The Full Entry
Memories Of Little Downham’s ‘Lofts’ Shop
Published Monday, May 1st, 2006 by Karl Bedingfield
When one recollects childhood memories, invariably there are many that standout. For me – growing up in Little Downham – these included my first day at Feofee’s primary school, the tragic death of Susan Cockerton (Susan and my Auntie Steph used to babysit me) in April, 1968, the ‘giant hydrogen-filled balloon’ that drifted over our primary school in August, 1970, making houses out of straw bales in the field bordering on our house (sorry Mr. Parsons!), fishing down the ‘Hurst’ and a little shop forever frozen in time. That shop was ‘Lofts’.
‘Lofts’ closed sometime in the late 80s. It was a childhood memory that had not – physically – changed since my earliest visits on the way to primary school in the late 60s. Truth is, it probably hadn’t changed that much from the day it opened in the early 1900s!
Loft’s was a small dark foreboding place lost in the modern world; an amalgam of Royston Vasey’s ‘local’ shop in The League Of Gentlemen and Arkwright’s store in Open All Hours. But to a child in the late 60s and early 70s that lived east of St. Leonard’s Church it was first stop (we were to lazy to walk to ‘Barlows’ or ‘Proctors’) on the way to school or the ‘field’ (playing field), you see, the shop had a lot of sweets, in the big front window and the jars on the back wall, it also had Corona fizzy and Lyon’s ice lollies. What more could a kid wish for?
Loft’s was an amalgam of Royston Vasey’s local shop in The League Of Gentlemen and Arkwright’s store in Open All Hours.
The main gateway to a kid’s nirvana was through two giant sliding glass doors (they were always shut); you would tell Mrs. Hillen you wanted some sweets and ceremoniously she would open the sliding doors. As a 7 year old with ‘thrupenny bit’ in hand I would ask what I could get for my money and then reach into the big shopfront window and choose with the watchful eye of Mrs. Hillen ever vigilant.
The store was from an long-forgotten age that allowed locals to run a ‘tab’ for groceries as long as you paid up on payday. Sure there was the occasional damp packet of crisps or biscuits and the chocolate in the front window did melt on a hot day but overall I had fond memories.
The shop was handed down to Mrs. Hillen (maiden name Lofts) from her Father, Ben Lofts, a man who I have very little memory of.
The shop served me and my friends very well during our primary school life and the long summer holidays of the early 70s when we spent most of the time either fishing at the ‘Hurst’ or playing tennis, football and cricket up the ‘field’.
Popular treats back then were a ‘¼’ of loose sherbet, pineapple chunks or pear drops.
Popular treats back then were a ‘¼’ of loose sherbet, pineapple chunks or pear drops. When playing tennis down the ‘field’ a bottle of corona cherryade done the trick, making sure to return the bottle the 10p deposit. Ice lollies were popular also: Zoom, Fab (a girl’s lollie, but tasted great) and the big ice popsicles. You could walk down the street with a sweet cigarette in your mouth imitating the adults and laughing when some old geezer thought you had a real ‘fag’ in your mouth.
The store was never over-busy as new shops such as ‘Barlows’ and ‘Proctors’ at the other end of the village had arrived as housing in the village grew. But it did have a loyal following of older ‘true’ locals and served the children well who walked to school from Lawn Lane and Ely Road.
I took the following photographs in the late 80s, it was something I had wanted to do for years but hadn’t the courage to ask.
These could possibly be the only photos that exist of the shop’s interior. I hope I am wrong as I would really like to see earlier shots of Ben Lofts. If anyone has any that I can scan please get in touch.
(above) Loft’s around 1920.
(above) Mrs. Hillen.
(above) The gateway to nirvana.
(above) I’ll have a ‘¼’ of sherbet please.
(above) The ice cream refrigerator.
(above) Lofts is now a residential property called Lofts Cottage.
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At 10:22 pm on May 2nd, 2006, Nikki wrote:
Some great pictures. I too remember the early small shop days. My Grandad used to own the shop opposite St. Mary’s Church in Ely. I remember it like yesterday, thing was it was 30 years ago… doesn’t time fly.
At 2:33 pm on May 14th, 2006, Tina Simpson wrote:
I spent everyday after school in Lofts shop, it was a great place to buy sweets and I have never come across anywhere quite like it.
