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The WHTimes
Neil Morrison - neilm3@cogeco.ca
When did you leave the area?: 1974
Where are you now?: Ontario, Canada
What schools did you attend in the area?: Peartree Primary,
Howard Sec Mod
Your Story: I married a girl from Old Welwyn and we emigrated
to Canada in 1974. We live close to Toronto,Ontario.
We have two daughters, 18 & 21.
My wife Carol and I love living here, but we do miss home from
time to time.
I last visited W.G.C. in 1989, so I thought it was about time
for another visit to see my parents and brother.
My eldest daughter and I, will be arriving in W.G.C. on Feb 26th,
2003.
I hope to bump into many old friends, so if you spot me around,
give me a shout.
See ya, Neil
Carol Clements - clements@golden.net
When did you leave the area?: 1973
Where are you now?: Ontario, Canada
Your Story: I wish to thank you for the opportunity to
be able to read all the "local" news from Welwyn and
Hatfield. I lived in Hatfield from 1947 - 1973 when I moved to
Ontario Canada.
Last year I was amazed to actually read some great news regarding
my cousin's year old Grandchild (baby's father Jason Skuse).
My Mother still lives in the house in Hatfield that I grew up
in, and your news paper is an important part of my week.
Recently you reported the snow fall in the area and that is what
prompted me to send this e-mail.
This past weekend here in Fergus, Ontario (a small rural town
one hour north of Toronto) we had the biggest winter storm of
the year - in fact the biggest storm in several years.
Here are a couple of pictures showing our snow fall.
(Click for larger images)
1.
The Main street in Fergus.
2. Taken
from Patio Door. (RR1 Fergus)
3. Parking
lot. (Fergus)
1.
2.
3.
Phil Greenbank - phil.helen.greenbank@xtra.co.nz
When did you leave the area? 1974
Where are you now? Auckland, New Zealand
What schools did you attend in the area? The High School,WGC
Your Story: I left Welwyn in 1974 to see Australia and
New Zealand. I arrived in Auckland, found work, found a wife and
stayed!
In recent years, I have managed to get back to Welwyn to see my
family. My trip back later this year will be my 21st trip. Airtravel
from this distance is not a glamorous prospect.
What I miss about Welwyn and England are the pubs. A couple of
years ago, I contacted Greene King to ask where I could get some
Abbot Ale and was pleased to find that with the popularity of
British beer, a supplier was now distributing Abbot Ale. As Chairman
of the board which runs our local tavern (about $20m turnover),
I was able to fasttrack a supply!
I am semi-retired, sit on a couple of Government boards,and am
a local lay magistrate. I support our local soccer club but unlike
England,it doesn't have the depth of talent to build the game
here.
Andy Parker - andrew.s.parker@verizon.com
When did you leave the area? April 1995
Where are you now? Washington DC, USA
What schools did you attend in the area? St. Audrey's School,
Hatfield
Your Story: Came out here on a 6 months visitors visa to
see how I liked it. Been here 8 years now and love it. I miss
England all the time and try to get back two or three times a
year. I have a 1960's english telephone box in my back garden,
the numberplate on my Jeep is "ENGLISH" and on my Harley
it is "BOLLOX". I'm somewhat proud of my heritage.
I am a die-hard Washington Capitals Ice Hockey fan. I play roller
and ice hockey myself. I spend all of my summers in my boat on
the Potomac river and the Chesapeake Bay.
Peter J Robinson
- rrobins3@aol.com
When did you leave the area? 1995
Where are you now? Sarasota, Florida
What schools did you attend in the area? Burleigh St Audrey's
Your Story: I left Hertfordshire in 1993 with my wife Rosemary,
and son Nathan, who was three at the time.
We moved first to Cambridgeshire for two years, then to Sarasota
on the west coast of Florida, where we have now become US citizens,
with no thoughts of moving back to England.
We both left British Aerospace at Hatfield (myself after 36 years),
during the time the site was closing, and have never looked back
since.
We now run a quality management consultancy, which has enabled
us to travel all over the USA over the past 8 years, and we have
to say that there are very few things we miss about England. Maybe
just Marks & Spencers, Marmite, Bovril and The Sunday Times.
We certainly don't miss the weather!
