Local Characters

Audrey Allen lived in the Parish of Popham and Woodmancote for over 65 years. For many of those years she played a key part in the local community and, in particular, supporting St James Church, first as Treasurer and then as Church Warden.

L W and Lilli Brandt had been reluctant to leave Germany, in spite of their opposition to Hitler's regime; but in 1939 their eldest son, Walther, telephoned them in Hamburg and said, “You must come over". L. W. was sixty-four, and in no state to face internment again. They arrived in England and settled down in a country house, Winswood, near Crawley Down, Sussex. After the War they moved to the beautiful Queen Anne Micheldever House.

A big 'Thank You' To Richard Kirby (Mabel's nephew)  for these great memories of his Aunt. 
She definitely was a character!

In Micheldever village in the 20th/early 21st Centuries the family was Freddie Clarke and his brother Tommy Clarke. Neither was into family history so details are sparse and all contributions are welcome. These details are what Sheina was able to provide in early 2021.

Janet’s successful career took her to the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, as groom for the Irish team, and to the Munich Olympics in 1972, as groom to the Australian team.

Peter lived in Wonston then Alresford, so is not strictly a Micheldever character, but is an honorary one for his contribution to local history and the Benefice.

Vice-Admiral Sir Norman Denning, who was better known as Ned, was the youngest of a remarkable Whitchurch family. Brought up in the modest surroundings of a local shop and educated at Andover Grammar School, he rose to become Director of Naval Intelligence.

Clive Dixon, who died at the age of 96, was born in 1924 in Darlington, County Durham

Born in 1921, Ernie lived in Micheldever since 1923. He was the youngest of 5 children and his father was a shepherd at Manor Farm, Micheldever. Ernie never knew his mother who sadly died when he was only 2 years of age.

The Hillary family now agricultural engineers, descended from a Village Innkeeper, Henry Hillary.

Joyce Mary Keenan (nee Tabbitt) was born on New Year’s Day 1922 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire to parents Jack and Lily.

From 1976 to 2008 Peter was our GP at the Gratton Surgery, Sutton Scotney.

The Mansbridge family were residents of the village from around the 17th century. One of their descendants is still living here in 2021! Some history!!

Stuart Shearer Newton spent much of his life in public service overseas, mostly in Africa, and after retirement he was elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor for Winchester City Council, representing Micheldever and neighbouring villages.

Life in Micheldever in 1940's through the eyes of a child who lived at the School House which is now Flint Cottage.

More musings from Margaret, read about the life of the residents of the Crease, there are mentions of the Pub which is still open today. Doctors mauve potion which was to cure most ailments and a mention of pornography!

Harry rang the Church bells in Micheldever for 68 years, he was Captain for the last 10 years of his life and was teaching youngsters to ring. A number of flowering trees & all the daffodils in the churchyard were planted by him over the years!

He and Joan nee Lawson married in 1943. They were well known for their hospitality and contribution to local activities.

Brian was born in Caversham near Reading in 1931, and won a scholarship and attended Reading Grammar School from 1941 to 1946. In a medical examination given in 1943 his report read: “nervous child, said to cry easily, He suffers from fatigue and his after school activities should be restricted”. Those who knew Brian know how wrong this was.

Walter and Arthur’s father came to Micheldever from Curdridge in 1921. He was a thatcher as was Bill another brother of Arthur – a big family with several more brothers and sisters. Their mother came from Longparish.