Normandy Historians - Home Page
Normandy in the Press
Normandy in the Press
1945 to 1949
“Normandy in the Press” presents a past view and happenings of the village as seen from selected reports and articles in the local papers. The reader should note that until 1955 Normandy was predominantly part of Ash, Willey Green was part of Worplesdon and a small part of Flexford was in Wanborough.
The researched material held at County Libraries and Record Offices was hand-copied over a number of years by society member Peter Trevaskis. Those notes have been subsequently transcribed by members: Alan Norris, Eira and James Nursaw; Emma Rafferty; Peter Blakiston and Stephen Cranstone.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure correctness in the copying and transcribing, readers are advised to refer to the original newspaper source for the full account.
Normandy in the Press Index
*****

1945 January 13th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy

Funeral of Mr John William GRANTHAM (87) of Thistledown, Flexford Lane at Wyke Church.

1945 February 3rd
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy

Death of Mrs Edith BUTLER (81) of Jessamine Cottage, Bailes Lane, Normandy on Thurday last week, funeral at Wyke Church.

1945 March 9th
Surrey Times
Normandy Cricket Ground

The Council agreed to enter into an agreement with the War Department to rent land at Normandy for use as a cricket ground, at an annual rent of £2.10s and to let the land on the same terms to the Normandy Cricket Club.

1945 March 10th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy

Guildford Rural Council are to enter into an agreement with the War Department, to rent land required for a cricket ground at Normandy, at an annual rental of £3.10s.0d. the land is to be sub let to Normandy Cricket Club on the same terms.

1945 March 17th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy

Mrs FREEMAN of Fairfield Villa, Station Road, Normandy died at Haywards Heath last week and was buried at Wyke Church.
Alleged to have broken into the Normandy Garage and stolen petrol coupons for 164 units, an identity disc, and a till drawer containing £2.12s.0d, four Bournemouth youths were committed for trial at Surrey Quarter Sessions by Farnham magistrates on Thursday last week. There was a further charge of stealing a wireless set and accessories at Fareham. They were stated in evidence to have admitted coming to Normandy in a stolen car.

1945 March 31st
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy

Members of the Normandy Sub Station, N.F.S (National Fire Service) held a meeting recently, with Mr A G Godwin in the chair. Owing to the standing down of the NFS, it was decided to dispose of the contents of the stations' hut, and it was unanimously agreed to give the wireless set to the Bognor Regis Victoria Convalescent Home. The set was handed to the Secretary of the Surrey Home (Captain H. F. Rew) on Friday last week, together with a small balance of cash in hand.

1945 April 28th
Farnham Herald
Normandy Cricket Ground Proposal - (Report)

1945 May 12th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy
; VE day celebrations.

1945 June 15th
Surrey Times
Ash Parish Council

Mr Hardy said it was reported to the Rural Council last week that Slades Lane is not a public right of way. The Council would receive an official communication in due course.

1945 July 13th
Surrey Times

Guildford R.D.C. - Slades Lane Decision
[No details of report.]

1945 July 20th
Surrey Times
Normandy Asssault at Vokes Machine Shop
[No details of report.]

1945 August 31st
Surrey Times
Normandy Horse Show
[No details of report.]

1945 December 8th
Surrey Advertiser
Location of industry.
Ministry conference report to Rural Council.
Mr Jocelyn Bray, chairman of the Council, had informed Vokes six times that the factory was contrary to planning condition, the first time in a letter in August 1942.
Petition from the whole workforce of Vokes was read. Members of staff had purchased homes in the area and would suffer great hardship if Vokes had to move. Some of the petitioners asked to attend the meeting but there was no standing order which allowed the public to come to Council meetings.
A letter from Mr Armstrong Jones was read out. He referred to his old home 'the beautiful Elizabethan house' that his grandfather had lived in, and had written to Mr Vokes asking for first refusal if he should wish to sell it and Mr Vokes informed him that he would.

1945, December 9th
Sunday Pictorial
Get Out say the Gentry
; (with picture of Sir P Henriques). Sir P Henriques said 'Mr Vokes is paying fantastically high wages. You can't get gardeners and if these workpeople stay there my plum trees will be in danger'. In 1941 he had considered an offer to sell his estate to the firm.

1945, December 13th
Surrey and Hampshire News
Messrs Vokes to go.

Decision of a Ministerial conference attended by representatives of Guildford Rural Council; ruled that Vokes of Henley Park is to be cleared away in five years. Government Departments decided that they would need Vokes filters for five years and that production should not be interrupted. A new laboratory was necessary for fundamental research on filtration and should be built by Messrs Vokes as quickly as possible.
Decided that the factory is undesirable on planning grounds and it was not desirable to enlarge the surrounding villages to house the workers and Guildford is too far away from Henley Park to house them all and is too small to accommodate them all. There is a great housing shortage in the area; the local schools were full; increased expenditure on the proposed drainage scheme for Pirbright and Normandy. They should be moved away gradually over five years to a suitable site.
The factory employs 700 and wishes to expand to 1,500. The Ministry of Labour would have difficulty in finding another 800 workers but also would have difficulty relocating 700 if it moved; they would prefer it to stay the same size in the same place.