Alison Spates/nee Sheen
- aspates@visuallink.com
When did you leave the area? 1962
Where are you now? Virginia, U.S.A.
What schools did you attend in the area? Templewood and
Harwood Hill Jnr.
Your Story: I was born and raised in Welwyn Garden City
and lived there for 10 years, after my mother died, my father
re-married and our family moved to Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk
where I lived until my marriage to an U.S. airman in 1970 and
I then moved to live in Maryland. U.S.A. In 1990 I relocated to
Virginia where I am still residing.
I still have a number of family members living in Welwyn and Hatfield.
When I lived in Welwyn (Digswell Area) I had several friends I
liked very much and if any of you are out there, please contact
me, I would love to hear from you again.
This is the life, me with one of my boys. Click for larger pic.
Mary Feasey - marydorothy47@froggy.com.au
When did you leave the area? 1993
Where are you now? Sydney Australia
What schools did you attend in the area? Parkway, Applecroft
and Howard
Your Story: My maiden name is Mary Read I was born and
lived in Longcroft lane before they spoilt it, I left there in
1962 and moved to sloansway in Haldens.
I had a long life relationship with Bryan Albins who passed away
in 1991 I was married to Ken Easter, that failed and I am now
married to David Feasey we have been married for 10 years, 4 boys
between us and we all get on great.
We love the life in OZ, the beaches and the weather are really
great.
We try to get back to UK every couple of years as our parents
still live there, I was last back 2002.
I still love Welwyn Garden City it will always be home to me,
I just don't miss the weather in the UK.
I also met a guy who lives down the road from me now and use to
live across the road from me in Longcroft Lane his name is Terry
Walsh he has been here since 1962. Small World.
I am still in touch with Ivy Fourace, Pam Walker and Denise Davis
we were great friends at school.
Roger Quentin - rogerquentin604@hotmail.com
When did you leave the area? 1994
Where are you now? Cambridgeshire and Romania
What schools did you attend in the area? Peartree School,
Creswick School & The Howard School
Your Story: After a couple of years as a child living in
London my family moved upto Welwyn Garden City in 1949. My name
was then Roger Watchorn and most of my school friends would have
known me by that name.
After serving nearly a decade in the armed forces I returned to
WGC and in 1974 started Quentin Cabs (having adopted my brother's
second christian name as my new surname.) Subsequently started
Van Man Mini Buses establishing also Fun For Kids for local youngsters.
In 1994 my family and I left WGC and moved to Cambridgeshire.
Now as the children have all grown up and left home I devote my
time to temping to secure funds for my charitywork in Transylvania
Romania - For further info see web site www.romaniaandmisterroger.com
Would love to hear from old customers and mates - Life goes on
and is okay - After fortyfive years in WGC it still has the pull
of HOME - Sometimes Home is not where you hang your hat!!
Take it easy out there, life is short enough.
Madeleine Silver
- madeleinesdream@yahoo.com
Where are you now? Florida, US
Your Comments: I am actually looking for Steve Thomas who
used to live in Potters Bar. He was my childhood sweetheart and
I would love to talk to him. I have been looking for him for a
decade without any luck. But this internet thing might just help
me. He would be 35 now.
Carol Owen (McDermid)
- redhead1@clear.net.nz
When did you leave the area? March 1965
Where are you now? New Zealand
What schools did you attend in the area? Peartree, Handside
Se. Modern
Your Story: I was born and and lived all my young days
in Welwyn Garden City, I married Kevan Owen from Welwyn village
in 1957 and as Kevan was in the Royal Navy we travelled around
a bit. I went out to Malta for a while when he was based there.
Kavan came out of the Navy a few weeks before we had our first
daughter in 1959. We moved to Stevanage for a short time and then
back to WGC to the prefabs which of course are no more.
We decided to emigrate to NZ in 1965, mainly for the weather,
we lived most of the time in Auckland and since our retirement
moved to a smaller city called Wanganui which is in the lower
North Island. We have four children, 2 boys and 2 girls, and six
grandchildren.
We came home to WGC in 1999 for 6 weeks and had a wonderful time
especially at a reunion party that our friends Chick & Kay
Hemingway (Addey) arranged for us along with John Drewitt from
Welwyn who was Kevans mate in his young days. Many of our old
friends from school days turned up and Kevans football mates,
and it was a wonderful night. Chick & Kay came to NZ to visit
us in 2003 and we travelled from the top of the North Island to
the bottom of the South Island.
