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Can you help solve a mystery...
We've noticed that most of the emails we receive are from
people at the ends of the earth who have left the village, and want to get back in
touch. If you're one of those people, this page is just for you.
Whether you've moved out of the village and want to say hello
to friends, or if you're tracing your family history back to the area and looking
for information, drop us a line and who knows what could come of it.
You can email us on
. Please tell us about yourself and your interest in the
village, with names of anyone you are specifically trying to contact. Also,
don't forget to let us know whether you want us to publish your email address
for people to reply to you.
If you're looking at this and you recognise one of the
following people, or you can answer some of their questions, please get in touch
with us at
. Even if it's just a snippet, please don't be shy -
they'd love to know anything you can tell them.
| Date |
From |
Message |
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| 23/06/06 |
Colin Pettit |
Hi, have just been
looking at your site and thought I would try some ancestry linking. My grand
father was born in Goosnargh in 1904 and lived there for some time at 30
Jubilee Terrace, also residing there was his sister in law Mary Hennings. My
Gfather was one of about 8 children born to my GtGfather and mother Samuel
and Elizabeth Pettit. They both worked at the hospital, my GtGfather died in
1914 and I think there may also be some children buried with him. I visited
St. Mary's a few months ago but could not find any stones bearing our name.
Would anyone in your group have any records of the Pettit family and is the
house still there? Any information would be gratefully received. Thanks in
anticipation |
|
09/06/09 |
B Robinson |
Hello
I was wondering if
you have any information about a Thomas Gornall who married Alice Gillow, a
member of the Catholic Gillow family. He was President of the Broughton
Catholic Charitable Society in 1809. Their 5 children were baptized at St
Mary's Fernyhalgh. He was presumably born in the 1770's.They are descibed as
being from Whittingham.
His eldest son,
Richard Gornall, born 1799-1864 was also President and was secretary until
his death. He lived at Broughton Tower and at Broughton Cottage. His brother
joseph Gornall 1800-1877 was a monk at Mount St Bernard Abbey
Leicestershire.
Richard`s children
were baptized at St Mary`s Rc Newhouse and he married Elizabeth Adamson
there in 1824.
I would be very
grateful for any information. |
| 09/04/09 |
Peter Kelsall |
Reply to Tom
Ratcliffe,
My name is Peter Kelsall, I lived at Knowle House Goosnargh And went to Hill
Chapel School, I thinck your sister Ann was there at the same.It would have
been in the 1940's.You mentioned Joyce Partington, she married my brother
John, and still live in Leyland.I also married a Goosnargh Girl,- Margaret
Townson, and along with our son moved to Australia in 1982. We now reside in
Rockhampton on the tropic of Capricorn.We would be pleased to hear from you. |
| 17/03/09 |
Janet
Casson |
My name
is Janet Casson (nee Hesketh). As far as I can tell Ellen Hesketh & David
Nuttall were my great-great aunt and uncle. Ellen being the daughter of my
great-great grandfather John Hesketh. My grandad's family were from
Goosnargh. I have to admit I am rather fascinated with Goosnargh and its
history. I am tracing my family tree and would be interested in any
information anyone may have about the above people. I have enjoyed reading
the entries already entered onto this site. David and Ellen Nuttall are
buried at St Mary's Church, Goosnargh. Thanks |
| 02/02/09 |
Lucy Laylock |
I have just been
viewing your village website as I am trying to trace an ancestor of mine,
Hugh Hebblethwaite, born in Goosnargh about 1821? I would be grateful if
anyone has any further information on Hugh. |
| 4/11/08 |
Tom Ratcliffe |
Hi, thank you Kerry
Edwards for the photos of Goosnargh Lodge. Brought back a flood of memories.
