Letters to Website

Looking for Dave King

Please help!

We live in St Albans where we were married 25 years ago. Our best man was called Dave King and his partner was called Liz Rosson. They lived in Castle Road, St Albans. We believe Dave and Liz moved to Buckden, although we think they may have since separated.

We are having a celebration party in March and have not seen Dave for at least 23 years. We would love to track down Dave to complete our celebrations.

We believe Dave took part in a charity event in Buckden Village Hall a few (possibly 5) years ago.

You are really our last hope.

Many thanks,

Liz and Derek Pullman
epullman@hotmail.co.uk

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Home is Buckden

I have often looked at your web-site and the memories come rushing back. I was born, christened and married in Buckden, and to this day, my mother (Mrs Doll Laxton) still lives in the village. I went to school in Buckden, along with my three brothers (Rolly, John and Martin) and sisters (Susan and Lynn). In those days (1950 onwards) the school role numbered approximately 100.

My grandfather, Mr George Stocker, kept the Crown Inn on the old Great North Road, opposite the village allotments. He also farmed a couple of fields at opposite ends of the village and had a few cows. These cows were housed in the barns behind the Crown but always milked at the sheds attached to the side of the Manor House in Church Street. Often, it fell to us children to move the cows down the old Great North Road, round the Lion corner and down Church Street. Strangely enough, I can never remember milking the cows myself!

We had some great times - who can remember the May Day celebrations, the village fetes (when fancy dress and races took place), Dr Jolly (who was nice but not jolly!), the Sunday School outings, swimming in the river, etc.

I would be pleased to hear from anyone in the village who remember the Laxton family from those days.

Margaret Benjamin (nee Laxton)
margaret.benjamin@tiscali.co.uk

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Houghtons of Buckden

Found your website whilst researching my husband's family tree. To my delight I also found a note on your message board from Paula Ardron-Gemmell, who is descended from the same family. Thus my husband has a new cousin!!

Looking forward to visiting the village some time in the not-too-distant future.

Christine Oddy
oddyca@hotmail.com

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Hyde and Middleton

I have just visited the Buckden Village website after a few years absence. My family originated from Buckden and my Great Grandfather made a rather celebrated return in 1909, mostly because he purchased an International Harvester motor car on his stop-over in the USA and drove into the town I believe. We have some family cuttings about this and his comments on growing up in the village in the 1840-1860's.

The family name was Hyde and most were farm labourers although my Great Grandfather and a Great Uncle were coachbuilders. Nearly all of his generation emigrated to New Zealand (and we believe some may have gone to the USA) in the late 1860's.

The other name that we have strong links to in the Buckden District is Middleton. Hyde's seemed to marry Middleton's more than once and there is a branch of the family that uses 'Middleton' as a middle name on a regular basis. My youngest daughter has the first names of a Middleton who was my Great-Great Grandmother and who is buried in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Thank you,

Ewan Hyde, 244 High Street, South Carterton, New Zealand
hydefamily@xtra.co.nz

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Buckden Website

I just wanted to say that this is an excellent website!

I am hoping to move up to the area in the summer (probably around Hinchingbrooke Park). I drove through Buckden and Brampton last weekend but unfortunately didn't have time to stop to appreciate Buckden fully; I only saw the marina fleetingly. It is a lovely area so next time I am back, before my move, I will come and have a look around your village.

It is great that you have such an informative website for your residents and visitors.

Best wishes,

Esther Harrod
estharrod@onetel.com

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Families in Buckden

I have recently discovered that I have family connections to Buckden, dating back to the 1800’s.

My GG grandfather was a Wheelwright and his father also. Do any of you have information on the family name Perrin, dating back to that time?

Other names are Martha Smith who married George Perrin; Ann Butler from Boxworth married William Perrin. The Butlers were publicans at the Golden Ball in Boxworth.

Kind regards,

Ken Taylor
taylok@sky.com

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Thanks for the memories

I, like many who have written to you, have fond albeit faint memories of Buckden.

My family and I emigrated to Canada in 1982 (we used to live at 5 Taylor's Lane, if memory serves) and have, unfortunately, not been back. I was only 8 when we moved, but still have fond memories of Buckden. I remember the morning that part of Buckden Primary School burnt down (very exciting for a boy of roughly 6 or 7). I also remember going to visit my Mum at the Lion (she was a cook/barmaid) and being treated to a bag of crisps or a chocolate bar.

Visiting your site has rekindled many of these memories. I therefore felt compelled to write to thank all that are responsible for this terrific site.

I shall forward this site to my parents and brother in hopes that they will also enjoy this walk down memory lane.

Gratefully yours,

Stuart Robinson, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
sturobinson73@hotmail.com

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Buckden families

I want to say that I really love the website - very informative and interesting. Unfortunately I didn't find what I was looking for, but found a lot of things that I didn't know about Buckden!

I'm descended from a Buckden family called Houghton who lived in the village for generations before my branch moved to Idle in Yorkshire in the mid 1800's. I look forward to visiting the village to see if I can find any references to the Houghtons in the New Year.

Do you know of any websites or contacts that may be able to help me tracing the family as all Buckden records appear to be on microfiche (and I don't own a machine, nor do I currently live in England, so fiche records are no use to me :o( .)

But a really interesting site, for which all involved should feel very proud.

Best wishes,

Paula Ardron-Gemmell, UK
paula@paddy99.freeserve.co.uk

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Photo request

My name is Marc Surrency and I would like to request some photos of the Buckden High Street area.

I lived there in the late 60's and was wondering if anyone has any photos of the old house that use to be 10 High Street? It was located across the street and just west of the Spread Eagle Pub. (I used to catch the bus there to go to school.) It was covered with ivy and was quite beautiful in spring and summer.

