Temeside cottages history revealed.

This report was first published in the January 2005 edition of The Parish Magazine of Greater Whitbourne.

Researching the history of Whitbourne's hidden past is very addictive!

Ever since the People of Old Whitbourne Project was launched, I have been looking at old records, baptism registers and marriage registers at the Bromyard history centre. Spending very enjoyable hours slowly going through the registers and then re-checking that I haven't missed anything of great value to the project. I am collecting information on my own home, and on Temeside Cottages. I am beginning with Temeside Cottages, which I have become interested in because of its peaceful position close to the river Teme. But it is now sadly deteriorating rapidly and will soon be gone from us.  I am slowly gathering all the names I can of the people who have lived at Temeside, from the date of its last occupants going back as far in time as I can. Slowly researching on a topic like this is good for the soul and food for the mind - fantastic!

Temeside's nearest neighbour is of course 'The Boat Inn' by Rookhill coppice - what a location for an Inn, specially positioned by the river and the dense woods.

Talking to the locals of Old Whitbourne is also of great value to our project, jogging their memories is very worthwhile to me as a youngster. So there is also a social aspect which is involved in our very special project.

I was born at Top Lodge, Brockhampton, in 1966. In 1970 my family moved down into Whitbourne, which I am very proud of. Over these 34 years, I have seen many old villagers move out, and new faces move in. The old strong Herefordshire accent is nearly gone, but we are still in time to record it, and memories those people have.

Three families I have so far found at Temeside Cottages are the Bury family, the Powells and the Lanes. One character I do remember is Charlie Lane of No. 2 The Golds; I wonder if his parents lived at Temeside?

Charlie was a very down-to earth popular 'local lad' and always had time for anyone. He was always seen a lot on his bicycle or talking to the cattle in the field at the bottom of Church Bank. Lots of other characters like Charlie have now gone from us, and with them has gone their knowledge of the village.

So our project is going to resurrect 'Old Whitbourne', and collect as much history as we can to pass down to the next new Whitbourne generation.       

Lawrence Haddock.      

POW archives project, researching Temeside Cottages.