Rustington, Mallon Dene, Skating Rink c.1955

Photo ref: R81049

1948 was the year I was born. Apparently I was quite privileged compared to the rest of my siblings as I was the only one born in Zachary Merton. There were nine of us and most were born at home including twins, which my mother, Dorathy Mable delivered one by herself before the midwife could arrive just in time to deliver the second twin!. My father, Geoff Masters, was in the RAF and we all lived in a little ...see more

Following the death of my mother recently, I have been clearing her home and found a kitbag of my father, Douglas Bellchambers, from his wartime Royal Navy days, full of a range of keepsakes. One of these was an unopened parcel addressed to him in Braintree, Essex from Heasmans Ltd, 4, Broadmark Parade, Rustington, Sussex, which must have been sent between 1945 and 1952, the post mark is ...see more

I went to West Preston Manor school in 1959, first as a boarder and then as a day girl. It was a fine old manor house where the dormitories were and on the ground floor, the classrooms. In the basement was the dining room and the kitchen run by Alice. There was a country lane on the right of the main entrance, Pigeonhouse Lane which was very dark and overgrown with large trees. I lived in Park Drive, ...see more

The photo of the main building and swimming pool brings back wonderful memories of the summers spent at Rustington. The TT competitions, childrens activities.. I even remember the Springfields playing island of dreams. Sadly the camp has been demolished and houses built. I'm so grateful to my Mum and Dad for arranging the holidays there.