching on Google today I came across this https://www.badseysociety.uk/people/bayliss/ebenezer Curiously, my partner’s son, David Webster is a current Badsey resident and his mother was born in Shelton Mallet, as was your Ebenezer’s mother I think. Just one of life’s coincidences I guess.
Big dig
NO comment on the tooth as shown to Shirley in her garden 1.ivor.
Re: Big dig
Sounds like a subject we could have gotten our teeth into Ivor, but we may have bitten off more that we could chew!
Sandys Hill
Hello,
I am posting from the Hive in Worcester; as you know there is an ancestry hub here - I found a page on your site after looking up George Augustus Sandys Hill who was married to 2 sisters . These 2 sisters were the daughters of Edward Austen Knight(1768-1822) and Elizabeth Bridges...Edward had a literary sister.
Re: Sandys Hill
Thank you for your email. Just to point out that, although Knight was the commonest surname in Badsey for three centuries, Cassandra and Louisa Knight, who each married Lord George Hill, were not connected to the Badsey Knights at all. They were the daughters of Edward Austen Knight who was the eldest brother of Jane Austen.
Robert Septimus Gardiner
Sir Robert Septimus Gardiner is my great grandfather. His sister Caroline Florence Mourilyan. It is wonderful to hear family mentioned.
Re: Robert Septimus Gardiner
Thanks for the email - it's lovely to hear that you have been able to read more about your family via the Sladden/Mourilyan letters.
Relative Ernest Frederick Salter
My relative, who was blind, ran a grocer's shop in Badsey. Your website is wonderful. It is so comprehensive and I only found it a day or two ago.
The Salter family in Badsey
Hello
I see that there was a William Clarence Salter living in Badsey. My father's name was Clarence Salter so I think there may be a connection between these two. My grandparents lived in Badsey with their baby son Frederick who was my father's brother. They also lived in Bretfortan and one of the members of the family was a blind man who ran a shop.
Violet Salter
Violet Salter
Re: The Salter family in Badsey
Thank you for your email. Your grandfather, Charles Salter, was one of 11 children of John & Leah Salter. Three of John & Leah’s grandchildren were given the name Clarence:
So there were three cousins all with the name Clarence, all born at a similar time. Clarence was quite a popular boys’ name at the beginning of the 20th century.
Re: The Salter family in Badsey
Hello
My father was Clarence Vivian. I was not aware of the other two Clarences until now. I knew that some of the family moved to Llanfoist/Abergavenny, Monmouthshire in the early part of last century.
Thank you for the reply.
The Salte family
Hello, I have just found by chance the Badsey Society. My grandparents Charles and Agnes Salter lived there along with their baby son Frederick, my uncle. I will be looking more closely. I have done my family history and know there were other Salters living there. My Uncle Reginald was also born in Badsey who was the second son of Charles and Agnes. They were market gardeners.
Peter Collett - Badsey School
Hi Valerie, many thanks for all of the information that you have posted and I would be very interested in receiving the photos that you have of my dad & his brother. Sorry but I don't know how we can contact one another other than via the website.
Re: Peter Collett - Badsey School
Maureen Spinks, the Chairman of the Badsey Society, has given me your email address and I have sent you an email.
Valerie
St. John the Baptist, Wickhamford
I have long intended to visit this beautiful little church - on account of the painted royal coat of arms of Charles II/James II, the medieval wall painting in the chancel, and the outstanding Jacobean/Carolean Sandys tombs. I did so yesterday and it was all well worth the visit.
Information Regarding Eva Kate Keen and Eva Mary Reed nee Keen
My mother, Angela Reed, was the niece (through marriage) of Eva Mary Reed nee Keen and is a little intrigued as she was never aware that Eva's stepmother/aunt, Eva Kate, (stay with me!) was even alive whilst she was growing up in the 50s and 60s, let alone living in Badsey... and she was very close to Eva Mary, which makes it even more surprising. I wonder if anyone could throw any light on this at all, it may just have been a generational attitude to visiting relatives maybe?
My mother's father was Ronald James Reed (Jim or Ron) who was married to Maisie and then, following Maisie's death, to Betty. Mum's uncle was Archie and her grandparents were William and Mary Reed who lived in Chapel Street. If anyone has any stories or general history, that would be much appreciated, thank you.
Re: Information Regarding Eva Kate Keen and Eva Mary Reed
Harry Keen and his second wife, Eva Kate, lived at the small house sandwiched between The Wheatsheaf and The Bell Inn. They married in 1937. Possibly Eva Mary, by now married to William Archibald Reed, did not get on with her new step-mother? Eva Mary’s father, Harry, died in 1948 (you can see his obituary) so, perhaps Eva Mary just didn’t see much of her step-mother after Harry’s death. Pure guesswork, but a possibility.
Peter Collett - Badsey School
Hi, I have read the article that my father wrote concerning Badsey School &, unfortunately, it needs a small correction. He was not born in Badsey but in Walthamstow, London & moved to Badsey when he was a young infant.
Re: Peter Collett - Badsey School
Many thanks for this - it has been corrected.
Re: Peter Collett - Badsey School
I have only just seen your message. My uncle Harry Mason was friendly with your father and his brother John. They all lived on Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford. When Harry died I inherited his collection of photographs and there are several taken with John and Peter when they were living in Wickhamford and also when they moved away. I have for some time been trying to find someone to pass them on to and I am wondering if you would be interested in them. I also have a Christmas card sent to my grandparents by John and they received it after he had been killed in WW2.
Please let me know if you would be interested in these photographs.