I am on friends reunited and have had e-mails from quite a few
people who are in different parts of the World. We read the Welwyn
Times as much as we can on the net. I have only had the computer
for about a year now and find it very interesting, although it
certainly takes up a lot of your time. We both spend a lot of
time in the garden. I mainly miss friends from home, but of course
Kevan missed the pubs, and his football team Spurs. but he keeps
up to date with Sky TV.
Hope to catch up with a few more old friends through the W/H Times.
Richard J. Westwood
- riod@intergate.ca
When did you leave the area? 1970
Where are you now? Surrey,BC,Canada
What schools did you attend in the area? Parkway, Hitchin
Boys Grammar
Your Story: We left WGC in 1970, went to Transvaal, South
Africa and worked there until 1978. Then got a company transfer
to Ontario Canada, arrived there 1979. Work entailed travel thoughout
most of Canada and parts of the US.
In 1996 decided to leave the cold climate, rented the biggest
truck availabe, packed everything and drove West. Debated taking
the ferry to Vancouver Island, thought better of it and remained
on the mainland.
Have now retired bought a welding machine and produce welded metal
sculptures. Even manage to sell some now and then. Be happy to
hear from anybody who remembers me.
David Potts -
exukboy@msn.com
When did you leave the area? 1989
Where are you now? Los Angles, California
What schools did you attend in the area? Heronswood
Your Story: Left WGC in 1989 and lived in Arizona for 3
years then moved around the USA and finally settled in Los Angeles,
California...
Many stories to tell, just trying to think of a few good ones...
Have many friends and relatives in the WGC / Hatfield and Hertfordshire,
such a beautiful place in the summer, but hate the winters &
the rain.....
Still have a British accent after 20+ years overseas which is
often very amusing to the "Yanks"...But have learned
to talk sloweeeeeeeeeer so they understand me...
More exciting tales to come, tune in next week......
Carl Anthony Davies
- planetruthinfo@earthlink.net
When did you leave the area? 1961
Where are you now? Houston, Texas, USA
What schools did you attend in the area? WGC Primary School,
WGC Grammar School
Your Story: You might find it interesting to read my website,
www.plane-truth.com.
My father, Harry, worked for de Havillands in Hatfield all his
life. You will see photos and the story at the same website. It
is all chronicled in my book, "Plane Truth - an investigator's
story".
Carl
The Comet
Alan Douglas - alan.doug@ntlworld.com
When did you leave the area? August 1974
Where are you now? Glasgow
Your Story: I was a reporter on the Comet when it started
back in the mid-70s. In fact, I started with the old Herts Pictorial
in 1971. It later became the Comet - after a brief period as the
Hitchin Sun - and I worked in the offices in Bancroft on the Hitchin
and Letchworth editions. One of my colleagues at the time who
worked on the Stevenage edition was John Adams, who I now see
is News Editor. I also worked on many stories with photographer
Alan Millard. He actually provided me with a roof over my head
when I first moved to the area from Scotland!
I have fond memories of working in North Herts covering every
aspect of community life and it gave me a good grounding for my
subsequent career with the BBC in local radio and later TV in
Scotland. I am now a director of my own media consultancy in Glasgow,
The Broadcasting Business Ltd, providing media training for industry
and the corporate world.
I'm afraid many of the names I worked with or got to know in the
area have disappeared in the mists of time with the exception
of Jon Madge who made contact with me last year through the Friends
Reunited website. I'd be pleased to hear from anyone who remembers
me from 71-74.
Best wishes to all at the Comet and it's great to see your up-to-the-minute
website. In my day, we wrote the stories on elderly typewriters
using carbon paper and they were sent to Luton by yellow van.
I'm glad things have moved on!
Alan Douglas
Philip Brown
- pbrown@focal.com
When did you leave the area? 1974
Where are you now? Chicago, Illinois
What schools did you attend in the area? Broom Barnes Nobel
Your Story: I left Stevenage in 1974, my dad found a job
over seas in Detroit, Michigan. With 9 kids he wanted to provide
different opporunities for the three youngest kids. I lived in
the Detroit area for 3 1/2 years and then joined the US Navy serving
on a now retired aircraft carrier the USS Forrestal. I was in
the US Navy for 7 years.
