This includes The Great Doods Pigeon Loft of 18 Doods Road, which was commandeered for the war effort and kept under armed guard. 6 of the Pigeons got the Dickens Medal from the PDSA. By brother now lives there and I would love to be able to get a copy of this photo, if possible. Regards Beth Howell.

Hi Beth, oddly enough I live in the next road, and dug up a WW1 medal belonging to a Clement Cecil Clay who lived at 20 Doods Road until his death in 1973 - but he was originally from Chilvers Coton, Nuneaton - your neck of the woods! Regards John Griffiths-Colby

The photograph dates to 1950-54. High Beech, dating to Edwardian times, was built (in grounds of 20 acres) for Robert Carter, a successful London stockbroker. As a committed Christian, Carter deliberately chose a site for his home near South Nutfield Church. After the Second World War the house was too big for the elderly Carters, and in 1949 the house was sold to the London Police Court Mission to become a probation home, the idea of David Carter MBE, one of Robert's sons, who became the first Warden. The photograph clearly shows the lighter coloured brick, to the right of the house, which was the extension put on at this time to enable the house to cope with its new role. The photograph also shows the very tiny figures of David Carter (standing) and a group of boys (sitting) on the strip of grass, just to the left of the new front entrance. David Carter (1916-70) retired as Warden in 1954 - he subsequently founded Northease Manor School, near Lewes - but High Beech continued its work as a probation home until 1978. The house is now (I believe) back in private ownership.

(Tony Meredith, David Carter's son-in-law)

in 1957 i was sent to high beech for 1 year,at the time their was a waiting list as it was perceived as the best in the country. the staff were very fair and we were taught a number of skills, the recreation and outdoor activities were second to none, looking back on the experience it was one of the best periods of my life.

k dawson

I was sent there, I was a young teen teraway not a happy time. One year there then home to Kuala Lumpur. 15 years of age no job no hope. Joined the Army. Boys service. I did not get homesick I had got used to being away.

I WAS SENT THERE FOR A YEAR IN 1962-63 FIRST TIME AWAY FROM HOME.IT MADE ME STAND UP FOR MY SELF AND ALL STAFF WHERE VERY GOOD AND I OFTEN THINK OF MY TIME THERE. I THINK THE WARDEN WAS A MR WALKER.

Used to go High Beech as a young kid with my father (who worked for LPCM - later Rainer) for the cricket matches - the pitch fell victim to the M23. Still have a table leaf produced by the carpentry shop. Think a Mr Nicholls was on the the staff there.

I lived in a cottage in the grounds of High Beech, from birth in 1954 until I was 18 years old. My father was the horticultural instructor at the probation home at High Beech - Mr William Philip Smith. He also taught animal husbandry. It was, as I remember, a very successful school for young offenders and I still have letters of thanks that were sent to my father from boys who had worked under him and then made good in their lives. I remember there were several occasions, as I was growing up, that different young men would turn up, with a wife and family, to see my father and show him what a success they had made and to thank him for how he and the school had helped them. I remember that the home was run very strictly but there was fun too - like the making of guys for the huge bonfire and fireworks display on November 5th every year. The home taught the boys a trade - cooking, gardening, animal husbandry, woodwork - and above all self respect and respect for others. Such a pity that such places do not exist now.

I was here for 10 months during 1967. My name then was Kevin Patton. The warden was a Mr. Walker & his wife was the Matron. One of the staff, whom I remember as Peter Smith, lived in a cottage in the grounds with his wife. During that summer Mr. Smith moved to an approved school, i think in Buckinghamshire. All the boys were allowed a week on home-leave, but because i had no family i went with Mr. Smith & his wife for a week in their new home.I cant remember all the lads names but there was a Mick Jones-Leeds, Tony Wright-Kent, Zigmund Fialka-?,Dave Smith-Manchester,John ?-Somerset, & a John Hickling(?)-Nottingham. You had to stand up for yourself there, but it was still a pretty good 10months there. If I hadn't done wrong I would not have been there, but i certainly learned to stay on the straight & narrow after that.

1966-67 I was sent or take to high beech (Michael Wilde) I had a stoke in 2002 but can remember some parts like when I got there I think Mr Walker tuck me to Regate to buy some thing to wear in a Humber car I think changing my life for the good . Mike

My father was sent to High Beech in Oct 1957. He recently passed away and we found two photo's, a postcard of the home and a picture of him with another group of lads in Wales on a trip. His name was Edward Birch and he came from Stockport Cheshire. Would love to hear off anyone who knew him.

