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Tuesday 15th December 2009
Stanley T Brown <stanleytbrown(at)hotmail.co.uk>
Message:
I have been sent a photo (see above) from Vince Burrows of Australia. He would like to have the names of them all
as he left Woodbridge in 1959. Can you try and get the ones that are missing?
I think that they are all Woodbridge boys.
Thanking you
Stan Brown, scouser
Tuesday 17th November 2009
Riet Benjamins <rbenjamins(at)hotmail.com>
Message:
Who can help me find Karen Mallet?
She lives in Ipswich but I lost contact. She was on vacation here in Kloosterhaar in the Netherlands for 3 weeks in 1984. I don't know if she is married or use another name.
Her brother and sister was at the same time in the Netherlands on vacation, the brother's name was Gary(?) and the sisters name was Sally, the last adress I have is from 1984, 78 Oakhill Lane Ipswich. Karen must be 34 years old now. Karen fathers name is David Mallett, and the last adress I have from him is 16 Alfred Road, Cromer. He left his children and she lives by foster parents with her sister and brother, the family name is Day. Her Mother is deceased.
Please can somebody help me?
Greetings from Riet Benjamins.
Friday 6th of November 2009
Lesley Collins <collins95(at)optusnet.com.au>
Woodbridge Connection:
Now located: Blackburn North, Melbourne, Australia
Message:
Trying to contact/locate the Bee Family who moved back to Woodbridge from Melbourne at the end of August.
Wednesday 30th of September 2009
Kim <kim.irwin(at)yahoo.co.uk>
Woodbridge Connection: Born there
Now located: Bildeston
Message:
Looking for Old photo or information on The Crown Hotel; my father did the ground work for the chalets where many Americans stayed before being shipped home to the USA. Any photo's or history would be much appreciated.
Tuesday 29th of September 2009
Craig Brewster <mainecraig2004(at)msn.com>
Woodbridge Connection: USAF Woodbridge 73-75.
Would like to correspond with Brits or Americans in Woodbridge, Ipswich areas.
Miss the area.
Now located: Pennslyvania
Message:
Would like to write too any one in the Suffolk area.
Tuesday 01st of September 2009
William Pratt <williamenigma(at)btinternet.com>
Woodbridge Connection: My mum was born and brought up here; Sheila May Brinkley.
Now located: Eastbourne
Message:
My grandfather was George Brinkley who ran Jacob's fish shop in the Thoroughfare and Market Hill - I think. His wife Elsie Violet Brinkley nee Hayden ran off in about 1944 with Bob Stephen of the Kings Head.
I am anxious for anyone who remembers any of these people to email me with their memories please.
Wednesday 5th of August 2009
Matthew Theobald <matthewtheobald67(at)hotmail.com>
Woodbridge Connection: My Father's Family
Now located: Nottingham
Message:
My name is Matthew Theobald, and I currently reside in Nottingham - however my family from my father's side all seem to come from Woodbridge.
I grew up in Ipswich and very often would travel to Woodbridge on a weekend to visit my Nan (Vera Theobald - nee Crane). My Grandfather Stanley Thomas Theobald unfortunately passed away prior to my birth (1977).
Recently my wife and I visited Woodbridge again and adventured upon quite a Theobald journey.
Firstly we visited the house my Grandfather built on Conach Road. I have very few memories of this house - but it was wonderful seeing it again, and the current owners were wonderful and allowed us to have a look around and take some photo's.
However, I am contacting you in the hope of gathering more information of my Great-Grandfather, whom I believe to be a John Theobald.
Apparently he owned and ran The Royal William pub on Theatre Street in the town centre. We visited the building when we were in Woodbridge (Now called Cromwell House) and again the current owner was a delight. She invited us in and showed us down into the old cellar where my Great-Grandfather would have been working many moons ago.
However, it is here that traces of Theobalds of the past seem to vanish and I can locate no further information on the Royal William pub - or John Theobald.
I just wondered if you could provide any further information on The Royal William pub, or indeed the Theobald name in general? Or even would you be able to provide me with further pictures of The Royal William please? I found very few in the museum in Woodbridge.
