Here are the older messages, from 2003 to 2005. Use the back button or click here to return to the current Guestbook page.

December 13th, 2005

Simon Moss

Well done to the History Group

I used to live in Queens Road with my parents next door to The Denhams, John Denham has talked about the history group and the website. It has been very interesting thanks to all the hard work that the history group have put in to it and making make it a success.

September 6th, 2005

Steven Denham

Men and Women of Action

Yet again the Eton Wick History Group have produced a great piece of social history research. Their latest book, Recall 60 Years On, is a remarkable group of biographies detailing the lives of the war time service men and women who now live in The Wick. The 50 or so people reveal glimpses of their lives before WW2, some of their service and what the past 60 years have brought them. It is evidence of just how mobile our post war society has become and how different it is to the one that existed prior to 1939. It really does show just what the wartime generation did in delivering the freedoms that we all enjoy today. Well done.

September 5th, 2005

John and Pat Prior

Shop closing

We would like to say thankyou to all our friends and customers who gave us a truly wonderful send off. We were overwhelmed by all the gifts and cards we received. We had a most unforgetable day - thankyou

August 28th, 2005

Pauline George

Pat on the Back for Eton Wick

Good for you, Eton Wick. You're only little, but you have a great heart and a great realisation of where you stand in the history of England. I am a history lover myself and in those dear past years when I lived in the village, a young wife and mother, I reveled in your past. What joy 'the dig' gave me. How annoyed I was that it was timed to coincide with my holiday. Perhaps that was lucky for them. Now you have your own site on the internet. Of course, Banbury, my present home, has a site, all big and brash and not half as informative. They seem to have no sense of their history. They have only just put up a statue to the Finnes Lady on a white horse, next to Banbury Cross, and they seem to have as much grip on the future as they have on their past. Eton Wick is there, fighting its corner all the way. Good for you. You make me proud.

August 27th, 2005

Linda Maley

War time exhibition 27/8/05

I thought the exhibition excellent. The map showing world-wide areas where villagers were posted during the war is fascinating, and the "then and now" photos are lovely to see. The rationing table was also very good - informative and interesting to the eye, if not "fulfilling"! Exhibitions like these help make and keep people aware of the sacrifices made on our behalf and hopefully help prevent its horror recurring. The History Group also needs congratulating on its extensive photographic records. Truly memsmerising! I could have spent yet another hour browsing more thoroughly. Maybe tomorrow!! Well done to all concerned.

August 13th, 2005

Steven Denham

Prior's newsagents

As a fellow news retailer who started my career at Gowers, formerly Anderson's, on the Eton Wick Road as a paperboy in 1966, may I wish John and Pat Prior a long and happy retirement. The lot of a newsagent has changed greatly over the nearly 40 years that Pat has served the community of Eton Wick, and not necessarily for the better. I remember Sibley's from my childhood in the village as being somewhat exotic being over the other side of the Eton Wick Road from where I lived especially as it was also the  petrol station. The paper round that I did for Gowers covered Colnorton Crescent, Moores Land and Stockdales Road, so I went by the shop 6 days a week. I must admit though that I rarely went in. Customers rarely see the true dedication of an independent newsagent with the 7 day a week nature of the trade, the huge increase in weight of the papers over the years and the change in control of the business with the publishers having more control over the business than the retailer. And that does not even start to mention the early mornings. So well done to Pat and John, your shop will be missed, but do enjoy your well deserved retirement. Best wishes Steven Denham

August 6th, 2005

G Blair

Prior's newsagents

A message from Pat and John Prior just to say that on 3rd September we will be closing the business. John has been in Newsagents since October 1979. Pat has worked there since leaving school in 1966. The petrol station had been in operation from 1954, however for thoose who remember him, Mr Sibley had been selling papers before that in Alma Road. The shop was extended in 1966. Mr and Mrs Sibley sold the business to John Prior in 1979. We would love for customers past and present to join us for a glass of wine on the 3rd between 11am and 2pm. Regards Pat and John Prior

July 27th, 2005

Bryan Philips

Eton Wick Taxi Service

i was born in the wick 1940 [alma rd] and have many happy childhood memories. Mum & Dad moved there from windsor in 1937, dad run a taxi service from alma rd.which started during the war years,i understand he was granted a special licence due to the shortage of fuel etc. Everybody knew him as Reg Phillips,i remember that he was responsible for getting many a local girl to the church on time after my older brother peter&myself helped by younger brother michael washed and prepared the taxi complete with ribbons just ironed by mother. Dad changed from taxis to bike repairs in the late 50s,ican remember many a late night repairing punctures etc.in mums scullery,bikes were in great demand then as most men & women of the village biked to their jobs on the trading estate. i could go on and on,one more thing does anyone recall constable rayner,one of the best village bobbys you could wish to have,he lived in the original police house by the gate at the entrance to the slipes.Well done Frank & your group,my grand-daughter introduced me to this site and ironically now lives in alma rd herself with her mother,my daughter.Thanks for the happy memories,a great site

