Unmissable Articles Alan Payne October 2025
Frederick James Goulstone ploughing at Hill House Farm in the 1930s (courtesy Ainslie & Shirley Goulstone)
One of the difficulties with quarterly publications is locating old stories. This is an attempt to highlight articles you may have missed or want to read again.
Most Read
You can see a full list of articles and the people who kindly contributed them at Index by Author under Previous tab. The story which has been visited by the most people is Ainslie and Shirley Goulstone’s Farming Depression recalling husbandry after 1873 (see headline photo). It seems to have been picked up on a farming reading list (perhaps Lackham?) and we have had replies from students.
Well-known families feature strongly in terms of page hits: Clive Banks’ story of his Vezey Family struck a chord with those interested in the candle factory and Box Cricket Club; and Pat Whalley’s history of the clockmaking family Bullock Family got interest from all over the world.
Current residents enjoyed stories of the rebuilding of Box after the Second World War, including Graham & Sue Cogswell’s story of their father Alec Cogswell who got the football club and the scouts back on track; Ruby Eyles recorded Shops in the 1950s; Jane Hussey singled out the Betty Shop; and Les Dancey paid a tribute to the Two Selwyn-Smiths.
You can see a full list of articles and the people who kindly contributed them at Index by Author under Previous tab. The story which has been visited by the most people is Ainslie and Shirley Goulstone’s Farming Depression recalling husbandry after 1873 (see headline photo). It seems to have been picked up on a farming reading list (perhaps Lackham?) and we have had replies from students.
Well-known families feature strongly in terms of page hits: Clive Banks’ story of his Vezey Family struck a chord with those interested in the candle factory and Box Cricket Club; and Pat Whalley’s history of the clockmaking family Bullock Family got interest from all over the world.
Current residents enjoyed stories of the rebuilding of Box after the Second World War, including Graham & Sue Cogswell’s story of their father Alec Cogswell who got the football club and the scouts back on track; Ruby Eyles recorded Shops in the 1950s; Jane Hussey singled out the Betty Shop; and Les Dancey paid a tribute to the Two Selwyn-Smiths.
Sir Tom Jones’ aunt lived at Prospect (courtesy Eric Callaway)
Surprising Contributions
One of the most unexpected contributors was Ken Greenland who asked about his ancestor Thomas Francis Greenland who ran the Lamb Inn in 1859. We suggested a meet-up if he was local – he said he wasn’t because he lived in the Falklands. But we did meet when he came to UK some months later.
Several famous names have surprising connections with Box: John Froud pointed out that Sir Tom Jones’ maternal family came from Box, Barbara Davey found one of the earliest Railway Policemen was her ancestor; Stella Clarke contributed Maisie Gay’s Northey Arms Programme; and David Rawlings traced the connection of Coles Farm with a present-day politician. Horatio Orton is famous for his work excavating Box Tunnel but it was his burial in Reading which brought him to our notice; and Bill Cooper recalled when Wilfred Pickles came to Box.
One of the most unexpected contributors was Ken Greenland who asked about his ancestor Thomas Francis Greenland who ran the Lamb Inn in 1859. We suggested a meet-up if he was local – he said he wasn’t because he lived in the Falklands. But we did meet when he came to UK some months later.
Several famous names have surprising connections with Box: John Froud pointed out that Sir Tom Jones’ maternal family came from Box, Barbara Davey found one of the earliest Railway Policemen was her ancestor; Stella Clarke contributed Maisie Gay’s Northey Arms Programme; and David Rawlings traced the connection of Coles Farm with a present-day politician. Horatio Orton is famous for his work excavating Box Tunnel but it was his burial in Reading which brought him to our notice; and Bill Cooper recalled when Wilfred Pickles came to Box.
Jim Shannon achieved success in Box after tragic childhood (courtesy June Smith)
Village Tragedies
Box policeman John Bosley wrote movingly about his time in the village and the events he witnessed. Peter Carpenter’s research about Kingsdown Asylum ended in the tragic life of the last owner Gerald MacBryan. John Currant recorded many of his family, including the Nazi execution of Mackie Currant. Another WW2 tragic incident was the air crash of Dennis Moss at Hazelbury.
Some adverse situations ended more happily, including the adoption of Sunnyside Orphan, Roy Bradley; the redemption of Leah Priscilla Oatley, recalled by Eric & Sandra Callaway; and June Smith’s article about her father Jim Shannon. These people triumphed over adversity as did Box Hill resident Elizabeth Neate recounted by Peter Treasure.
Box policeman John Bosley wrote movingly about his time in the village and the events he witnessed. Peter Carpenter’s research about Kingsdown Asylum ended in the tragic life of the last owner Gerald MacBryan. John Currant recorded many of his family, including the Nazi execution of Mackie Currant. Another WW2 tragic incident was the air crash of Dennis Moss at Hazelbury.
Some adverse situations ended more happily, including the adoption of Sunnyside Orphan, Roy Bradley; the redemption of Leah Priscilla Oatley, recalled by Eric & Sandra Callaway; and June Smith’s article about her father Jim Shannon. These people triumphed over adversity as did Box Hill resident Elizabeth Neate recounted by Peter Treasure.