1945 December 13th
Daily Herald
Workers kicked out protest;
GBC notice to quit by 1950. Mr Vokes said 'it was not until we got our filters working on the tanks that our boys could go the 2,000 miles to Tunisia'.

1945 December 13th
Daily Worker
New Battle of Normandy
; factory fights for its life.

1945 December 14th
Aldershot News
War factory to go.
Vokes' five years grace.
Must close down by 1950. Result of a conference between ministries, town planning authorities and local authorities, revealed at a meeting of Guildford Rural District Council on Thursday. Factory employs 700 people, the owners wished to expand to employ 1500. Vokes' plans included the erection of a garden village near the factory to house the workers. Guildford RDC had informed Vokes six times that the establishment of the factory was contrary to the Council's town planning conditions.

1945 December 15th
Surrey Advertiser
Vokes and Henley Park.
Discussion at a public meeting at Normandy Village Hall.
Meeting adjourned to next week and the Council asked to send a representative.
CG Vokes made a statement 'challenging the RDC to do their job properly'. They want one of the most vital factories in this country removed because we pollute the air of Normandy. He suggested there was a 'dirty rotten conspiracy'.

1945 December 15th
Surrey Times & Weekly Press
Henley Park future
; storm of protest against Government Conference recent ruling. Mr Vokes' case.

1945 December 16th
Sunday Pictorial
They Challenge the Squires
[regarding Henley Park factory]
1945 December 18th
Surrey County Council Reports
Report of the Highways and Bridges Committee.

Guildford Rural District - Proposed Council housing at Westwood Lane, Normandy (C44).
Your Committee have consented to the Guildford Rural District Council developing the remainder of their housing estate on the west side of Westwood Lane, Normandy (C44). The District Council have asked that the County Council will take over as publicly repairable highways on estate road and two access ways from Westwood Lane when the estate development is completed.
The Committee recommended that the Council enter into an agreement with the Guildford Rural District Council for the dedicating by the district Council as a public highway of the land shown and edged pink in registered plan number 67612A forming the estate road, and on completion of the work taking over the road as a publicly repairable highway. (Precis).

1945 December 22nd
Surrey Advertiser
Reply to Vokes Ltd. Industrial works at Henley Park.

Rural Council's case - the firm was kept informed.
Mr Jocelyn Bray (chairman) and Mr WE Sellings (clerk) attended a crowded meeting at Normandy parish hall. After they had spoken Mr CG Vokes spoke from the body of the hall. A long discussion followed (three hours) which at times was rather lively.
Mr Bray declared the RDC did not make the decision that Vokes were to move, they supplied information to a Board of Trade enquiry and when a public enquiry was held there were no objections. Mr Sellings denied the Council had been hostile and Mr Vokes' 'wild and unjustified statements'. He denied Mr Vokes' claim that he did not know there was any doubt about the factory staying until November 1944. On six occasions in 1943 Vokes were informed that 'the Council would reconsider the use of the buildings for industrial purposes after the cessation of hostilities'. He said 'the story as told by Mr Vokes to the press does not ring true'. Regarding Mr Vokes' invitation, the Councillors should not visit Henley Park while the matter was under consideration by Government departments and was sub-judice. The suggestion of a conspiracy was a dastardly charge. The Council had decided the area should be safe from industrial uses and had been loyal to their convictions.
Mr Vokes would not see people thrown out of work needlessly. Vokes had come to Henley Park under orders. The Ministry of Aircraft Production had given them a lease for 60 years, later reduced to 30 years. He declared 'we are the victims'. The firm had [recently] been called in by Sir Staffrord Cripps to solve problems of illness of workers in mines and cotton mills which was why they need the [new] laboratory as a matter of urgency. Mr Vokes urged that the Council should look at the matter dispassionately and ignore all the hard things he had said. The factory was not his, it was owned by 150 people.

1946 January 4th
Aldershot News
Industry at Normandy
; future of Vokes Ltd.

1946 January 5th
Surrey Times

Meeting refused between Rural Council and Vokes.

1946 January 5th
Surrey Advertiser
Council advice to Vokes Ltd
; 'appeal to ministry'.
The Rural Council decided at its monthly meeting they would assist Vokes with any technical difficulties in making the appeal.
Strong objections from two members, WJ Henry and MWB May, against certain activities on the part of the firm to ensure discussion of the matter at the Council meeting.
Long letter from CG Vokes to every councillor and a telegram. The telegram enumerated the huge financial wastage. WJ Henry, vice chairman of the Reconstruction and Planning Committee, very much regretted seeing one paragraph of Mr Vokes' letter which raised a 'political issue'. WJ Henry had been a member of the Council for 12 years. It would be a very sad day for England when local government was subordinated to political issues.
Mr May said he had no objection to receiving letters but telegrams was going too far, he refused to receive the 120-word telegram over the phone the previous night.

1946 January 5th
Surrey Advertiser

Guildford Rural District Council meetings are in future to be open to the public. They should 'follow the lead of other local authorities'. Carried unanimously. Four members of the public (representatives of Vokes Ltd) were admitted to the Council chamber.

1946 January 11th
Aldershot News & Military Gazette
Industry at Normandy.

1946 February 7th
Surrey and Hampshire News
Aldershot extension scheme.
Mr Vokes complained that one of the reasons the District Council desired to turn his firm out of Henley Park was his proposal to build a model village. The Council said any proposals to build houses by private enterprise would be carefully considered.