I met the vicar at the St. Mary's church (where my mother and father were married in 1973) and he advised that Theobald was a rather common name in and around Woodbridge. - Indeed we noted 3 or 4 Theobalds on the war memorial near the church.
Any help would be highly appreciated and I thank you again for your time and trouble with my request.
Yours very sincerely,
Matthew Theobald, 28
Nottingham
From: Eniss@aol.com [mailto:Eniss@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Subject: Burstall Hotel?
Linn,
I was stationed there from 66 to 68 and enjoyed almost every minute. While there I got engaged to my NCOIC's daughter who was a result of a WWII marriage at West Auckland, Durham. I asked her to marry me after one of the dinner dances at the Burstall Hotel (pictured below).
The Air Force used the Burstall as temporary housing until a long term residence could be found.
We have been happily married since 1968 and often wondered what has happen to the Burstall since the base closed. I have tried to find it's past history and what happened to it on the Internet with no success.
We would appreciate any information you might have of the special time and place in our live.
I believe this is a picture of it that my father in-law took.
THANK YOU,
MIKE and EILEEN NISSLEY
Can anyone confirm that this is a photograph of the Burstall Hotel?
Friday 24th of July 2009
Sarah Rowland <sjr1(at)vodafone.co.nz>
Woodbridge Connection: My great grandfather - Rowland Hill Rowland
Now located: Kurow, South Island, New Zealand
Message:
Does anyone have photo's of Rowland Hill Rowland, family, business etc they'd mind emailing to me please ?
Would love to know more about him. Also his parentage - Halstend, Essex ? And before.
Is Nick Rowland of this site a relative ?
Look forward to all replies :0)
SARAH ROWLAND
(Editor's note: Halstend may be Halstead, Essex)
RESPONSE FROM NICK ROWLAND
Sunday 23rd of August 2009
Nick Rowland <nick(at)sunwharf.com>
Woodbridge Connection: Family and its business based in Woodbridge
Now located: Stowmarket
Message:
Sarah, yes I am. I have emailed you, if it doesn't arrive please mail me.
Nick
Saturday 18th of July 2009
Masam <masammahmood6(at)hotmail.com>
Woodbridge Connection: Job
Message:
Please I am looking for rent a room on monthly basis.
Anyone have an idea let me know thanks.
Urgent basis.
Monday 13th of July 2009
Denise Brighten <denisecioffi(at)blueyonder.co.uk>
Woodbridge Connection: My ancestors the Brightens were born in Woodbridge
Message:
The earliest Brighten ancestor I can find is James Brighten born in 1740. I am a direct descendant of John and Martha Brighten ( Seaman). The family lived in Seckford Street and many of their children were baptised at st John's Church.
I am replying to Roslyn and Ann's email regarding this. John and Martha had sons, George, Henry, Clarke and my great great great great grandfather another John Brighten, I did not know that Clarke was deported to Australia in 1845 and would be interested to find out more about him and George and Henry who were apparently in the Royal Artillery.
Please help anyone out there that know of any Brighten's that still live in Woodbridge.
Thanks.
Sunday 12th of July 2009
Louise Barker <louisebarker79(at)hotmail.com>
Woodbridge Connection: my father was stationed at Bentwaters/Woodbridge in 1970-73/74
Now located: Boxford, Suffolk
Message:
My father's name is Victor Johnson and must be about 60 now.
I am trying to trace him. I don't want anything from him just to meet him before it is too late plus he could meet his grandaughter who is nearly 14. I understand that he will have another family who may not know about me but I would just like the chance to either close the door on having a father or have a chance to get to know him as a man. At 36 I am not looking for a father figure, just who I am!!!
Iif you can help me in any way I would be so thankful.
I am lucky that I live in Suffolk and know the places that you all mention well but it has changed a lot over here since you guys where last here. I remember coming out and watching the football games. I loved sharing my childhood with you all as you were very child friendly.
I wish you all the best.
