A selection of old photographs and memoriabilia of people and places
in times gone by

Colden Common C.E. School photograph Circa mid 50's BACK ROW: ? , ?, Janice Mackerel, ? Ayres, Caroline Kendall*,, Linda Barney, Mrs Smith (Head Teacher ?, Janet Cousins,? , ? MIDDLE ROW: Diane Parsons, Jill Budden, Jean ?, ?, Marion Pearcy(?), Jean Fletcher, Linda Barney, ? FRONT ROW: Boys names not known If you know the names of any ot the ones not listed please let us know *(Caroline Kendall is now Caroline Hayles, wife of the webmaster)

WAY BACK

When Spring House was called the Rosary
And Temple Usk the Gorse
It was the yellow hue on the common
Which gave it that name of course.

* * * * * * * *
Then down to the Glen in the valley
Where there were pheasant, rabbit and rook
And the Church Lads' Brigade H.Q.
Were way up the road at The Nook.

* * * * * * * *
Now Church Lane was 'Dirty Lane'
Though perhaps not found in the book
It had its compensations
Because it passed by the Dog and Crook.

* * * * * * * *
Now here they sold the devil's broth
But us youngsters did not bother
For we turned off way up the road
Which is now called Nurse's Corner.

* * * * * * * *
In those far off days it had no name
It was just another corner
But on the bank there stood a lamp
A slinking oil burner.

* * * * * * * *
Then up the hill past 'Bakers' pond
And on past the Great Barn
Where owls would hoot and screech at you
Long after you were gone.

* * * * * * * *
Then on past the piggery on the left
With the stink and smell of damp
And down the hill into Spring Lane
And another oil lamp.

* * * * * * * *
Then up to the Rising Sun we'd go
With a gas lamp shining bright
There we would stop and talk awhile
Before we said good night.

* * * * * * * *
Now you'll see we are back again
Somewhere where we began
Now was this really the Good Old Days
Back in 1921.

W.H.V.

f you have any old photos, local stories, poetry or anything else you would like to share with others
then please contact us  and we will gladly put them on the site