1946 March 2nd
Farnham Herald
Station yard thefts

Frederick William Harris, St Elmo, Ash Street pleaded guilty at Farnham Magistrates Court on Thursday last week to stealing four tins on salmon value 5/- [5 shillings] the property of the Southern Railway at Wanborough station yard where his work as a driver of a coal lorry took on or about 8 February. He asked that a further charge of stealing from Wanborough Station approximately five pounds of tea value 10/- between 31 December and 3 January should be taken into consideration. - 'I just saw it and could not resist the temptation to take it' defendant told the magistrates.
1946 March 23rd
Surrey Advertiser
Save Hogs Back views at all costs.
Council oppose any more building.
Guildford RDC want to prevent any further development on any part of the Hogs Back. People travelled miles to see the extensive views both north and south.
1946 April 13
Farnham Herald
Right out of date
James Strudwick, Fairfield Villa, Station Road [Normandy?] whose licence was 13 months out of date, when he drove a motor vehicle on the Guildford Road, Ash on 16 December was fined 7/6d at Farnham Magistrates Court on Thursday last week.
1946 April 19th
Aldershot News
Proposed Greater Aldershot

Uproar at Normandy meeting. The Town clerk of Aldershot caused uproar in Normandy Village Hall when stating that the analysis from the Normandy District was in favour of its inclusion in the Greater Aldershot. Many of those present stated that residents of Normandy were practically unanimous in its opposition. Mr W J Henry contradicted statements made by the Town Clerk. At a later meeting of the Parish Council, members questioned the validity of the ballot conducted by the Town Clerk.

1946 April 20th
Surrey Advertiser
Normandy says No to Aldershot extension scheme.

Lively meeting in Normandy village hall.
Carried by an overwhelming majority.
Chairman Mr AW Milton said he had visited Henley Park and could see no objection to Vokes' factory being there. It was well hidden by trees and could not be seen from the road.
Mr Stag? said it was employing local labour; here there were loud cries of 'no' and an argument broke out between members of the audience.

1946 April 19th
Aldershot News
Uproar at Normandy meeting
Opposition to Town Clerk's assertion
When the Town Clerk of Aldershot, Mr D Llewellyn Griffiths, OBE, claimed at a packed meeting in Normandy Village Hall on Monday evening that the analysis prepared by the enumerator who had canvassed the Normandy district showed clearly that there was a majority in favour of its inclusion in Greater Aldershot, his statement caused uproar. Various members of the audience had stated that Normandy was practically unanimous in its opposition to the proposal, and Mr Griffiths was replying to them. He said he was not prepared to give actual figures at this stage.
[Aldershot] Councillors A H J Stroud, MBE, JP, CC, (Deputy Mayor), F Stay, and B W Edgoose, who attended the meeting with the Town Clerk, were bombarded with questions about education, town planning, drainage, and location of industries.
Mr A W Milton (Chairman) said that people might wonder why he was taking the chair as an opponent to the scheme, but when approached he felt compelled to accede to the request, as it was obvious that Normandy residents wanted to know as much as possible about the proposals. He had made it quite clear that, in taking the chair, he was not to be tied in any way.
Addressing the meeting, Mr Griffiths said the whole of Normandy was included in the extension scheme, and mentioned that since the Ash meeting he has had further confirmation that the number of troops in the district will not be reduced, and that its military status will be in no way be affected. What Aldershot had in mind when proposing to include Normandy was that they required a large area of land in the borough to be developed on the best possible lines for better class houses, and this should be available at Normandy.
On the question of Messrs. Vokes's factory at Henley Park, Mr Griffiths said that speaking personally he could find nothing derogatory in the slightest degree to town planning in the establishment of this factory.
Sewerage and Extension
Dealing with drainage, Mr Griffiths said he was content to face up to the fact that if the tenders now being invited by the Guildford Rural Council were satisfactory, and were approved by the Ministry of Health, the borough extension would not have the slightest effect on that drainage scheme. They were "heckled" at the Ash meeting about the proposals for drainage by the Borough Council. He had looked up the papers in connection with this, and found that the last public enquiry was held as far back as July 28, 1930, when a scheme for outfall works at Normandy was prepared by the then Borough Surveyor. It did not receive the sanction of the Ministry of Health. The then Farnham Rural Council negotiated with the War Office for almost two years with a suggestion that the sewage of Normandy and Tongham could be disposed of at the Camp Sewage Works, but no agreement was reached. The last occasion on which any steps were taken by the Borough Council regarding Aldershot sewage was in September 1932, when an official inquiry was held by the Ministry of Health, at which Farnham Rural District Council was represented, when proposals were discussed for the extension of the existing of the existing sewage works at Aldershot. Since that date the Borough Council had initiated no action of any kind.
Contradictory Statements
Considerable discussion took place on the Town Clerk's statement that the last drainage conference was held 14 years ago.
Mr W J Henry contradicted this, and stated that Alderman Dines, as Mayor, was chairman at the conference.
The Deputy Mayor produced his year book showing that Alderman Dines was Mayor in 1932.
Mr Henry, however, maintained that the date was incorrect, as he was not a member of the Rural District Council at the time.
At the conclusion a resolution was put to the effect that the meeting was of the opinion that there was no necessity for the inclusion of Normandy in the enlarged Borough of Aldershot, and strongly protesting against the proposal. Nobody voted against, and the chairman declared the resolution carried unanimously, but our representative, noted that a number of people present did not vote.
 
