Woodley Net Romsey UK, Letters & Comments

Woodley Memories

Photo's Of Woodley People In The 1960's Read about Mr Pipitone from Woodley Close

Message from Roy Romsey (Jacobs)

Hello Chris, Just to say thank you for what you and your team are doing at Woodley Net. I visit the site 2-3 times a year to catch up on what is happening and to stroll down memory lane. The site must give a lot of people a lot of pleasure. This is just to let you know that we all appreciate your hard work. All the best Roy

Message from Derry Watts (Scaum)

Hi any one who remembers me from Woodley Close back in the 70's. Use to be married to Fred Scaum and lived at No. 64. You might remember my kids Mark Vicky and Karen. Rosemary Porter use to baby sit for me Fred was in a group for a while use to play all the halls and clubs. Jackie( use to be a Moore) is my sister and knew Pat Wells and her kids well. Have popped back a couple of times but always seem to miss people. Drop me a line at derrywatts@tiscali.co.uk

Terry Chapman (Full message from guestbook)

just to say hi to everyone , have no pc anymore but do have a look every now and again just to see what's new . .I see that you have a lot more photos Chris . anyway keep up the good work my friend and I will pop in from time to time .

Rob Pike

hi guys this is a grt way 2 talk friends and family and 2 have a gander at our home town . Val how's u hope you r keeping well and nice job with the site Chris ..

Valda Reeves

Hi everyone who knows me. back living in romsey again, good to see more old photos on. keep up the good work Chris.

Dave Leigh

Hi Woodley guys and girls - nice to bring back memories - just picked my brother Bob up from terminal 5 Heathrow - over from Canada. All four Leigh's still alive Tony 70, Bob 68, me ssssh, and Bernie 64. Lots of happy memories of Woodley.

Julie Geary (Old)

hiya Chris just checked u out great site m8. Got a lot of happy memories from woodley close. My kids grew up there as well till we moved away. I visit old friends now & then ppl change the close doesn't.

Paddy Weedon (Pat)

From, Thames, New Zealand: Hi there Crissy!! Long time no hear about, a great website, and the photos of Ganger Camp brings back memories. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me, who are on the net.

Regards. Pat. E-mail pmw24@xtra.co.nz

Martin Chappell

Just like to say what a great site i grew up in Footners close my father is Terry Chappell does any one remember me and my family if so please let me know louise.chaple@ntlworld.com

John Turner

Great to see the photos of family on this site, great to see how Woodley was all those years ago. Brill born at 50 Woodley Close great to see all the names on here brings back a lot of memories. True woodley people ,,,all have fun John

ps, there was not a day without rounders and parents tooooo what a laugh,,,,

Jodie Wells

brapp yeye hi it is BORING up woodli now sum reli silly peepz went and wrecked the park which had been there for yrz n yrz lol btw it is jodie wells michelles oldist dorta hehe take care init bizzle xx

Melanie and Michelle Wells

Hi to all that know us, its Melanie and Michelle Wells here. Nice to see so many things on here that bring back memories, as we have lived in Romsey and Woodley all our lives . Had some really good times growing up in Woodley Close . I was even born at home number 6 Woodley Close ( Melanie) . Mum and dad ( Dave , Pat ) still live there, don't think you will ever get rid of them ha ha ha ha ha ha. Take care see ya all soon xx

Derek Chappell

Just browsed the guestbook nice to see so many names I had forgotten about makes you feel young again thinking of the old times

Stuart Reeves

Hi Horatio ,nice to know your still about could you please tell me what happened to the tax disc on my moped? Any one else remember me give me an email. Stuart stuartreeves@hotmail.com

Burt Chapman

Hi Chris , just writing in to say hi to everyone and to say I heard that you all had snow down that way , we were one of the few places that never had any this way , hope everyone keeping well down your end , also just letting you know I'm still about m8 , Regards Burt .

I've been wondering whether any of your local people remember any of these names from the fifties and early sixties my friend, they would be as follows, Peter Bartlett of Alan Grove, Kevin Christopher of the fish lake area, Barry Vanderplank of Duttons Rd, Roger McKenner of Alan Grove, Terry Randall of Chambers Avenue, all of the Romsey area, also David Thomas, Sid Thomas, Tony Thomas and they were from the Mountbatten estate, does anyone know if any of these ex mates of mine are on the internet, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you Chris and all the people who write in and keep this wonderful site alive with things from the past and up to present day a very happy and prosperous new year. All the best everyone and keep up the good work.

Old Bear

Great Website as always. Does anyone remember a guy called Rob Stevens who's nickname was 'Lou'? I think he lived at Tavistock Close. Is he still around?

Charlie Smith (65 Woodley Close)

Hi everybody and Chris Blimey! this site brings back some, no! lots of memories, I liked the photo pages. I would like to send some in myself, but the only camera we could afford, in the early years, was from jumble sales we had in the WI hut, never did get one to work! so dressed up in women's clothes instead (just for fun) HONEST!! mmmmm fur coat sorry. I will say that it's a shame, that so many people, so close, don't stay in touch with each other.

