EASTMENT EILEEN Passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 9th April aged 83 years. Beloved wife and much loved mum, nan and great nan. Funeral Service to be held at Poole Crematorium on Wednesday 6th May at 10.00am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Cancer Research UK may be sent to Albert Marsh Funeral Directors, St Michaels Road, Wareham, BH20 4QU. Tel: 01929 552107.
Published in the Dorset Echo on 30th April 2015
by Jim Durkin
The family of legendary Purbeck photographer Arthur Grant have paid a heartfelt tribute to a “huge character who will always be remembered with affection and love”.
Arthur passed away peacefully at home last Tuesday at the age of 87, after a brave battle against a protracted illness. He worked as a professional photographer for three decades, with many of his pictures featuring in the Daily Echo and Swanage and Wareham Advertiser.
Son Geoffrey said: “Dad will be remembered fondly, having touched many people’s lives in his role as the photographer in Wareham and Purbeck.”
Arthur is also remembered as one of the last inhabitants of Tyneham village, which was requisitioned by the army and used as a practice area for the historic D-Day landings. The village, heavily damaged, would eventually be substantially restored and opened to the public. Arthur went on to give many interviews for books and television about his schoolboy memories of Tyneham life. In a moving gesture, his family have been given special permission for his ashes to be interred at Tyneham – Arthur is finally going home.
The year before the outbreak of the Second World War, Arthur, aged just 16, joined the Union Castle Shipping Line. He served as captain’s steward on the Capetown Castle, which was converted into a troop carrier and survived a bombing off Northern Ireland. During leave he met young Dorset woman Dorothy Grace Rawles, his beloved Grace, who he went onto marry at Poole in 1953. He is survived by Grace and their two children, Geoffrey and Annette. Arthur also worked as a steward on the flying boats which operated out of Poole and for Australian airline Qantas, where he rose to the rank of deputy flight steward controller. He was honoured to be selected as part of the crew flying the Queen to Australia during her 1954 tour.
After returning to England, to help his sick mother in the late 1950s, Arthur and Grace settled in Mill Lane, Wareham. It was around this time he decided to turn his love of photography into a profession. After retirement in 1990 Arthur became a prolific gardener.
His funeral service will be held at the Church of Lady St Mary, Wareham, on Monday at 2.15pm. The family will be holding light refreshments at the South Street Conservative Club afterwards.
Published by, and copyright of, the Daily Echo, 19 January 2010
GRANT ARTHUR (AMENDED NOTICE) (Photographer) aged 87 years peacefully at home on Tuesday 12th January 2010. Dearly beloved Husband of Grace and Dad of Geoff, Annette and to Tanya and Mike. A dear Grandad of Jamie-Lee, Saffron and Poppy. Funeral Service in the Church of Lady St Mary, Wareham, Monday 25th January at 2.15pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Wareham Surgery Medical Trust Fund and the Tyneham Fund may be sent to:- Albert Marsh Funeral Directors, St Michaels Road, Wareham, BH20 4QU. Tel. 01929 552107.
Published by Bournemouth Echo, Tuesday 19 January 2010
[Arthur Henry John Grant (1922-2010)]
WHITELOCK Ronald George (Ron) Passed away peacefully in Poole Hospital on 11th March 2019, aged 83 years. Loving and dearest husband to Myrtle, much loved father to Lionel, daughter-in-law Louise, a dear brother-in-law, uncle & friend. Happy memories of Morden Football Club Funeral Service at Poole Crematorium on Wednesday 27th March 2019 at 2:30pm. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance can be made online at www.funeraldirector.co.uk/ron-whitelock or sent c/o Ives & Shand Funeral Service 568 Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH14 0AG Tel: 01202 716500
Published by the Bournemouth Daily Echo, 23 March 2019
Sheila WRIXON Joy (Of Barwick Near Yeovil) In her 90th year, peacefully on Christmas day at her home surrounded by her family. Much loved by all her family and friends. Funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 10th January 2018 at 2pm. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Sheila for either St. Margaret’s Hospice, Yeovil or Yeovil Heartbeat may be sent c/o Clive Wakely A.J. Wakely & Sons 33 Sparrow Road Yeovil BA21 4BT Tel : 01935 479913 Please make cheques payable to the charity.
Published 4 January 2018
BANISTER
Nancy Openshaw. Peacefully on 29th October 2017, aged 96. Much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A Celebration of her life will be held at St Mary’s Church, Culworth on 23rd November at 11.30 a.m. Donations, if desired, to the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust may be sent c/o Humphris Funerals, 32 Albert Street, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 5DG. Tel: (01295) 265424.