Ash discussion
At the annual meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday, criticism was made of the Borough Council's ballot. Mrs Watson said many residents had been asked to sign in pencil, if they favoured the proposal. Mr Hawes said the ballot was carried out unfairly, and Mr Henry said that when the ballot comes before the Commission, and the manner in which it has been conducted is explained, it would be the greatest deterrent to what Aldershot wants. When it was suggested the Council should inaugurate a counter-campaign, the discussion was continued in committee at the conclusion of the ordinary business.
1946 April 20th
Surrey Advertiser
Letter from Mr Vokes.
As an interested and amused member of the audience at the meeting [above] I object to an attack which developed at one time on my company. At the orders of the Government of the day we were installed at Henley Park and hidden away from the attentions of the enemy. Far more of my Company's money is invested in Henley Park plant and equipment than the nation's.

1946 April 26th
Aldershot News
Industry in Normandy; letter from CG Vokes

1946 April 27th
Surrey Advertiser
Reply to Mr Vokes.
From AP Bevan, S Knight, JS Milton, DH Roberts, HA Smith, HJ Standish and PA Woods, Normandy.
When electricity was run to Henley Park, owners of ground where poles were placed were informed that they would be removed six months after cessation of hostilities. Regarding local labour he tells half a tale. A good proportion of the employees are now living in Normandy but most were imported with Messrs Vokes Ltd.

1946 May 4th
Surrey Advertiser
Mr Vokes replies.
The letter [of 27th April] proves my point. Why should a meeting about extending the boundaries of Aldershot be used to attack my company?
We employed every person who was available, skilled or unskilled, in Normandy. Know of no undertaking to remove overhead [electrical] wires. Any complaint should lie (1) against the enemy for destroying our premises at Putney and (2) against the Government for bringing us here. We have only asked for the hospitality to which any victim of war is entitled.

1946 May 11th
Surrey Advertiser
[Similar reports in Surrey Times and Aldershot News]
No building on Hog's Back. Appeal by JR Carpenter against planning decision.

1946 May 11th
Farnham Herald
Ash
Wages too low?

The Head Teacher of Ash Wyke Primary School reported to the South Western Division Executive that he was unable to obtain the two clerical assistant to which he was entitled, this being due principally, in his opinion, to the low scale of wages offered. He had a suitable ex-army man in view who would be willing to accept the post of clerical assistant for £147 per annum - this being the amount of the combined wages - and as he found it impossible to carry out the wishes of the Education Committee with regard to dinner time supervision, he asked for an early decision. It was resolved he ask the Education Committee to give early approval to the proposal.
1946 May 18th
Surrey Times
War industry in villages;
report presented to RDC. Adjourned until council's powers are determined by legislation.

1946 May 31st
Aldershot News
Industry in Normandy; letter from AP Bevan,
The Elms, Normandy 25 May.
(Enclosing copy of a letter from Ministry of Aircraft Production dated 12 July 1941.)
Alleged Ash Parish meeting vote supporting the retention of Vokes in the green belt. This hardly carries much weight as no-one knew what controversy was to be raised.
The MAP never contemplated the continuance of a factory at Henley Park after the war or they would not have undertaken the removal of power poles. It is generally understood that huge sums of public money were expended in the conversion of this fine old mansion and since it never has contributed to local employment the State should recover some of its money by again converting it to a centre and home for disabled service men.

1946 June 7th
Aldershot News
Industry in Normandy;
letter from Albert J Instone, Wyke Heather, Pirbright Road, 3 June.
There were no officials or employees of Vokes at the Ash Parish meeting. [He then sets out some views for and against retaining the factory without coming to a conclusion.]

1946 June 14th
Aldershot News
Industry in Normandy; letter from CG Vokes replying to Mr Bevan.

Mr Bevan's inaccurate letter. His 'wild allegations'.
The mansion has not been converted in any way. The vast majority of the money involved in Henley Park belongs to the shareholders of Vokes Ltd. Vokes employed every person 'who was available in Normandy'. Mr Bevan should come to Henley Park and ascertain the facts.

1946 June 14th
Aldershot News
Correspondence re. Henley Park
; letter from The Rev. CL Bell, vicar of Tongham.
He denies referring to 'that hideous erection at Henley Park' in a recent meeting of Seale and Tongham Parish Council. This clean, scientific industry which was of such use during the war years should not be expelled. The 18th century mansion remains unspoilt inside and out thanks to the good taste of Cecil Vokes.