This was in my Dad's family at some point in time - not sure of when but was there in Aug 2008 but only at the gate. Unfortunately, we could not get into the grounds. Would have been fab if we could have!!

My father in father - law's mother grew up here as daughter of the housekeeper and gardener and he often visited in his childhood in the 1930's. I would love to be able to take him back to visit so if anyone knows how that would be great!

@ Sandra Arthurs: if this British history website (www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=42950) is reliable, the Wonham family appear to have owned Wonham Manor only until 1646.

I am also a Wonham. we dont know much about our history but I would love to know more... Rumor through the family is that the Wonhams lost the Manor due to gambling debts?

I have always wanted to go and see Wonham Manor... Maybe one day :-)

My mother was born and grew up here in the 1930's. Her father was chauffeur and they lived in a cottage in the grounds. She told me many tails of life there.

I was the housekeeper and my husband was the chef from 1976-1980, we lived in a cottage in the grounds, ''wilkie'' was the butler and we worked for Mr De-Lazlo and Lady Sharples.

Gemma Knight or Linda Peirce from comments #2 and 5. Please contact me at Box 527, Golden, B.C. V0A 1H0. I'm fairly sure we have the same ancestors. Would love to verify.

My uncle was the Edward Wilkie The Butler at wonham Manor in the Mid Sixties up till he retired i think in the 1980 Approx,as a Boy I spent many School Holidays there along with My Sister Heather Burgess,we stay with My Uncle Edward Wilkie and Ethal Wilkie(Maiden Name :Burgess) in the Butlers Cottage,I remember Mr& Mrs De-Lazlo Very well there son,they had 3 Daughter's the Youngest being Charman De-lazlo, she had a pony called sailor, the Actor Oliver Read would come to stay sometimes, and my uncle Wilkie recovered him from the swimming pool a few time,after Mr Read had drake to much of the De-Lazlo's whisky,Princess Ann would come to stay and to go Horse Riding with the De-lazlo Girls,I can remember Mr Mac the Chef,and Mr Buzzbie the Gardener he had a wife and 3 boys 1 Daughter,they lived in the Cottage at the top of the main Drive way, I play in the Gardens with the Buzzbie Boy my sister Heather would Hang around the stables to get a ride on the Horse, she still Rides to this Day ,Thanks to the Free riding Lesson from the De-Lazlo Family I Learned to Swim in the De-Lazlo's Swimming pool,when they where away from the house,Very Happy Times, I would like to say thank you to the De-Lazlo Family for the kind way they treated my Uncle "Wilkie the Butler"

I have been at Wonham Manor now for 11 years.

FAO Jason Hughes: Jason, I hope you don't mind me contacting you via here, but I was hoping to get in touch regarding information about the Wonham Estate, and therefore wondered if you would kindly contact me please? Many thanks.

Your welcome to call or email me

(phone number removed by oldreigate)

You are welcome to come and visit at anytime. Just ring the bell on the Gates

Best wishes

Jason Hughes

Hi there Jason,

I was wondering if you might be able to advise what's happening in the grounds at the moment? Thanks!

My maternal grandmother was a Wonham and I am doing history into the family and wondered if anyone can give me any details of the history of the Manor, Mill and Lane

After reading the comments posted. Comment 8 Lesley makes reference to my uncle Arthur Busby, the gardener. As a small boy, our family spent time during one summer (late 60's?)at the gate house for our holiday. From a northern industrial town (Scunthorpe) days spent in the country, exploring the woods and riding in the grass box on the tractor was heavenly. If business takes me in that direction, I would love to have a look at the place again after all these years.

Hello Comment 9 - Jason Hughes, are you still living there? If so I am a photographer and I am doing a project on ancient places of beauty would you let me know if your interested in letting me come visit one day. I live in reigate :) Georgia

My grandparents lived in the gate house in the late 70s. Grandma being the housekeeper and grandad the gardener. As mentioned previously, i too swam in the pool, road my pony which was kept in the paddock next to the walled garden and walked across the stepping stones on the lake. I would wake up in the bedroom at the back of the bungalow with the horses looking threw the window. Does anyone remember the tortoise who used to pop up all around the garden? I believe my grandparents move when the De-Lazlo's moved on. I also remember 'wilkie' and Mr Mac but more by name than face as i was very young and enjoying the freedom of being an imaginary princess that the De-Lazlo's and this beautiful property allowed me to be. Such memories are priceless!!!

