Author Archives: Ruiha Smalley

Poverty and home life

Posted on 8th June 2018 by Ruiha Smalley

Poor people seldom had the doctor, it was far too expensive and if they did call they were never too bothered.   We were all vaccinated when we were small they used to prick you three or four times on the … Continue reading →

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Tony Austin: “Thong Lane all my life”

Posted on 7th June 2018 by Ruiha Smalley

I have lived in three of the four Cheney’s Cottages in Thong Lane all my life, they were originally built for Darnley Estate workers and later rented to workers at Cheney’s Farm. I originally lived in one of the cottages … Continue reading →

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Ray Lucas: Shorne in the 1950s

Posted on 7th June 2018 by Ruiha Smalley

At the time I used to go to Shorne Woods, all during the 1950’s, I lived in Taunton Vale, there were five of us that used to roam everywhere and the woods was one of our haunts. To get to … Continue reading →

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My Gran and my Mum

Posted on 7th June 2018 by Ruiha Smalley

Emma Saxby was my mum.  She was born on the 5th May in the year 1883 at East Peckham, her mother was Elizabeth Saxby formerly Master.  Her father was William Saxby, a sweep.  When she was a child she lived … Continue reading →

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Fort Amherst digging opportunities

Posted on 6th June 2018 by Ruiha Smalley

We heard from Karen and Keith at Fort Amherst/the Command of the Heights project. Keith Gulvin, who is a trustee at Fort Amherst, has secured funding for equipment for an archaeological group. This means a group of volunteers could continue with digs … Continue reading →

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