I thank you for your time and if old pictures are not possible then current photos of the High Street area, (Spread Eagle Pub, The George Hotel etc.) would be most welcomed.

Thanks again,

Best Wishes to You and your Village,

Marc E. Surrency
BrainM1021@aol.com

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Bridge House, Church Street

I am currently restoring Bridge House in Church Street. I am tracing the house's history; it is 600 years old so is quite likely to be the oldest house in Buckden.

I am searching for any old photographs of the house and hopefully the hump back bridge from which the house takes its name. The bridge has been demolished and no trace remains.

Would anyone have old photographs of these? They would be a wonderful discovery for me and much help in my restoration project.

Thank you,

Christopher Bates
Bridge House
27 Church Street
Buckden
Tel 07966 233202

Christopher Bates, UK
Batesc128@aol.com

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Bugden

I was wondering if anyone in Buckden has any information regarding the surname "Bugden". It appears likely that it originated from Buckden, but I would love to hear more about this.

Thanks,

Lorna Bugden, Australia
lbugden@bedfordindustries.com.au

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Trying to find old friend - Bobbi Studer

A good friend of mine moved to Brampton last fall and sent me a Christmas card with the new address--but I have lost it. I just wrote her back only to discover I have no address to send it to.

Please help so we don't lose touch completely. I am trying to find Larry and Bobbi Studer. They are stationed in England with the United States Air Force.

Any help finding Bobbi would be appreciated!

Anna-Lee Higgins, USA
jhiggins4@sc.rr.com

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A Buckden Cousin

What a peculiar week. It is 4 years since I posted my letter on your website about my research into the JEFFERY family of Buckden.

After nil returns since then, I have had 2 responses in a week! The first being the note from youselves and the lady looking for her "Uncle Alan Marks", sadly not me, but what a co-incidence.

Tonight I have received an email from a distant cousin with whom I share a common ancestor in Thomas JEFFERY from Roxton, who married Ann HARDWICK in Tempsford and they settled in Buckden circa 1821. The family was very prolific, but disappeared from the village circa 1900.

I write to thank you for your wonderful website which, after exercising a little patience, has proved so beneficial for me.

Many thanks and keep up the good work.

Alan Marks, UK
alanmarks1953@msn.com

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Family History-Help!!!

I have just started to trace my family history and would be grateful for any information relating to Minnie Elizabeth Patworth Sharp or her family.

Minnie was born in Buckden on 4/7/1901 and died in London in June 1973. Minnie must have left Buckden fairly early on as she was settled and married in Plumstead South East London by the late 1920s/early 30s where she married a Londoner George Andrew Robson. Minnie's father may have been Irish and I think he died fairly young. Minnie's mother I believe then went on to marry a man called Hemings.

If anyone has any information however trivial or small it would be much appreciated

Many Thanks,

Mark Robson, UK
jesteramin@blueyonder.co.uk

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Visit to Buckden

To my surprise while searching for past family members I found that most of my Fathers ancestors came from "Buckden".

It was so nice to find your website and be able to have a pre-view of the village. The map has been so helpful to us, as we're planning to visit in May.

I wondered if you have any idea if there are any GALE'S remaining in Buckden? My family used to live in Luck's Lane and Church Street.

Regards,

Annette Gale, UK
annette@gale99.fsnet.co.uk

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The Marks Family

I have just been looking on the site. My mum, Mary Marks, recognises some names. I was hoping anyone would like to get in touch, especially my uncle Alan Marks whom I have only met once.

Any old friends of my mum or uncle who would like to get in touch please feel free.

Lizzie Breed, UK
elizabeth.breed@ntlworld.com

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Ted Bowtell

Regrettably, my father Ted Bowtell passed away today, 11/01/06. He is featured on this site and appears in the bottom right hand photograph of the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire event. He is the person on the left with the green tie.

I believe he was the oldest resident of the village, to be born in the village. He was born in the accommodation associated with the shop, located immediately south of the Lion Hotel, in High Street, on 19th November 1911. The shop was owned by my grandfather. It had extensive improvements carried out to it between the wars and one of the website photographs shows the newer facade, with the name ‘Bowtells of Buckden’ clearly visible above the shop windows.

My Grandfather moved to Perry Road, at some time after the First World War to a house called Nutfield, which had a fruit farm attached to it. After my father married in 1940 and returned from RAF war service, he had the family house, Glen Helen, No 25 Perry Road, which was the house I was born in. He stayed there until about 1971, when he built The Old Orchard, No 27 Perry Road, not surprisingly, in the orchard of Glen Helen, where he spent most of his retired years. He moved to the Hardwick Dene retirement home in Hardwick Lane, late summer last year.

Tim Bowtell, UK
timbowtell@btinternet.com

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Land for sale - UKLI

I just found your web site and it is very nice indeed. The article on the land sale was most helpful.

UK Land Investments are still cold-phoning and sending brochures implying that plots of land are for sale and are likely to obtain planning permission. I do hope not. It says '9500 new homes to be built by 2016'. So let the unwary watch out.

Perhaps I'll visit for a day out but I certainly won't buy.

Al the best

Annie Mac
amcguinness@toucansurf.com

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Searching for friends

My name is Simon Dean and I used to live in Buckden [1973] but spent a lot of my social time in Brampton. I had many friends there but unfortunately have lost contact with them having moved away from the area.

I frequented the Institute and the Dragoon. (The Dragoon was being refurbished at the time and there was a temporary building put up adjacent to the pub so that business could continue.)