I attended Holmesdale Primary School from 1958 to 1964. We used to buy our sweets in "Hester's" sometimes, but actually preferred Dodd's sweetshop further up the road. I think we were all a bit scared of Mrs Hester!

The shop-fronted building between Hester's and the school, No 79 was my home during and after the war. My father was in the Army and was injured during the Dunkerque evacuation and ended up in the East Surrey Hospital. Mother left our house in Camden Town to be with him and later moved the family to Reigate. This must have been 1943. Subsequently my brother Jim and I were evacuated to Somerset from Holmesdale Road School.

I attended Holmesdale School until 1946 and can remember going into Mrs Hester's shop to buy wafer biscuits, twelve for a penny, as sweets were practically unobtainable. Opposite the school there was a greengrocer and we would go in there and buy a carrot. There was a knife on the counter so we were able to scrape the carrot and eat it on our way home. Happy days!

I lived in an old house in Wray Park Road where the back gate led onto Warren Road with a short walk down Marks Street to Hester's. Mrs Hester was a lovely lady, always wore an apron, and had lots of time for a scruffy little boy. I loved her jars of sweets especially blackjacks at 4 for a penny. 1952 to 1958 at Holmesdale School - fun days.

And what about the yellow sherbert and the gobstoppers...?

Remember the shop being packed, but I don't recall any pushing and shoving. She controlled us well We moved from Wray Park Road to 103A Holmesdale Road in the early 50's

I attended Holmesdale School from 1950?-1954

I remember Mrs Hester with great affection, she always gave you a little extra in the bag. Attended Holmesdale road school 1954 to 1960. My older brother Barry said when ever there was an air raid Mrs Hester was always last to the shelter and always came with sweets for the children. I remember Rob Catt and I am sure that Jan Catt was a good friend of my sister, Valerie ( Sally ) Campbell.

Lovely to see a picture of Holmesdale School and Hesters. I have clear memories of Mrs Hester's apron. Also recall rushing in there on hot summer days to see if she had any frozen jubblys left........ or was that at Dodd's?

We moved to Reigate in 1962 and I moved on to Bishop Simpson's in 1963, but remember several other poster's names. I was Linda Middleton then. Also remember my class teacher Mr Yates and the overwhelming smell of smoke and his yellow fingers! My school report from him includes a very smudgy black thumb mark!

I have been looking for an online place to post some photos of Bishop Simpson School 6th form in 1969/70 but cannot locate a website or alumni page. Any advice gladly received!

I too remember Hester's sweet shop and I was in the same class as Paul Gale (comment 1 above). What a lovely trip down memory lane.

I was a pupil at Holmesdale Road School from 1950. I remember Miss Herbert and Miss Duncalf. Yes the sweet shop at Miss Hester's is a memory and Blackwood Nursery opposite. Anyone remember me? I lived in Rushworth Road and enjoyed time at school much, especially yearly Carnaval. Text me on 07833099457

I went to school at Reigate Grammar in the late fifties, catching a bus from Charlwood to Harley, a train to Redhill, another to Reigate and finally walked along Holmesdale Road in the direction of the school. I remember a shop there that sold home-made ice lollies for an old penny, bliss on a hot day walking back down the road to catch the train home. I remember Jan Catt too, an exceptional athlete especially in the long jump, and her Mum and Dad, a lovely warm-hearted couple from Wales.

I remember the home made 1p lollys looked orange but mostly water, perfect for a hot summer day and after swimming at Reigate swimming baths.also lovely cheese buns which were delicious never seem to get any that taste the same since Those far off days.

I was at Holmesdale School from c1961 - 1969, ending up in Mr Chitty's class. Ken Turrell you were in my class! Fond memories of Mrs Hester's and I remember walking to the old dinner hall and all the teachers mentioned above, especially Mr Yeats' yellow fingers! He taught us how to sharpen pencils with a blade, and Mrs Ward taught us needlework. I was a bit scared of Miss Newton, also of Miss Kennet ('talk to yourself Miss Kennet' she would say). My mum Mrs Colman taught French. I remember Mr Price well, his middle name was Israel, he drove a white Jaguar and he was instrumental in converting the playground shelter into a television studio. I remember Miss Hughes too, very glam and Welsh like Mr Price, but she left very suddenly....