July 17th, 2005

Edna McDilda

G. Blair photos

I was quite impressed with the up to date photos of Eton Wick......especially Bell Farm stables and others prefix Bell.....my g.g.grandfather William Howse lived at Belle Farm, Eton 1861 Census. His father Charles Howse b 1763 lived Chalvey cum Upton...I was wondering if Bell Farm is connected to the Bells of your photography.... would be pleased to hear from you...Have a good day     Mrs. Edna McDilda

July 6th, 2005

David Lewis

Family history

Hi My granmother Edith Eliza Edgington nee Howell taught at Porny School until August 1911  she started as a pupil teacher then as mistress. She married a James Archibald George Edgington at StJohn the Baptist on April 18th 1899. Her father lived at 6 Hope Cottages Eton in 1881. If any one has any information of above would love to here from them.

June 27th, 2005

G Blair

Today's photos

Well as a new comer to the village I have no memories but I like the place as does everyone has stated so far. So if you want to take a little trip down the memory lane by looking a what the "wick" is like today then I have uploaded some pictures on my website. www.jackruss.co.uk If anybody wants any pictures of any special place their old house etc etc then please send me details and I will try and get back to you as soon as time permitting.

June 26th, 2005

Sandra Mills (Wilson)

Born in Eton Wick

Born in Victoria Road in 1947. Many relatives come from Eton Wick - I have a cousin still living there. I attended the C.O E. First School before moving to Aust.in 1953. Most of my Mum's family from the 'area'. Returned in 2000 and loved the village.

April 25th, 2005

David Mitchell

Memories of the Wick

My wife Margaret & I moved into 55 Alma Rd when we were married in 1964, (I had my stag party at the Sheppards Hut), and lived there for about 5 years. We bought the house from Edna & Dennis Nelson and I remember spending hours repointing and cement coating the front and back. We emigrated to Auckland New Zealand in 1973 where we have lived ever since with our 2 children and now 3 grandchildren. My first memories of Eton Wick were in the forties, walking with my father, through the fields from Chalvey to go fishing for gudgeon and roach at the iron bridge. I believe their is a connection to the Tarrant Family through my Grandmother, Emily Ruth Blay who I believe was involved in Domestic service at College in her early days, and my mother Dora Mitchell who both lived in Ledgers Rd. Chalvey. I seem to remember visiting them, as a child, at their house on the Eton Wick Rd. David Mitchell

April 8th, 2005

Maurice Wilkins

Eton Cottage

On 31st March I called into Eton Wick library to see if anyone could help me find Eton Cottage, where my great-great uncle Charles Wilkins lived around 1901. I knew only that it was near Saddock's Farm. By sheer good luck I was introduced to John Denham who happened to be conversing with the librarian. As a result I was directed to the farm where four friendly ladies at the stables, after considerable discussion, pointed me in the right direction. I was delighted to find Eton Cottage, complete with plaque saying 'Eton Cottage 1871', close by. Charles was a butcher in Oxford Road, Windsor at the end of the 19th century and later carried on the same profession in Slough, at 27, Stoke Road, which was taken over by his son, Frank, I believe. Frank died in 1979. John Denham kindly agreed to keep an eye out for any further information, but I would be delighted to hear from anyone else who may have memories of Wilkins the Butcher! Many thanks to all, Maurice Wilkins Arduaine, Argyll.

March 14th, 2005

Pam Ley

A Visitor from long ago

Hello all, Gosh, finding your website has brought some memories flooding back. My parents ran a guesthouse in Combe Martin, Devon, and the Tarrant family were regular visitors each year. I was especially friendly with Peter,as we were close in age, and I visited Eton Wick in the early 1960's. I can remember at the time the motorway was going to be contructed, and it was going to go right through the farm land, which was a worry to them. Of course I also vividly remember first seeing the boys from Eton College when being shown around the area. I've often thought of The Tarrant family over the years, as we unfortunately lost touch. I shall now add this site to my 'favourites' and check it again soon. Do please pass on my good wishes if anyone is around who remembers me. I was called Pam Darch in those days.

March 2nd, 2005

Barbara Spicer

Just saying hello

Hello there! Hello to all in the History Group its a long time since I was in your company. My dad was born in Gordon Cottages. My grandfather John Janes was one of your History Groups tradegies, which I spoke about when I visted you several years back. I have been through your site and thought it great as I recognised the pictures. Good luck

February 13th, 2005

Helen Cash

Hammer Stannett

Hello there! I am researching my family history and my Grandad came from Eton Wick. His name was Oliver Stannett and he married his childhood neighbour, my Grandmother, Mabel Brewer. They lived at no 11 & no 9 Clifton Cottages, Eton Wick, as children. My Grandad's Father was Henry Stannett - Does anyone know if there is a connection with Hammer? Helen.Cash@commonvalue.co.uk

February 8th, 2005

(formerly) Edna Killick

Nostalgia

i lived at 1,bangor place,inkerman road until 1948 when i was 10 years old.i went to school in the village,my mother was doris killick.does anyone remember me? i now live in staines,phone no.01784 453926.