1946 June 15th
Surrey Advertiser
Letter from Rev CL Bell, vicar of Tongham.
[Same as Aldershot News 14th June.]

1946 June 15th
Farnham Herald
Ash
Smallholder fined
David George Richards, smallholder, The Vines, Pirbright Road, Normandy pleaded guilty at the Magistrates Court on Thursday last week to moving one pig out of an infected place except under licence and to moving two pigs into an infected place between 3 March and 17 March. Evidence was given by Keith H Everett MRCVS, 27 Castle Street, Farnham, an inspector under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and by PS Bowden and P C Collins. 'These regulations are made for the good of the community said the chairman (General Sir Robert Haining) who ordered the defendant to pay fines and costs amounting to £5. 1s.
1946 June 15th
Farnham Herald
No more tanks
Extract - sewage and sewerage

A letter from Guildford Rural District Council stated that instructions had been given that the earth closet buckets at Ash Vale School be emptied before school hours. Mr Morgan saw the headmaster (Mr Betts) had confirmed that that was being done but had lodged a direct complaint that the cesspit was overflowing. Mr Moseley of Elm Hill suggested that steps be taken to find other sites than that at Elm Hill for the disposal of sewage. He considered there was danger of infection to children from the Elm Hill site. Mr Henry said the Rural District Council would be pleased to consider any further sites anyone could suggest. Mr Tolley asked if they could be given some idea of how the sererage schem was going forward. It was promised in June said Mr Henry, and was all ready to be put before the June meeting of the Rural District Council. It would then go forward to the Ministry.
1946 June 22nd
Surrey Times
Henley Park war industry;
determined attempt to reverse Council's decision was rejected by planning committee.

1946 June 27th
Surrey Advertiser
Henley Park war industry
; attempt to reverse council's decision

1946 June 28th
Aldershot News
Industry in Normandy;
letter from AP Bevan in reply to Mr Vokes.
Mr Vokes seeks to confuse rather than clarify. Degree of inacuracy... etc.
1946 June 28th
Hampshire Chronicle and General Advertiser for the South and West of England.

A motion that 25 acres of land including Henley Park House, Guildford and Messrs Vokes factory buildings be zoned for industrial purposes has been rejected by 12 votes to 3, and the decision of Guildford Rural Council that the land must be devoid of industry by 1950 is to stand.
1946 June 29th
Farnham Herald
Guildford Rural Council - Workmen tipped by residents
A suggestion that certain Ash and Normandy residents had obtained preferential treatment by tipping the man responsible for emptying their cesspools was made in a report presented at the monthly meeting of Guildford Rural District Council at which Sir Jocelyn Bray (chairman) presided on Thursday last week.
[Long report follows]
1946 September 19th
Surrey Times
Vokes fate lies with the Ministries
; Guildford RDC relieved of the decision. Ministry of Health would now decide.

1946 September 21st
Surrey Advertiser
Council and Henley Park footpaths
; letter from Vokes suggesting permanent substitution of paths through Henley Park. Council see no reason why original paths should not be restored for public use; Council to take steps to revoke closing orders.

1946 September 21st
Farnham Herald
Ash
Death of Mr E S Hose
- Manor House, Normandy.
Trustee of Smiths' Charity and of the Wyke Poor Charity
[Long report]
1946 September
Surrey Advertiser?
Life of example
; Bishop's tribute to late Mr ES Hose

1946 December 20th
Aldershot News
Presentation to Mr CG Vokes, M.D.
Luncheon at Guildford.
Directors and shareholders presented a George III silver tea and coffee set to Mr Vokes.
Mayor of Aldershot and Mayor of Guildford AW Graham-Brown made speeches.

1947 February 28th
Aldershot News
Henley Park footpaths
. In view of the time which the firm's application for determination of the factory is likely to take, the Council decided to ask the Ministry to revoke the closing orders for two footpaths through Henley Park.

1947 February 28th
Aldershot News
Henley Park factory;
Ministry of Health is holding a hearing of the parties concerned.

1947 July 12th
Surrey Advertiser
[similar report in Surrey Times]
Henley Park decision; Works to stay for 21 years.
Sir Jocelyn Bray, chairman of Southwest Surrey Planning Committee announced that the Ministry of Health had decided that Vokes should retain their factory at Henley Park for 21 years.

1947 July 19th
Surrey Advertiser
Vokes Ltd engineers; letter from CG Vokes.

Thank all friends, neighbours, certain councillors, business associates, trade unions and ministries of HM Government for their encouragement and support during the prolonged negotiations for the retention of our factory and offices at Henley Park. My faith in British democracy has been fully justified.
The cost of this holdup has been considerable. No investment in new laboratory and the loss of employment has been great. Many of our latest devices would have been on the export market by now but for the previous unfortunate decision. The times are too critical for England to lose one single hour of productive work or one single pound of export value.

1947 December 5th
Farnham Herald
Normandy
Range warden for 15 years, Mr Reginald George Lynch (54), 59 Wyke Avenue, Normandy, died on Wednesday 26 November 1947.
1948-54; Date unknown
Surrey Advertiser?
Tree demolishes Church Hall at Normandy
; caught by wind while being felled
1949 March 1st
Surrey County Council Report.

Acquisition of small parcel of land-Guildford Rural District.
Wyke Common - Puttenham Road (CX16) - Wanborough - west side of road.
Strip of agricultural land and part of garden £45. Five elm trees to be felled to revert to owners free of cost. Council to pay agreed legal costs. Area (approx) and registered plan number 2,320H 1763. Owner- Wanborough City Estates Ltd.