Saturday 27th of June 2009
Mary L. Mantel(nee Horncastle) <riinukasmom(at)aol.com>
Woodbridge Connection: Raised in Woodbridge
Now located: Now located: 1318 Tres Rios Dr. San Angelo,TX, 76309, USA
Message:
My husband, Kyle Mantel and I are interested in locating anyone who knew us. He was stationed there from 1980 to 1985 and I was raised in Woodbridge, living at the Boat Inn,Quayside. I also attending Woodbridge School for a while, until 1982.
My husband Kyle has now retired from the USAf and teaches Jr. ROTC, (Reserve officer training corps) at one of the local High school's here in San Angelo. As for me, I work part time as a musician, providing music for the local Catholic parish at the base here, as well as working another job at the base commissary,( a grocery store). We also have 2 daughters, Shannon, 20 years old studying Asian studies and computers at UT in Austin, and Amber, 11.
Linn I love your website.
Mary Loveday Mantel
[Editor's note: Despite Mary making adjustments, my emails in reply are still being rejected]
Friday 19th of June 2009
Tina Reece (Hill) <ctreece05(at)charter.net>
Woodbridge Connection: Graduated from Woodbridge AFB in 1983
Now located: Wadena, Minnesota 56482
Message:
I am trying to find a friend from the past Anne Downing she lived at the end of the garden and last I heard she had 3 kids but can't remember if she moved or address (old age setting in).
Sunday 14th of June 2009
William <covan6768(at)yahoo.com>
Woodbridge Connection: Visit and retirement
Now located: Tennessee, USA
Message:
Can someone e mail me and tell me more about this area I stayed in the Douglas House in 1964 really enjoyed myself.
[I have given the link to Douglas House photos to William - Ed]
Monday 18th of May 2009
<roseridgewell(at)gmail.com>
Message:
I am interested in the Buck family who came from Alderton. George Buck moved his family to London between 1861 and 1871. Any information would be gratefully received and acknowledged.
Saturday 16th of May 2009
Rena Hawes <seizetheday1(at)canada.com>
Woodbridge Connection:
Now located:
Message:
My grandfather was Albert A V Hawes born 1897 in Woodbridge. Came to Canada around 1916, served in WWI stationed in Saskatchewan, but whereabouts unknown after 1940. Parents were Alfred and Alice Hawes who lived at 80 Cumberland Street, Woodbridge in the 1930's. I would like to hear from anyone who knows any information about this Hawes family, Albert Hawes, other siblings, relatives, etc. Thanks.
Tuesday 28th of April 2009
Valerie <valhm(at)xtra.co.nz>
Woodbridge Connection: Visited and stayed with my school friend
Now located: New Zealand
Message:
I Have lost touch with Madeline Baird of Eyke.
Would anyone who knows her please ask her to contact me at this e-mail.
Thanks Valerie
Sunday 26th of April 2009
Janet Paton <robjanpaton(at)clear.net.nz>
Woodbridge Connection: Ancestral
Now located: New Zealand
Message:
I am trying to trace the family of details of a Mr Hunt who was a gamekeeper on a Woodbridge estate owned by the Quilters. He is mentioned in my Grandfather's memoirs as having a son who was a merchant seaman, and daughters Mabel and Norah.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone with more information.
Thursday 09th of April 2009
Amele Mahjoubi <amele.mahjoubi(at)gmail.com>
Now located: Bremontier College in Bordeaux (France)
Message:
Dear inhabitants of Woodbridge,
I am currently following a two-year course in International Business in Bremontier College in Bordeaux (France).
I will make an internship from 4 May to 26 June 2009 in Woodbridge. I am going to work with the company Esssfoods Limited which is based in Rendlesham, Woodbridge.
I am looking for an accommodation and I would like to ask if it is possible to live with a host family during that time. If you can offer this, please contact me to help me in my research.
