your comments
Bob Henderson, Lessingham, Norfolk
Thanks to George Lancett for offering to try and get news on the people I knew at school. It could be a long list, but I'll just name a few at this time. Bill Millichamp, David "Slosher" Lewis, Jimmy Jones, Phil Owen, Tony Knowles Beryl Rumsey, Maureen Gorman and Olwyn Layton.A couple of weeks ago Jan Pienkowski, famed for his illustrated childrens' books, was on Desert Island Discs. He came to Presteigne School, probably for only about a year, and is on the 1948 photograph. I think he lived somewhere near Bush Bank. Can anyone else remember him being at school with us?
Wed Nov 11 09:25:37 2009
George Lancett from Presteigne
Mr Henderson I'm Phil Lancett's son. Dennis is my uncle, he lives in Hereford but sadly is now crippled by arthritis.Uncle Derek lives in Knighton and Nan my aunt married Alf Pugh from Fold Farm. They moved to Carmarthenshire in the 1960's and are still there.If you let me have the names of any of your old acquaintances I will try and give you an update! You mention Enid and Harry Crowe, they are both still very much alive, although their brother John has passed on.
Fri Oct 30 09:43:42 2009
Bob Henderson, Lessingham, Norfolk
Thanks to George Lancett for confirming that Norton Manor housed an army camp in WW2.Are you Dennis Lancett's son. I can remember Dennis playing football for Presteigne and I played against Derek. Also I was in school with Nan Lancett.All this was nearly sixty years ago and I often wonder how many of the Presteigne people I knew are still alive. I saw Martin Haines a few years ago on his David Brown tractor.It would be nice to hear news of any of my old acquaintances.
Tue Oct 27 15:26:49 2009
Bob Henderson, Lessingham, Norfolk
My friend John Jordan from Knighton, having looked at this site, has suggested to me that the army camp I enquired about may have been at Norton Manor.He says he's fairly certain there was an army camp there during the war. Can anyone confirm this please?I've heard that an old schoolfriend, Enid Crowe, returned to Presteigne after living in New Zealand. It must be about 60 years ago that her brother Harry emigrated to there.
Thu Oct 22 20:06:32 2009
George Lancett, Presteigne
In reply to Bob Henderson; The former soldier was probably camped at Norton Manor as according to Keith Parker's book 'A History of Presteigne' it was taken over by June 1940 and housed military units until at least 1944.
Thu Oct 22 20:01:08 2009
Bob Henderson, Lessingham, Norfolk
Although from Knighton, I attended Presteigne County School from 1946 to 1952.Recently I was talking to a Norfolk man, in his nineties, who told me he was stationed at Preseigne in 1941 to early 1942. He was with a division that included men from the Norfolk and Suffolk Regiments. He was taken ill and was admitted to Hereford Hospital. On his return to Pesteigne his division had gone, they had been posted to Singapore where, almost immediately, they had become POW's at the surrender of the garrison to the Japanese forces. He said his stay at Hereford Hospital probably saved his life since many of his former comrades died in captivity.He described the camp at Presteigne as being near the town in the grounds of a big house. Where was this?
Mon Oct 12 12:45:10 2009
Martin Davies, Crescent Head Australia
To Maureen. I am Brian Davies brother, he is now living in Redon in France. Colin Millichamp has unfortunately passed away. To my knowledge Laura is still living in Presteigne. Like everyone on this site I agree Presteigne is a great place. I return as often as I can.
Mon Aug 17 10:07:10 2009
Griffiths. Kent
Came to Presteigne in May and had a great time. Found a shop that sold just about everything. Can anyone tell me the name and address or phone no, as i would like to buy something else from there. The lady was very helpful and told me that her mother used to have a hardwear shop opposite her.
Tue Jul 28 08:55:03 2009
Wyndham Davies
Can any local historian in Presteigne shed any light on the location "Dilmore" in or near Presteigne? It appears on my great-grandfather's birth certificate which was issued at Presteigne. Could it be mis-spelt so refers to somewhere different? I would appreciate any comments.