Made contact with my cousin Michael Ratcliffe after 50y. I could not
remember him being at Goosnargh Lodge. He asked me if I remeber the Goose
attacking David. I did it nearly killed him. I remember a Goose attacking
the car, and put a dent in the drivers door, it was a Studibaker. Nobody
would get out to open the gate until it waddled off. I remember the
fountain/fish pond at Mr Kennett's the game keeper, it had golden carp in
it, waterlillies, and the cats used to sit for ages watching dinner glide
by. As anybody any photo's of Dr Grants garden parties or Whittingham Ball? |
| 22/09/08 |
Sylvia Edwards |
My grandmother was
Ellen Hesketh born in Goosnargh,in 1874, married David Nuttall, in 1902,
lived at Lockhurst Farm Goosnargh and later at Goosnargh Lodge where David
farmed until the 1960's. I would like to get any information about Ellen
and David and if possible copies of old photographs of them. |
| 19/09/08 |
John Wallbank |
I am currently trying to trace my Wallbank
family history and wondered if anyone could help. My great
great grandfather was called Robert Wallbank
[sometimes spelt Walbank on old records] and was
born in Chipping, Lancashire in 1818. He married a Mary
Hebblethwaite [who was born at Goosnargh
in 1822] in 1844 at St Marys
church. Goosnargh.
They allegedly had eleven children but I can currently only trace nine of
them. Census records show that they were residing at Barns lane,
Goosnargh in 1851, at Lodge,
Goosnargh in 1861 and at Little Lodge,
Goosnargh in 1881. My great grandfather [their
son] was also called Robert Wallbank and was born at
Goosnargh, he moved to West Cumbria when he was in his teens. If
there are still any Wallbanks in the area or
anyone else for that matter who may have any
information about my ancestors it would be greatly appreciated. I one day
hope to visit Goosnargh [it looks a lovely
village] but having three young children its finding the time!. Thanks in
advance for any information. |
| 1/08/08 |
Kerry Edwards |
Hi there. My name is Kerry
Edwards and I was just wondering if anyone can help me. My great
grandparents were David and Ellen Nuttall of Goosnargh Lodge, and my
grandparents were Gladys and Alfred Scott also of Goosnargh Lodge. I was
wondering if anyone had any pictures of them or tales to tell as I am
currently doing my family tree and unfortunately my Nan Gladys passed away
in 1994 so I am unable to ask her.
I will be grateful for any information you can give me. Many thanks Kerry. |
| 9/11/2007 |
Tom Ratcliffe |
Here are several emails from Tom, can you help trace any
of his pals from the area?Hi
All. This is you old Butcher Boy. 1948. Took over from John Rollins
(RED HAIR). Frank Lukes shop end of GRAPES. Joe Franks brother in law
just came out the navy? My 1st connection with Goosnargh. My father
used to go shooting, and stay at Goosnargh Lodge. Nuttalls ran the
place, fab weddings, cyclist used to ring their bells coming down the
lane from John Coggins (gate house).
Jim Cookson lived just down the road. Army
camp just down the road. Gypsy Bob, lived in caravan at Goosnargh Lodge,
in kitchen garden. Ridings next farm and Mr Kennet gamekeeper, further
towards middlforth. Isha and Kadesha 2 Indian girls whoes father used to
come from the camp just down the road at the weekends. Alf married Gladies
have photo of out side Goosnargh Church, everybody from Goosnargh Lodge is
in Photo. Ted May's husband was a guest of the Japanes. When he came
home,he was back at Procters provin mill. He grew the best roses & built
a pigeon cabin in the orchard. David and me used to have to go down to
Middlforth, with a pram, to bring sand back for the pigeons. Gypsy Bob
would send us on his bike to westfield to buy his 3 Nuns twist. Charlie
Richardson had threshing M/cs. Hay was stored in Barn at end of GREENMAN.
Happy Days. Dad died 8th Nov 1943 he 44 me 7. We moved to Teddy
Longtons at Dam House just next door to Horns Inn, on the Longridge rd.
Later we moved to Fred Martins at New House Farm, Whittingham Lane.
Brought up with Robert and Mary. M FATHER HAD TO PUMP THE BELLOWS ON THE
CHURCH ORGAN A FEW TIMES, then he was allowed to have a go. My sister Ann
married at Goosnargh Church. On my visit in 2007 I met Bessy Wells and
her husband at church . Did not know anyone else. Told the organist he
could not play as good as my DAD.