January 7th, 2005

Steve Blay

Memories

Not sure why and how I stumbled across this website this evening but must say how interesting I found this. I first lived in Common Rd. then moved to Haywards Mead where I first experienced a bath that did not have to be filled up in the "Scullery"! I left the village in 1974 when I got married. Jean and Eric (Mum&Dad)still live there. I must see if I can find an old photo of a shinty game! I am surprised there was no mention of Bill Mitchell (My Grandfather)who drove the "Blue Bus" for many years. I often had a free ride on his bus to Saturday morning pictures in Windsor! I also remember working in the summer Holidays on the Farms for Kinross (Painting a combined harvester by hand!) and Bill Cooley (Getting his cows in!)Anyway, well done to the EWHG. for this excellent site.

January 6th, 2005

Graham Williamson

Down memory lane

Was told about the website after seeing Frank Bond over Christmas, and what a great website it is! I have many happy memories of the'Wick'living at 53 Alma Road from 1955-1984 and then moving 2 doors down to no.49 before moving to Woodley in 1989. Your picture of Primrose villas are now 49-59 Alma road, my mother has lived at no 53 since 1954. Mr Moss, Mr Nash and Mrs. Smith were just some of the teachers at the primary school. I saw the new school extension being built in the 1960's and those in class 1 were allowed to go on site with 'Fred' the foreman to see the building work on friday mornings. I still treasure my winners school Shinty mug. My uncle, Johnny North drove a blue bus. During my teenage years, weekends and school holidays were spent like so many other Wick boys happily employed by Albert and Frank Bond either on the round,in the shop and going to market. I was secretary of the Allotment association in the 1980's and on joining the Woodley horticultural assocoiation bumped into John Carpenter, formally of The Walk, another ex-pat!

December 28th, 2004

John Huse

Lived in Wick 1946 to 1961

I lived on army camp on Dorney common. 1947 the flood came and we had to get out. 6 Common Road was my address till 1956 when we went up the posh end of the village.73 Eton Wick Road was my address till 1961 when we moved to Maidenhead. Now live in north oxfordshire.

December 21st, 2004

Eton Wick History Group

Season's Greetings

Seasonal Greetings and a Happy New Year from Eton Wick History Group Committee. Our first meeting for the New Year is on January 12th at 7.30pm in the Eton Wick Village Hall. Mr Matthew Saunders will speak on the 'Friends of Friendless Churches' with special reference to Boveney Church. All are Welcome.

December 10th, 2004

Sue Woodham (nee Dempsey)

Eton and Eton Wick Memories

Hi to everyone I'm Trish Payne's (nee Paice) long lost cousin - we met again recently after 35 years. Our Paice family ancestors started to arrive in Eton Wick around 1840 and lived in the area near to The Pickwick and Greyhound Pubs. Starting off at St. Leonard's Place My grandfather Arthur (known as Jack or Puny) was born here in 1888 and moved down to Cotton Hall Cottages, Eton Wick Road - behind the Willow Tree Pub on the death of his grandfather Charles. Great grandfather George took over the stonemason's business, as well as being sexton at the cemetery opposite. I was born here in 1948 and the family moved to Haywards Mead in 1962. My mother was Kathleen Paice, siblings Charles (Trish's father), Elsie and Aubrey - usually known as Gerry. The photo of the Slads under water brought back many childhood memories as we seem to have had the flood water lapping around the house most winters - due I think to the well in the garden which was fed by the Thames. First sign of the Thames flooding grand dad moved the chickens nests up onto concrete blocks. A school memory is waiting every morning for the coach to go to Raggy Road school - we froze in the winter waiting for this to turn up. Then there were the youth club dances - most friends from school started to come over to these - one friend would run up a new shift dress after school to wear that night. My son Gary Woodham went to Eton Wick school in the 70's along with numerous friends from the playgroup. I moved out of the village in 1986 and settled in Langley - but have some great memories of my early life in Eton and Eton Wick -falling off the cattle pound wall into the stinging nettles, fishingin the stream on the common - trying to dry out socks before going home, out in the summer haymaking. Would love to hear from anyone who has any memories of my family as I'm putting together the family tree - back to Swallowfield in 1769 so far.

