Maidenhead Schools

[Pixel]

Hi - very new to this board. A reply to Abiam, really (a post which is a couple of years old). Read that you were the nephew (or similar) of Betty Hodges and William (Jim) Hawkes. I am their first granddaughter  and am just about to embark upon the long process of trying to trace any info, as most of our family's treasured possessions (including sentimental photos) were "lost" when Nanna and Grandad died, and I don't know really where to start! Not asking for help, just thought I'd say Hello, and will pop in if I find out anything of any interest (if no-one has beaten me to it, by then, which is quite likely)!!  
I remember "Aunty" Kath Dobson was a friend of Nanna's.

[Abiam2]

Hello Pixel,
Welcome to Roots chat. If you are just starting you are so lucky to have found Roots Chat everyone is very helpful.   I am the person concerned a female with the surname Dobson.  But I won't be much help as your grandparents grew up with my parents and in those days they were called Aunty Bett and Uncle Jim.  I remember them both and your mother and her brother.  They were all part of my life as a child.  I have a few pics of your grandparents if you are interested.  I used to play with John when they lived in Powney Road.  Your mother was a bit older not much difference now but there was when I was only 10!
All I know of your Great Grandparents was that they lived near the Moor in Ray Street? and their name was Hodges.
Sorry I can't help further.  How are your Mum and Dad?  We haven't been in touch for years!
Good luck,
Abiam
Did I knit something for you once - a very long time ago.................................?

[Pixel]

Abiam - thank you so much for your reply, and it is really lovely to hear from you (even though it's possible I may not know who you are)!!!  You may very well have knitted some things for me; were they little figures? I distinctly remember a Father Christmas which I kept for ages - that certainly was a very long time ago! If it is not the figures, then I was knitted a beautiful jumper in pastel colours when Nanna was in hospital - I also had that for a long time and wore it a lot!!!

I would be eternally grateful for any photos you may have of our family, that is very kind of you to offer. When Nanna and Grandad died (Bett and Jim), John took all their photos to look after until Mum was over the grieving process enough to have them, but he sadly also died before that happened, so we unfortunately lost the lot when his home was cleared.

Mum and Dad are fine, thank you, usual aches and pains as they get older. Dad is struggling a lot with painful hips, had one replaced unsuccessfully. It's for Mum as much as anything, actually, that I have started this quest, as she's so upset that she's lost all of the old photographic memories and little keepsakes, so anything you have I would be very pleased to see. Thank you again, I appreciate it! Naturally, if it involves any cost, I will happily reimburse you.

[Pixel]

PS - If it is the jumper, then of course I do know who you are!!! 

[Abiam2]

Hello,
Yes it was a multi coloured jobbie.  I can't stop now as I have a very busy week and now have to go out in 30 mins. and am in my D gown at this moment.  If you reply to this reply I think I can send you a private message thro RC and I will reply to that later today.

I have searched out 16 people from our days at Joan Bennetts and have organised a lunch time meeting for her 'girls' next Sunday. I was hairdressing in Maidenhead from 1958 - 1969 ish at Joan Bennetts so I am up to my ears so I can't stop now!

Good to be in touch, regards to your Mum and Dad,
Abiam
And I will see what photos I can find  maybe the week after next.

[Pixel]

Abiam - thanks for your warm welcome to Rootschat. It has spurred me on with my tentative efforts at finding out what I can for Mum. Have just ordered "Maidenhead Voices" recommended on this board, and have just received a msg from Amazon to say it's on its way (Yip yip). Won't mean a lot to me, probably, as I really don't know a lot about Maidenhead and its people, but Mum might appreciate it. Some names and places I've read on this board sound familiar, can remember the name Mrs Wheeler cropping up in conversation, Powney Road most definitely (that's where Nanna and Grandad, Mum and John lived before Redriff Close). I live about 40 mins or so from Maidenhead now, so may pop into the library, which sounds an excellent source of information. From feeling pretty nervous about this venture, I am now feeling a bit more excited, so thank you! Am starting to overcome some of my misgivings!!
Can't believe I found someone so close to my family so soon - really shows what a small world we live in!
Pixel x

[Julia108]

I am looking for suggestions for schools my grandmother may have attended while young (if at all). Her name was Gladys Burnham and she was living in East Rd, Maidenhead at the time of the 1911 census. I know there was a school at the end of East St but I think this was a boys school. Any suggestions where I can start? She eventually went to Gordon Road school. 

[Lesanne]

  Hello Julia,
East Street was boys and girls. Gordon Road was mixed as well.
I think Gordon Road had a small annex on Castle Hill as well. This later became M'head Youth Club.

Lesanne

[Julia108]

  Thank you, Lesanne. I hadn't realised the school on East Street was mixed - I know where to start asking at the record office now. Useful to know about the annex on Castle Hill as well, but I did know that as the Youth Club in my teenage years!!!