The pictures are just as I remember it, well done for an excellent piece of writing.
At 1:48 pm on May 17th, 2006, Emma Beney wrote:
There were always dead earwigs in the loose box of jelly babies behind the guarded window but I still spent my 2p there every day after school!
At 12:50 pm on June 13th, 2006, Ian Rose wrote:
Unbelievable!! You have photo’s from inside Lofts shop.
I remember once diving in there as me and my mate had just stuck the V sign up at a passing driver – can’t think why, just being big I suppose. We naively thought we were safe in there but he found us and we got a bit of a roasting from him. Plus we ended up having to buy something. The shopkeeper was a just like a female Arkwright!! She used to come round to our house as Dad worked for the Inland Revenue at the time. She was always trying to work out how to dodge the tax man!!
That shop window was fab. I once asked her if I could buy the dead wasp that was on display.
At 3:28 pm on June 16th, 2006, Sharon (nee Woodbridge) wrote:
Brilliant pictures and just how I remember it. She was such a scary woman. Gone are the days when you could get sweets for half a penny.
At 9:19 pm on September 24th, 2006, Teresa Walker (nee Morse) wrote:
How did you get away with taking photos inside Lofts?
I must say it brought back so many memories, not only of when I was growing up in the village, but of taking my own small children there too.
Mrs Hillen was certainly a formidable character, not saying a lot, but that look!
Always in the same flowery overall too.
We used to stand outside the shop to catch the bus to Wisbech College every week, I’m sure she hated that.
At 9:49 pm on September 24th, 2006, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
How did you get away with taking photos inside Lofts?
Well I had been going to that shop since my first day of primary school and she knew me pretty well. I just asked her one day, although initially she didn’t want to feature in any of the shots.
I’m glad you like the pictures, I think they may be the only ones available.
At 3:52 pm on October 3rd, 2006, Paula Bennett (nee Stearman) wrote:
Your photos brought back wonderful memories of sliding back those giant glass doors to buy a packet of golden nugget chewing gum. Its just as I remember it, well done!
At 6:54 pm on October 3rd, 2006, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
You know, I had forgotten all about ‘golden nugget chewing gum’, that’s the one that was in the little sack-like paper bag I think.
At 4:00 pm on November 15th, 2006, Michael Fenn wrote:
I was a regular at Ben Lofts. I often visited my Aunt Laura at Lawn’s Farm. From there a visit to the shop involved a high speed dash through the churchyard – pretty scary for a little lad on a dark winter’s night. I also remember Mr Loft’s coming to the big football matches in the village (eg Little Downham v Littleport) selling sweets from a tray which hung around his neck.
At 12:23 pm on November 16th, 2006, emily wrote:
Wow!!!!!!!!! thats my village and the house’s are still the same!!
I am only 15 and that has amazed me thanks!!!!!
At 10:28 pm on December 15th, 2007, M Hobbs wrote:
Seeing these photographs brought back many happy memories.
The shop is also just how I remember it as well; not shown is what I believe (please will someone correct if I am wrong) was a wooden bench. On this bench were buckets containing seeds like peas being sold in half a pint measures etc.
I can also remember seeing Mrs. Hillen on her bike delivering things.
Also Mr. Moxon who would deliver paraffin in an oil drum which was attached to a hand cart.
One fond memory I have; this being helping him push this hand cart up Ely Road, past what was at that time Mr. Green’s Farm.
One very vivid memory I have of Mr. Lofts amongst many was; watching him grafting mistletoe on to what I believe was an apple tree in his garden.
Quite an apt memory to have; at this time of writing as it is nearly Xmas.
At 12:57 pm on January 31st, 2008, Andrew Hunt wrote:
I used to cycle from Black Bank Road for pear drops and remember the smell of the shop like it was yesterday even though it was 1980! Great photo’s Karl, a real piece of history.
At 2:26 pm on April 16th, 2008, Duffy wrote:
Well done Karl for your memories which matches mine. But forgotten, until I read your account. You done well to get those photos. And there was a wooden seat on the right,and yes it did seem a long walk from Lawns Crescent when your only 8 or 9, to collect your torch batteries which she used to keep loose in a box and test with a small bulb connected to what looked like a small pair of flat dividers.
