trowellavvylad

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Posts posted by trowellavvylad

  1. Growing up in Bilborough

    in General Chat about Nottingham

    Posted

    A 1923 photograph of the Jackson family standing next to Wollaton Canal with Balloon Woods in the background has reignited my interest in the history of my childhood stamping grounds. I've also turned up a photo of Grannie Simmonds who apparently lived in one of the Balloon Houses and 'traded' with the bargees on the canal, swapping her home grown vegetables for a few lumps of coal.

    Now, having more past than future (like so many Nottstagians and Bilboroughians, no doubt ), I'd really like to put together a little book about the whole of that area, including photographs, drawings, history, natural history, industrial history, etc plus individual memories of the gals and lads who played tin-can-lurkey in Jacko's Oller, built dens in Balloon Woods, played ice hockey on the frozen canal, caught newts by the tin bridge and suchlike. And, of course, the stories of the folk (like Grannie Simmonds and the Jacksons) who lived there prior to the Bilborough, Firbeck, Fernwood (etc) estates being built.

    BTW Does anyone remember George who had the smallholding on the opposite side of the railway tracks to the riding school. He used to deliver vegetables from his horse and cart and once let me ride the horse. I was in 7th heaven (not to mention short trousers, elephant jumper and liberty bodice).

    All contributions gratefully accepted.

    Mick Cox

  4. Firbeck Schools

    in Firbeck School Wollaton

    Posted

    went to firbeck from about 1956 to 1960 ish - mr galloway was my 'inspirational teacher' - always praising my drawing and writing etc and telling my dad i was 'university material -

    anyway some 40 years later I met him and try as he might he couldn't remember me but then all of a sudden it came to him and he said "ah I remember you now, you're the boy who couldn't throw a cricket ball!'

    ps all memories of balloon woods / jacko's 'oller / hemlock stone and beyond will be gratefully received as I'm trying to piece together an entertaining and fascinating history of the area before it fizzles away

    www.michaelcox.info