The Churchills of Hook Lyn, High Street, Findon

As I said in my previous reminisces of life in Findon from 1935 onwards I would write about a remarkable family "The Churchills".  

The house faces the High Street.  On the left side of the porch Mr. Churchill had a boot repairing shop, to the right a small drapery.   The family consisted of Mr. Churchill, his sister Lizzie and Mrs Davey their sister, a widow who had had a severe stroke and was completely helpless.   Miss Lizzie did everything for her.  I went in twice a week to do the big wash and change.

About the house, all I remember were two lovely Tall Boys on the wide landing on the first floor, and I also remember Miss Lizzie taking me down to the large cold cellar where she kept milk and butter.

Mr. Churchill was a keen gardener, the grounds surrounding the house were immaculate.  He was a keen churchman and was always at Sunday matins, black jacket and pin-striped trousers.  He was a sidesman and Miss Churchill for many years ran the Girls Friendly Society.  Among her girls were Mrs McCraken, Mrs Smith, Mrs Skett and Mrs Lawrence — all passed away.

Tragedy came one weekend.  Miss Lizzie suffering a severe stroke was admitted to Worthing hospital with her sister and they died within ten days of each other.  Mr. Churchill was left and a cousin came to look after him, but things didn't turn out very well.  One Saturday morning, Mr. Churchill was found on the concrete pathway having fallen out of an upstairs bedroom window.   He was dead when the police arrived.

For some time feelings ran high in the village and rumours abounded.  The cousin eventually left and things became normal again.   The house  presume was sold.

Joan Day.

1st October 2004

Valerie - Yet more fascinating memories by nurse Day especially about the girls friendly society.

Of the four girls mentioned I recognise three of my family names and these were quite probably my aunts.

Tony.

Tony Hammond, East Preston, West Sussex.