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Amele MAHJOUBI.
amele.mahjoubi(at)gmail.com
Monday 06th of April 2009
Barry Elliott <pambazelliott(at)aol.com & elliotb(at)algreb.bp.com>
Woodbridge Connection: Born in Woodbridge
Now located: 3 Johnson St, Ludham, Norwich, Norfolk NR29 5NZ
Message:
I was born at 25 Station Road Woodbridge. Mother Barbara and my Grandmother Charlotte Markham were also born in same house. House pulled down in 1976 and replaced by small municipal garden with seat but still have a photo of house.
Left Woodbridge in 1953 for 3 years in Hong Kong. Returned to Woodbridge, same address and then lived in 46 Haugh lane and went to Farlingaye. Joined RAF Age 16 and toured the world. Now live in Norfolk after spending 30 years on the North Sea Rigs. Also lived at Martlesham heath Married Quarters which are still there. My first school was infant school at Martlesham close to Red Lion PH. The school is now a private house.
Has anyone from Woodbridge consider forming a Woodbridge Historical Association, (Amateur)? We have one in my small village in Norfolk where we meet once a fortnight and discuss and hear stories from the village along with Photos.
We have produced small books on the village and collated photos of all the houses and when they were built. We now have a collection of over 15,000 photos of village life going back to 1880`s.
Sadly there does not appear to be anything available in Woodbridge of a similar nature. Members of my family still live in Woodbridge today and some are there in the Graveyards. Would be very interested should anyone want to form an Historical Club for Woodbridge.
My wife is also from Woodbridge (Pamela Markham)
Saturday 07th of March 2009
BEHIND THE NAME
War Memorials at St Andrew’s, Melton
Following the services of remembrance held at St Andrew’s in November 2008, some members of the congregation expressed an interest in discovering more about the war memorials both within the building and outside in the church grounds. We hope to work with our young people to produce an illustrated booklet in time for the 2009 remembrance events.
Any information, memories or memorabilia readers may have about the names on the memorials or the memorials themselves would be greatly appreciated. A copy of the names appearing on the memorials in the church grounds is available at the back of the church and also via the internet. Click here to visit the Melton Roll of Honour web page.
The team is also interested in any information or memories about life in Melton during wartime.
Contributions can be sent to:
Behind the Name
St Andrew’s Church Office
Station Road
Melton
Woodbridge
IP12 1PX
or by email through this link.
There will also be an opportunity to visit St Andrew’s on Saturday 9th May, 10am to 3pm, when the project team will be on hand to record your memories and memorabilia.
Saturday 21st of February 2009
Candi Smith <sales(at)jtldesign.com>
Woodbridge Connection: Air Force Brat
Now located: Arizona USA
Message:
My dad TSgt James D. (Jim) Dockens & family, were stationed at Woodbridge/Bentwaters from about 1969-1972. We lived in both of the villages of Hollesley and Grundisburgh in Suffolk. I am looking for both American kids that I went to school with (would have been middle school age) and British friends from either of these villages.
On the Base, we hung out with Jim Thompson, Patty Norris, Matt, Rusty and Jonathan Goode.
In the village of Hollesley, we lived in a big, two story, red brick house. I remember sisters, Elaine & Julie Leonard, Joy and Deanne Smith, Andrew, Christopher and brother Robbie.
In the village of Grundisburgh, I would love to make contact with Adrian Frost, who always wore a black leather jacket, with long blonde hair and loved the Elvis song Burnin Love...
Please email me if you know the whereabouts of any of these people now. One of my fondest memories was when the Fish and Chips wagon would come on a cold winter's night and we would all go down to the village green and buy fish and chips with salt & vinegar, wrapped in newspaper. Ahh the good times!
Monday 16th of February 2009
George Battle (email: georgebattle67(at)yahoo.com)
Name: battle george
Message:
Is this the John Peters who lived in Bredfield St and went to New St primary school and then onto Farlingaye nickname Hurricaine Jones. If this you please contact me your old schoolpal G Battle
Wednesday 14th of January 2009
Brenda Fairhall (email: bfairhall(at)rogers.com)
Woodbridge Connection: family research
Now located: Ontario, Canada
Message:
I am looking for any information on Gertude Carter born in 1901 in Rendham, Suffolk.
As a teenager her stepfather was Frank Lambert and they lived in Saxmundham.