This page presents just a small selection from the many enquiries and letters MyShotley.com receives. The views expressed are not those of MyShotley.com or the Editor. We reserve the right to publish and edit letters. [DISCLAIMER]

From Dorothy Rands

Hello Shotley
I am the Great Granddaughter of William Frederick RANDS b.1857 and Dinah Carnell b.1877 who lived in Frog Lane Nr Church (according to 1881 census) with their 8 children. I have just started to compile my Family Tree and I am discovering that so very many of my family were born in Shotley and married partners from Shotley or Chelmondiston. I am planning to visit Shotley to see what else I can discover.

Whilst looking on the Web I found your website ‘MyShotley.com’ and read the Family Tree of David Coad about the history of David Markham and kept coming to names that are on my tree. I have an Emma RANDS b. 1881 who married a MARKHAM and had 3 children Billy, George and Peggy. Then there is William RANDS b 1799 who married Mary GILDERSLEEVE another surname mentioned. I then looked at the details of the Parish Council and saw Norman BUGG’s name. Harriet Maria RANDS b.1870 who married Edward DUNNETT 16.10.1890, they had a daughter Jessie b. around 1909 who married James William BUGG is this another relative?? My earliest record is an Adam RANDS b. 1730 in Chelmondiston.

So perhaps you can see why I must come and try and fill in some gaps. Would you be able to tell me who to write to about access to the church and any records that may be available.
Thanking you in anticipation
Dorothy Rands

(Note from Ed ... We have put Dorothy in touch with Norman Bugg but if there are any other details you can help with please e mail us and we will pass them onto Dorothy)

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From Julie Dray

I was very interested to see your website

I am particularly interested in St Mary's church especially the war graves. My great Grandfather Thomas H Chitty, Petty Officer Stoker is buried there. He was drowned whilst going from ship to shore aboard the Conquest on 28th March 1916. He was drowned off the shore of Harwich and found 40 miles up the river at Shotley where he was buried.

I hope one day to pay my respects and visit his grave and the town of Shotley.

Once again I would like to say how interesting your site is.

Regards

Julie Dray

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From Vanessa Watkins

It would be really fantastic if you could add in a section for geneology/ ancestry- I have found that my family has lived in Shotley since at least 1815, and cannot seem to get any earlier than that (family name Glover/Baker). I am lucky that I still have family left in Shotley, but I would love local history tales about family life and living and working in Shotley over the years- my great great grandfather worked in the brickworks- does anyone have any photos?
Thanks! Vanessa Watkins

(Note from Ed ... Great idea Vanessa!....if anyone has any photographs or memories of Shotley they are able to share please e mail us and we will include them on the website)

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From Stella Stuart

Hello MyShotley

I am very interested in the marriage of Elizabeth Randfield and Stonehouse Stuart which took place at the parish church at ERWARTON in 1787. I take this to be St. Mary's? Is this a C of E church?

Secondly I have no idea what she might have been doing there and why they chose this location for their marriage, since her family was firmly based at Harwich.

I wondered whether she might have been in service at the Hall and this brings me to the reason for this email. Are there any records in existence of those employed at the Great Hall around this time? .....(Does anyone know of any? - Ed)

I would greatly appreciate any leads you might be able to suggest on this. Stonehouse Stuart was a branch pilot by trade and I know there was a strong link between Erwarton and Harwich because of the water schoots taking water from the spring at Erwarton for Cobbold's the brewery. Stonehouse may have been involved in the transporting but still a mystery why Elizabeth was there.

many thanks for anything you can dig up.

Stella.

(Note from Ed ... if you are able to help Stella please e mail us and we will pass on your replies.)

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From "ex Ganges Boy" David Britton, 2 December

Dear editor

I'm very impressed that so many people are interested in the whole of Shotley, and not just the Ganges site. I remember very well my first touch of freedom from the very harsh learning routine we all ventured as boys. The expedition to Manningtree in small groups to get back as quick as possible,only after discovering a few tricky clues to pick on the way.That 7-8 mile trek was one of the most enjoyable walks I ever did. I trekked the Black mountains as a sea cadet a year before I joined Ganges.
We were in teams of three and I was chosen to be "In charge" because of my experience among the Welsh hillsides.

We noticed the countryside very much so, I dare say more than most locals at the time. From past experience Ive discovered if you sit on it, you cant see much of it. But the parish must be doing a good job, As far as I can see, there has only been one major development since I left in 1961 and thats the Marina and thats a very good change, because the foreshore down there was an eyesore.