At 10:44 pm on May 1st, 2008, Jo wrote:
I to have many memories, I was married in St Leonards in March 1975, there were a few of us married that year. I haven’t been back for many years but how many of you remember the school and the long walk a lunch time from the infants to the juniors. Oh god who can forget those dinners especially the puds. Those were the good old days.
At 8:13 am on May 5th, 2008, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
How many of you remember the school and the long walk a lunch time from the infants to the juniors?
Are we talking about the same school? Feoffee School in Little Downham was quite small.
At 7:57 am on May 6th, 2008, Duffy wrote:
I was also one of those many infants that took that long walk. The infants school was an old chapel type school down Eagles Lane which after it was used as a school it was a Youth club. There was little heating and not much light. Outside toilets (and I really do mean “outside”) for the boys.
At Dinner-time we all had to walk up to the juniors, which is now the village hall.It reminds me of a scene from “Oliver”. We had to sit on lines of wooden benches in the main hall, with the teachers up on the stage including Mr Ives, who I think was the Headmaster.
This all happened before the new Feoffees school was built, now even that has been knocked down and a new one built on the same spot. Nothing stays the same!
At 6:33 pm on May 6th, 2008, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
Ah, that was before my generation. I had forgotten the youth club in Eagles Lane (now allotments) was in fact a school!
I went to Feoffees school from 1968-1974 and do remember being a mischievous child playing in the derelict infants school (now the Village Hall). It was very ghostly and still had remnants of it’s past life – old desks and blackboards in place.
Thanks for clearing that up Duffy.
If anyone has any photos of any of these schools please get in touch as I would love to publish some.
At 1:44 pm on May 13th, 2008, Clare Andrews wrote:
Wow I love the pictures.
Two anecdotes about the great Lofty’s as we called it:
It must have been early nineties it shut, my best friend Emma moved to the village in summer 1991 and it was still open then. I remember this as her mum bought some washing powder there and there was a competition or save the voucher thing on it and she was going to do it but it had expired in mid 1980′s hehe.
Also once I bought a packet of ‘lovehearts’ sweets in there, on opening they were completely soft. Mum took them back and she swapped for a packet that were perfectly fine. hehe. I must admit from then on we nicknamed it ‘mouldy’s’ but in an affectionate was as we did not stop going there!
At 1:47 pm on May 25th, 2008, Jo wrote:
Has there ever been any reunions , I started school in 1954 would love to meet up some time, we could arrange a weekend. Anyone got any ideas?
At 9:34 am on May 29th, 2008, Julie Rogerson ( Missin) wrote:
Hi Karl , Love reading about Little Downham, I lived next to that school in Eagles Lane that is now allotments and Mum and Dad still live in the Bungalow, I know they have photos of the School and when it was used as a youth club, there was a big picture of Susan Cockerton that hung on the wall. Mrs Pate and Audrey Smith were the teachers. Leave it with me, I’m on the case to dig out the snaps!! Julie
At 6:02 am on May 30th, 2008, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
Hi Julie, that would be great!
Let me know if you find the photos and I will scan them for you.
Thanks, Karl
At 3:51 pm on July 7th, 2008, Emma Beeney (Ambrose) wrote:
My dad bought the shop from Mrs Hillen when she retired in the early 1990′s and converted it to Lofts cottage which he named after Ben Lofts. My mum lives there now and the old Victorian ovens in the kitchen are still there intact. Mrs Hillen died in the late 1990′s if I remember rightly as my mum used to check up on her each day as she had no nearby relatives.
At 3:57 pm on July 8th, 2008, Stephen Tuck wrote:
In the late 80′s when Mrs Hillen went on holiday she asked my sister to look after the place. Normally she only had about 10 people in per day.I think she was very bored.
At 9:23 pm on August 1st, 2008, Geoff Suddell wrote:
I lived in Lawn Lane and passed it every day and called in most days for sweets. There used to be a seat on the right as you walked in and some of the older people would just sit and pass the time of day. Have always remembered it.