I remember some first names - Martin who went fishing, another Martin who I think went out with a girl called Rebecca, Nick who worked in a bank and was a reasonable cricketer and Andy Smith who I spent most of my time with. We also roadied for the S & A Disco based at the Fountains Club at RAF Brampton run by Steve Allen

I was introduced to Northern Soul and went to the Lord Protector in Huntingdon to listen and dance to the sounds tracks like 'Dobie Gray-Out On The Floor'.

If anyone remembers me or has photos of that period I would like to here from them.

Simon Dean, UK
s.t.dean@btopenworld.com

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The Abrahams Family

We are the Abrahams family and lived in Buckden from 1990 to 2003. Jade and Reece went to Buckden School. We now live on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. We love it here in Australia and feel that we have made the right decision to come here. However we do miss Buckden, it's history, quaintness and most of all it's people!!!

We have many a good memory of Buckden! If anybody would like to get in touch please email us on abrahams_sandra@hotmail.com. It would be so good to hear what's happening in Buckden.

Sandra, Lee, Jade and Reece, Australia
abrahams_sandra@hotmail.com

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Living at Buckden Palace

While stationed at RAF Alconbury we lived in Napoleon House from 1965 through June or July of 1968. Two of our children were born while we were living there. We were the first family to have lived in Buckden Palace so far as I know. Surely, we were the first Americans to live there. The seminary had just been disbanded when we moved in. We had been living above a butcher shop (High Street, I believe) before moving to the Palace. Brother Luis & Brother Ramon were there. Also a father Mahon.

My wife (from Spain) communicated with Brother Ramon after our departure back to the states until 1975. He was in Rome part of that time. If anyone could get her back in contact with him it would be greatly appreciated. We have fond memories of our stay in Buckden. The people there are as friendly as any we've known. With any luck, maybe we'll be able to visit again and enjoy it all over again.

Keen Wallace, Hot Springs, Ar. USA
kenmari@webtv.net

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My Old Village

Just found your website and it has brought back so many memories. Even the map of the village shows my old street.

I lived in Buckden for, I think, five years from 1965 to 1970, I was only young at the time, I attended Buckden primary school and lived at number 24 Bishops Way. That was forty years ago now and I still think of Buckden as my home. The last time I visited the village was in 1977.

If anyone remembers either my family or me then please contact, as I would love to hear from anybody.

Regards,

Fergus Thomson, UK
f.thomson3@ukonline.co.uk

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Ghosts at RAF Alconbury

I'm a retired Police Officer from the West Midlands who is in the process of completing a number of books about strange phenomenon (UFOs) that have taken place going back to 1941.

I was very interested to hear about some strange happenings that had taken place at RAF Alconbury, involving a report of an airman who was so frightened by what he saw that he locked himself into one of the planes which was parked near the flight line, and another who was a security Officer in 1970, when he became surrounded by what he described as the sound of 'children's voices'. Why this was I have no idea, but I would be interested to find out if any others witnessed or heard anything unusual while stationed there.

If anybody can help I'm at 31, Red Lion St, Alvechurch, B48 7LG, Worcestershire / 0121 445 0340.

Thanks for reading...

J Hanson, UK
johndawn@hansonholloway.fsnet.co.uk

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The Lion Hotel, Buckden

I am sorry not to be able to e-mail The Lion Hotel direct because I wanted to tell them of their 'fame' in South Africa.

I have just returned from a recent trip and much to my surprise I noticed a drawing of their hotel on the wall of a remote hotel, The Portland Manor, near Knysna on the south coast. I wouldn't have found this remarkable, but The Lion is truly my favourite 'watering hole' when travelling up and down the A1. I always take the opportunity to stop for a bar meal when I'm in the area.

I hope this can be passed onto them.

Linda Beazley, UK
linda.beazley@tiscali.co.uk

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Feeback

Many thanks for your very helpful website. We just visited Buckden for the first time this weekend, staying at the George. We very much enjoyed their hospitality and the interest in the village, The website steered us in the right direction at a time when we were keen to make a booking but had no idea what the village could offer.

Phil Tinker, UK
PhilTinker@aol.com

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Your website

What a delightful and comprehensive website. It was a pleasure to use. May I congratulate you on both its content and design.

David Brown, UK
dbrown@solutions-inc.co.uk

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Lovely memories of Buckden

I just loved your website and it brought back many memories of my visit to Buckden Palace in 1982. I spent a week in Buckden Palace as part of a Chilean children's delegation. Our host was Father Christopher who had been to Latin America.

The villagers were extremely friendly, even though we may have been noisy as most Latins are. I remember my visits to the sweet shop, which was by one of the inns. I remember the jewellery shop also. We had a friend who used to live above the shop. We only knew her as Sam. She was very nice to us and always eager to know about Chile.

The Palace itself was tremendous. The boys slept on the first floor dormitory and the girls on the next floor up. The Palace gardens were beautiful and the small lake was also interesting. I remember there was a small island, which was linked by a gigantic tree trunk. A Chilean friend and me actually fell in the lake trying to get across to the little island. It was great fun.

I will never forget Buckden and I hope to visit it in the near future. Once again the website is excellent.

Adios Buckden

Marco Valencia, Chile
guataca3@aol.com

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Historical fact about the Lion Hotel

Would you be interested to know that in either 1906 or 1908 a man named John White was a test driver for Henry Austin's Longbridge factory and used to deliver the new cars and teach buyers to drive? It seems he stayed at the Lion Hotel as he sent his fiancée a postcard with a photograph of the hotel. I have that postcard and thought you might like that little bit of history. Of course the motor car was new then and caused great excitement.