I was born in Chippenham Wilts, and since I left to go exploring the World, changes have been more than I can catch up with. If it was'nt for the streets, I would be lost. I did most of the paper rounds when I was at school for "Smiths" over a period of three years , there was'nt many streets I didnt know, now there are almost double the estates and they are all people that have immigrated in from other areas.I dont know anyone,I dont even know where my family live anymore if they are still around. I bet I could still go through Shotley and talk to someone who's my age who remembers my group,and Captain McKenzie. Best place of course for memories would be the Bristol Arms, but not for us boys, we didnt even know it existed, not being old enough to explore pubs in those days.

Personally I think Homes for old people are a good idea, providing the old people dont have to pay for them . But most important I think, is for someone to build a few B%26B's close to the coast, like on a reinforced concrete harbour, and on stilts, just in case of flooding. The harbour would protect the countryside and the B%26B would attract all ex Ganges boys. The last entrants were in 1973 which makes the all at least 33 years old now. If they all visit regular for reunions there is a fair bit of trade to be made, especially if they dont have their own transport. Nice little earner for someone in the Parish, but I expect someone has thought of that already.

I just wanted to tell you all how much I like Shotley. Not all of the boys got to see the countryside like us and some of the boys were grateful they survived but shiver every time the word Ganges is mentioned, but I bet they are really proud.
Regards,
David Britton.
Good luck with whatever you decide, Im sure it will be the right choice for you all.

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From Casper De Boer, 2 November

Dear editor,

I am trying to get the postbox outside Nether Hall on the main road out of the village to be moved to the corner of main road and Great Harlings as over the years this position has become unsustainable for obvious reasons. The corner of Great Harlings being more convenient and safe for all. I could do with some support by emails to the Royal Mail.

Email address is contactus@royalmail.com. Please quote reference no: RM0356-7526. Stuart Ward

Or write to: Royal Mail, Customer Service Center, Free-post, Po Box 740, Glasgow G22 6WW, quoting reference number. see letter below

____________________________________________

A Handyman Service
Casper M. A. De Boer
Pilchard’s
4 Visdelou Terrace
Shotley Gate
Suffolk, IP9 1PR.

Land line:
01473 788222

Mobile Phone:
07789 751 781

Email address:
info@casperdeboer.co.uk

26/10/2009

Royal Mail
Customer Service Centre
Freepost
Po Box 740
Glasgow
G22 6WW

Ref. no. RM0356-7526

Dear Stuart Ward

The box concerned is no IP9 1030, or Netherhall on the B1456 just about west of the village envelope..

It is situated outside the Village, with no foot path on its own side. In order to get there on foot one walks from village on long foot path, which stops and one needs to cross the road to the river side, walk on till opposite the box, cross again. To get back do the same in reverse.

This is a busy road and is the only route for small kids and their parents to walk to the primary school from here west of the village.

To post a letter by means of car one has to stop in the road and thus block the road.

As I was there to collect the box number one of your colleagues was there to empty the box, so I told him why I was there and asked if I could look and see how many letters were to be collected, TWO in total, and that is pretty normal. In fact just about the only time when the bottom of the box is just about covered is whet Netherhal and the farm next door post their Christmas cards. So your postman told me.

He, too does not like the position on of the box, see reasons above.

Far better would be to move the box to the corner of the B1456 = Visdelou terrace and Great Harlings Road.

There is plenty of room there with a wide enough pavement.
The road is wider, hence safer, if one drops of the post by car then, due to the fact that there is a bus lay-by the traffic can flow without hindrance. .
The pavement leads the bus stop, which services the estate behind, going down Great Harlings, with plenty of footfall.
There is a telephone cable post/mast there for easy fixing.

Hence, much safer, more people will use the box as plenty of people do get on and of the bus there.

If you were to use the phone post then the move would take little time.

I do hope that the above information is sufficient for you to seriously consider moving this letter box, I remain.

Yours faithfully.

Casper De Boer.

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From James, 12 September

I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me please? I am currently conducting some family research and I have found my great-great-great granfather: Robert Maulden. He was a gamekeeper living 104 Church Road, Shotley in 1891. I've had a look on your website and have found Ewarton Hall and Shotley Hall as possible places he could have been gamekeeper. Is there any further information you could perhaps provide me with or point me in the right direction as to finding more information on this?

Many Thanks

James Gourlay

(Note from Ed ...we have also refered James to the records office in Bury St Edmunds but would appreciate any other information anyone may be able to share) you can email us here

From Alan, 14 July

I wondered if you could point me to where I could get some information.

In about 1953 as a member of Maidstone QORWK regt army cadet force we came to summer( school holidays) camp very near Shotley.. and I have been trying to find out where it might be for some years . The area was very flat near the sea and could have been an army base or seaplane station ? We were under canvas , I don't remember any buildings, but will never forget that we visited HMS Ganges close by and saw them climb the mast.