Attended Goosnargh Oliversons School in 1946.
Can not find any reference to school chums.
I well remember the Whitsuntide
festivities, first dances in village hall, dragged round by my mums
pals. friday film show . Whittingham film shows, Pantamims, New Year
Ball. Happy Days.
My best pal Bob Harris, saw him this last trip
over at Fleetwood. (2007). Watched the kauts beat us at Jeff Wraggs
house with Jimmy
Walkden.
Love to make contact from anybody from the old country. Girls I used to
Know. Olga Bracewell, Margaret Clegg, Audry Ireland, Alma He(a)y, Joyce
Parrtington, Hazel Massey, Will try to make the next Whitsuntide
2008.
Tom Ratcliffe
San Antonio TEXAS .USA. Please please someone make contact.
|
| 10/11/2007 |
Tom Ratcliffe |
Going down the list (Festival Patrons)
I see many familiar names. Dewhurst, Brewer, Cornall, Joe Jackson
(Frank Lukes brother in law), Chadwick, Fletcher, Ashcroft, Baxendale ( I
used to live at Whittingham House Lodge), just up the road from Joe
Jackson. Swarbrick, Metcalf, ( my sister Ann used to date Jeff Metcalf
from Moors Corner). Dixon (eggy) at school, Foy, Wells, (at school with
Bessy), Wilding, Sumner,(not by any chance the bakers son), Hardman,
(school), Billy Tyson. Mel Joans husband. I have Davids ph# NZ keep
saying I will visit him and Bob Martin in AUSSY
Sorry for overlooking anyone. Grapes, Ann
had her Wedding reception their, we wore top hats and tails. The rev Beer
sat in the back room as me and Bob played snooker. Frank Sterling used
to show us how to play the shots at snooker in the Bushells, Frank had a
fancy cue that split in the middle. The GREENMAN, we lived at Bacup and
my Dad and his pals would help with the Hay when we stayed at Goosnargh
Lodge. The hay was taken by cart to the pub and stored in the barn
their. I would be about 5y old, did not like the taste of beer. Always
remember the White Horse Whisky on the shelf. Pal of mine from
Hungary/South Africa, now San Antonio. First time in his house, up on the
shelf. WHITE HORSE WHISKY. A flood of memories of many years ago. I
remember the blacksmith at Inglewhite. On my visit in 2007 I came across
a load of cars outside Inglewhite Church. Stopped, asked any Thislthwaits
in their, out came Lettice. I visited Bacup my birth place, found a great
web site . bacuptimes.com more memories. Received a birthday card
from Bob, and I still keep in touch. Try and see you at 2008 Whit
festival. Have a dance, Bob and I took lessons of Piggy Smith at
Whittingham. Still love to dance.. Tell Jeff Wragg to e--mail me, I've
tried to send to him.
From your old BUTCHER BOY.
Tom Ratcliffe
San Antonio, Texas.
|
| 29/11/2007 |
Tom Ratcliffe |
Hi Stuart, Spoke to Jeff Summners on
www.skype.com Also Robert Martin in
Aussy. David Barton in NZ. Mel has his ph no. I do not know your
last name, maybe I danced with your Mum.
Re-Acqainted -----Hartley sisters, Townson,
Gornall, Swarbrick, Gates, Bill & Fred Stanton. Eric Newby. Pussy Bamber.
+ many many more all very familiar. Mighty JOE YOUNG (french polisher).
very welcome in the Guards. In about 1940 We used to go to Doctor
Grants Garden Parties, I think the Donkeys came from Goosnargh Lodge ,
(winter quaters for Blackpool beach donkeys). 1948 met my best pal
Robert Harrise. I lived at Mary & Robert Martins farm behind Whittingham
House. Bobs Dad Ted was Dr Grants sec. Ted and Jack Davis helped to
start Whittingham Club and Tim Colburn from the shop was 1st steward. Mrs
Packer took the shop on. Bob became a police cadet at Hutton and played
snooker all day. He did nat ser in Scot Guard. He came home on leave, I
sent him down on my bike to tell Alma Hay I could not make the date that
night. As she had 2 or 3 older sisters this created a lot of pain for
me later. I think one of them married Alex Hall's older brother. We
arrived at the club. Ted says Robert and I will play Jack and Tom. Bob
says no, me and Tom will play you 2. We whacked em 3 straight games.