I was married and my wifes family is from the Chicago area so
that brought me here after my stint in the navy.
I have now been married 14 years and have one daughter.
The area I live in is in the Fox valley which is west of Chicago,
my town is Elgin which got its name after the Elgin in Scotland.
There had been a large number of Scottish settlers in the Fox
Valley area in the 1800's.
I work for a telecommunications firm and run the data center and
Unix server operations and administration.
I never have lost my English roots I follow them in the Olympics,
World cup and world political involvement.
I have the Comet web page in my favorites list and read over each
new issue. I have four brothers and two sisters who still live
in Stevenage but I am content in where I live and am having a
very good life.
Lisa Nelson
- a1eastender@earthlink.net
When did you leave the area? August 1996
Where are you now? Yuma, Arizona, USA
What schools did you attend in the area? Sele School, Hertford,
De Havilland College, WGC.
Your Story: Met my husband in Corfu 1994. He is a US Marine.
We married 29th December at Stevenage registry office. I had my
first son Benjamin 17th October 1995 at Lister Hospital, Stevenage.
Moved to North Carolina to be with my husband after a long awaited
Visa in August 1996. I had my second son Thomas September 10 1998.
We then were stationed at Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA in 1999.
We lived there for 4 years where I just had my third child Meggie
Louise on September 7th 2002.
We have now moved again to Yuma Arizona to the desert where the
British life seems to get futher away.
Hope one day to return to England. As there is no place like England.xxxx
Mike & Lynne Hunter
- MH146@aol.com
When did you leave the area? September 1998
Where are you now? Kissimmee, Florida USA
What schools did you attend in the area? Bessemer Secondary
School
Your Story: I retired from the Police Service in 1995 having
served until 1988 with Herts Police, then transferred to Bedfordshire
Police until retirement.
My wife owned Lynne's Fish & Chip shop in Bursland, Letchworth,
prior to which, she owned HomeHunters Estate Agents in Lower Stondon.
We moved here to Florida with retirement in mind, but we were
asked by several homeowners of vacation homes here, to look after
their homes. As we had been homeowners ourselves for many years,
we did just that and owned our own Property management Company.
Due to Lynne having suffered for many years with Multiple Sclerosis,
we called it a day early in 2003 and although we still assist
homeowners and guests, we sold the company and we have bought
a large Motorhome that will allow us to travel throughout the
United States.
Matt Schobs -
mattandpip@hotmail.com
When did you leave the area? November 2003
Where are you now? New Zealand
What schools did you attend in the area? Chancellors School
Your Story: I lived in Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire for 20
odd years until I moved to New Zealand, got married to a beautiful
kiwi girl, brought her back to the U.K and ended up working for
the Archant group selling advertising space for the Comet and
Herald newspaper group! What a lovely bunch of people they are
at the Hitchin office!!
So, I have moved back to New Zealand for good and am currently
sorting things out and getting us on our feet! What more can I
tell you? It's all good!!
Lisa Sinclair
- gotheek@ihug.com.au
When did you leave the area? September 1981
Where are you now? Melbourne Australia
What schools did you attend in the area? Lodge Farm
Your Story: I left the area with my parents who had decided
to move to Australia.
It's been a long time since I was in the Uk and I've often wondered
what it would be like to visit. Like many people who left a place
when they were young - I was 11, I've wanted to come back for
a while.
It's pretty unlikely anyone will remember me, simply because I
don't have the same name I used to have. And it's also been a
long time.
Well, that's that. Maybe next year I will arrive in the country
with my bike and try not to confuse the locals with my Australian
catch phrases.
Oh, and for the record, Ramsey Street and the entire Neighbours
concept is bunk. We're not all like that.
Russell Shapland
- shaplands@rogers.com
When did you leave the area? 1981
Where are you now? Toronto
What schools did you attend in the area? Mosbury, Chells
Secondary School
Your Story: Miss the food, miss the football and mum's
roast dinners!
Richard J. Westwood
- riod@intergate.ca
When did you leave the area? 1970
Where are you now? Surrey,BC,Canada
What schools did you attend in the area? Parkway, Hitchin
Boys Grammar
Your Story: We left WGC in 1970, went to Transvaal, South
Africa and worked there until 1978. Then got a company transfer
to Ontario Canada, arrived there 1979. Work entailed travel thoughout
most of Canada and parts of the US.
