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Page 25 |
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Memories of Basil Hunt This is a letter that was sent to Barbara Ford (formerly Bailey) who lived in Pamber Heath Road in her young years. Barbara visited me in November, 2008 and showed me this letter. I photo-copied it and filed it away but thought it would be nice now to put it into print for others to read. Raymond West, 6th of December, 2025. Dear Barbara, Thank you for your letter. I was surprised because I didn't think you would reply and I am very pleased you did. Now, that name you saw on the roll of honour was mine. When I was 6 back in 1928 my mum died and I went to live with my Gran (Olive Hunt) in Church Road. She was the caretaker of St. Luke's Church for between 30 and 40 years. As a matter of fact I rang the bell for quite some time. When I was 17 I did play cricket for Silchester in 1939 and another lad played who lived in Clapps Gate Road at a house named 'Doriehurst'. His name was Bert Englefield. My best mate in Pamber Heath was Jack Boyd. When his parents died he moved into a caravan in his brother's garden just around the corner from Stroud's shop. He was in the Navy and I joined the R.A.F. in 1940 and all through the war we kept in touch but he died rather suddenly and it was quite a long time before anyone let me know. Two sisters I remember from Pamber were named Cottrell. Their grandad owned a few houses in Pamber. One was called Madge, the other Freda so I am thinking they may be still around but of course that makes them in their 80s. My old Gran died in 1952 and her old house was sold and pulled down about 1970 and I haven't bothered to go down Church Rd. since. Your mum lived to be a great age and it seems to be that the Brethren have done a lot for the community, far more than the church or any other society.
Well, this looks about all for now, hoping these few lines find everything well, you and your family. Best Regards, From Basil |
I
married a girl from Ealing (Irene Ashton) and we have
moved to Northolt for quite some time. My wife died in July
and we were married for 64 years. We had 9 sons. One died (Keith
Hunt) at
43 in 1996 just after he had written a book about Johnny Kidd
and the Pirates and he didn't live long enough to see his book
printed, which sold quite a few copies. (Picture of the cover
on the right)