Published in the Telegraph, November 2017
DOROTHY ‘GRACE’ GRANT Passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on Thursday 13th August aged 88 years. Beloved wife of the late Arthur (photographer). Much loved mum of Geoff and Annette and to Tanya and Mike. Dear grandma of Jamie-Lee, Saffron and Poppy and to Andrew, ‘G-Mar’ of Gracie-May and Harlie-Arthur. Funeral Service in the Church of St Martin on the Walls, Wareham on Friday 21st August at 2.00pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Marie Curie, Wareham Health Centre and The Tyneham Fund may be sent to Albert Marsh Funeral Directors, St Michaels Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4QU.
Published in the Dorset Echo, 15 August 2015
[Dorothy Grace Grant nee Rawles (1926-2015)]
Tyneham in Dorset was already a museum piece when it was shut down during the Second World War. It never reopened
by David Randall
There’ll be another burial in the village next week. Arthur Grant’s ashes will be interred in the churchyard at Tyneham in Dorset. He left more than 60 years ago, but now the last of him will return to the village that laid down its life for the Second World War.
In 1943, the army needed Tyneham to expand its Lulworth firing range, and so everyone was shipped out. Ever since, the only way of becoming a resident again is to die and be buried here. Arthur is believed to be the last of them. Now there is no one with any memory of this curious place which did not wither or change but simply shut its doors and went away.
Even for the time, Tyneham was a period piece, albeit an ambiguous one. For romantics, it was, in its old ways, a keepsake of a once-unchanging England. For modernists, it was, with its broken roadways, its single telephone, and the Bond family owning all the land, an affront to progress.
But, to a few hundred people, it was home. In the early decades of the 20th century, there was Mrs Manktelow, the widow at Double Cottages, the schoolmistress Mrs Pritchard, old Charlie Miller, the Knights, including Fred and his father, coachman to the Bonds at Tyneham House; Charlie Meech, the odd-job man up at the big house; and Mrs Taylor, the village wise woman.
There were two villages here, really. Down the Gwyle, the coombe that led to the sea, was Worbarrow. Then there was Tyneham proper, with its fields of sheep and its Elizabethan manor house. Closer to the green was St Mary’s church; the rectory, home to parsons grand enough to make use of the tennis courts; Dorset stone homes; the one-roomed school; and The Row, the line of terraced cottages punctuated by the village’s only shop.
By the late 1930s, there were cracks in its chocolate-box façade. The school had closed in 1932. There was no pub; Worbarrow’s coastguard station had closed; there was no electricity, no piped water and no development – unless the Bonds sanctioned it.
Then came the war. A radar station was set up on Tyneham Cap, and, to staff it, the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force arrived. They requisitioned Tyneham House, and airmen were billeted in homes. In November 1943, every villager received a letter. “It is necessary,” it began, “to move you from your homes.” By 19 December, all 225 were gone. Many were under the impression they would return, but in 1947 they were told there would be no coming back. Compensation was paid in 1952 and periodic campaigns were mounted to wrest back the village.
They failed, but concessions were made. In 1975, burials were allowed, and the army’s guns are muzzled on 134 days a year so ramblers and curious civilians can once again come to Tyneham. The manor house was demolished in 1967, and thatched roofs have fallen. But the church is preserved, and the school is a museum. In it are the clothes pegs of pupils, and one bears the name Arthur Grant. His ashes will be in the churchyard, but the memory of him, and some of the spirit of the place he once inhabited, lives on.
Published by, and copyright of, The Independent, Sunday 24 January 2010
GODDEN NELLIE MAY Peacefully on 5th October at White Lodge Rest Home, aged 105 years. Sadly missed by all her family and friends. Service Rossmore Gospel Church, Rossmore Road, Parkstone on Thursday 22nd October at 1.45 p.m., followed by interment at Wareham Cemetery. Family flowers only please, but, if desired, donations made payable to the ‘Tear Fund’ may be sent to George Scott Funeral Services, 15 Somerset Road, Boscombe, BH7 6JH. Tel: 01202 395827
Bournemouth Daily Echo 19 October 2009
POPPY INGRAM. Dearly mother of Ruth, David and Lizzie, widow of Gilbert and Cliff Budden, of Southdown. Adored granny and great granny, fell asleep on 27th September, 2006. Funeral service service at St Michaels Church, Owermoigne, on Friday 6th October at 10.00am. Flowers and/or donations in aid of St Catherine’s Chapel, Holworth, may be sent c/o Woods Funeral Service, 11a Icen Way, Dorchester, DT1 1EW (please make cheques payable to Woods Funeral Service). Please wear something red for Poppy.