So in one night I was up to my neck in it x 2. At this moment in
time I did not smoke or drink, me and Jeff Wragg used to run miles
training for soccer. Bob and Alex Hall came home on leave smoking and
drinking.
If you don't mind just put these names in the
feed back column. Lets see what happens.
Audrey Ireland, Alma Ha(e)y, Hazel Massey,
Olga Bracwell, Edna Askew, Mavis Gornall, Dorothy & Mary Robson (STUMP
CROSS) Maureen Gates (Guide Captain). Maureen, Dennise, John Proctor, Gornalls,
Dewurst (Horns Inn), Metcalf, Brewers, Cookson Rossel, Taffy Williams,
Billy Tyson, Billy Holden,. When sweets came off ration, everybody
rushed to Jim Robert opps Vill Hall, Co-op, Bennetts, Tim Colburns. 6p
limit.
Jeff Sumner was telling me he is a bell
ringer, I probably spoke to him on my last church visit in Sep 2007 and we
did not click. Maybe I'll try to be over for next festival.
|
| 14/01/2007 |
Margaret Kelsall (nee Townson) |
Hello to you all,
My name is
Margaret Kelsall Nee Townson, Yes , I am George's sister, I too went
Oliverson's C of E School.
I was there from
1945 until the opening of Fulwood Secondary School, Blackbull Lane in 1953.
I was there until August 1955. Like George I too took part in the
Whitsuntide festivities. I am enclosing a photo of myself around 1948-9.I
won first prize for my decorated doll pram in the fancy dress section. Next
to me is Mrs Squires and her granddaughter, the young man walking
alongside me is Joe Young Jnr. His mother taught the dances, Morris, Maypole
and the Sailors Hornpipe they lived in the row next to Tess Swarbrick who I
worked with at Whittingham Hospital.
I hope that the
photo will be of use to you in building you're files.
My family and I
now live in Australia, we have been out here for 25 year's.
Please pass on my
best regards to Tess when you see her. Kind regards to you all,
Margaret. |
| 20/06/2006 |
Mandy Fairless
(nee
Hartley) |
I have just been browsing the website and
came across the emails from George Townson.
Many people associated with the village will
know my Grandma, Margaret Hartley, and my late Grandad, Bill Hartley. George
and my Grandad were great friends as children, and indeed my Grandparents
visited George in Canada just a few years ago.
I would love you to pass this email to George
as I have a question for him- George, do you have the steam engine that my
Grandad made, the one that fits in a matchbox? I'd love to know it's in safe
hands!
Love
the website, please keep it up!
Best Regards
|
|
21/03/2006 |
Marianne Anderson |
Hello from the US.
I read the notes about postings and I see that its OK to post items about
researching family history.
I got to your site through a search engine looking for
information on the Landless Family. Apparently one of the festivals
sponsoring families are the Harry Landless's. My great- grandfather was also
a Harry Landless. His grandfather was Henry Landless (1827?-1900) from
Lancashire. My Landless line was involved in weaving probably near Colne and
I think may be related to the William Landless of that town.
I would be very happy (as well as grateful) to hear from
anyone named Landless in The UK.
Thank you; |
|
20/12/2005 |
George Townson
(see also below) |
Thought I would make a quick call to my
friends in Goosnargh, to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy,
Healthy New Year. Some of my friends here in Canada have checked out your
website since I told them you had kindly displayed my photo and letter sent
to you some time back.
I still make frequent visits to your web page
and enjoy looking at the Whitsuntide Festival photos, especially having been
a part of it when I was a young lad living on Jubilee Terrace.