1949 March 1st
Surrey County Council Report.

Guildford Rural District Council - Hunts Hill Road (unclassified) - Normandy
Encroachment on War Department property.
A ditch excavated by the County Council on the west side of Hunts Hill Road, Normandy to replace a drainage ditch which had recently collapsed, inadvertently encroached on War Department land.
The War Department are prepared to regularise the position subject to the completion of an Agreement whereby the Council undertake to pay an acknowledgement rental of 5/- per annum and the War Departments' legal costs estimated at 15/6d.
Your Committee recommend -
That the Council do enter into an Agreement with the War Department in a form to be approved by the Clerk of the Council for permitting the council to construct a drainage ditch on War Department land on the West side of Hunts Hill Road, Normandy in the position and scaled on Plan Registered No 163933 subject to the Council agreeing to pay -
a) - and acknowledgement rental of 5/- per annum
b) - the cost of the Agreement and? by there on estimated at 15/6d.

1949 July 2nd
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy
Guildford Rural Council has turned down a request by Ash and Normandy Parish Council for the establishment of a polling station in the new school at Yeoman's Bridge and in Flexford Road, Normandy, on the grounds that the provision of more stations is not justified by need.
 
Camp Fire Singing
About 180 attended a youth social in the Vicarage Garden on Friday last week. Scouts and cubs were under the direction of Messrs C Dyson and R May. Miss Turner was in charge of the Guides and Brownies and Mr R Brickwood of Normandy Youth Club. Singing round the camp fire was arranged by Mrs Steel, and a treasure hunt by Mrs J Worster. Competitions were organised by the Misses Marshall and MacMillan and Mrs Chant, with members of the Mothers Union supervised the refreshments. A special service was held on Sunday morning for Youth Club members who were unable to attend the Empire Youth Sunday Service.
1949 July 9th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy
A new member, Mrs Cooper, was admitted to Wyke Mothers Union at a service conducted by the vicar (the Rev. A L Jones) on Thursday. Tea followed in the Church Room.
Over 30 members of Wyke Church choir went to Ryde, Isle of Wight for an outing this week. The vicar, the Rev. A L Jones, accompanied them. Arrangements were made by Miss E E Booty, organist and choir mistress.
 
Found in Canal - open verdict on Normandy Widower
An open verdict was recorded by Dr J Murray Robertson (the West Surrey Coroner) at yesterday's Farnham inquest on Mr Frederick Howland, aged 73, who lived with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs Arthur Warner of West View, Beech Lane, Normandy, and whose body was recovered from the Basingstoke Canal at Ash on Sunday.
Mrs Dorothy Warner said her father had been a widower for the past thirteen years. He was suffering from cancer, but did not know what his complaint was. He was worried and anxious about his health.
On Sunday he went out very early, and when he did not return in the evening, she concluded that he might have gone to a brother in London.
Dr K P Mulcahy said that the condition of the dead man's heart was such that he might have died at any time, but the immediate cause of death was asphyxia from drowning.
Pte T Jones, Royal Pioneer Corps, said that he was swimming in the canal when he discovered the body among some weeds.
 
The late Mr H Bowyer
The funeral of Mr H Bowyer of 13 Pirbright Road, Normandy took place at Wyke Parish Church recently. Chief mourners were Mr and Mrs Bowyer (son and daughter-in-law), Mr and Mrs Murray, Mesdames Harrington, Blake, Westlake and Jackson (brother in law and sisters), Messrs William, Walter, Thomas and Bert Bowyer (brothers) and Mr London.

1949 July 9th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Found Drowned in Canal

Open Verdict on Normandy man
An open verdict was returned at an inquest at Farnham on Tuesday on Frederick Howland (73) of West View, Beech Lane, Normandy, whose body was recovered from the Basingstoke Canal on Sunday.
After evidence of identification by a son-in-law, Mr Arthur Warner of the same address. Mrs Dorothy Warner (daughter) stated that the deceased had lived with her since 1939. He had been a widower for the past 13 years, and had to give up his work in 1947 because of his health. He was suffering from cancer and was attending a doctor. He did not know what his complaint was, but he was worried and anxious about his health, and the last report from the doctor had made him very depressed. On Saturday he went out very early in the morning, giving no reason, and that was the last time she saw him. As he did not return home that evening, she concluded he had gone to see his brother in London, as he had done on previous occasions. Dr E. F. Mulcahy said the condition of the heart was such that it was more than likely that Howland might have suffered sudden death at any time. The immediate cause of death was asphyxia, due to drowning. Pte. T. Jones of the Pioneer Regiment, Basingstoke, said on going into the canal for a swim, he found the body of the deceased in the centre of some weeds. He pulled it ashore, but artificial respiration proved useless. The Coroner, Dr J. Murray Robertson, recorded a verdict as stated.

1949 July 16th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

Mother's Union outing.
Cry for recreation ground.

1949 July 23rd
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy

A Social at the Village Hall on Saturday was a joint effort by Normandy Girl Guides and those from Stoughton, for the purpose of obtaining to take the girls to camp. Unfortunately, the attendance was very poor, resulting in a profit of only £1.12s 6d. Folk dancing, recitations, piano and violin solos by the Guides, alternating with games, constituted the programme.

1949 July 23rd
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

A social held in Normandy Village Hall on Saturday by Normandy and Stoughton Girl Guides to raise camp funds realised £1.12s.6d.
 