I wish I was nearer so I could visit. Maybe one day I will

Hilda Slater (History Enthusiast), UK
HSlater7@aol.com

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Basketball Courts in Buckden

My name is Daniel Kitson and I am a student at Hinchingbrooke School. Ms. Angie Bruce, of the Careers Library at the school, and a few of the students including myself think it would be a brilliant idea to have a basketball court built in Buckden. We are attempting to put together a project about the basketball courts, but for the moment we are trying to get into contact with people in Buckden, i.e.: sports, village club manager, etc, and we need these peoples' opinions on the idea. A lot of the students at Hinchingbrooke School and youths around Buckden think it is an excellent pportunity for people in Buckden. With this basketball court, Ms. Bruce will try to get into contact with people at a recreation centre and see if they are willing to send a coach out to Buckden to give people the opportunity to learn the sport. All we need at the moment are your thoughts on this idea and will contact you again at a later date.

Regards,

Daniel Kitson, Buckden
99V3KitsonD@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk

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Northfield Farm, Buckden (Jennifer Dempsy)

I wonder if you can help me at all? I have a sister-in-law who often talks of her childhood in Buckden. When she was 9 years old she lived with her parents in a place called Northfield Farm, Buckden. At that time her family name was Dempsy. (This would have been about 50 years ago I suppose.)

Well I know this is a long shot, but it means so much to her I thought it was worth trying.

Thanks a lot.

Jenny Long, UK
jenny@jenstone.freeserve.co.uk

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What a trip down memory lane !

Firstly, many congratulations on your website, so pleased I came across it.

I have not moved far from where I always call home Buckden. I moved to the children's home, 20 Silver Street in 1970 and left when it closed in 1976. I have always told everyone connected to my life that my days in Buckden were the best days of my life. Last year I met up with my childhood best friend Nikki French, who now resides down under, and we sat for hours talking about our wonderful childhoods in Buckden. I am always popping thru the village, and now my godson and his brother are at Buckden School, I get to go to the school for the fetes, and that's a great thrill to go back. I have tracked down many thru Friends Reunited but would love to hear from anyone who remembers the children's home.

Keep up the fantastic site, and thank you to all for the memories. Many regards Jackie x

Jackie Fitzpatrick (nee Boocock), UK
jackie@tbpc.co.uk

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Greetings from Holland

I found your site when looking for information about England. Very nice and informative. I made a link from my website, so everyone can enjoy it. You can find my webiste at: jkersten.topcities.com

Jan Kersten, Eindhoven, Holland
j.kersten21@chello.nl

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Fond memories!

I lived in Buckden for the first 18 years of my life, and my brother, Martyn, pointed out your site to me. It brought back a flood of great memories about the village, and it's nice to "virtually" return. I don't get back to Buckden very often, as I have spent the last three years in Washington DC. It's interesting seeing how many letters are from people who lived in, or visited, Buckden because they were based at Alconbury. Just a few weeks ago, a friend of mine from Washington stayed at the Lion Hotel as she was visiting RAF Brampton. She loved the village!

I have just enrolled on a web class at my (Anglican) church over here, and was delighted to link your site to my home page. Thanks for the memories!

Philip Green, Washington DC, USA
green@wis.edu

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The Ashton family

What a wonderful web site! It brought back so many happy memories of the time my family, the Ashtons, lived in Buckden.

We lived in a house on the Great North Road called "Ivelbury" until we left for Australia in 1956. We were given a wonderful send-off at the Rifle Range, which was the centre of most of the social activities in the village.

I used to catch the bus to Huntingdon Grammar School and I still keep in touch with three of my old school friends. I remember cycling to Offord to Guide meetings and playing for the Buckden Tennis Team on a Saturday afternoons. The Village Fetes were fun I remember winning prizes for my sponge cakes and my brother Philip bought his first camera at a Jumble Sale in the School. We also had a fete in our garden when I was May Queen.

Sadly our mother Beatrice died last year at the age of 90 she was active right up to the last. She had some very good friends in the Buckden and was active in the Drama Group and the W.I. Our father George was a very keen gardener, which was just as well because we had about three acres of garden at "Ivelbury".

I would love to hear from anyone who lived in the village in the 1950's.

Teresa (Ashton) Howie, Australia
wilburs@internode.on.net

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Glidewells of Buckden

I was delighted to have just discovered your web site. I've never had the joy of being in your lovely little village, but in my Family History research I've discovered that some of my family from "back then" lived there. They were the Glidewells. George and Elizabeth, my great-grandparents, moved there from Stagsden in Bedfordshire with their two eldest sons - Samuel Francis (who became my grandfather) and John James. Other children were born to George and Elizabeth in Buckden: Walter, Charles, George, Lucy, Edith, Hannah. According to an entry in the 1891 census they lived at 86 Hardwick Street. Is that still there? I would love to have information and photos about the Glidewells if any one is able to help me. Thanks a lot.

Jennifer Hemsley, Tasmania, Australia
jennifer@hemsleys.net

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Geography Project

I attend Guiseley School and I'm 13 years old. I would just like to say thank you to this site because it's helped me a lot with my geography project. I would suggest that you include a geography section as the geography would have helped me greatly. Thank you again.

Becky Goult, UK
becky.goult@ntlworld.com

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E-mail from the US

While serving in England at RAF Alconbury this last spring, I visited Buckden and truly admired your village. I fell in love with your village, the history, Clair and it's residents. Enjoyed meeting some very nice people while there, whom graciously invited me into their homes and lives. I am hoping to one day, be able to return to England, search for my family ancestry and return to Buckden. Thank you!