Fri Jul 3 14:44:36 2009
Debra, Presteigne
Danielle, I live at the end of Lugg View, been here for 10 years, and I'm not a druggie or anti-social! It's actually very quiet most of the time. And no, it's never flooded since I've been here, look forward to meeting you Ruth and family.
Thu Jun 4 11:58:27 2009
Alex from Presteigne
Presteigne's a lovely place, very safe for kids, and everyone knows who all the kids are and looks out for them. And there's very little crime, and no superstore, so we've got a thriving high street, and lots of events at weekends.
Mon Jun 1 10:44:37 2009
Ne/ Maureen Allen. Paignton Devon
Was here back in 1961, was friends with a Luara. Hatfield. Brian.Davies. and Colin.Millichamp.Could anyone tell me does Laura still live in Presteigne ??We were in a car accident together with Brian, would be nice to know what happened to them all.Thanks for any info, would be lovely to come back again one day.
Sun Feb 1 14:26:43 2009
Rhod Hogg, Llangunllo
I'm currently educated at John Beddoes school. It is a beautiul area and i enjoy driving through the town on my bus to and from school. I have many friends who live in presteigne who do not appreciate the beauty of the town. This disappoints me. My dad does not agree that a supermarket should be built in Presteigne so i also agre with this. We follow the Hoddism religion which strictly states that your dad is always right. I love you daddy. x
Mon Jan 12 15:28:43 2009
Jayabalan
to Kesh; yes agree it is a great place but without a great person like Kaim Family
Sun Nov 16 20:08:18 2008
Ruth and family from Presteigne
well we have been here now since march and we've had no problems. My 13 yr old volunteers at curlew centre and loves it, and tonight we actually tried going to the pub for the evening (radnorshire arms) very hospitable and friendly. Haven't tried others yet as with 3 kids its difficult. any recommendations welcome.
Mon Jul 28 08:23:42 2008
Richard Daves from Watton Norfolk
Well remembered Mr Cartoon Man. Brian,I feel exactly the same, Mum & Dad still live in the high street, we visit as often as poss, find it strange not knowing that many people, but it a long time since 1981.
Wed Jul 9 15:12:26 2008
Bob Mason - Somerset
I went to Presteigne Grammar School from 1955-61. My father was a policeman and we lived in Castle Road. I have many happy memories of Preteigne, it was a great place to grow up in. Although I left in 1961 to join the Royal Navy, I have ben back to the Radnor for school reunions. It is still a lovely place.
Mon Jun 30 10:03:05 2008
Brian Taylor, Gloucestershire
I left Presteigne when I was 18 some years ago (I suspect I was at school with Richard Davies from Norfolk) but I still think of Presteigne as home. My Mum and Dad and the rest of my family are still there and we (wife and 2 year old) visit often. Its unique. I love the town and its surroundings, but I really love the way there is a real sense of community which involves both the the "locals" and the "newcomers" (those who have only lived in the town for a couple of generations!) It does seem to be in a bit of a time-warp, but in a really good way. I guess it might not be too exciting for teenagers, but to me its a glorious place where there always seems to be something going on.
Thu Jun 26 09:23:31 2008
Rachel, Newtown
I have to agree with A Jones. The biggest problem at the lower end of Lugg View is probably that the road isn't particularly wide and there are often kids playing outdoors, so you need to drive slowly. Perhaps a much nicer problem than the one Danielle Smith is suggesting.
Mon May 19 09:09:52 2008
A Jones, Presteigne
Dont know who Danielle Smith is, but Lugg View is not anti social and certainly does not have ant more drug issues than any other road,street, or town in the U.K.
Tue Feb 19 11:35:00 2008
Sarah Taylor, Otago, New Zealand
Here I sit 12,000 miles from 'home'..... well, home is Otago now, but, you know what I mean....! How I loved to loathe dull and boring Presteigne, growing up in the middle of nowhere..!!How times have changed, now I really live in the middle of nowhere, and wish for faster, cheaper flights so I could pop home at least once a month! A shopping trip to Hereford would sufice for now! My family all still live in Presteigne so I shall not harp on too much..but...a supermarket in Presteigne, oh dear, not good at all!
