This month Barry Cuff has chosen a couple of postcards of Thornford, near Sherborne:
Sent in 1911 to Mr Y Jackman of Smart’s Heath in Surrey, apparently extolling the health benefits of a Dorset holiday (except for the cows). Interesting that in 1911, steam engines were already seen as dated and amusing:
‘Dr Y. Just a card to let you see we go by steam down here. Nell looks just like an Old Booser with her red face, it’s doing her a lot of good but the cows frighten her. She ran through a field of corn yesterday away from them. From yours RL
Sent to Mr A Davenport in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire in 1905 (with handwritten explainer on the front!):
‘Dear Harry. We got your card and liked it very much. I am glad you went to see Amos he is not come home yet expect him Saturday. Mr Roseby said he saw you but he did not know you, you were so grown and altered. Reggie’s arm is a little better but I am not very well. So good-bye with love from your sister Maggie.
The Harry Reg and Margaret mentioned on the postcard were my father’s brothers and sisters .
My father was the youngest of 9 and lived in Thornford his whole life till he died in 1979. Reg and Margaret both lived in Weymouth after marriage and Harry eventually landed up in Suffolk. Their parents Mary and Charles Davenport are burried in Thornford Churchyard. – Richard Davenport
Thank you for this fantastic information. Much appreciated – Andy