Jim Ethridge, Beverly Hills, MI USA
ethridge626@yahoo.com

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Elderton family

My cousin and I have traced our family tree back to gt.gt. Grandfather John L. Elderton and family. In the 1871 census it says he was a butcher in Church St. We also think another Elderton was listed as an innkeeper. We would be most interested and grateful to find anything else about this, e.g. gravestone inscriptions etc.

Buckden looks a really good place and your website is most interesting,. Can't wait to visit the village one day.

By the way John L Elderton was born in Ellington about1808 and Ann Elderton (nee Lofthouse) was born in Buckden about 1812. Thanks, in anticipation.

Sue Conroy
suecon2000@hotmail.com

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Seeking Nellie Townsend

Dear Friends of Buckden. I am trying to find out information about Nellie Townsend who lived at Hardwick End, Buckden definitely in 1942. Her maiden name was Hutchinson and she came from Grassmoor near Chesterfield, Derbys. Her father was James Hutchinson. Can anyone help me? Many thanks.

Vanessa Hutchinson
ness-hutchinson@supanet.com

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Greetings from Sylvia & Colin Pipe

Hello all Buckden Residents Old and New. My mother Sylvia and I would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2003 to all our friends and former customers in the village, whom we miss very much! We are both keeping well and Mum celebrated her 80th Birthday in July! We keep up with some of the news from the village through Mrs Lottie Milner and her niece Mrs Jane Page, but would always be pleased to hear from anyone who remembers us.

Colin & Sylvia Pipe, Colchester, Essex
(Owners of 'Pipes Stores' 1945-1996. Now 'The Beauty Room' )
lambpipe@ntlworld.com

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Buckden

Found your website today, very impressed. Great to read all about my favourite village, brought back many memories. I still miss Buckden and all the lovely people. Pleased 'Churches Together' is still going strong. Regards to everyone. God Bless.

Bernadette Hall
hall_bernadette@hotmail.com

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Idiots

Like most reasonably intelligent people. I am able to see both sides to most arguments etc, however, after coming face to face with a large group of animal rights protesters in the midst of our village, any admiration I might of felt for people who believe strongly enough to demonstrate their feelings with regard to their causes, disappeared rapidly on Saturday afternoon.

Whilst leaving the village I was confronted by a crowd of young people, intent on disturbing the peace and quiet of our village by behaving in an outrageous manner. The noise was unbelievable, horns blaring, shouting and screaming and the language left little to be desired. Upon asking them to move so to continue my journey, I was met with a barrage of abuse, bad language and threatening behaviour. If I had been of a timid nature, I think I would have been frightened to death by the sheer volatile nature of the group, and fortunately, I had left my children at home, otherwise, the outcome of the incident would probably have had a very different ending. Admittedly, I left them in no uncertain terms how I felt regarding their behaviour, but what of the elderly and the very young who must have been totally traumatised by the whole incident?

I believe wholeheartedly that people should stand up for their beliefs, and I for one abhor any form of cruelty to animals, however, my family come first and I would like to see any of these so called 'caring' people, when they are old enough to have their own families, turn down a drug that would save their childs life, because it has been tested on an animal.

Demonstrations like the one that was held in our village yesterday, certainly does nothing for their cause. I am sure there are far more effective ways of gaining support from people like myself who prefer to live in a world without cruelty to both humans and animals. Responsibility for how our children start off in the adult world, lay with us as parents. Acknowledge their beliefs and guide them accordingly, but allow them the art of gentle persuasion and intelligent argument. This, I am sure would bring far more effective results than the aggressive attack on whoever was targeted on Saturday.

Jane Hall
Buckden resident.

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Jeffery Family History

I am researching the JEFFERY surname on my mother's side of the family. The family settled in Buckden from Roxton around 1820 and developed into quite a dynasty over the next 100 years, living in most parts of the village. I wonder if there is anyone left in the village who is related to them?

Alan Marks
alanmarks1953@msn.com

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Website

Just found your site on the Net whilst looking around at NHW sites. Looks very well built and informative. Keep up the good work

Lawrence Miles, UK

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Nice Site

I had the pleasure of visiting your website yesterday and felt compelled to send this email to let you know what a nice site you have, well done. I have been visiting sites to get an idea about design etc prior to opening my own.

Shane, UK

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Geography

I think its really wonderful to visit your villages through the web. They have such a charming English flavour ...BUT when people from all over the world fall on your site they do not even know where they are located ....we only can suppose around London.... but where exactly? History is really interesting, and we are very fond of yours...... but a little bit of geography ...why not?

Thank you for sharing with us your love for your country.

Monique Fourreaux, France

(Good point - we've modified the site accordingly.)

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Website

Just to let you know as a new lodge owner at Buckden Marina, your website has been a great find to help me find out what is in the village. It is well thought out and a great asset to all those who's hard work has gone into it. I look forward to visiting and having a good look around the village.

SM, Buckden

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Hello from California

How wonderful it was to stroll down memory lane while visiting the website. My family lived at 31 The Osiers, in 1983-85 while my husband Lee was stationed at RAF Alconbury. As a young wife and mother at the time, your village embraced me with friendly smiles, encouragement, and friendships that have lasted to this day. I tell my friends and family that one day, when I am retired, I shall return to Buckden to live out my days. I full-heartedly intend to keep my word.

Laura Brimer, Marysville, California, USA
brimrbnch@syix.com

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Hello!

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is doing well there! I wrote earlier - I had lived at 30 High Street form 1969-1972! Such fond memories!! :) Just wanted to update my e-mail address to: tigermail@attbi.com if anyone is interested. I am still hunting for my best friend Patty (Patricia) McLemore!! Take care everyone and God Bless!!

Susan (Turner) Fellers, Dallas, Texas, USA
tigermail@attbi.com

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Greetings!

