Dodwell Lane Walks Along Dodwell The River Hamble

A Memory of Old Milton.

A group of us children would often after church on a Sunday go for a walk home 'the long way'. Yes, walking then was just wonderful. Our trek often took us along the river to the farm, before Ho- moor. We would look at the pigs in the stys and then make our way to the woods of Ho-moor, often detouring through the woods and down by the Ferney's pond. I should mention the stop at the Dowsett House to see the lovely twin girls. Mr Dowsett being the Forrester of Ho-moor would often show us a lovely pheasant or partridge in a coop. These woods were very popular at chestnut time as one could easily fill a shopping bag with large chestnuts and go home and roast them. There were many paths over fields and through woods and of course along the river, we knew them all, it's sad to think a lot of them are now obsolete. One we particularly liked was off Dodwell Lane opposite the terrace houses. This path went through several fields and a small wooded area and then Blundells Lane and of course on to the river. We children spent quite a lot of time on the river, it was fun stopping off at the Jolly Sailor for a packet of Smiths Potato Chips and then on our way with drinks as well (raspberry fizz). I could go on and on telling tales of our wonderful life in the village, but of course must call a halt. Perhaps I will tell you of my experiences of Guy Fawkes nights and the Regattas back in the 1930s, such wonderful memories. My cousin Kathleen will often say in a letter or card "Weren't we fortunate to have had such wonderful times as children, no money but so happy".
Phyllis (Bevis) Williams

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