At 9:19 pm on August 30th, 2008, Jo wrote:
I have many memories of Susan Cockerton. She was killed on that notorious bend, ‘Seven Sisters’. It was a sad time then as two more lost their lives at the same spot shortly after. I think I am right in saying it was Linda and Tyrone Wesley who were cousins and from Pymoor. Would love to come to a reunion if ones arranged. I remember some names, Catherine, Vanessa, Sally, Caroline, Patricia – but no good with surnames.
At 7:51 am on August 31st, 2008, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
Jo, My Aunt Steph would have been Stephanie Bedingfield. I know Steph & Susan were pretty close at the time.
At 9:34 pm on September 9th, 2008, Jo wrote:
I remember Stephanie, small world isn’t It. Would love to see some pictures of the school days posted if any one can help? Remember as a child going into the vicarage parlour during Sunday Service and then coming back for the blessing. It was such a huge place, is it now a private home? What about those fetes in the gardens great fun but having to dance for everyone was awful.
Is there anywhere that does B/B in the village it would be nice to come back for a visit. I have been away for over fourty years apart from when I came back
to get married, have been living for some time abroad.
At 1:52 pm on October 22nd, 2008, Baden Gooch wrote:
I have still got the old sign which was outside the shop ( B Lofts General Store)- David Hillen let me have it after the shop closed
At 12:38 pm on October 23rd, 2008, Michael Fenn wrote:
I have also been living abroad for many years (Sweden) so I get quite nostalgic when I read about Little Downham. I get back from time to time and this last summer Stephen (Wally) Gilbert, an old friend from school days, very kindly gave me a guided tour of the village and brought me up to date with local gossip. Met Audrey Smith (my old infants’ school teacher) in School Lane.
I also remember going from the church service every Sunday morning to the rectory with Canon Atkinson’s wife. I also remember something called the Coral League run by Mrs Parr and Mrs Stow in a hut in the rectory grounds.
As far as Ben Loft’s shop is concerned I still have pictures of football teams from around 1958 that were free with bubble gum I bought there. I also remember ice poles for some reason. Mr Loft’s had a strange turn of phrase when you paid him, something like “I’s thanking you”.
Finally interesting to see that an old friend from that time (50s and 60s) Geoff Suddell has also posted some memories here. Hope you’re well Geoff!
Michael Fenn
PS Remember the Bedingfield’s well. Stephanie was one or two years below me at school and I played with Mike in the Swifts
At 10:19 pm on October 23rd, 2008, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
‘Stephanie was one or two years below me at school and I played with Mike in the Swifts.’
Mike’s my Dad. I will let him know you spoke of him.
At 10:14 pm on November 23rd, 2008, Stephen (Wally) Gilbert wrote:
Brings back happy memories to me as well – the unique smell of the shop and the nicotine stained moustache.
Have lost contact with a lot of the “old” village people that I used to know and go about with as a youngster but would like to make contact again.Recently spent a day with Michael Fenn and have had contact with Christine Crane now in Menorca.
Have a photo that we had taken on a youth club trip to Yarmouth – in it is Keith Scott and Gillian Cooper , Lynn Jarrod and I forget his name but I still beleive he works for Crown garage in Soham (I believe we knew him as Josh and would it be Reynolds??) and me with Stephanie Bedingfield. We are all being photographed with small monkeys!!
Would be interested to know how and where Stephanie is these days.
Regards
Stephen Gilbert (Formerly of Park Lane)
At 3:03 pm on November 24th, 2008, Nick Atkinson wrote:
What memories this brings back. I lived in Bury Green and had to pass “Lofts” every day, twice! on my way to school.
I usually stooped and bought a “Bubbly” or two, or if i was really flush a quarter of pineapple cubes.
I always remember that there were displays in other windows that never changed, and the fact that some days it would take Nora (i think that was her name), a good two or three minutes to appear behind the counter once you had entered the shop.
At 5:04 pm on December 7th, 2008, Jo wrote:
Keep the memories coming, anyone know what happened to Carolyn I think she lived at Lawns Cresent. There was also a Caroline and Vanessa, Stephen and Andrew. I remember the school nurse visits and having medicals in the freezing cold back room at the school.