Published by Dorset Echo, Saturday 30 September 2006
[Poppy Cicely Ingram formerly Budden nee House (1925-2006)]
DURANT-LEWIS JOHN (Late Chief Executive of Wareham & Purbeck Rural District Council) and resident of Wareham for nearly 70 years, passed away peacefully, aged 93 years, at Holmegate Residential Home, on 5th April 2003. Funeral Service at Poole Crematorium on Tuesday 15th April at 1.30pm. Family flowers only please. All enquiries c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, Tel: (01202) 658833.
Published by the Bournemouth Echo, 9 April 2003
Deaths: BOND. – On 12th August, 1980, Lilian, aged 93, widow of Ivo Bond, daughter of William Bond of Tyneham, Dorset. Funeral service at St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester on Tuesday, 19th August at 11.30 am, followed by cremation at Weymouth. No flowers by request. Enquiries please to Grassby & Sons, Funeral Directors, 16 Princes Street, Dorchester. Tel. Dorchester 2338
Published by The Times, Thursday 14 August 1980
An evacuee from the much discussed battle training area of the Isle of Purbeck, whose exclusion from her lifelong home at Warbarrow Bay has aroused the sympathy of all interested in the “battle” of Purbeck. Mrs. Harriet Deborah Miller, has died at her home at Stoborough. The fate of the only home she knew in her sixty odd years of married life has still to be decided by the Government.
Mrs. Miller, who was 93, was evacuated in December 1943, and within a week her 93 years old husband, Mr. Charlie Miller, died. By permission of the military authorities, he was buried in his home parish of Tyneham, and ever since his widow has grieved that she has been debarred from visiting his last resting place.
In view of all the circumstances Mrs. Miller decided that her last resting place should be at the cemetery adjoining Wareham Parish Church, where her relatives could visit and tend her grave.
So it was that Mrs. Miller was buried at Wareham, separated from her husband, with whom she lived in the little cottage at Warbarrow for the 63 years of her married life. A native of Kingston, she was for some time before her marriage a teacher at Tyneham School.
The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. John Frith, and chief mourners were Mrs. J. Hodge, Mrs. A. Head, Mrs. G. Mudford, Mrs. E. Woadden, Miss E. Houliston (nieces), Mr. G. White, Mr. A. Head, Mr. F. Hodge (nephews), Mrs. Houliston (sister-in-law), Miss Minnie Miller (cousin), Miss B. Minterne and Miss. W. Minterne (friends and former neighbours at Warbarrow). Others present included Mr. and Mrs. W. R. G. Bond, Mrs. Pryce (representing Wareham and Purbeck Rural Council) and Mr. C. F. J. Durant-Lewis, clerk to the Council), Mrs. H. C. Money, Mr. and Mrs. P. Brachi, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hart and Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Reeks.
Western Gazette – Friday 5 September 1947
HOMAN –
Published by Poole & Dorset Herald, 8 May 1947
[Claude Samuel Homan (1867-1947)]
Downside schoolboy’s skull fractured
Roderick Maurice Fitzgerald ffrench-Mullen, aged 14, of Downside School , near Bath, whose parents are in India, was killed when he was thrown from a horse at Worbarrow Bay, Dorset, yesterday. He was spending part of his holiday with his uncle, Mr Desmond Nicholas Fitzgerald, a company director, at Tyneham, Boscastle, and went for a ride with his riding master. The horse was about to cross a small wooden bridge over a stream when it momentarily stopped. The boy was thrown, and pitched heavily on his head. His skull was fractured, and he died before an ambulance arrived.
Published by The Times, 11 August 1937
The death occurred at Worbarrow Bay, Tyneham, on Saturday, of John Ephraim Moore, the two-years-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ephram Moore, of New Street, Bulkington.
The boy, who had only recently recovered from a long illness, had been taken to Worbarrow Bay for a short holiday, and it was after being taken ill again that he died on Saturday.
Published by the Coventry Evening Telegraph, 27 May 1935
A beloved personality
Mrs. Mary Jane Wheeler of The Bungalow, Worbarrow Bay, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, at the age of 81 years, following an illness which commenced suddenly on July 30th.
A native of Yorkshire, Mrs. Wheeler had been twice married, and on Friday afternoon she was interred in the grave of her first husband, Mr. John Greenwood, who predeceased her by 52 years, at Southend-on-Sea.
To the small community at Worbarrow Bay, the people of Tyneham, and many more in that cleft in the hills of Purbeck, Mrs. Wheeler’s death has brought a sense of irreparable loss. They mourn the passing of a friend who never failed, and for whom their affection was won by a kindly and sympathetic disposition, and by rare generosity. No-one ever turned to Mrs. Wheeler for help, advice, or sympathy in vain.
Not only residents of that part of Purbeck where Mrs. Wheeler was so loved, but visitors, soldiers, airmen, and others can testify to her goodness. During the days of war, when the military had charge of a look-out station at the Bay, she opened her home to the men, provided hot baths and placing a room at their disposal.