I've been surfing the net looking for pages of villages. After a week of searching I have found this page, which is definitely the best. You have a beautiful village, with a very good home page. Congratulations.

Tibor Torok, Hungary

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Things that daft kids do

If the people now living at 3 Hardwick Lane look up at the front right bedroom window they will see my name painted in small letters on the brickwork about two feet below the windowsill.

I spotted this during a recent visit to Buckden and I remembered painting it whilst hanging upside down from the window when I was about seven or eight years old i.e. around 1956/7. My mother, Elsie Townsend, would have gone bananas had she have seen me doing it as it's a wonder I didn't fall out.

I never imagined having a plaque (albeit home made) at the house of my birth like the famous people !

Barry Townsend, UK

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Buckden Website

My husband and I were stationed at RAF Alconbury from 1978-1982 and we rented a home on Greenway. I had two small children who attended Buckden School. Some of our happiest memories are of our time in Buckden. The Village really became a home. We now live in California. Happy Holidays

Sherry Hendra, California, U.S.A.

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Buckden Website

I recently received a letter from a friend in Buckden telling me that Buckden had a website. I visited the site and it brought back fond memories of our three years at Alconbury from 1989 through 1992. My husband and I lived at 19 Bishops Way. We are still in touch with friends we made there. Unfortunately, some of our friends have passed away and others have moved from the village. We will always think of Buckden as a second home.

We would like to thank the friends who sent their sympathy and support after the terrorist attack. Their kind words mean a lot at this time. I have attached photos of several Buckden people who were there during our stay. Happy Holidays to all.

Judy and Jim Bean, U.S.A.
SNana1@aol.com

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Buckden Website

You have done a great job on the website. It is very attractive. I was quite excited to have found this site. I lived in the village about 25 years ago and miss it very much. I still have friends who live on St. Hughs Rd.

Happy Christmas to Mary and Brian Naylor, as well as Sandra and Ron Stern. Please send me an email, if you see this.

Also, I noticed the first letter, from Sherry in California. Hi Sherry! I moved into your house on Greenway, when you moved out. Do you ever hear from Aggie?

Janet Fannon, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
billfa@mediaone.net

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Buckden Website

I came across your website - really great! I love the old pics etc. I live in Huntingdon though my wife comes from Buckden and her father is still there. I remember Buckden fondly from both my courting days and when I used to visit St High's as an alter boy. Anyway, well done with regards the website - it made my evening. Thanks!

KB, Huntingdon

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Perry Road

I have been a resident in the village for 30 years now and recently moved to Perry Rd.

With the recent upgrade/work on the A1 that has affected us, I find it strange that no effort seems to have been made to restrict the speed of the vehicles on our road. I have two small children who cannot play outside due to the danger.

With the speed cameras that have appeared since the roadworks started, I wondered why our village has not been considered for these. I know Perry Road is not the only road affected (High St, Mill Rd, Silver St to name but a few) but would be surprised if speeds we regularly see are the same in the rest of the village. It seems drivers coming off the A1 or entering the village from the east, still think they are on the dual carriageway or just choose to ignore the small 30 mph signs. If the average speed was below 40/45 mph I would be surprised!

How many other residents of Perry Road and others within the village feel it's time we clamped down and protected our environment and children?

AC, Buckden

(We've forwarded this e-mail onto the Buckden Parish Council and expect a reply in due course.)

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Buckden Website

I was so happy to find that Buckden had a website. I moved away from the village about 8 years ago when I moved to the USA. I visit the site from time to time especially when I am homesick.

LG, USA

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Buckden Website

The village website has given me much pleasure and enables me to show members of our family, who cannot visit us, what our village looks like.

Thank you for your hard work.

Your sincerely,

PZ, Buckden

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Picture Gallery

Browsing through your picture gallery stirred up lots of happy memories for me, especially when I saw myself in the group school shot taken on the village green in front of the old school. I can only identify a few of the others (Kieth Sabey and the Buckingham brothers, Peter and David. Peter joined me as a page boy at one of the May day celebrations around the time of your other shots) and I would love to be able to remember them all. Perhaps one of your regular contributors would kindly oblige?

Your web site is superb, keep up the good work.

Barry Townsend, UK
bazheath@onetel.net.uk

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Church Street

Dear Buckden website,

After moving to Buckden recently I find the site is a great source of information and very user-friendly.

Can anyone help me with any photos or history of the house at 5-9 Church street at the time of the butcher and/or sweetshop that used to reside within number 9 or before? I have searched but to no avail.

Finally it is nice to know that so many people still treasure memories of living in or visiting the village, as it is a lovely place to be.

Mark Isaacs, Buckden
DJ.I@btinternet.com

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Website

Hello, I loved the website and found it to be very informative. I wish that there were more of them around like yours.

SHP, Washington DC, USA

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Hyde Family History

This is a great web-site, and very useful for those of us half way around the world!!!

My Great Grandfather Thomas Hyde came to New Zealand in the mid-1860's with his brother and a sister (and possibly other sibblings).

My mother and father were able to visit Buckden about ten years ago and visited the farm on which the Hyde family worked.

I would like to hear from anyone who may have family connections or knowledge of the Hyde's in Buckden. I am also aware that there were other branches of the family in Huntingdon and St Noets. Our records go back to around 1700.

Thank you to anyone who can provide some information or background about our family.

Ewan Hyde, 244 High Street, South Carterton, New Zealand
hydefamily@xtra.co.nz

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Buckden

Very nice web page.

I live in the USA in New Jersey but my heritage traces to Buckden. My family goes back a long way in Buckden. The family names were Osborn and Middleton.