If you know someone who could help it would be appreciated..

Warmest regards, Alan Judge

(Note from Ed ... if you can help Alan e mail us and we will pass on your replies.)

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From Darryl, 10 July

Since the takeover from Ipswich buses of our bus route some things have been better than with Far East and others have not. One of the better things is obviously that Ipswich buses do not have as many breakdowns or inconsistencies with the service as Far East did. On the other hand though Far East provided a frequent enough service that in some ways it didn't matter as you'd only have to wait half an hour for another bus. Now though depending on where you live you may have to wait up to 2 hours for a bus! (Chelmondiston, Wolverstone, Harkstead etc). Ok Harkstead etc only ever had a 2 hourly bus service but those in Chelmondiston went from 3 buses every 2 hours down to 1, and i think it is ridiculous, i think there should be a 202 service every hour as the buses (depending on the time of day) are rather crowded mainly coming back from town in the afternoon.

I have noticed that Ipswich Buses did finally implement a double decker on the route on the rush hour 202 services and a few others due to the extreme over crowding on the services, however there is still room for improvement in that between rush hour service times (and during!) we need an extra 202 service so that it is hourly rather than 2 hourly, some people do not like taking the 98 service because it goes down the back roads and takes longer.

Thanks
Darryl

(Note from Ed) - If you have views on our bus service, e mail us here

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From Louisa Penton, 10 July

I am looking for an old friend; Lupin Kier. It's an unusual name and I remember that when she and her husband Donald Kier came to live in Groningen in the Netherlands for a couple of years (he was working for a company which was contracted to Shell) she said she came originally from Shotley and that her parents still lived there.

Lupin and Donald had three children Holly, Mo and Connor. We became great friends as, in my youth I used to play on the hard at Pin Mill where we kept our boat the Whispering Breeze. As it turned out Lupin used to do that too and probably at around the same time so we might have even played together without knowing that we would meet and become friends some 20 years later.

The Kier family then moved to Aberdeen and although we kept in touch for a while I lost contact with Lupin and have not been able to trace her since. I miss her and wish we could meet up again. I have been living in the Netherlands for 20 years and have met and lost many expats friends who have come and gone. Some I remember more than others. Some are still friends to this day.

Together with some of them we started a company called Connect International which provides a relocation service and social network for foreigners living in the north of Holland.

It would be so good to make contact with Lupin again. If you have any clues or can help me contact her parents or trace her somehow it would make me very happy.
The trouble is I don't know her maiden name.

From a long lost friend in Holland
Louisa Penton
mother of Sarah and Rebecca who were also good friends with Holly and Mo.
www.connect-int.org

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From Kirsty, 1 July

With regards to the following item on your news page:

2 Jun ......Local resident writes to Babergh's planning officer expressing his views on the application to build 404 retirement homes on the Ganges site....

I was very pleased to read such a well thought out letter, explaining in detail and backed up by fact, the reasons why the development on the Ganges site should be halted. And I would very much like to read any response the letter has prompted. (note from Ed - we will publish any replies to letters here)

Living in Shotley Gate myself, I would hate to see the area ruined by the building of so many new homes, to see the green area gone would be quite depressing. It is clear to most people that the area cannot sustain such development, especially the doctors surgery, the roads, the shops etc.

What I would love to see is the mast repaired, and perhaps some of the old naval buildings repaired to house the Ganges museum. Open the site up to the local people to go there for walks, bird watching, picnics, allow us to view the mast and the other historical buildings. Basically leave the area alone, let the wildlife keep it. With only the locals and occasional visitors there to enjoy long walks and picnics, the area won’t be wasted or ruined.

My call is to return the site to the community, together we could hold fundraisers to repair the mast and make the buildings safe and secure, open the gate during daylight hours, secure it at night. Lets as a community enjoy it.

Say NO to the development!

Kind regards

Kirsty

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From Fed up, 18 May

To The Editor

I think the Parish Council should take a serious look at whether the existing footpaths connecting roads in Shotley Gate really fulfil a useful purpose other than providing places for dogs to poo, the dumping of coke cans, contraceptives (used) or access for young hooligans on motor bikes or pedal bikes.

My house is situated along one of these paths, which I might add are in total dis-repair and will no doubt in the near future be the cause of an accident and leave the council having to pay compensation.

I am fed up with cleaning up dog poo, disinfecting the area and having to be careful my son does not tread this mess into the house.

Close all these alleys and pathways, walking the long way round and it will help people keep fit.