Jo
At 4:11 pm on May 6th, 2009, Stephen (Wally) Gilbert wrote:
Jo,
I dont remember a Jo but I was at school with Andrew Crane and there was also a Caroline Rudderham and Vanesssa Kalex (who is contactable on Friends Reunited). I also can remember the joys of the medicals!
I was very good friends with both Linda and Tyrone Butcher who were tragically killed on the Seven Sisters corner – opposite side of the same corner where Susan Cockerton lost her life. I was also good friends with Stephanie and would certainly like to make contact again.
You refer to garden fetes on the Rectory lawn, can you also remember Little Downham Feast when a small fair used to be set up each year in the small field to the right of the drive that leads up to Lawn Farm? There is a relatively new dwelling now in that small field.
Stephen Gilbert
At 9:20 am on June 26th, 2009, Mel Pearson wrote:
Can’t believe you managed to take these pictures, well done. I moved away a while ago, but I remember going in there on the way home from school. Thankyou.
At 9:50 pm on August 18th, 2009, Carol Kybett wrote:
Came across this site by chance and it has brought make so many memories. I was in the infants school in 1958 and too remember the long walks.
We were very lucky to have our own village bobby but I think I am right in saying he died from a heart attack
None of us who could ever forget the Lofts shop, the visiting fair and the church fetes.
I too remember the sunday school in the cosy kitchen in the rectory and I went on to be the sunday school teacher. Do you remember the stamp books we collected for attendance and following the annual christmas party we were given books.What about the outings to the seaside, most I went on were with the methodist church in 2nd Drove.
I left in 1970 to start a career in nursing and came back to marry in 1975 and live now in the south of England. I come back several times a year but reconize very few people
Why not publish before and after photos?
Why not use this site to find out what we have all be doing since those days.
At 6:38 am on December 17th, 2009, Robert Newell wrote:
I have often talked about Ben Lofts shop but couldn’t remember what it looked like until now. Thank you. My brother and I used the ration books that hung around after the war to buy sweets from the shop. My dad played for Downham Swifts and Mr. Lofts was a great supporter of the team as I remember.
At 2:45 pm on January 1st, 2010, Stephen(Wally)Gilbert wrote:
Robert
My father – Wally Gilbert – used to play in the same team as your father. He seems to remember that you played cricket for Little downham if he is thinking of the right person
Stephen Gilbert
At 6:15 am on January 9th, 2010, j.snell wrote:
robert newell can you remember when you burnt your hand on bonfire night many years ago when you came down to townsend remember the bonfire on the green
At 12:28 am on January 10th, 2010, Robert Newell wrote:
Stephen
I remember Wally – The cricketer was my brother Peter who batted for 2 days and retired not out – I think that was when they won the Kirkland Cup. I live in British Columbia now on top of a mountain a far cry from the Fens. But its still good to come back to your roots – I was in Little Downham or is it Downham in the Isle now, in October
At 5:49 am on January 13th, 2010, Robert Newell wrote:
As I remember it I burnt my hand the morning after bonfire night – thinking that the pile had cooled. But knowing me it could have happened twice. The bonfires we had to contend with this summer were 250,000 hectares and burning on three sides.
I prefer the ones at Townsend.
At 8:15 am on January 13th, 2010, Michael Fenn wrote:
I have a picture of Little Downham Swifts from around 1950 with Wally Gilbert and Gandy Newell sitting side by side!
I see that a J. Snell left a comment here, not by any chance a near relative to Bomber Belewski?
At 5:41 pm on January 14th, 2010, Robert Newell wrote:
I believe I have the same photo. The swifts played in the final of some important cup because it was played at Wembley and my dad was given his medal by the Queen mother. How did my dad get the nickname “Gandy”? He would never say. There were several from the free Polish airforce at the RAF hospital during the war. Some stayed was Bomber Belewski one of them.
At 6:37 am on January 16th, 2010, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
My Dad gave me this photo a while back. Mike is in the back row, centre. What year is this likely to be?
