Just 13 years ago

Just 13 Years Ago.

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Yes it was just 13 years ago when I happened to be in the village and I managed to drop the Waiting Room of the Railway Station and took this snap of the FM station in full swing. I know to run such an enterprise  costs quite a bit. I am sure there are many who would like to see one up and running again.

I have just upgraded my computer, and in the process came across this modern historical photo buried in some of my old Windows X.P. files.

Cookham High Street around 1890.

Cookham High Street circa 1890.

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The photo above was taken in the late 1800’s on a rather wet and grey day. You will note that the High Street is of gravel and so is the footpaths with a gentle slope for drainage to where today would be a gutter. Not a car in sight, only horse drawn vehicles. This is when the village was self-supporting and all your shopping was within walking distance. Even the children use to walk to school.

Miss M. Denial (Land Girl)

Miss Margaret Denial, Land Girl.

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In my research and memories of local history, it is funny how little things turn up to bring old thoughts flooding back of the 1940’s and wartime Britain.

Recently I received an e-mail from a Brian Denial in South Yorkshire asking me if I remembered a young land army girl named Margaret Denial who worked for a Mr. Hatch at Sheephouse Farm, near Maidenhead. I was happy to tell him yes that I remembered quite well.

The year was 1942 when Margaret, a sixteen year old arrived at the farm all the way from her home in Sheffield to work on the land. Her brother told me that she still lives on the outskirts of Sheffield, now an 86 year old, widow and a grandmother. I remember even that with all the attention the young men around Maidenhead Court paid her, she was very homesick for Sheffield and eventually the Land Army moved her back to a farm closer to her home.

Now after all these years, this story can now be told.



Wings for Victory Week.

Wings for Victory Week.

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Just over seventy years ago during the “Wings for Victory.” Savings drive the school choir of The Cookham Rise Secondary Modern School, put on a concert in the Pinder Hall under the direction of the headmaster Mr. G.H. Wood, and assisted by Miss Graham. Besides the plays and skits that were put on, as closing piece we sang this song “Lords of the Air.” I have looking for the longest time for the lyrics by Michael North and Davy Burnaby. Now at last I have found them. I remember we sang the ballad twice and on the second refrain the whole audience stood up and joined in.

LORDS OF THE AIR

The British Empire proudly stands

As in the days of old,

Our fathers fought o’er land and sea.

Their history is told,,

In our new battlefield the sky,

Prepared to do or dare,

Let this be our new battle cry,

“Britannia rules the air.”

Refrain.

England is our island home,

Land of the free,

England unconquered yet,

O’er land or sea,

Lord of the heav’ns above,

Answer our prayer.

God keep Britannia’s sons,

Lords of the Air.