In 1996 decided to leave the cold climate, rented the biggest
truck availabe, packed everything and drove West. Debated taking
the ferry to Vancouver Island, thought better of it and remained
on the mainland.
Have now retired bought a welding machine and produce welded metal
sculptures. Even manage to sell some now and then. Be happy to
hear from anybody who remembers me.
Nick Lacey -
nick.lacey@ofsasia.com
When did you leave the area? 2001
Where are you now? Shanghai, China
What schools did you attend in the area? None, Bushey Meads
Watford 85-90
Your Story: I grew up in Stevenage, living in Canterbury
way just behind the St.Nicholas Shops. My family moved away to
St.Albans when I was 11, then returned just after I did my GCSE's.
Where I lived in Merymead for a while before moving a few more
times and ending up in Sefton Rd.
Can't say I really miss Stevenage that much, though I do miss
my family, close friends and try to get home at least once a year.
Last back in September 03', was a bit strange to see Asda's and
the club I used to manage is now a car park, but probably a good
thing!
I do read the Comet religiously every Friday to see what's happening
in the area, glad to see the town center is getting a well deserved
face lift, It may even stop it looking like Basildon!
Some of the other news is pretty sad, especially the violent stuff
and when you know the people involved.
But on a lighter note, Go on the Stags! my older brother plays
for them.
Me personlly, I'm a Financial Advisor living in an area of Shanghai
called Puxi with my girlfriend Emma, who is also from Stevenage
and teaches English at an International Kindergarten and life
is great. I highly recommend anyone who fancy's a different type
of holiday to give it a try, and for god's sake, don't bring too
many clothes, as the price here is ridiculous, just check the
labels of most of your clothes to see where it was made.
Hello to anyone I know who reads this, and Em and I will see you
in the summer.
Ian Cooper -
ian.cooper@paradise.net.nz
When did you leave the area? October 2003
Where are you now? West Coast, New Zealand
What schools did you attend in the area? Giles Junior,
Heathcote Secondary
Your Story: All of my family are from the Stevenage area.
My Mum, Step-Dad, my Dad, Sister, Brother-in Law and all my nieces
and nephews. I was born in the old Lister Hospital, in Hitchin.
For 30 years I lived in Stevenage, working in the local area and
playing lots of sports in the district. Does anybody remember
Stevenage Colts ? I was captain of my age group for many years.
I used to play cricket in the local evening cricket league, for
Sunblest, Porkies then the all conquering Stevenage Exiles !!!
For most of my life I have been in the St. Nicholas area. Canterbury
Way. I decided to take a World trip in 1998, and have not looked
back since. I landed in New Zealand and took my time seeing the
Country. I found a very idylic village on the West Coast of the
South Island called Okarito. A wild beach, beatiful snow capped
mountains, scenery to die for. Check out the website ! I have
grown into the local community of 25 residents.
My partner ( Wendy ) and I came back to Stevenage in April 2002
for 18 months to work our socks off and save some money to enable
us to build a house in our new village. We managed to obtain residency
and left England in October 2003. Since that time we have been
building our new house together with our new life and our new
four legged companion - Ben.
We both miss our families, but, are really pleased that they are
all coming to see us pretty shortly. You can take me out of Stevenage,
but a little bit of Stevenage will always be in me.
Hazel Fairweather
- hazelfairweather@hotmail.com
When did you leave the area? 1973
Where are you now? Waikiki, Western Australia
What schools did you attend in the area? Our son &
daughter attended Camps Hill
Your Story: Lived in Ferrier Road Stevenage for 9 years
before emmigrating to Melbourne in 1973. Found the weather was
too much like England so moved to Perth. Son Michael joined the
Aust. Navy then married a Melb. lass (originally from Cornwall)
who now live with their 3 children in Melbourne. Daughter Annemarie
married (now divorced) with 1 daughter lives in Leda Western Australia.
Still miss Stevenage especially at Christmas also miss a friend
called Maureen, lost touch with her after her divorce from my
husbands cousin in the early 1980's. Also miss the John Lewis
Partnership, I worked in the Central Payment Office for approx.
8 years. They just don't have Companies over here like JLP.
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