A photograph of Little Downham Football Club
Mike, do you think you could email me a copy of that photograph? karl@bedingfield.biz
At 1:56 pm on January 16th, 2010, Michael Fenn wrote:
Your photo brought back a lot of memories. I was probably playing in the reserves at this time, by the time I got into the first team Joe Howlett had finished. I recognize everyone apart from the chap between Mike and Geoff Starling. It was a good team with some decent players, Roger Saberton was a bit of a star and known around the villages as a great goalscorer. Fid Hall was a good player too. Several would have played at a higher level if they had taken it more seriously, in those days you didn’t train much, you just turned up and played. I began my career with the Swifts when I was very young and not really good enough even to play for the Reserves but I knew they were often short of players so I turned up with my boots and waited for Sam Murfitt to say “Have you got your boots boy”
I haven’t got a scanner but if I can fix a way of copying my photo I will do it and send you a copy.
Mike Fenn
At 2:02 pm on January 16th, 2010, Michael Fenn wrote:
PS.
Is the guy between Mike and Geoff – Roy Pearson? I see his brothers Tony and Bobby are there. I knew him quite well and played in the Reserves with him so I ought to recognize him. Could it be a very young Roy???
At 5:32 pm on January 16th, 2010, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
Yes it is!
At 8:51 pm on January 18th, 2010, Fid Hall wrote:
Hi Mick
Good to see you remember the old Downham Swifts , I take my dog for a walk down North Fen every day and I go past where your cottage used to stand wondered where you were let me know a little about your life.
Cheers Fid
At 9:11 am on January 20th, 2010, Michael Fenn wrote:
For all of those who are interested in the recent history of Little Downham and Pymoor there are some great photos at http://www.commanet.org. In the Pymoor archive on page 3 there is a photo of Ben Lofts “Bowling for a Pig”, and in the Little Downham archive on page 1 there is a picture of Little Downham Infants School in 1925 which includes Eva Lofts.
Nice to hear from you Fid. Maybe someone should start an archive for Little Downham Swifts. Does anyone know much about the history of the club? When did it start? I’ve seen a photo from the 1920s (?) with my Uncle Ernie (Saberton). The Swifts were a great part of my life when I was a kid. I started going in the 50s when my Uncle Keith (Fenn) was playing. I don’t remember much from that time, I remember John Casbon was in goal and the man who kept the Red White and Blue played (I think). Later I remember old men watching on the touchline who were said to be “stars from the past”. One man made us kids laugh because he stood watching with his bicycle and used to swing it in the air when the game got exciting. I believe his name was Elias. I think the era when you Fid and Roger Saberton, Brian Cox, Mick Dewsbury and the Pearsons etc played must have been one of the best ones in the club’s history.
At 9:15 pm on January 21st, 2010, Fid Hall wrote:
Hi Mick
The man in the football photo was not Roy Pearson it was an R A F person and only played that one game and the man who swung his leg was Elias king he came to every home match as for as the best team if not we were a close second every body likes to think they were the best with players like Roger Saberton who could score 4 goals a game, Mick Dewsbury the most hard working player you could hope to find, Joe Howlet who was the best kicker of the ball in cambs football Mick Cornwell as fast as a rabbit and could score goals Tony Pearson who was a very skilful, Jef Starling just about the best captain I played under, Bob Pearson strong in the air as on the ground, Mick Bedingfield a very underated keeper he did not have many bad games. I remember you playing in the reserves you wasnt a bad player yourself just lacking pace.
Good to see Geof Suddal still about he was a good player he was strong and good in the air but let his temper get the better of him.
hope to hear from geof.
cheers Fid
At 2:43 pm on February 24th, 2010, Belewski wrote:
Does anyone know bomber Belewski’s first name? My dad has passed on and with him the force he fought with.
I have a posting on the web of him in his uniform but no one knows the uniform. It may be his day outfit.
Dad never spoke of his war years.
Any help appreciated.
Prackatan
At 11:21 am on February 25th, 2010, Michael Fenn wrote:
I remember the annual fair in my Aunt Laura’s field. I believe it was run by a man called Charlie Nunn from Manea(?). Interesting that it was referred to as a “feast”. This is a medieval-sounding word, perhaps it was a very ancient event.
Fid – I would like to be in touch and hear a bit more about what is happening in the village, but perhaps this is not the best place to exchange news. You could mail me at michael.fenn@hik.se if you have time.
At 7:28 pm on February 26th, 2010, Robert Newell wrote:
I picked this up on the web. It might be of some help.
Hello, ive read your read your message and im also looking into my family history. i also have the surname BELEWSKI.