I was at holmesdale 1965 - 1968 and remember Mrs Hester’s very well. Used to love buying the sweet cigarettes and coconut tobacco (what was it called?) didn’t turn me into a smoker! I loved Mr Price’s tv studio, clear memories of having to ‘stand under the clock’ as punishment and most of the teachers were nice or funny - a bit scared of Mrs Ianga and Mrs McCady (anyone else remember the song we made up about her?) and yes I’m Tessa’s brother. Was very sad to leave, I was so happy there.

Lots of memories flooding back! Remember the sweets and also the lovely greasy chips wrapped in newspaper from the fish and chip shop-just the thing after a swim in the indoor pool that is no more. Anyone remember the freezing cold outdoor pool we used to use in Alma Road? I recollect the name Paul Gale and of course Julie Dawes who I went on to Purley Grammar with. I got into trouble and had to sit outside Mr Price's office feeling humiliated waiting for a wrap on the knuckles with a ruler but he was friends with my parents as he lived a couple of doors away from us and I got a telling instead!

Hethersett belonged to my great-uncle - Julius Auerbach and lived there with his wife, Helena Auerbach from 1894 to 1956. It is our family home.

However,unfortunately, because my father, Harold Auerbach, his nephew, did not continue the family busines - Dreyfus & Co - Julius's wife, Helena, left the house to the secretary who in turn left it to the RNIB in 1952 to set up a Residential home for the blind. We have several photos of the house and some original etchings. The house should have gone back to the family but we did not claim it. I went to visit it myself in 1991. If you would like further information about the house or its owner, Julius Auerbach - please contact me via my e-mail address: - Patricia Aubrey (formerly Auerbach)- great-niece of Julius Auerbach.

I'm interested to know about a gallery called Hethersett Galleries on Philanthropic Rd. Was it based in this house? I bought a pencil illustration in a charity shop which has the gallery's sticker on the back. The frame looks 1970s ish style. In particular does anyone know of a link to E H Shepard as the drawong is of one of his Winnie the Pooh illustrations but probably a copy by someone else ( no visible signature). Fascinating to read about the house, though I've. no local connection.

Charlotte

This looks very Gothic, almost worthy of Horace Walpole.

As a matter of interest, can anyone tell me what was on the land in Gatton Park road, where the modern Parkside Court now is?

It must have been a substantial house, or hospital perhaps.

I would love to see any other photographs of Hethersett House. My late father was associated to the RNIB for some years.

I went there with my school in 1975 to play cricket. The blind school had a team that played using a large ball filled with lead shot so that they could hear where the ball was. I have very fond memories of a lovely summer's evening. My form master at Purley Boys also worked at Hetherset.

I run a web site and electronic magazine for Hethersett which is a village about six miles from Norwich on the London Road and just off the main A11. I have been told that the original owner came from Hethersett in Norfolk. I come from Hethersett and ironically my niece lives in Reigate but has never mentioned Hethersett House

I have been researching my family tree and found that my great great uncle was Head Gardener and lived at Hethersett Lodge, Wray Lane in 1901. I wonder if he worked for the Auerbach family at Hethersett. He later had a nursery and florist shop in Wray Lane which his son took over. If anyone can confirm this or has any photos I would love to hear from you. Anne

Yes your great great uncle worked for my great uncle Julius Auerbach. He owned Hethersett from 1890 - 1924. He died in September, 1924 age 64 years. His wife continued to live there for a few years before selling it on. She passed away in 1955.

Regards Patricia Aubrey

was a pupil at Heathersett in 1975. I also remember the cricket match on the common that David Rogers is referring to. Funny the things we remember. I remember it as I played Silly Mid Off and managed to take and hold on to a well struck ball. Took the wind out of me.

I am researching the history of the campaign for the vote in the dorking/reigate area. Mrs Auerback (helena, Julius's wife) was very active in the non-militant campaign and hosted many events at Heathersett. are there any photos of her surviving?

Dear Kathy,

Thank-you for your interest in my family. Yes, I have one photo of my great aunt Helena Auerbach. I don't have it scanned at the moment. She was on various committees - I believe she was the Treasurer on most of them - of the Suffragette movement during the 1920's. There is quite a lot of information about her on the internet if you just google her name - and more photos of her. Please contact me anytime, should you want further info. You can email me or call me on my mobile - 07716311400 . Kind Regards - Patricia Aubrey (Auerbach).