Mr Henry, Chairman of the managers of Wyke School has resigned, and at a special meeting on Tuesday, Mr H Mills was elected in his place. Mr Henry has been a manager for nearly 20 years. Mr A A Cook and Miss E Booty are new managers.
On Wednesday, Wyke and Normandy Woman's Institute entertained over 60 visitors from the Mutual Friendship Hour and the Eventide Home, Staines. Mrs Fletcher organised a musical programme and tea was arranged by Mrs Chant and the catering committee.
 
Mrs Ellen Durbridge in court - Lost sixpence and a push. (Report).

1949 July 23rd
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Civic Hall Scheme
would cost Guildford a 5d rate.
£1,000 premium offered for winning design.

1949 July 30th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

Village Hall proposals
 
Ash
Wyke Avenue drainage
.
Subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health, Guildford Rural Council have adopted a drainage scheme in respect of 72 houses at Wyke Avenue, Ash to cost £7453. This sum includes the cost of about three acres of land to be acquired for the sewage disposal works.
 
The Council have accepted, subject to approval, a tender of £35,471 by Mr J McNulty for the erection of 40 bungalows at Government Road, Ash.

1949 August 6th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Ash
Wyke Avenue drainage

A £7,453 scheme has been adopted by Guildford Rural District Council for draining the 72 houses at Wyke Avenue, permitting, if necessary, the erection of another twelve houses on the site. The Council were told last week that a suitable site for the disposal works was on three acres of land on the west side of Wyke Wood. They decided to apply to the Council for permission to borrow the money.

1949 August 13th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy

A statement has been issued by the Ash and Normandy Parish Council concerning their petition for a public inquiry in connection with the sewerage scheme for Ash and Normandy. The petition is being deferred until the end of the year, pending further developments from the recent action taken by the Guildford Rural District Council in respect of a sewerage scheme for Ash and Ash Vale, which is now being considered by the Ministry of Health.

1949 August 13th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

The late Mrs M Dermody, Tamar Cottage - Normandy resident for 33 years

1949 August 27th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy
A Normandy bride.

Mr William George Butler, Shortlands Cottage, Harpers Road, Ash to Miss Nellie Florence Betsworth, 1 Walden Cottages, at St Peters Church, Ash on Saturday.

1949 August 27th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy
Rights of Way Decision

Guildford Rural District Council's Right of Way Committee have passed a resolution that the War Department land agent should be told that it is not proposed to take any further action over the right of way cleared by Ash and Normandy Parish Council over the footpath from Dolleys Hill to Tunnel Hill, Normandy because of lack of evidence as to use.
They were told that the path ran through the danger area of the rifle ranges, and that the claim had been strongly contested by the War Department. The Parish Council had been asked to give evidence of use, but had replied that this was not forthcoming.
The Rights of Way Committee's resolution is subject to confirmation by the Rural District Council.

1949 August 27th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy
Enforcement Action to be taken.

Surrey Town and Country Planning Committee was recommended on Wednesday to support Guildford Rural District Council's proposal that enforcement action should be taken under the Planning Act to prevent land on the east side of Westwood Lane from being used as a dumping ground for disused vehicles and salvaged materials.
The Committee were also recommended to take similar action over land immediately south of St Mark's Churchyard to prevent it being used as a store for scrap metal and other materials.

1949 August 27th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Feature
There's History in every village.
Life in the 'Nestling' Haven
A pen picture of WANBOROUGH by L W Bromley
1949 September 3rd
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

Mrs Clara Catherine Chitty of 23 Geneva Road, Kingston, died on Friday last week in Cheam Hospital. Yesterday she was interred at Wyke Church, where her husband was buried in 1928.
 
Twenty cups for riders, big entry for Normandy Gymkhana. (Report).

1949 September 3rd
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy flower show
[no report included on this reference]
1949 September 10th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

Winners at Normandy Show - woman do better than last year. Report of Normandy and District Gardening Association Annual Show.

1949 September 10th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy
- Flexford Road Race Track
Guildford Rural District Council are to be asked by their Planning Committee, subject to the Area Sub-committee's approval to serve an enforcement notice on the owner and occupants of land in Flexford Road, Normandy, requiring its use as a miniature car racing track beyond the limits of the planning land to be discontinued.
The Committee are also to ask them to pass a resolution that the co-operation of the owner should be sought meanwhile in securing complete prohibition of the land as a miniature car racing track.
The Committee will report when the Council meet that they have considered a letter from Mr W. Sewry, who lives in Flexford Road. When the Council had thought of taking action before, it was decided it would be difficult to secure successful enforcement action under the Act until evidence was forthcoming about the extent of the use of the track beyond the limits of the planning land.
Mr Sewry had submitted a statement about the use of the track on 29 occasions between 17th February and 30th July, and asked that action be taken now to prohibit its use.

1949 September 24th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy

On a charge of breaking and entering No. 1 Glaziers Bungalows, Normandy on 3rd September, and stealing 60 cigarettes and two payment books value 10/6d and 18/7d in money, the property of John William Harold Surgey, two privates serving in the R.A.S.C. Peter Grant (19) and Robert Ferrier (24) were committed for trial at Surrey Quarter Sessions by Farnham Magistrates on Thursday week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No model car racing will take place on the Normandy track after 1st October, Surrey Town and Country Planning Committee were told on Wednesday an undertaking had been given to this effect. The Committee were recommended to defer the matter until Guildford Rural District Council have had an opportunity for reconsideration.
The Area Sub-Committee reported that the Rural District council had recommended enforcement action under the Planning Act in connection with the use of the land for racing.