“Babes in the Wood” pantomime in 1943 (courtesy Genevive Brunt)
Box Clubs
Many of our current community organisations have much older roots. Box Pantos were started by Mildred Brunt in the 1930s; Jane Browning told how our village festivities were based on Victorian Celebrations; Mike Warren recorded the history of Box Cricket Club; and Roger Oliver recorded the story of the Box Rifle Club. Some clubs didn’t survive, such as Phil Martin’s story of the Box Horse Show and Hugh Sawyer’s Box Swimming Club. Others are constantly reviving themselves, such as the story of Guiding in Box and the founding of Box Scouts.
The tennis court at Tabby Park existed long before the parish courts; and The Gonks set up their own skiffle and pop group getting on Top of the Pops. A much less enjoyable organisation was the inaugural meeting of Box Fascists.
Many of our current community organisations have much older roots. Box Pantos were started by Mildred Brunt in the 1930s; Jane Browning told how our village festivities were based on Victorian Celebrations; Mike Warren recorded the history of Box Cricket Club; and Roger Oliver recorded the story of the Box Rifle Club. Some clubs didn’t survive, such as Phil Martin’s story of the Box Horse Show and Hugh Sawyer’s Box Swimming Club. Others are constantly reviving themselves, such as the story of Guiding in Box and the founding of Box Scouts.
The tennis court at Tabby Park existed long before the parish courts; and The Gonks set up their own skiffle and pop group getting on Top of the Pops. A much less enjoyable organisation was the inaugural meeting of Box Fascists.
Caravan builders at Ashley (courtesy Box Parish Council)
Exceptional Research
There could be very many articles under this heading but we mention the following: Bob Alderman’s story of Ashley Leigh; Robert Arkell’s history of Kingsdown Sheep Fair; and Margaret Wakefield’s story of the Lambert Stoneyard. Varian Tye’s research about Brunel’s Underbridge was so impressive that the structure was awarded Grade II Historic Listing.
The stories of individual families tend to give fascinating insights into the village in general. If not already seen, do look at John Flashman’s story of his grandfather John Brook at Kingsdown; Lewis Jones’ article about JDB Erskin; Heather Meys insight into her grandfather RJ Dyer. Meanwhile David Ibberson and Jan Tapscott wrote movingly about Dr JP Martin and Verity Jeffery recalled the coach-building firm of EJ Smith at Ashley.
There could be very many articles under this heading but we mention the following: Bob Alderman’s story of Ashley Leigh; Robert Arkell’s history of Kingsdown Sheep Fair; and Margaret Wakefield’s story of the Lambert Stoneyard. Varian Tye’s research about Brunel’s Underbridge was so impressive that the structure was awarded Grade II Historic Listing.
The stories of individual families tend to give fascinating insights into the village in general. If not already seen, do look at John Flashman’s story of his grandfather John Brook at Kingsdown; Lewis Jones’ article about JDB Erskin; Heather Meys insight into her grandfather RJ Dyer. Meanwhile David Ibberson and Jan Tapscott wrote movingly about Dr JP Martin and Verity Jeffery recalled the coach-building firm of EJ Smith at Ashley.
The Retreat house incorporated a railway carriage (courtesy Robert Coles)
Amazing Stories
If not already seen, you should look at these Box places: Robert Coles’ article about The Retreat (part house, part railway carriage); Michael Rumsay’s Awdry Photos of the Box Railway Station; and Martin Devon’s explanation of Railway House/ Sunnyside/ Holy Innocents/ ByBrook House (all the same property).
Also, don’t miss the story of Rev Holled DCS Horlock and his menagerie; Jonathan Parkhouse’s research into geologist William Smith and the Northey’s Unpaid Bill; and Claire Dimond-Mills’ story of Doris Chappell.
If not already seen, you should look at these Box places: Robert Coles’ article about The Retreat (part house, part railway carriage); Michael Rumsay’s Awdry Photos of the Box Railway Station; and Martin Devon’s explanation of Railway House/ Sunnyside/ Holy Innocents/ ByBrook House (all the same property).
Also, don’t miss the story of Rev Holled DCS Horlock and his menagerie; Jonathan Parkhouse’s research into geologist William Smith and the Northey’s Unpaid Bill; and Claire Dimond-Mills’ story of Doris Chappell.
Conclusion
We don’t seek to maximise hits to the website because we aren’t selling anything and we really prefer interested readers, rather than casual surfers. Nonetheless, we have an average of 200 visitors to the website every day, each of them looking at 2.3 articles. The biggest single day’s hit was in September 2025 when 1,750 stories were read.
Alan and Carol Payne have edited the website from the beginning, trying to make it both interesting and accurate (photos with copyright, and references for sources). Special thanks go to Philip Rayner, who has reviewed all the issues before publication – often at the very last minute as late submissions came in. Rose Cranshaw was the village editor for a long time, Nonetheless, a few mistakes do creep through. We always appreciate people telling us of these so that we can correct them.
We don’t seek to maximise hits to the website because we aren’t selling anything and we really prefer interested readers, rather than casual surfers. Nonetheless, we have an average of 200 visitors to the website every day, each of them looking at 2.3 articles. The biggest single day’s hit was in September 2025 when 1,750 stories were read.
Alan and Carol Payne have edited the website from the beginning, trying to make it both interesting and accurate (photos with copyright, and references for sources). Special thanks go to Philip Rayner, who has reviewed all the issues before publication – often at the very last minute as late submissions came in. Rose Cranshaw was the village editor for a long time, Nonetheless, a few mistakes do creep through. We always appreciate people telling us of these so that we can correct them.