I think you will find this is on the corner of Linkfield Lane and Batts Hill, tha T.A. centre is too the left of the print

I took this photo of Tollsworth Manor Youth Hostel in 1939. The lady in the foreground is my wife Nesta who was the warden for a short time until the hostel closed on the outbreak of war.It was then used to house Czech refugees. I have the original photo.

Dear Douglas, I am absolutel delighted to find your comments and see your photo. My parents live at Tollsworth Manor and have done for the past 28 yrs. They moved there when I was 18yrs old and my brother 15 yrs old. As a family we adore this house. it is fascinatig to see what you have written about your wife as warden, briefly, and about the Czech refugees. My parents and family and friends have helped, over the years to restore the house to its original beauty. No tarting up - all in keeping with the 16th century! Still v v cold!! My parents are members of the NGS (National Garden Scheme) and open to the public once a year to raise money for Cancer charities. Again all family efforts - making and maintaining the garedne -a true labour of love. Would love to send you some photos of the house now - if you are interested. Currently my parents live there - with my 93 yr old grandmother in the LH side of the house. Wash rooms (from YHA days) converted into flat at back, where a young woman currently lodges! She is now a family friend! The house has that effect on people! Such a fabulous friendly place with a lovely atmosphere. Would love to learn more from you and hear your stories of the place. V best wishes, Kate

Thank you so much for your interesting reply. I remember Christmas 1938 in the house very clearly. We had to cook a turkey for a party of 25 hostellers. The only cooking facility other than primus stoves was a 3 burner oil stove with a small oven on the top. We decided to cook the turkey in the bread oven in the hall which was the main common room for the hostel. After a wood fire the ashes and embers were raked out and a slice of bacon used to test the temperature which was much too hot. So we removed the metal door to let it cool down. The turkey cooked perfectly and we had a very jolly Christmas dinner. The next day the oven was still hot enough to heat plates. There was no mains electricity so power for lighting was provided by an old petrol generator across the yard kept in working order by a YHA member with the necessary skills. Hostel rules of lights out at 10pm was simple- one just stopped the generator. As wardens we had good oil burning lamps so had light for longer. I would love to see the house and garden now- I'm a very keen gardener myself- but travel is a little difficult now that I am in my hundreth year! With very best wishes for 2011.

I remember beingin this brigade in1948 and some of the names that come to mind are Gordon Simpson,Henry Pratley, Jackie Earl and Mr Longhurst,I recognise most of the other faces but tie has robbed me of their names. Daniel Holborn

The photograph was taken in the summer of 1946/47 at a dress rehersal for a band and gym display in Reigate Priory Grounds.

I am the bugler lad standing in the middle at the back; the Gymnastics instructor on my right,and the Bandmaster on my left. The gentleman on his left, in busdriver uniform was our C.O., Mr.Songhurst - who was late!

Regrettably I've forgotten most names, but I was at Reigate Grammer school with Alan Durrant, our Drum Major, 5th from the left in the front row, wearing his sash.On HIS right is Bob...? the Bass Drummer in his tiger skin; Bob lived in Cromwell Road and I think worked for the Railway. His dad was a lorry driver. Another R.G.S. boy was Maurice(?) Shepherd,on the left end of the front row (who were all in a ditch!)

Although the faces and the personalities are so real even now, I've not met any of them - nor heard of their activities - since I was moved back to the South Coast in 1951 after spending most of the War years in the area.

For the whole of this time I lived at Salfords, No.24 Woodside

Way, and witnessed a fair bit of action from Nutfield aerodrome/The Monotype Works at Salfords and the V1, 'Buzz Bomb' activity that occured overhead/ incendaries in Petridge Wood etc. etc. Exciting times for a young boy.

I would appreciate ANY contact from those days; individuals/children/grandchildren/friends. Just to find out whether memories are identical and as pleasant as they seem now.

Lots of people were involved with the CLB events and routine and I have so many fond memories of these formative periods.

I have no other photos of CLB life, but would be happy to scan my copy of the Band photo and forward as required.

Nearly forgot to mention the major CLB Cross Country Running Championships - have a couple of medals presented by Sidney Wooderson, the great Blackheath Harrier International competitor (I was 12 at the time!!)

Sincerely,

Keith Fuller.

A real trip down memory lane, lovely to see some favourite teachers, Miss Newberry, Miss Drewe etc

Lots of familiar faces - still there when I was at RCS in the fifties.

I loved the photo.I saw Miss Crook Miss Clifford Miss Clarke.Miss Sale.iss Powell..Miss Groves Miss Pound Miss Wakefield.Miss Phipps...My mother was also taught by Miss Clifford and Miss Crook...wonderful memories..I am now 84 yrs.

I was at Reigate County School from 1960 to 1965 and recognise from the 1946 photo the following members of staff.Miss Wakefield(needlework) Miss Phipps (history) Miss Lambell(Greek)and Mrs Huggins(careers)

Can you point out Miss Newberry. She was Mum's German teacher. She was living in Cambridge in the late 70s/early 80s and we visited her there.