It will free those living close to these wretched footpaths from late night noise from the louts that unfortunately seem to have no consideration for the people in Shotley and will save me the job of picking up Dog poo, empty bottles, drink cans and other miscellaneous rubbish everyday in both my back garden and the adjoining footpath.

Fed Up

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From Gary , 24 March 2009

The other day, my daughter wanted to do a timed 2 mile run from our house. I decided that, because it was dark, to follow my daughter in the car. I followed her up to near the school, turned the car around and slowly followed her back pulling into small areas to keep an eye on her as it was very dark.

I noticed a car pass me and thought nothing of it until it passed me again from the opposite direction. It then passed me again. This happened on several occasions. I stopped my car in the layby opposite Great Harlings and waited for my daughter to catch up.

The car that had passed me had pulled over and asked my daughter if she was OK and if she knew the person in the car following her. My daughter, panting, said yes its my dad and with that the car pulled away and drove down Great Harlings and disappeared.

I believe that this person had my daughters well being at heart and thought that a strange old man was following her. I would just like to thank this person for taking the time to check on my daughters welfare.

Thank you very much for making sure my daughter was OK. It was very kind of you.

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From Sarah, 10 March 2009

My recent move to Shotley has really brought home to me just how hard the impact of Peak Oil production and runaway Climate Change are going to hit rural communities such as ours. For those who don't know, Peak Oil refers to the point at which global oil production peaks (most experts and many in the oil industry believe that it will happen before 2020 if it hasn't already happened). Once it does peak, production will slow down steadily - whilst demand for oil will continue or even increase (because of population expansion, etc.). Inevitably this will result in rapid price rises - at the very least. We all had a brief taster of what happens when the price of oil increases last year, and it hit us hard because oil is involved in absolutely every aspect of our lives: from food production, to transport, to heating our homes, to most of the products and gadgets we use in them. And the outlook isn't any better for gas or coal, which are both predicted to peak before the end of this century.

I've been thinking about these issues for some time: like many though, I had absolutely no idea what we could do about it, either as a country or as individuals. Recently though I came across the Transition Movement - maybe you've heard of Transition Town Totnes, or you listen to the Archers regularly? Totnes was the first UK town to begin reducing its dependence on oil. The creativity with which the people of Totnes, and now many other towns and villages in the UK and globally, are meeting the challenges posed by Peak Oil and Climate Change is incredible and inspiring. And the most inspiring aspect is that this creativity and sense of purpose has come from people like you or I getting together, researching the facts, and taking action.

I am, as I indicated, new to Shotley and don't yet know many people but I'm certain I can't be the only person concerned about our future here and how we're going to meet the challenges posed by Peak Oil. If you are interested in meeting and taking action now, before the problems begin, please contact me.

Sarah Wilde
continuousline@gmail.com

From Sharon, 6 January 2009

Hi,

I'd like to know if anyone out there shares my interests or writing or taking in rescue animals or just going for coffee?

I'm finding myself at a bit of a loose end after a marriage breakup and would like to make new friends. This isn't made easier by the fact i'm a wheelchair user, who doesn't drive. *Hoping to learn this year!*

Please answer me via this website, if you are in the same boat or just fancy a chat.

Shazz

Please reply to info@myshotley.com, and your email will be forwarded onto Sharon.

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From Sandra, 12 November 2008

From Beverley Coleman, 1 August 2006

Recently I have recieved two 'suspect' clothing collection leaflets - claiming to provide jobs in the third world countries and providing affordable clothing for these people too. The latest company to 'hit' Shotley is called Seabeach Ltd. This is NOT A BONA FIDE REGISTERED COMPANY. It previously ran under the name of Orellanna Ltd - who have been struck off the registered charity list. Seabeach are currently being investigated. These companies are breaking the law by obtaining goods by deception.
If you want to help GENUINE charities, please take your unwanted items to a local charity shop or at least check the company out by entering the name into google and doing a search.

Regards,
Beverley Coleman.

From Sharon Kennedy, 18 July 2006.

Dear everyone.

I was just wondering if any ramps were going to be fitted to our local shops in shotley?   As a full-time wheelchair user I don`t use the local shops, as I can`t get access into them. Both shops have very big steps, and one is made even more awkward by a small ramp before the step.   If I use my electric wheelchair I have to take my sticks, but it is often painful to walk. If i`m in my manual wheelchair I find it humiliating to ask to be lifted over the step, and so I just don`t bother at all.   I went down with my Mother today and had to wait outside while she showed my sympathy cards until I chose one.   Another local resident carries her own ramp around to enable herself to be able to get into the local shop.   Will Shotley shops be having ramps soon to conform with the discrimination laws passed last year? I hope so.         

Sharon Kennedy.

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