The Osborn side of the family operated a blacksmith shop just outside the George Hotel. The remains of this blacksmiths shop are on the street end of the small white garage that boarders the parking lot. From my understanding the same blacksmith Osborn who was my great great grandfather was also the lay preacher in town. I still have the Bible he used to preach from in church. I think his name was John Osborn. I can find out for sure if there is interest. There used to be a pipe organ in the church one of my Osborn relatives built but it has long since been sold to someone in Ohio. I also still have a lot of the wood working tools from the blacksmiths shop that were used to make the spokes for the wagon wheels. When my grandfather came to this county in 1957 he brought all his belongings.

The Middleton side of the family had a pub on the Great North Road just north of the town. It lies on the left side of the road heading north about a mile or less out of town. I think the name of the pub was "The Crown" and have I pictures of it when my great great grandparents owned it. Their daughter "Emily Maud Middleton Osborn", my great grandmother, lived to be 99 and is buried out Lucks lane in a small grave yard on the right side heading out of town. She used to live on Lucks Lane when alive. Her neighbors across the street were Mr. and Mrs. Peacock. When I was there in 1995 they were still doing quite well and remembered my mother as a child. I also have a picture of them on their 50th wedding anniversary dated 1958!

I have many stories my mother and grand parents told me about the town when I was a child. I will write them as soon as I can with any pictures I have.

The best to all of you,

Leslie Osborn Glessner, New Jersey, USA
kg2fc@juno.com

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Website

Congratulations on a very good website. As a member of our local Parish Council I have been inspired by your site to try and set up our own site.

Best regards

John H, Chailey Parish Council, UK

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Good work!

Seems like a nice place to live, maybe I should visit you sometime. Keep up the good work.

Mikko H, Finland

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Congratulations from the North of Scotland

Just visited your website. It is very informative and very well designed. Congratulations to those involved. Up here on the Moray Firth we are just starting up with our website www.portknockie.com so we are keen to see how well things can be done.

Bob Croucher, Secretary Portknockie Community Council, UK

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Website

I am a Parish Clerk from the village of Marshfield in South Gloucestershire. Our Parish Council are in the process of setting up a village Website. We were advised to visit your site as we were told it it is a good example of what we are hoping to achieve.

It will be wonderful if our site ends up like yours!!

Sharon Petela, Marshfield Parish Council, UK

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I like the design of your site

Its nice, structured, unfussy and gets on with the site's content.

MS, UK

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Comment

Just logged onto your website - saw it advertised in the Times supplement magazine 'Doors' last Sunday. Found it a very interesting site especially the history bit. Bet the whole village feels very proud!! Hope to visit it one day.

Alison, UK

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Buckden Website

Congrats on the site. It gave a nice feel to village life and the people living there and the pubs seem just fine.

Denis, Glasgow, UK

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York Ancestry in Buckden

Hello, I'm enjoying the Buckden website greatly.

My interest in the village comes from the fact that my 3 x Great Grandfather, William York, was a butcher in Buckden at least until 1839. York Yard is named after him. He died in Kempston in 1860. The family butchers business continued in Kempston, Beds and Leighton Buzzard for a hundred years after that.

Can anyone tell me more of the story of York Yard and York House?

Kind regards and many thanks,

Michael Rutt, UK
treeroots@ntlworld.com

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Visit to Buckden

I would just like to thank the residents of Buckden for making my children's visit in July such an enjoyable experience. They were visiting my sister for 6 weeks and this was their first time visiting England from Canada. You made my children so welcome that my daughter, who is only 11, would like to go back next year!!! All she kept going on about was that people were so friendly and that everybody knew each other's name. Being that they travelled on their own to England, I was glad to hear that they had such a wonderful time and that they would like to go back again.

Thank you so much.

K S, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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Buckden Village Website

Very interested to have found the website - a little piece of home while we are in Germany. We shall become avid readers! If Pauline and Yvette Coker could publish details of their dance school's successes my daughter Sophie could follow their progress whilst she's away.

Helen Lumb, Germany
don.lumb@telonline.co.uk

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I love the site. Can you help me get a photo of where I lived?

Hello, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating this site. After thirty years I am experiencing wonderful memories of my stay there.

My father was in the U.S. Air force and rented a wonderful house there for us to live in. The year was February 1969. I believe the address was 10 High Street. A family of the name of Miller owned it and rented it to us. Some of my most fond memories were at this place. The people were so wonderful to my family. I remember an elderly couple named Bill and Margaret Smith that I feel in my heart were my English Grandparents. They were the most generous people I have ever known. It would take too long here to describe the love and thanks I have for them. Buckden I know has some great people that have lived there. I hope to return one day.

I do have a simple request if it could be done. I would love to have someone send me an e-mail of a picture of the house I lived in on High Street, #10. Also of the Spread Eagle Pub. (I caught the bus to go to school there.) I thank you for your time to read this simple letter. I do want to say if it cannot be done I still will cherish the sweet memories I have of your Village and the Blessed people there.

God Bless you All,

Marc E S, USA

(Marc, we did try to contact you, but suspect you supplied an incorrect e-mail address on the feedback form. Please try again.)

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Conservation

A note of thanks from a former resident of the village who has recently visited. I would like to congratulate the village on its continued efforts to maintain the villages green areas. In particular I welcome the work of the Parish Council who have obviously worked extremely hard to keep Buckden looking so green and inviting. Congratulations to Buckden and the person behind the tree planting and maintainace programmes.

GW, UK

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From Down Under

I moved to Australia with my family in 1956 and often wonder how life is in the village these days. I have very happy memories of the tennis club, the fetes held at all the beautiful locations including The Towers and May Day celebrations.

