More memories of Barnett’s farm

TWO SISTERS who used to live next door to one of the workers on Barnett’s farm in Thorpe Acre have been in touch with their memories of the village.

Looking Back recently spoke with Richard Bradley-Stevenson whose whole family used to work on the farm.

Annette James (nee Leon) and Jeanette Lomas (nee Leon) said that they lived at number 33 Thorpe Acre - next to the drive to the farmyard.

The sisters told Looking Back that their parents, Hannah and Reginald Leon in fact lodged with George and Annie Bradley-Stevenson (Richard’s mother and father) when they were first married.

They said: “Our father, who worked at the Brush, took every opportunity to help out during harvest time when hours were needed to gather in the crops.

“They were wonderful days when the whole community worked together.”

“Jack Goddard ( who was mentioned by Richard as working on the farm with Mr Wilf Barnett) lived next door to us, and when he finished working for the day used to walk past our cottage to get to his home.

“Dad used to chop firewood and logs for our open fire.

“They were stacked by our back door and as Jack passed he would pick up a couple of logs!

“There was a shop at the bottom of the road called The Wee Shopee because it was run by a Scottish couple.

“We played freely in the street and open fields by the brook. Joyful times.

“Our parents remained friends with Annie and George until their deaths and we remember them with fondness.”

Do you remember Barnett’s farm in Thorpe Acre? Maybe you used to live in the village and had your own memories of the place or even some old photos? If so please contact Liam Coleman on 01509 635806 or email liam.coleman@trinitymirror.com

Pictured is Richard’s dad, George in the milk float from Barnett’s farm.

Pictured is Richard’s dad, George sat on the wall outside of the stables on Barnett’s farm.

Pictured is The Old Farm House, in Thorpe-Acre where Richard Bradley-Stephenson and his family lived.

Pictured from left to right: Unknown, Jack Goddard, Mary Holt, (sitting at the front) Wilfred Barnett, George William Bradley-Stevenson, Wilfred Bradley-Stevenson, unknown, Arthur Bradley-Stevenson.

Pictured is Richard’s mum, Sarah Annie milking lambs in the garden at The Old Farm House in Thorpe Acre.

Pictured is Sarah Annie, Richard’s mum with the horse and milk cart on Barnett’s farm.