by Ian Wheeler
Knowing that his research was supported by the developers, the author takes pleasure in recommending the work of Cholsey resident Bill Nicholls, who photographed the hospital extensively through the dereliction and redevelopment phases and published an illustrated blog at forgottenfairmile.blogspot.co.uk. Some of Bill’s photographs are reproduced herein with his kind permission.
What’s in a Name?
Early in the redevelopment process, SODC approached the village’s liaison committee, soliciting help with road naming. The author, having the most obvious fund of information, was able to supply a hasty and highly provisional selection of names but requested a street plan and time to come up with a list that reflected the notable features and personalities in Fair Mile’s history. Unaccountably, SODC claimed there was no time for lengthy deliberation and promptly closed the book on the matter. Thus it is that, years later, we find Villa Close on the site of South Lodge. Equally curious, though pleasing, was the discovery of Ruttle Close, named after Chris Ruttle who worked in the laundry in the post-war years. An alternative claimant might be his brother Albie, who delivered coal to the wards. As we have Chris’s likeness, we will assume that he has the honour, no doubt sharing it with Joan Woodward, manageress of the laundry, who has her own road close by. Both were popular and they loved each other deeply. These lifelong partners would probably be amused – and also pleased – that Fair Mile has been remembered for its people.
From left: Sister Morfydd Jones; ‘Taff’ Jones; Lilian Talbot; Leslie Talbot; Alice ‘Tot’ Gibbons (sister of Mrs Talbot); unknown; Edith Meatyard; Matron Smythe; Harry Beasley (chef); George Hedges (electrician). (Spackman collection)
Chris Ruttle and Joan Woodward. (Spackman collection)
Male nursing staff in about 1948. From left: Lem White; Dick Nicholls; Alf Reynolds; possibly Jock Oliver; Peter Vick. (Bill Nicholls)
Nurses in the female airing court in about 1950. Rear left is Molly Brady; May Lehaney rear right. Carmel Clancy front left. (Bill Nicholls)
A patient’s graffito says it all. (Bill Nicholls)
Note
42 This one at least did not make it past the planning authorities but perhaps a future generation will one day rediscover the delights of unadulterated drinking water.
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First published in 2015
The History Press
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© Ian Wheeler, 2015
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