Elaine Thorpe Writes

Hi Chris, I notice that no one has mentioned the tiny shop (now a house) that stood opposite 'The Hunters' on the main road. I recall that it was run by a lady named Cath Roberts. The shop was a tiny one room affair and sold little bits of everything. I remember going down there with my sister Marilyn armed with a note from my dad requesting that I be allowed to purchase five Woodbines for him. I have heard tales about youngsters going in there with pennies carefully wrapped in silver paper passed off as half crowns. This ploy was usually carried out on Saturday lunchtimes when Mrs Roberts was often the worse for wear after participating in copious amounts of her favourite tipple. Of course I wouldn't know if this was strictly accurate. I believe the shop closed down in the mid sixties.

Elaine Thorpe (nee' Thornton)

Burt Chapman

Hi Chris, I hope you don't mind me keep writing in, what was the name of the fishing tackle shop round next to the Abbey pub back in the fifties as that one is not on your list lol, (Moodys) it was full of stuffed fish ,a bit oldie worldy it was inside, as kids we used to go picking blackberries (me also) and take them to the jam factory and get a few bob for them, and the little shop opposite (Lollypop Shop) you could buy penny ice lollies and I think they were 3 different colours, a bit of nostalgia four you mate, all the best from me to those who run this site, I'll give it rest now and give others a chance lol,.

Lisa Madigan

I was looking for old friends in Romsey when I came across your site. I lived in Footner Close and often played with friends in Woodley Close. I know the Porters very well and my sister is married to Nev Porter. I also know the Turner family and the history of Ganger Farm. I'm related to the Madigan's family. You might know them, Kev, Melv, Mike Brian Madigan. Kev and my dad Brian died. They knew some of the people who lived in Woodley close. Anybody help?

Lisa

Nicky Wilson (nee Barr)

Now Living In Hastings, East Sussex, Just like to say that this site gets better every time I view it however it would be great to see some pics if anyone has any of the kids in the late 70's and 80's that lived in Woodley Close. Anybody help?

Viv Allan-Burns (nee Chapman)

Creative Chocolates For your delight with every bite

Hi Chris, Up until 2002 I lived in Romsey. I have been looking at some of the old photos you have on display and recognised quite a few of the people you have there. I would like to write or email some of them. Is it possible for you to let me have an email address or address. You can always give them mine if you prefer. My maiden name was Chapman and I used to live in Chambers Avenue up till the time I got married.

If you wish to email Viv please click here creativechocolates@uwclub.net

Horatio Nichols

To answer your question Michael (below), I do know the Gerrard's family and the Middleton's, you must know me Horatio Nichols, if you would like to get in touch with me I would love to chat about old times and the present Horatio.

reejdav@aol.com

Michael Hodgeson

Many great memories, does anybody remember the GERRARD family.1950-1959.Anne and her brother and sisters Jan, Jenny and Brian, who lived at number 16a. Anne had a friend called Hazel Middleton.

Tony Gerrard

Hi Chris...great site...

Alan Wheeler_Osman

I used to live at 59, Woodley close from 1964 to 1972 one of my sisters is married to Colin Thornton and another is married to Derek Chappell great to see the old photos had some great times growing up there

Terry Chapman

Just to say this site is absolutely brilliant, it brings back so many memories of the fifties and sixties, thank you ever so much to the Woodley Net.

Sharon Fielding (Old)

Well what a great site. Those photos really took me back. My family were only talking the other day about the happy memories we have of Woodley Close and of course Radio Woodley. Well done

Wendy Part

Hi Chris, I'd like to thank you for bringing back so many lovely memories, you bought the Woodley community together with you radio show and now this website. It's great to read and surprised at how far some of us have travelled, me I'm still a stones throw from Woodley, and still see some lovely old faces. Mum (Mrs Part) has asked to say Hello to all who remember her. Thanks once again. Wendy Steel (Part)

Rob Firth

Great site!, I just love looking back on the many happy years that I had in Woodley!, I was born at No. 8 Addison Close, bought my first house in Hunters Crescent, and my second one in Stapleford Close (65) which overlooked the green. Sadly do not live there anymore, moved away in 1999, great to reminisce though!

Horatio Nichols

So good to see so many old faces, it is a pleasure to go on the computer and browse through the Woodley Net well done Chris, I lived in Romsey till 1980 and now live in Andover,

best wishes Horatio Nichols.

Trish Good (Chappell)

From Ireland, Hi to everyone I know. great website keep up the good work its great to see so many old friends.

Terry Chapman

From Frome, Somerset, just to say I am 59 years old, I went to school with Derrick Chappell who lived at Woodley, I also knew Kathleen Levy as we were all in same class school,

Wendy (Coward)

Very interesting site, viewed photos of family members which I have never seen before (Milsom). My daughter also viewed pictures of her father, Guv Reeves and other family members. Always knew about Ganger Camp but have never seen any pictures! Hard times I know but many happy memories.