My parents were friends with Hellen and Jasper Otley who lived in the gatehouse in the mid-50's. I remember seeing the main house in a sorry state having been damaged during WWII with the upper floors and the contents of the rooms (beds/wardrobes etc) in clear view. I was about 8 years old at the time.

Comment number 12. My apologies to Hetherset, I was confusing it with Quarry HiLL house and Lodge.

I've just come across this post and found it fascinating to read the history of the building I worked at when it was known as RNIB Hethersett Centre for Blind Adolescents. I was Beryl Starmer in those days and worked there as Office Secretary to the Principal from 1977 to 1984. Mr Cunliffe was the Principal and he and his staff did some fantastic work helping many visually impaired youngsters (all school leaving age) to progress into suitable gainful employment. I would love to hear from any of them if they too should stumble upon this page - oh the wonders of modern technology!!

I was a student at Heathersett in 1971. Mr Cunliffe was principal and mr Kettle was deputy. I had never been away from my home until I went to Heathersett and I found it difficult at times. I had very good sight at that time except when it was dark, I lost all my sight by the time I reached my mid thirties, I was 16 years old in 1971. I too played cricket and was pretty good out in the field, but I was a bit of a slog em and run type of batsman. I learnt much about engineering with Mr Hockley and my first real job was working in a local factory, so Heathersett gave me a good start to my working life. I often wonder what happened to all those folk I met during that year. Cheers Bob.

Going through a family tree. My great-great-great uncle was Robert Cobbold Perry who died 21/8/1864 at Merstham House, Surbiton, Surry. His mother-in-law (my great-great-great grandmother was Anne Courtnall Edwards, married to Thomas Lincoln Barker, both of Ipswich, Norfolk.

From my window I can see the tomb of your gt gt gt grandparents, Thomas Lincolne Barker and Anne Courtnall Edwards. Please mail me if you would like a photo.

To Jocelyn of Ipswich, I am simply astonished that someone in sight of my ancestors tomb in Ipswich is looking at a website about a house in Reigate. Yes I would LOVE a photo of my g-g-g-grandparents tomb (I assume it is still in St Margarets). I have some info about the tomb occupants if you have any interest. My email address if the forum bosses will allow, is tim (at) barker (dot) org (dot) uk.

Dear Christine I am researching a tenuous link to the Edwards family tree in Reigate and wonder if you would be kind enough to email me so I may ask a couple of questions regarding Tom Edwards ? Many thanks - Zoe

Zoe, I don't have your mail address but I probably wouldn't be any help. My Edwards family lived in Wolverhampton. Tom Edwards owned a Drapers store there called York House. They were great friends with the Walker family who lived in Merstham House and I have been hoping someone from that family would recognise the photos and get in touch!

Hethersett belonged to my great-uncle - Julius Auerbach and lived there with his wife, Helena Auerbach from 1894 to 1956. It is our family home.

However,unfortunately, because my father, Harold Auerbach, his nephew, did not continue the family busines - Dreyfus & Co - Julius's wife, Helena, left the house to the secretary who in turn left it to the RNIB in 1952 to set up a Residential home for the blind. We have several photos of the house and some original etchings. The house should have gone back to the family but we did not claim it. I went to visit it myself in 1991. If you would like further information about the house or its owner, Julius Auerbach - please contact me via my e-mail address: - Patricia Aubrey (formerly Auerbach)- great-niece of Julius Auerbach.

I'm interested to know about a gallery called Hethersett Galleries on Philanthropic Rd. Was it based in this house? I bought a pencil illustration in a charity shop which has the gallery's sticker on the back. The frame looks 1970s ish style. In particular does anyone know of a link to E H Shepard as the drawong is of one of his Winnie the Pooh illustrations but probably a copy by someone else ( no visible signature). Fascinating to read about the house, though I've. no local connection.

Charlotte

This looks very Gothic, almost worthy of Horace Walpole.

As a matter of interest, can anyone tell me what was on the land in Gatton Park road, where the modern Parkside Court now is?

It must have been a substantial house, or hospital perhaps.

I would love to see any other photographs of Hethersett House. My late father was associated to the RNIB for some years.

I went there with my school in 1975 to play cricket. The blind school had a team that played using a large ball filled with lead shot so that they could hear where the ball was. I have very fond memories of a lovely summer's evening. My form master at Purley Boys also worked at Hetherset.