My name is Lesley Belewski, im 44 years old. My father was called Jerzey Belewski. He came over to England during the second world war. All i know is that his parents and youngest sister were tortured in the war. I have a cousin born 1st April 1959 name im not sure. ( Jerzy Belewski’s father was a priest ) This is all i know.
Please get in touch with me at LBELEWSKI@AOL.COM
Love Lesley.
At 6:06 am on March 7th, 2010, Jonathan Snell wrote:
Robert Newell, I thought you and your brother went to live in Canada.
Good old Downham Swifts: The local derby Littleport Football Club big. Sam Murfitt, who could forget, him great bloke and Fid Hall who could handle himself – not many people tried to take him on. Geoff Suddell, is he still a plasterer?
One more thing I would to say enjoyed my days at Witchford Secondary Modern.
At 4:42 pm on March 7th, 2010, Robert Newell wrote:
Jonathan
Yes, I live in British Columbia – unfortunately my brother died in January of this year. I’ve lived in many places since I left the village in 64 but I can’t think of a better place to grow up than Little Downham.
At 9:30 am on March 8th, 2010, jonathan snell wrote:
Robert, sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Little downham was a great place to grow up. I wish my parents had not moved away.
I remember some of the old characters like little Walter Leigh who could out drink anyone in the village, Storky, who lived down California in a caravan – he had only one leg; he used to bike everywhere.
I have a few more stories to tell when I can remember them, memories going, getting old.
At 11:20 pm on May 11th, 2010, Pauline Bedingfield McCamant wrote:
Hello I am now 72 years young Ha!.. but have wonderful memories growing up in Little Downham.. By the way Karl, I am your 2nd cousin.. Jayne and I grew up together.. I moved to the states in 1960… during the war years lived with my grandfather John Walker who owned the Plough…. When I went to infant school our teachers were Miss Woolnough and Miss Knights… Tony, Bob and Roy Pearson are my cousins.. Fid Hall came to see us a few years back… I really have been enjoying some of the old memories.. I remember “Top school” we called it in my day… Mr Ives being the headmaster and Mrs Sole my favourite teacher.. In those days we all set for a scolarship at 11 .. I passed that year with Olga Burgess and we went to Ely High School.. Would love to hear more about our village… Keep in touch and I will get back with you ..
At 2:55 pm on June 30th, 2010, Tina Bryant wrote:
What wonderful photos of Lofts shop. It seems like only yesterday I would eagerly await those magic glass doors to slide back to buy my Golden Cup, spangles, galaxy counters, mint cracknell bar, etc. I also used to love looking in the display window on my way home from school.
At 9:46 pm on August 13th, 2010, Ian Martin wrote:
Hello Little Downham folk, If I remember correctly ‘Bomber’s’ first name was John, he lived in a cottage on Townsend near Owen Cole, I think with Chris Snell who still visits the Bygone’s day with his vintage army truck, John and I used to travel to Witchford Secondary together on one of Charley Gray’s finest coaches!
At 2:52 pm on August 21st, 2010, Kat wrote:
Hi Lesley
I’m writing on behalf of my father who knew a belewski.
He would like to know some more information about him and maybe a photo would be helpful so he could confirm whether it was the same one.
Best regards
Kat
At 8:23 pm on August 22nd, 2010, Malcolm Hobbs wrote:
I am writing with reference to some information that Ian Martin has written regarding John Belewski.
I also knew a John Belewski who had once lived at Townsend.
John had been quite a character.
I can still remember two situations where John’s amusing sense of humour had revealed itself.
One being where John had hidden himself upstairs in old vicarage on a Sunday morning.
As happened in those days us youngest would be taken to vicarage. On that particular Sunday morning as we had entered the vicarage John had suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs. Then had proceeded to startle all of us as he had ran down the stairs shouting a bogeyman had been after him.
Ian had your nick name been Iggie at one time. Because although very young at the time I do still remember you may have been friends with a person called Charlie Clark.
Charlie Clark had lived down Lawn Lane.
One memory I do have; is all of us fishing down the Hurst in what I believed had been called Green’s pond.
I never did find out who had stocked the pond with fish; but I do remember catching some small carp in the pond.