Nicky Bolton ( Bristol)

Nice to see old pics of Ganger Camp and my old stomping grounds, would like to see more old pics of Ganger and Woodley and of some of the people from the fifties and sixties like the Dittrich's, Milsom's, Wood's, Chappell's, Levy's, etc

Tony Jones

Hi Chris, You may know me as Tony Jones, I now live in North Baddesley and the other week my partner and I had a few neighbours around for a bit of nosh, well most of us came from Romsey and it was a do you remember this and that from times gone by and not one person could remember (JUMBO'S) in Church St, or the barbers opposite where Halfords is now. Have you got any info that can shed some light on this or am I really going mad, I know Jumbo's was real because I used to take a young lady there for coffee then go to the pictures at the Plaza on a Saturday morning, I'm sure this was in 1970-76 ish.

Kind Regards

Tony

Horatio Nichols

Hi Tony, Yes there was a Jumbo's coffee shop very small, Mr Hart the barber's shop was there next to the butcher's, The viewing of Ganger Camp was very good, many memories, I'm 62 now and live with my wife Joy in Andover.

Regards

Horatio Nichols

Paul Newman

Hi Chris, Great site, I used to live in Fairview Close 30 years ago, anyway, I'm organising a school reunion in September this year, having a bit of trouble tracking everyone down, especially the girls, could I put an entry in your guestbook to see if it attracts anyone?

cheers
Paul Newman

Lola Andrews

Hello, Some one just sent me the Woodley website and its like going back in time! I lived in Woodley Close as a child from about 1960 - 1970 and I loved it. I remember so many people from the pictures you have put on the site - the Soundwaves were the best band ever as far as I recall - we used to go to discos in the scout hut down the bottom of Woodley Close - an area now probably covered with houses.

I lived next door to Bernie Lee and its lovely to see his picture too. I remember his father Dr. Lee very well - he used to patch us up while we lived there

I would love to see an enlarged picture of the Brownie pack if possible - I am sure there are lots of people I would recognise

Thank you so much for the site
Lola Andrews

Peter Chappell

Hello Chris, just browsing through Woodley site its brilliant to see all the old photos it brought back many good memories .Well done it is the first time I have seen it, the photograph with John Clarey and Julie Milsom is Nicky Bolton, many thanks again for the great memories brought back to life.

regards
Peter Chappell.

Chris Milsom

Hello Chris how are you ? you old bugger ! I remember when you were too shy to walk up the path with your new jeans on !!! Its Chris Milsom here !!! I have some old photographs that you may be interested in to put on you're net page. contact me on 01794 ******.you never did play that request I asked for oh carol !!! see you later

from

Chris Milsom

Julie Smyth

I have just been viewing your site, having come from Romsey myself. My Dad is visiting me from Baddesley (I now live in Burgess Hill, just north of Brighton) and we were looking for the page containing details of the old Plaza school.

Dad's name is Brian Clark and he remembers Ganger Camp and recognises quite a few of the names on the site.

Please let me know if the Plaza site is still running as I would like to print it out for him,

Thanks.

Julie Smyth

Andrew Dittrich

Chris, just visited your website about Ganger great days. when I see our Muriel I will ask if she has any photos that I can give you remember the comics we passed through the wall all the best Andrew Dittrich 47 ganger camp.

Mr Guerino Pipitone (Pip)

Article From

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar

Contributed by Romsey Community School, Hampshire
People in story: Mr. Pipitone
Location of story: Africa/Glasgow/Romsey
Background to story: Army
Article ID: A2821907
Contributed on: 09 July 2004

On the 17th May 2004 Jordan and Ian interviewed a man called Mr. Pipitone aged 88

Mr. Pipitone fought on the Italian side. He got sent to Libya and then Ethiopia. Towards the end of the war his regiment was sent to South Africa for a few months until the British Ghurkhas caught him. He got sent to a prisoner of war camp. He said "the conditions were alright for a POW". He then told us "when my captain surrendered on behalf of our regiment he shot himself in shame, I however was glad to be caught as the conditions in the camps were good and we were safe".
Even though he was Italian he hated Mussolini and he was very pleased when Mussolini got publicly hung at the end of the war.
After a few weeks in the camp Mr. Pipitone was asked if he wanted to go to another camp but they weren't told where they were heading for. The journey took over a month, when they eventually arrived n Glasgow, Scotland in 1945.
From there he was sent to another camp just outside Glasgow. Then finally he was sent to Woodley, Romsey. He was sent to work at Ganger farm. He wanted go back home to Tunisia but the French wouldn't let him. So he stayed in England and met a girl and they later got married in Lockerley. They had four children, two boys and two girls. A car unfortunately hit and killed their eldest, aged 45.
Rationing was not a problem for Mr. Pipitone and he remembers things on the radio about Dunkirk and the D-Day landings.
He has recently been to Italy to see his brother and catch up on old times and listen to Elvis music.
In the war Mr. Pipitone never got shot or wounded.

Mr Pipitone sadly died on January 26th 2006