On an occasion when a seaplane descended in the Bay, it was Mrs. Wheeler who provided the occupants with accommodation, giving them every comfort, until such time as they were prepared to depart. Holiday makers, campers, and others have found in her a true friend, always prepared to help them, and to make their stay more pleasant.
Funeral Tributes
Mrs. Wheeler was interred by her own special wish in the vault of her first husband, at Southend-on-Sea, Essex, and among the many wreaths sent were the following:
The relatives of the late Mrs. M. J. Wheeler, of Worbarrow, Corfe Castle, wish to thank their many friends for the kind letters of sympathy and beautiful flowers.
Published by Western Gazette, 26 August 1932
TYNEHAM
AN APPRECIATION. – A correspondent writes:
“The death of Mrs. James Lucas, at the age of 80, has broken the last link with the old generation so closely connected with Tyneham Farm. Widow of ‘Shepherd’ Lucas (who died six years ago), she had spent the whole of her married life in this parish, and it was only latterly that ill-health had obliged her to leave in order to be cared for by her youngest daughter. Life must have been very difficult to face, with ten children to bring up on the low wages of 40 years and more ago, but she maintained a quiet dignity and an uncomplaining disposition to the end. She was buried at Tyneham on Saturday in the presence of many children, grandchildren and friends. May she rest in peace.”
Published by Western Gazette, 3 April 1931
[Jane Lucas nee Diskett (1851-1931)]
We regret to announce the death of the Rev. William Truell. B.A., rector of Tyneham, which took place at the Rectory on Sunday morning last.
The deceased gentleman, who was 81 years of age, entered the Church of England in 1827, and was ordained priest in 1828; he has, therefore, been a clergyman for 58 years.
He accepted the curacy of Steeple-cum-Tyneham in 1854, and until his death occupied that position, being curate in this parish for 31 years.
The deceased had won the respect of all his parishioners, by whom his loss will be deeply regretted.
The funeral took lace on Wednesday. He was interred in the burial ground adjoining the church at Tyneham, and nearly the whole of the parishioners, with his friends and relatives, attending.
Published by Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis Telegram, Friday 17 July 1885
It is with regret that we announce the death of Mr. Joseph Miller, an old and respected inhabitant of this place.
He was a great favourite with both old and young, and will be greatly missed. In fact Worbarrow has lost its chairman.
He gently fell asleep on March 30th last at the good old age of 83 years. He was interred in the quiet little churchyard at Tyneham on the Friday following his death, and the greatest respect was shown by all the friends and neighbours around him.
Published by Blandford and Wimborne Telegram, Friday 18 April 1884
Tyneham
On Saturday last this parish sustained a death the loss of a remarkable man, in his 64th year, named William Stickland born in humble life, of him it my truly be said: –
“Far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife, His sober wishes never learned to stray: Along the cool sequestered vale of life He kept the noiseless tenour of his way”
By his simple piety, strict integrity, courage and uniform civility he had endeared himself to all the neighbourhood.
His death will be universally lamented by all how knew him. By nature a sailor, he had been accustomed to the sea from his earliest childhood, and in early life he had been a leading spirit amongst the smugglers, who used to abound on this coast, to whom his dauntless courage and thorough knowledge of the coast were invaluable, and many were the hairbreadth escapes he had amid the heavy surf and darkness amongst the dreaded Kimmeridge ledges or the rugged rocks beneath Gad Cliff. He was the owner of a fine boat built by himself, and obtained his living as a fisherman. He was a keen observer of nature, his remarks upon the habits offish, sea birds and the peculiarities of the tides were always most interesting.
On the establishment of a Lifeboat Station by the Royal National Institution in 1868 at Kimmeridge he was at once chosen as the coxswain of the Mary Heape which office he held up to his death. In the terrific gale of December 8th 1872, the ‘Mary Heape’ was successful in rescuing 17 men, the crew of the German ship ‘Stralsund’ which had stuck on the Kimmeridge ledges, on which occasion the safety of the boat and crew was attributed to his clear head and steady had in piloting her through the heavy breakers. In recognition of which the Life Boat Institution awarded him an extra gratuity.
Every Sunday morning he used to be seen arrayed in his pilot jacket and hat well on the back of his head crossing the hill to attend the Service of his Parish Church, where also he was a regular communicant, and beneath whose shadow he now rests. How appropriate to him are the words of the beautiful hymn: –
‘The saints of God, life’s voyage o’er. Safe landed on that blissful shore, No stormy, tempest how they dread, No roaring billows lift their head, Oh, happy saints for ever blest, In that calm heaven of your rest’
Published by the Dorset County Chronicle, 24 March 1881
Kindly extracted from Dorset County Chronicle by William’s great-great-grand-daughter, Pat Andrews, who lives in Australia.