1949 September 24th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

Mr A Norman of Normandy, well known amateur rose grower, won a cup and other prizes at the National Rose Society's recent show in London.

1949 October 1st
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

Car racing track, Flexford Close.
Temporary playground, Westwood Lane housing site.
Proposed ladies cloakroom at Normandy village hall.

1949 October 15th
Surrey Advertiser
Ash

Mobile polling station proposed.
 
Wyke and Normandy
Recreation ground problem - where and at what cost? (Long report).

1949 October 16th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy
Water - Ebb and Flow

Mr Howarth is happy - The water supply in his area has improved, and he told the Parish Council that if it continues there will be no further cause for complaint.
Mr Steele is not so happy - 'My experience' he said 'is just the opposite - my water supply has gone off'.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Miles to Nearest 'Pub'
The War Office Signals Regiment are in camp at Cobbetts Hill, Normandy. The fact that the men have to provide their own entertainment as there is no ''pub' for a distance of three miles' was pleaded by a solicitor on behalf of two clients as a special reason why they should not be disqualified following conviction of offences under the Motor Car Act. Richard Greer was summoned for using a motorcycle without insurance cover. John Alan Lacey was permitting further. Greet was summoned for driving without a licence and Lacey for aiding the commission of the offence.
They were fined £1 and disqualified for twelve months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No Playground for Children
It is a matter of history that Normandy did possess a recreation ground, that the parishioners decided to sell it, that the price of land earmarked as the now recreation ground is agricultural under requisition by the Surrey Agricultural Committee.
Major R.F.Tolley, Chairman of the Parish Council, recalled this when Normandy pressed for action.
Mr Cook said 95 children at the Westwood end of the parish had only the highway to play on. In support of taking the long view, he said Normandy was developing and eventually there would be no open spaces left. A recreation ground was necessary for organised games. There was a high feeling at Normandy on the matter, and a public meeting to discuss it would be held, whether it was under the auspices of the Parish Council or not. The development of new estates had brought a staggering amount of new life to Normandy.
Mr Morgan said the Parish Council had done everything they could. Replying to a 'tremendous amount of uninformed criticism of the Council', he said if people had only read the press reports of the Council meetings, they would have seen that the Parish Council had not been sitting down and doing nothing.
The Chairman undertook to discuss with the Clerk of the District Council the question of earmarking open spaces for new estates.

1949 October 22nd
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke and Normandy

30 eventful years - Women's institute hold birthday party. (Long report).
 
Burglary at Mr J W H Surgey, Station Road, Normandy.

1949 October 29th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy
Annual Meeting of Normandy and District Gardening Association
[Report]
 
Normandy Scouts Anniversary
[Report]

1949 October 29th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
Normandy

Guildford Rural District Council decided last week to reconsider a recommendation that a by-law should be made prohibiting the use of the footpath from Bailes Lane to Aldershot Road by equestrians and cyclists.

1949 November 12th
Surrey Advertiser
Wyke & Normandy
Women's Institute Annual Meeting
[Report]
 
Scout Group Party
[Report]

1949 November 19th
Surrey Times and Weekly Press
A Loan for Drainage
(Ash and Normandy)
District Council turned down a private scheme.
[Long report]
---------------------------------------------------
Level Crossing Gates
Ash Station - long waits for road traffic
[Long report]
------------------------------------------------------
Proposal to Acquire Land on Normandy Common
[Long report]

1949 November 30th
Surrey Advertiser
Strong Language in a Bus

Normandy Wood Merchant Fined
Philip Smith, a young wood merchant of The Homestead, Normandy was fined a total of £6 by Guildford borough magistrates on Monday. He pleaded guilty to using abusive language in a bus, but not guilty to disorderly conduct in Woodbridge Road, Guildford on October 18th.
John Scotland of Ash Hill Road, Ash, a bus conductor employed by the Aldershot Traction Company, said Smith and another man jumped on to the bus in Bridge Street while it was moving. They were obviously waiting for a third person, who appeared to be running from the front of the bus. Smith, on the platform, rang the bell six or seven times in succession. Witness told him that the driver would not stop in Bridge Street and Smith then used abusive language.
'From where I was, about half way down the bus', witness continued, ' I shouted to him to cut the swearing. He started taking his overcoat off in a threatening manner. The person with him told him not to be so silly but to wait and they could get me some time when I was off the bus.'
'Struck in the Face'
By that time, witness said, the bus had arrived at the Cattle Market, where both men jumped off. When the bus pulled away, Smith jumped on to the platform, struck him in the face and jumped off again. The driver, who could see what was happening through the centre mirror immediately stopped the bus and jumped off. Witness took off his ticket machine and they both ran after the men and caught them. The driver held them while he telephoned for the police.
P.C. George cooper said that Smith had had a drink but was not drunk.
To the magistrates Smith said 'I met some friends. We had some drinks - strong drinks - and there you are'.
Fined £3 on each charge, Smith was given a fortnight in which to pay.

*****

Home PageTop of Page
Previous Page
Next Page
Normandy in the Press Index
 
© Copyright by Normandy Historians All Rights Reserved.