Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Messages - bohdithedog

Pages: [1]
1
Hi John and Sandra,

I am so excited to be reading this thread. My dad, Harry Valentine Smith and his brother Cecil Smith were both in Bisley from 1936 to 1942. The images you paint of yourself John and your father Sandra are great and remind me of my dad. That library must have been a refuge for so many as my dad was known to always have a book as well, and we would joke that he would read a match box if there was nothing else around (I actually have vivid memories of him picking up anything and reading it if it was in the vicinity!). His ritual when I was growing up was that of going to the library every Saturday morning and returned the 5 or so books he had read that week and getting another 5 more. Dad joined the navy in WW2, then after the war he immigrated to Australia (where I am now).

The only clue I have of my dad's time at Bisley is a small book titled "A Man's Pocket- Book or Religion" and inside it has a pasted sheet on the  front Stating - Bisley School Surrey present to Harry Valentine Smith on leaving the school date July 1942. Francis H Clayton Chairman and Bertram L Read Headmaster.

John, I thought that the name of his brother may trigger some memories as I don't imagine Cecil was a common name even then.

I'd love to see or hear anything you are willing to share.

I hope to hear from you
Thanks in advance
Tania

2
Surrey Completed Look up Requests / Re: Shaftesbury Home Bisley
« on: Saturday 19 November 11 05:41 GMT (UK)  »
Hi John,

I've just come across your post here and would desperately like to correspond with you. My father, Harry Valentine Smith (deceased), was also there from approx 1936 to 1942 and I would love to know , firstly if you remember him (I know the chances are slim) and also what the place was like, conditions, routine etc.  Was it an abusive place? (my dad wouldn't talk about it), was it a good place? what was the housing like? Anything and everything would be great LOL!

I hope to hear from you soon
Thanks
Tania

Pages: [1]