December 8th, 2004

Tricia Payne (nee Paice)

Fond Memories

I was born and bred in Alma Road Eton Wick in the early 50's. Thanks to meeting up again with a long lost cousin also from the village I have been able to re-live my Childhood through the history book. What a super book. I left the Village when I married in 1976. We then lived in Langley, then Taplow. 16 years ago we moved to Shropshire. I still have fond memories of Village life. Being in Fancy dress for the Wicko Carnivals, Fishing for tiddlers in the brook (Common road down to The Walk) and being chased down the road by a pig from Bell Farm. My final activity in the The Wick was my Marriage at the Methodist Chapel (which I lived next door to) and our Wedding Reception at the Village Hall.

November 25th, 2004

Peter Stannett

Tracing family ties

Have just started to see if I can track down my family history. I note with interest "Hammer" Stannett in one of the photo's. My Father said the family came from Stoke Poges / Eton way. My Father was Frank Stannett son of Harold William Stannett - they came from Merton.

October 22nd, 2004

Steven Denham

Pubs

Well done, another interesting and informative piece of Eton Wick history. The Wick is lucky to retain the pubs it has, as the village of Pulborough in West Sussex has in recent years lost 3 to residential development. Steven Denham now living in West Chiltington West Sussex

October 8th, 2004

Joyce Purvis

Eton War Memorial

What a good site!  I have been researching my family history and have found that my grandmother was born in Eton wick as was many other family members. Please does anyone know if Eton has a 1st World War Memorial, and if it is possible to obtain a list of names thereon?

October 4th, 2004

John Denham, EWHG Committee

Village Memories

Thanks to those who have added their memories. The committee would like more of your childhood memories of growing up in the village, schooling, sporting activities and remembered events. Contact Me or send to our web site e-mail address. John Denham,  Group Archivist.

October 2nd , 2004

Tina McEvoy (Walsh)

this is great

this is great to see i grew up in the wick as did my mother we used to live in stockdales road and i remember the place so well. netting for minnows in the stream, hiding in the willow trees, and 'digging people out of the common' well not people but there cars when it had snowed hard and they couldnt see the road too good...good little earner there!!!! frank bond and my grandad being 'chums' and getting crackling from the chippy on a friday evening while mum played bingo in the club, memorys, all happy ones. well keep up the good work on this. all the best to all who know the jordan and walsh family of stockdales road

September 15th , 2004

Amanda Ross

Well done

Well done to all the members of the History Group for their hard work in putting Eton Wick on the map.  I grew up in Eton Wick and my mum and nan used to tell us stories of the "good old days" in Eton Wick. When I look at the old photos it's hard to try and place them with the village today. Keep up the good work!

June 20th , 2004

Steven Denham

Personal History in Eton Wick

I would like to thank the Eton Wick History Group for allowing me the oportunity to put my memories of growing up in the village on their site. Does any one have any photos of shinty as I do not have any? Also does any one else have any memories from other decades that they would like to share with the Eton Wick's current and former residents? I for one would like to see them to get a feel for how thing are different depending on when one is born.

February 16th , 2004

Clive Brades

Sir Fabian Ware

Can anybody confirm that this man, who headed the Imperial War Graves Commission, lived in Eton Wick.  I know I read it somewhere, but I cannot remember the source.  I live in Dorney Reach. (Editor's note: if you know the answer, please email information@etonwickhistory.co.uk and I will pass the message on to Mr Brades)

February 1st , 2004

Amanda Filkins (nee Denham)

Eton Wick on the web

I am pleased to see that The Wick has a web site. Congratulations to all concerned. You have all worked very hard on it. Our family moved here in 1960 and we all return regularly. I know that the Eton Wick History Group would be interested in any photos of buildings or groups e.g. Brownies, Scouts, School from more recent years - 1950's & 60's up to the present day.

December 30th, 2003

Chris Walker

Good Site!!!

I have just moved here and really enjoy learning about this village this site is really good!

December 19th, 2003

Pat Curtis

Congratulations

Well done!  A big achievement. I am always pleased to see further historical information about the Royal Borough made available. Such a nice friendly group as well!

November 30th, 2003

Rip & Judith Hunter

Congratulations

At last we have succeeded in getting into the web site and very good it is.

October 5th, 2003

John Denham

Wicko Ex Patriots

Wicko ex-patriots. Where are you all in the world? Please sign in with your news and lets us keep in contact. Have you a story to tell of your youthful days in the Wick? Waiting to hear from you where ever you are.

June 26th, 2003

Georgina Tarrant

Congratulations E.W.H.C.!

Well done to everyone who has worked hard to put Eton Wick on the map over the last 13 years.

June 23rd, 2003

Alison Davies, ex-Slough Library, now back home in Scotland

When I worked in Slough Reference Library I was always very impressed with the detailed research members of the Eton Wick History Group would carry out in order to prepare their talks. I enjoyed coming along to the group meetings - in many ways the story of village life in Eton Wick reminded me of the Scottish village where I grew up. Best wishes! Alison