The Fernhurst Society
Tales from the Archives - 14
Games of Yesteryear
Walking to school was no hardship in the early years of the 20th century – there was so much to do! In winter it was often hoops, when the weather was at all suitable. You had to run quickly to keep your hoop going so you soon got there. The boys had iron ones, made to run with a little iron hook. The blacksmith at the Cross (just south of where Tavern Court now stands) would weld these, and repair them when necessary. The girls had larger, bought, wooden hoops, which were rolled along with a little stick.
Then came top spinning with little whips, which was played in the playground at school, and also along the roads on the way home. And don’t forget the conker season! Marble playing time came round and on the way home girls as well as boys would play. In between there were always ball games and games of tag. Skipping was definitely for the girls.
Sometimes there were errands do on the way home, such as collecting butter from Ashurst Farm or taking boots or shoes to be mended by Alec his little workshop in Church Road. He had lost a leg in the First World War, but was always cheerful and friendly.
Of course they mostly had the roads to themselves in those days, apart from the occasional horse and cart or bicycle. There were very few cars.
If you would like to know more about this story, or research other local topics, the Archive is open on Tuesdays, 2.30-5pm in the Village Hall. Other times by arrangement.
Christine Maynard
Fernhurst ArchiveOne of a series of short articles bringing you some of the incidents from our rich village history. Collated by Christine Maynard, based on documents preserved at the Fernhurst Archives, these originally were published in the monthly Fernhurst News.
The Fernhurst Archives
Fernhurst History