I would love to hear from anyone still living in the village who was there at the time we were (prior to 1956).

Cecilia Sharpley (nee Ashton), Australia
cecilia@melbpc.org.au

(Readers who are interested in either calligraphy or equestrian sports might also like to visit two websites rin by Cecilia at www.cecilia-letteringart.com and www.duckpond-design.com.au/horsesports.)

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30 High Street

Hello! I now live in the US, but we lived at 30 High Street from 1969-72! I have been trying to locate my very best friend ever since, and I believe that a certain P O'Q (see letters) may be her!!! Her name then was Patty Mc'Lemore, and her family lived at Buckden Towers!! My name was Susan Turner, now Susan Fellers (Dallas, Texas). I have such fond memories of Buckden school, church, and taking long walks in Buckden Woods!!!! Guy Fawke's fireworks, conkers, and lots of fun!!!!!! :) Oh the memories!!! I also took ballet lessons at Buckden Towers.

If anyone would like to contact me so we can regale times past, please do so! Thank you!!!!

Susan Fellers, Dallas Texas USA
tigermail@attbi.com

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Home Sweet Home!

Hugh Redfern just sent me the "Bugden" website details. I am DELIGHTED to see dear old Bucken right in my Canadian home office!

I married a wonderful Newfoundlander nearly 23 years ago now. Our wedding was a truly village event. Mum and I made the wedding cake with all ingredients bought at Stella and Horaces' store (as we always refered to it). Flowers collected and dried from around the village for my bouquet (which I still have), a beautiful service at St Mary's followed by a walk to The Lion for a happy reception. Our labrador, Charles, had a new grey collar for the occasion and pranced from the church, at my side, to the "food & treats" in what has to be an outstanding "treasure" as inns go! The taxi booked to take "the happy couple" off on a honeymoon adventure,starting at Huntingdon railway station failed to appear. Dad (still in morning dress, but minus tophat, piled us into the family mini car and we raced to catch the train!

My parents, Juliet and Jim Perkins are still very happily living in B'den. I am able to come back infrequently but, oh WHAT a joy when I can! Please feel free to print my name and pass my warmest regards to the "fine folks of Bugden". Liz.

Liz Norman (nee Perkins), Newfoundland Canada
lizmnorman@hotmail.com

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Hello from Washington, USA

My brothers and parents and I stayed for a month in a place called Stirloe Manor, or Buckden Manor, in 1966. Does anyone know if it still exists, is available for rent, or have a suggestion for a rental thereabouts in June of 2001?

We have such wonderful memories of the beauty of the place, the kindness of the people, and the wonderful breads, including the Hovis bread to which I have never since been able to locate any, brought to us by basket in the mornings.

I was only 9, but I shall remember it forever. I want to bring my children there, to love and enjoy the majesty of it like I did. If anyone has further information please write......

R B, USA

(We've already responded to RB's e-mail, however, we will quite happily forward any further responses.)

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Canada

My husband and I were born in England and emigrated to Canada in 1981. My children were born in Canada and will be visiting your village where my sister lives in July 2000. Being that this will be their first visit to England I hope that they will find and enjoy the history of the parents' heritage.

K S, Canada

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Greetings!

What an absolutely pleasant surprise to find this website of the lovely town we lived in while stationed at Alconbury! Our dear neighbors (names supplied) are often in our thoughts. Please send our kind regards to them, if possible, and tell them we may be stopping by to see them in June if all goes well!

D & M T, USA

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Website

Hi! My name is Sarah and I live in Florida. I was really happy to learn that you had started a web site. I haven't checked out the whole site yet but I am sure I will enjoy browsing it. (I have been in touch with the St Neots web site quite often since finding it a year ago.)

My sister and I grew up in the village. I was four when we moved there and my sister was born in the village. I moved away when I was nineteen, almost twenty years ago, but visit occasionally when we get to England. It is where I grew up and have fond memories. I look forward to checking out the site.

Thank you for starting it. Good Luck.

S H, USA

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Website

The content is just right, I will let my parents who live in Valdemorillo, Madrid, Spain know about the site. They will be thrilled. We lived in Buckden from 1966 to 1987.

N R, UK

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Buckden Website

A friend living in the village sent us your site information and we enjoyed checking it out. The new centre sounds most impressive and we look forward to seeing it when we visit Buckden in April.

M M, Canada

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Buckden Towers

I am from the United States. My father was stationed in the USAF at RAF Alconbury. We lived there at part of Buckden towers that was rented out. This was about 28-30 years ago. This really brought back some memories for me. I tell stories to my kids about Buckden. My daughter tells everybody that her mom "lived in a castle"! I happened to come across this site on accident. Thanks for the walk down memory lane. I can't wait to show my family this site, this evening. Thanks again.

P O'Q, USA

(P O'Q - Please note we did try to reply, however the address you provided was incorrect and our e-mail was returned.)

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Bugden

How nice after all these years to have the pronunciation at least confirmed.

When planning a cycle ride after my demob in 1948 I was intending to visit home villages in Hunts. I looked for Bugden on the map and not finding it asked my mother. She looked at my map, pointed to Buckden and said that was where it should be but the map printers had made a mistake and could not spell the name correctly, but had printed it the way the toffs called it!

Times change!

HG, Lincolnshire

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Buckden Website

As an ex-resident of Buckden residing for the past 18 years abroad in Curacao Netherlands Antilles, it was a nice surprise to read about my hometown. I liked the site, will it be updated? I usually visit my family back home every 2 years and am always charmed by how the village has changed but still managed to retain its uniqueness and small village charm. I wondered if there is a book on the village?

JH, Netherlands

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