Recently, I found another old photograph of
the Morris Dancers; it was taken on the cricket field at Whittingham
Hospital. Once again I am the fourth from the left on the front row. I can
remember all but four of the names in the group. I wonder what they are
doing now? Some of them I do know are unfortunately no longer with us.
I will attach the picture to this letter. If there is still anyone there
that remembers me, I have just reached the ripe old age of 79.
(George's
photographs can be seen on the
History
page. Can you help name any of the Morris Dancers - Please
email us.) |
|
9/8/2005 |
Bill & Robert Gornall |
I have just been looking at you
site after my brother passed through your village last week. He noticed that
you have a lot of Gornall`s in your church yard. We are Gornall`s and both
in our sixties so if anybody can give us any details of our Grandfather
Charles Gornall we would be very grateful. He was the Restaurant Manager in
the old Metropol Hotel in Blackpool. We never new him but he must have been
born around 1840 to 50.
I live in Southampton my brother in Birkenhead.
Yours Gratefully |
|
11/6/2005 |
Deborah Madigan
(ne Knights) |
My name is Deborah Madigan
(ne Knights) and I lived at Whittingham from 1960 until 1969 - both my
parents worked for the NHS.
I was wondering if anyone
had knowledge of Margaret Kitchen - her Dad ran the bus service - running
us kids back and forth to St. Francis.
Margaret lived in the end
house of Church Street with one brother (I believe).
My
parents were Frank and Dorothy Knights and would be interested in
connecting with anyone who knew my family - especially the last few years
of my Dad working up at the hospital again. He was one of the tutors.
Any
help would be appreciated.
(Follow-up: As it
turns out, Margaret Kitchen, whose correct surname is 'Kitching' is the
niece of our very own Festival Committee member Maisie. We've been
able to get a phone number and address to Deborah and we'd love to know
whether she's been able to get back in touch!)
|
|
10/5/2005 |
Yvonne Keeping |
I don't suppose there are any
Rigbys still living in the Goosnargh/Whittingham area or anyone who is
familiar with the grave yard?? I am trying to find out more about my
family and my great (Richard)b1836, great great (James)b1801? and great
great great grandfathers (possibly Thomas) were born in Whittingham and
Goosnargh. |
|
15/4/2005 |
Chris Perry |
Just dropped in on
your site after doing a search of Goosnargh - I had never heard of it before
today. I am tracing my family history and believe my great aunt EDITH
ROUNDS was born here 1894, father Edward Stormont ROUNDS and mother Anne
Mary ROUNDS. I believe she emigrated to Canada but don't know whether
this was as a spinster or a married woman. Her father was a retired
Clergyman and her siblings were Hugh Rigby ROUNDS, Alan ROUNDS, Nora
Kathleen ROUNDS and Dorothy ROUNDS. Dorothy ROUNDS ran a school in
Preston 'Woodlands'.
Any information
from anybody would be much appreciated.
Good luck with the
2005 festival. |
|
1/12/2004 |
George Townson |
Would you believe, I am the boy
in the picture with Cissy Procter. (Standing on her left)
She had just been crowned May Queen, I was her crown bearer. The picture you
display is taken on the cricket field of Whittingham Hospital. I would be
about 5yrs old. I would also like to mention, the" Mayor of Goosnargh" was a
gentleman by the name of "Billy Loxham". Tom Bennett was one of the men in
the top hats,driving the horses.
Your website is great and it brought back many happy memories. I have lived
in Canada since 1957,but will always be a Lancashire Lad at heart. Age now
will be 78yrs.
(Follow-up
20/12/04)
Dear friends,
It was a thrill and an honour to read your
response to my recent e-mail re my photograph in your history file.
I have a photograph which you might be
interested in and will attach it to this e-mail. It must have been taken
in the 1936 to 1937 era. Again, it was taken on the Whittingham cricket
field and is a photo of the Morris Dancers. I am also on this picture and
am the fourth lad from the left on the front row.
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