Tue Feb 19 09:15:13 2008
Lynn Traylor (nee Lister) from Presteigne
I have lived in Presteigne all my life. It must be the most beautiful place to live. Everybody knows and helps each other, there is a real community spirit. I was devastated when I heard about the proposed supermarket. There is more to life than money and profit. A supermarket would absolutely ruin the quaintness of Presteigne. If it does go ahead there is no going back. I hope it never happens in my lifetime.
Wed Feb 6 08:09:18 2008
Danielle Smith, Presteigne
To Ruth- General reputation in town is that lower Lugg View is where drugs are and anti sociable behaviour. It has flooded in the past. Someone who actually lives down there may be able to correct its reputation. Teenagers do say its a boring town some do their own thing by racing round town in small cars with the fitted extras or they sit on bypass car park texting each other most evenings.
Tue Feb 5 11:49:07 2008
Ruth Wigmore
We're moving to Presteigne in a few months time, and are now looking forwards to it, though a bit apprehensive about any trouble spots with regards to my eldest disabled son not fitting in. Anyone know if Lugg View floods, or has reputation would be grateful for any info.
Mon Feb 4 08:05:26 2008
Melissa Hillier
Presteigne is a quaint and unspolit area of the country where I had the pleasure to grow up. Although just a small town in mid Wales, wherever I have lived or visited people have always heard of it and talk of it fondly. I am devastated at the current plans to build a supermarket with the aim of 'developing' the area. I fear this would ruin the community feel of the high street and indeed the very nature and heart of the town. Some things/places do not need change and Presteigne is one of them. Here's hoping the council see sense and can leave Presteigne a wonderful place to live and visit.
Fri Jan 25 12:59:11 2008
Wendy Toomey, Presteigne
I visited and then moved to Presteigne because it is one of the few towns in the UK not to be spoiled by over-development, but it still has a strong sense of community and is well-served by its varied High Street amenities. Many people here are shocked at the recently revealed plans for a large supermarket. If this is allowed to go ahead it will change the nature of the town. The economic life of Presteigne will inevitably deteriorate with the decline of our High Street shops and services. We should not allow it to go the way of so many other places in the UK. We must fight to keep the uniqueness of this little town.
Thu Jan 17 09:15:59 2008
Brian Bailey, Coalbrookdale, Telford, Shropshire
There is an inscription over the church porch in Norton in memory of AliceMaitland.I am curious to know who she was.
Mon Dec 31 12:22:33 2007
Guenter Gottschaemmer from Darmstadt/Germany
When I was a boy of 15 (that was in 1963!)I spent a term at Presteigne Grammar School, living with Tom Ford and his family in Whitton. I lost contact to them, now finding the name of John, their son, on this side. Who knows, where he is living now ("Cardiff" is a bit too general!). And, by the way: Presteigne is a great place to be.
Mon Sep 24 08:50:17 2007
Kesh Wheeler, Presteigne
Presteigne's a really nice town, but it can be quite boring. Sheepmusic is the best! That's only once a year though.
Tue Sep 4 12:31:05 2007
Ronald Morgan from Hull
I was born in Presteigne and went to the grammar school, I later worked in the post office. My father Cyril drove the fire engine and was in the band of which my grandfather was early on the band master .My uncle Mr Greenhouse was also in the band
Tue Aug 21 08:52:15 2007
Dan Jones from Hereford
My Great, Great Grandfather, William Henry Thomas was born in Presteigne and from records it seems he was a Gardener at Boultibrooke in the early 1880's. He was born in Hereford Street and I knew nothing about him or his family until a few years ago when I started doing my family history. If anyone has any information about his time at Boutibrook I would love to hear from them.Presteigne is lovely and I visit quite often when I get home. I now live in Bedford but Herefordshire will always be my home...
Fri Jul 13 10:29:50 2007
Theo Powell, Presteigne
I live in Presteigne, and it is a nice and calm town. But being a teenager there's not much to do around the town.
Wed May 9 16:00:30 2007
Richard Davies from Norfolk
Left Presteigne aged 18 (44 now), still visit regulary as my parents still live in the high street. My daughter insists that when she can she is moving there. Watch out you have been warned.
Tue Feb 6 09:40:50 2007
Doug and Joy Till, Worcester.