I run a web site and electronic magazine for Hethersett which is a village about six miles from Norwich on the London Road and just off the main A11. I have been told that the original owner came from Hethersett in Norfolk. I come from Hethersett and ironically my niece lives in Reigate but has never mentioned Hethersett House

I have been researching my family tree and found that my great great uncle was Head Gardener and lived at Hethersett Lodge, Wray Lane in 1901. I wonder if he worked for the Auerbach family at Hethersett. He later had a nursery and florist shop in Wray Lane which his son took over. If anyone can confirm this or has any photos I would love to hear from you. Anne

Yes your great great uncle worked for my great uncle Julius Auerbach. He owned Hethersett from 1890 - 1924. He died in September, 1924 age 64 years. His wife continued to live there for a few years before selling it on. She passed away in 1955.

Regards Patricia Aubrey

was a pupil at Heathersett in 1975. I also remember the cricket match on the common that David Rogers is referring to. Funny the things we remember. I remember it as I played Silly Mid Off and managed to take and hold on to a well struck ball. Took the wind out of me.

I am researching the history of the campaign for the vote in the dorking/reigate area. Mrs Auerback (helena, Julius's wife) was very active in the non-militant campaign and hosted many events at Heathersett. are there any photos of her surviving?

Dear Kathy,

Thank-you for your interest in my family. Yes, I have one photo of my great aunt Helena Auerbach. I don't have it scanned at the moment. She was on various committees - I believe she was the Treasurer on most of them - of the Suffragette movement during the 1920's. There is quite a lot of information about her on the internet if you just google her name - and more photos of her. Please contact me anytime, should you want further info. You can email me or call me on my mobile - 07716311400 . Kind Regards - Patricia Aubrey (Auerbach).

My parents were friends with Hellen and Jasper Otley who lived in the gatehouse in the mid-50's. I remember seeing the main house in a sorry state having been damaged during WWII with the upper floors and the contents of the rooms (beds/wardrobes etc) in clear view. I was about 8 years old at the time.

Comment number 12. My apologies to Hetherset, I was confusing it with Quarry HiLL house and Lodge.

I've just come across this post and found it fascinating to read the history of the building I worked at when it was known as RNIB Hethersett Centre for Blind Adolescents. I was Beryl Starmer in those days and worked there as Office Secretary to the Principal from 1977 to 1984. Mr Cunliffe was the Principal and he and his staff did some fantastic work helping many visually impaired youngsters (all school leaving age) to progress into suitable gainful employment. I would love to hear from any of them if they too should stumble upon this page - oh the wonders of modern technology!!

I was a student at Heathersett in 1971. Mr Cunliffe was principal and mr Kettle was deputy. I had never been away from my home until I went to Heathersett and I found it difficult at times. I had very good sight at that time except when it was dark, I lost all my sight by the time I reached my mid thirties, I was 16 years old in 1971. I too played cricket and was pretty good out in the field, but I was a bit of a slog em and run type of batsman. I learnt much about engineering with Mr Hockley and my first real job was working in a local factory, so Heathersett gave me a good start to my working life. I often wonder what happened to all those folk I met during that year. Cheers Bob.

I have a copy of this postcard, posted 16 Jan 1919, with the following text *"Do you recognise this picture? It is just outside our old house, Meadowside. Lady Bridport (who now lives there) and the Rector are standing in the path"

I am a great-grandson of Oliver Quinton, a cabinetmaker and upholsterer who established his business in Station Road, Redhill in 1855, prior to his marriage in 1856. The business eventually branched into furniture removals and warehousing by which time it became known as Quinton & Sons. The business continued until 1927 or 1928. The Foden steam wagon and trailer were purchased by Oliver in 1904.

I attended Holmesdale Primary School from 1958 to 1964. We used to buy our sweets in "Hester's" sometimes, but actually preferred Dodd's sweetshop further up the road. I think we were all a bit scared of Mrs Hester!

The shop-fronted building between Hester's and the school, No 79 was my home during and after the war. My father was in the Army and was injured during the Dunkerque evacuation and ended up in the East Surrey Hospital. Mother left our house in Camden Town to be with him and later moved the family to Reigate. This must have been 1943. Subsequently my brother Jim and I were evacuated to Somerset from Holmesdale Road School.

I attended Holmesdale School until 1946 and can remember going into Mrs Hester's shop to buy wafer biscuits, twelve for a penny, as sweets were practically unobtainable. Opposite the school there was a greengrocer and we would go in there and buy a carrot. There was a knife on the counter so we were able to scrape the carrot and eat it on our way home. Happy days!