Regards
Valerie Harman
Re: Peter Collett - Badsey School
I have just realised since writing my earlier reply that there is an article about the Collett family written in October 2022. If you look on the Home Page and Recently Added Articles. Scroll down to October 2022 and you will find the article. Under Fredk. John Richard Collett, the first two photos are part of my collection. Under The Daniels Family the photo with George, Fred and Constance also belongs to me.
Hope you enjoy the article.
Regards
Valerie Harman
The Goren
Looking through the 1921 census I found my Great, Great Granny (Eliza Dore) living with the Gilberts at The Goren, Badsey, does anyone know where this was I would be interested to know.
Re: The Goren
If you look at the census returns on the Badsey website, you will see that the correct name is “The Green” and not “The Goren”: https://www.badseysociety.uk/census/badsey-1921/183. It also gives you the current-day address.
Edith Sophie Mary Elliott
Hello! I am trying to trace this lady who attended school at Clewer in 1894. I have a diary of hers dated 1894 and several other fascinating family diaries. Is it possibly Clewer High School that she went to? I will enjoy ploughing through the Sladden letters as they are almost contemporary with my diary.
Thank you!
Grave Wickhamford
Would I be able to find a grave of my gt gt grandfather who was buried in 1906
Re: Grave Wickhamford
Hello Susan,
There are only a few memorial stones remaining in the Churchyard in Wickhamford. There is information on burials, so have look at this section - https://www.badseysociety.uk/churchyard-inscriptions/2055/churchyard
If you tell us the name of your ancestor, I can see if there is any other information about him.
Tom Locke
Re: Grave Wickhamford
Susan,
Looking at the Burial Register, I see that there was only one man buried in 1906 - John Lawley. If this is your man, the gravestone for him and Vera Lawley is still in the Churchyard.
Tom
Frank Knight war medals
Being my uncle curios where in Badsey his medals are
Re: Frank Knight war medals
Thank you for contacting us. Frank Knight's medals are in The Badsey Society Archive.
BARNARD, Michael John (1928-2020) – A Life in Pictures
I have been going through my pictures of my time in Honeybourne from 1965 -1969 and found several prints done by the late John Barnard. I was wondering if copies of his 2002 book (Secret of the Skies), were still available?
During my time in Honeybourne, I lived on the old airfield and gained my love of airplanes and the Vale of Evesham. In 1969 we emigrated to Canada, and in 1974 I joined the RCAF, It wasn't until much later that I realized the connection between Honeybourne and Canada. During WWII, Honeybourne was 24 OTU, where many Canadian aircrew received their bomber training, prior to joining their operational squadrons.
I have been able to obtain a copy of "Angry Skies across the Vale" by Brian Kedward But would very much like to find a copy of Mr Barnard's book, to add to my collection. We are hoping for a return visit next spring and look forward to seeing the Vale one more time.
Re: BARNARD, Michael John (1928-2020) – A Life in Pictures
Andrew,
I am currently sorting through my library and disposing of many of my books. I do have a nice copy of Michael's 'Secret of the Skies' which you are welcome to have as a gift.
Fourteen Canadian aircrew from Honeybourne are buried in our local Waterside Cemetery in Evesham, where the local branch of the Royal Air Force Association hold an annual ceremony to commemorate their death.
Regards,
Peter Stewart (RAF.Rtd).
Re: BARNARD, Michael John (1928-2020) – A Life in Pictures
Dear Peter Stewart,
Thanks for your response and offer. I am also in the retired category(I probably should be downsizing too). I had the opportunity to visit the Cemetery back in 2013 and recorded the event in several pictures. My younger sister, was born in the former RAF Hospital in 1966. I was amazed to see that it was still there. I have very wonderful childhood memories of the area. I remember passing through Badsey on my way to Blackminster (Secondary Modern at that time). I think we even went to school on the train for a short while. Or going to Evesham on the Midland Red bus. Living on that old airfield, particularly as a child, made everyday an adventure. I remember Balloons and gliders alighting on the old runways and fields, on what must have been competitions and races. A little Cessna 172 used to land there routinely. There were many occasions I would be riding my bike and would be buzzed by a low flying Jet Provost, from Little Rissington. I remember how sad I was when they tore up most of the runways and the miles of copper wire in 1968. I'm sure the farmers were happy that the airfield was finally returned back to farmland. I also hated it when we left and moved to Canada. But I got to realize my dreams and had a wonderful career in the Canadian Air Force.
Please let me know if I could help with the postage on the book, and how we might facilitate the exchange. Again thank you for your response.
Andrew Wilson.
Re: BARNARD, Michael John (1928-2020) – A Life in Pictures
Andrew,
As my email address it so widely published elsewhere on the net, I have given it here so that we may continue with the conversation and arrange the sending of the book.
Peter
peter.stewart2@talktalk.net
Louise Maud Allen Duston
So pleased to find this local connection. Researching children of my Bromfield family's black sheep I came across Louise. She was one of four children born to George and Sarah Allen in Chelsea in 1878. I think there may have been a private adoption by the Duston family of Bristol. George Allen was a draper and John Duston's brother was a commercial traveller in linens. Not out of the question that Louise could have been adopted to "ease the burden " on the Allens. All this is supposition of course, but Louise led a comfortable life. I had got as far as the American trip and then found a marriage for her to William Harley Clark in 1947-New Forest reg. Louise died 26 May 1955 and probate was awarded to Eva Margaret Money and Cecil Herbert Spence Blatch, solicitor.Effects £51395 7s 7d. Her husband must have pre-deceased her as she is said to be a single woman. Wonder why not a widow!!
I live in Ashley and so am very familiar with the area. What a find!