I was first introduced to the Presteigne area around four years ago when a friend of ours asked my wife and i if we would like to share a cottage with them on a farm just outside the town.
My first impressions were solitude, beautiful scenery,a feeling of being part of it,untouched by developers and how lucky we were to be able to share it with such friendly local people.
We no longer rent the cottage but return at least twice a month just to travel around the area and find other quint interesting places.
Due to this when we retire we intend to buy a property in the vicinity in order to be able to spend our old age in a part of the country which we think of as our second home.
Thank you Presteigne you've certainly won over our heartfelt admiration for your way of life and may it never change.
Wed Jan 17 09:36:59 2007
Anne Worrell from Aylesbury
I first visited Presteigne as a child of five at the outbreak of the war. For three weeks while my mother worried about the war, I roamed around, playing in the Lugg and climbing up Warden. I think I thought I`d gone to heaven and still feel like that about the place. Many of my ancestors lived there though I don`t think there are any left now.
Mon Dec 25 21:06:01 2006
Tom Hathaway - Glasgow
I grew up in Presteigne and was probalbly responsible for keepng Mark Staggs and Tony Davies (local bobbys) in a job!! However, as much as i thought i was hard done by living there, it is only now that i fully appreiciate how lucky we really were. In Glasgow you don't have any of the beutiful scenery although Loch Lomond is on the doorstep. For those of you who are luky enough to still live there, Make the most of it and i look forward to seeing you when i return.
Mon Dec 4 11:16:04 2006
John Ford
Now living in Cardiff. Lived in presteigne for most of my life and worked on many of the properties as a builder especialy enjoyed restoring the older ones. Can say its the most beautiful and safest place to live in uk maybe the world.
Thu Oct 26 09:36:25 2006
Olwyn Richardson Perth Australia
Great news that Presteigne my home town,voted second place to live . My husband and I will be returning in December 2006, to catch up with my cousin Olwyn Barnett.
Mon Oct 2 11:20:39 2006
Daniel Price, Presteigne
Presteigne Baptist Church now has a web site. The Church holds a weekly luncheon club run by volunteers from the church on a non-profit basis as well as holding weekly meetings and services. The address is www.presteignebaptist.org.uk.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Tue Aug 8 11:08:47 2006
Anthony Smith, Adelaide
My mother was born in Presteigne and I visited my Aunt Naomi many times each year as a child. It's such a special memory for me. So peacful, so quiet, so absolutely beautiful. I loved my aunt and uncle very much as they were the kindest and gentlest people I knew. I have lived in Australia for 40 years now but have made the pilgrimage back to Presteigne every time I have visited the UK. It's magic and timeless mystery haunt me. I was baptised there in St Andrew's church, many of my ancestors are buried there and it will always be the most special place on earth for me.
Thu Dec 1 13:30:20 2005
Olwyn Richardson Perth Australia
I was born in Presteigne my parents where John and Naomi Booth we lived at Cwm Corner. I remember lots of good times as a child and grew up with a very special cousin Olwin Barrnet (nee Layton). Hope my husband and I will be able to visit this very special part of my life very soon.
Fri Oct 7 14:00:31 2005
Sue Wright
I had some great holidays at my Aunt and Uncles they lived in The Boundary House. Vera and Dan Williams. They were a lovely couple and living in a bungalow next door was Cherry and Bryan Leversedge. My Mum's family are from Knighton but I was brought up in Buckinghamshire and as I said we had great holidays in Presteigne. Sadly Vera, Dan, Cherry and Bryan have passed away but my cousin still lives in Presteigne, his name is Dennis. My memories are only good ones of Presteigne and I will visit again one day.
Sun Aug 7 23:15:06 2005
Thomas Randell
My dad was born here as were all his brothers and sister and we used to spend our summer holidays at my grandad's house in the main street and my aunt's in Castle Street. It was a great adventure getting to Presteigne from rural Berkshire - involving bus, steam train, coach and finally local bus to arrive in the village. I loved every minute of a long day's travel. Only one of my uncles lives in Presteigne now. The rest are in Merthyr Tydfil, the Manchester area and St Albans. I must try and return soon to the place where we spent our childhood summers.
Mon Mar 21 15:37:58 2005
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