I lived in an old house in Wray Park Road where the back gate led onto Warren Road with a short walk down Marks Street to Hester's. Mrs Hester was a lovely lady, always wore an apron, and had lots of time for a scruffy little boy. I loved her jars of sweets especially blackjacks at 4 for a penny. 1952 to 1958 at Holmesdale School - fun days.

And what about the yellow sherbert and the gobstoppers...?

Remember the shop being packed, but I don't recall any pushing and shoving. She controlled us well We moved from Wray Park Road to 103A Holmesdale Road in the early 50's

I attended Holmesdale School from 1950?-1954

I remember Mrs Hester with great affection, she always gave you a little extra in the bag. Attended Holmesdale road school 1954 to 1960. My older brother Barry said when ever there was an air raid Mrs Hester was always last to the shelter and always came with sweets for the children. I remember Rob Catt and I am sure that Jan Catt was a good friend of my sister, Valerie ( Sally ) Campbell.

Lovely to see a picture of Holmesdale School and Hesters. I have clear memories of Mrs Hester's apron. Also recall rushing in there on hot summer days to see if she had any frozen jubblys left........ or was that at Dodd's?

We moved to Reigate in 1962 and I moved on to Bishop Simpson's in 1963, but remember several other poster's names. I was Linda Middleton then. Also remember my class teacher Mr Yates and the overwhelming smell of smoke and his yellow fingers! My school report from him includes a very smudgy black thumb mark!

I have been looking for an online place to post some photos of Bishop Simpson School 6th form in 1969/70 but cannot locate a website or alumni page. Any advice gladly received!

I too remember Hester's sweet shop and I was in the same class as Paul Gale (comment 1 above). What a lovely trip down memory lane.

I was a pupil at Holmesdale Road School from 1950. I remember Miss Herbert and Miss Duncalf. Yes the sweet shop at Miss Hester's is a memory and Blackwood Nursery opposite. Anyone remember me? I lived in Rushworth Road and enjoyed time at school much, especially yearly Carnaval. Text me on 07833099457

I went to school at Reigate Grammar in the late fifties, catching a bus from Charlwood to Harley, a train to Redhill, another to Reigate and finally walked along Holmesdale Road in the direction of the school. I remember a shop there that sold home-made ice lollies for an old penny, bliss on a hot day walking back down the road to catch the train home. I remember Jan Catt too, an exceptional athlete especially in the long jump, and her Mum and Dad, a lovely warm-hearted couple from Wales.

I remember the home made 1p lollys looked orange but mostly water, perfect for a hot summer day and after swimming at Reigate swimming baths.also lovely cheese buns which were delicious never seem to get any that taste the same since Those far off days.

I was at Holmesdale School from c1961 - 1969, ending up in Mr Chitty's class. Ken Turrell you were in my class! Fond memories of Mrs Hester's and I remember walking to the old dinner hall and all the teachers mentioned above, especially Mr Yeats' yellow fingers! He taught us how to sharpen pencils with a blade, and Mrs Ward taught us needlework. I was a bit scared of Miss Newton, also of Miss Kennet ('talk to yourself Miss Kennet' she would say). My mum Mrs Colman taught French. I remember Mr Price well, his middle name was Israel, he drove a white Jaguar and he was instrumental in converting the playground shelter into a television studio. I remember Miss Hughes too, very glam and Welsh like Mr Price, but she left very suddenly....

I was at holmesdale 1965 - 1968 and remember Mrs Hester’s very well. Used to love buying the sweet cigarettes and coconut tobacco (what was it called?) didn’t turn me into a smoker! I loved Mr Price’s tv studio, clear memories of having to ‘stand under the clock’ as punishment and most of the teachers were nice or funny - a bit scared of Mrs Ianga and Mrs McCady (anyone else remember the song we made up about her?) and yes I’m Tessa’s brother. Was very sad to leave, I was so happy there.

Lots of memories flooding back! Remember the sweets and also the lovely greasy chips wrapped in newspaper from the fish and chip shop-just the thing after a swim in the indoor pool that is no more. Anyone remember the freezing cold outdoor pool we used to use in Alma Road? I recollect the name Paul Gale and of course Julie Dawes who I went on to Purley Grammar with. I got into trouble and had to sit outside Mr Price's office feeling humiliated waiting for a wrap on the knuckles with a ruler but he was friends with my parents as he lived a couple of doors away from us and I got a telling instead!