By Alan Staddon

A History

By Alan Staddon

Contents.

Acknowledgment...... 3

Foreword...... 4

Chapter One, Backdrop...... 5

Chapter Two, the Bear Hotel...... 7

Chapter Three, Charnham Street...... 9

Chapter Four, Mill Hatch and the River Dun...... 17

Chapter Five, the Site...... 22

Chapter Six, Building Begins...... 27

Chapter Seven, Taking Shape...... 30

Chapter Eight, Bearwater Completed...... 34

Chapter Nine, Bearwater Life...... 39

Chapter Ten, Dredging the Lake...... 43

Chapter Eleven, National Fame! ...... 46

Chapter Twelve, Bridge Building and a Flood...... 47

Chapter Thirteen, a Slight Problem...... 49

Chapter Fourteen, the Social Scene...... 51

Chapter Fifteen, Open Plan and a Campaign...... 55

Acknowledgment.

This booklet has been written in the hope that it will be of interest to those who live in Bearwater. Ray and Effie Stebbings reserved number 19 as soon as the development came on the market and they have followed the progress of Bearwater with a camera ever since.

It is their photographic record which has formed the basis for this story.

Others have contributed, however, and in no particular order they include:

Hugh Pihlens

Jack Williams

Rita Offer

Robert James

David and Andrew King

Tony Prentis

Angela Evans

Gideon Pickering

Kath Walker

Guy Mossop

Henry Thornton

My thanks to them all.

Alan Staddon, Bearwater, December 2012.

Foreword.

This interesting account of the history of Bearwater by Alan Staddon brings back many memories and some pride for Guy Mossop and me, as it was our first venture into the emerging market for private retirement housing. Being the first, it was not without its teething problems, yet despite these its success was assured by the creation of an active and sociable community that, as this story so clearly recounts, really set out to enjoy their retirement.

The project was widely reported in the national newspapers, won a few awards, and was popular from the start. It gave us the confidence to launch many more such schemes across the South of England. Today retirement housing is an established part of the housing market and residents and developers are not the pioneers they were back in 1985. Bearwater, however is special, with its backdrop of the river, lake and water meadow providing opportunity for fun and enjoyment and the “back gate” a short cut to the shops.

Henry Thornton, December 2012.

Chapter One, Backdrop.

Bearwater occupies about five acres of land in a much larger historical plot comprising mainly water meadows, lying to the West of Bridge Street, Hungerford and North of the River Dun.

Some twelve thousand years ago, it is likely that hunter- gatherers used the natural resources of the area. Archaeological excavations at Charnham Park in 1988 and 1989 revealed evidence of habitation from the Mesolithic period, circa 10,000 B.C., and Bronze Age, 2100 to 750 B.C., including fragments of an “Aldbourne Cup” associated with early Bronze Age burials. During the Iron Age, around 1000 B.C., people settled just to the East of the area at Eddington, living in thatched houses by the River Kennet. There is also evidence of a settlement at Cake Wood, just to the West of Bearwater.

The Roman road from Silchester to Cirencester, now known as Ermine Street, runs through Shefford Woodlands just a few miles north of Hungerford. A branch of this road at Wickham crossed the Wantage Road at Gypsy Lane (Folly Crossing), less than a mile North of Eddington, and crossed the river at Chilton Foliat. This road passed along the valley through what is now Littlecote heading for the Roman town of Bath. Roman coins have been found on Strongrove Hill and, of course, the extensive remains at Littlecote show how important the district was 2000 years ago.

In Saxon times the plot we know as Bearwater was in the Domesday Manor of Charlton, but by the 13th Century this same parcel of land became part of Charnham Street Tithing, in the County of Wiltshire. A route from London to Bath was then clearly established along the main road we know as the A4. The Tithing was divided into named fields, and appropriately, an area bounded by the River Dun, adjacent to the Bear Hotel stretching Westwards to the Chilton turn, was called Bearmeadow.

In the 16th Century Charnham Street was joined with the Manor of Chilton Foliat in the ownership of Henry V111. He subsequently granted Lordship of the Manor to Edward Darrell, uncle of Jane Seymour. The Darrell family then lived at Littlecote House and included in their estate was “le Beeres Inne” with nearby land. In 1589 ownership of the Inn passed to Sir John Popham and it was to remain with the Leybourne-Popham family until 1893 when it was sold with adjacent land for £1500 to William Rennie. In1929 Sir Edward Wills, 3rd Baronet, bought the Littlecote estate.

So the scene is set in history. Far greater detail can be obtained in “The Story of Hungerford”, written by Hugh Pihlens, first published in 1983 and “Hungerford, A History” published by Hungerford Historical Association in 2000. 6

The story of Bearwater cannot be told without reference to the various properties which share its boundaries. They are the aforementioned Bear Hotel, Charnham Street South side, Mill Hatch, the River Dun and Hungerford Marsh.

Bearwater site map.

Chapter Two, the Bear Hotel.

Land belonging to this historic coaching inn shares a boundary with the East side of Bearwater. It is possibly the best documented building in Hungerford, and evolved from the adjacent Priory of St John founded before1232. (www.hungerfordvirtualmuseum.co.uk). The present building dates from the early part of the 17th Century and within the extensive grounds there was at that time stabling, glasshouses and an orchard. In 1893 the Leybourne-Pophams, whilst retaining the meadowland and Littlecote, sold the Bear Hotel to William Rennie. There followed a succession of owners until 1934 when Horace Arthur Cadd took over and granted a 42 year lease to Stradlings of Newbury for the purpose of operating a garage and filling station.

Prior to this, with the increasing popularity of the motor- car, patrons of the Bear had petrol dispensed from a roadside pump owned by the hotel. The Stradling’s site comprised 141ft of frontage to Charnham Street with 90 ft depth.

The Bear and Stradling’s Garage, circa 1938. 8

On July 1st 1953 Reginald Ernest and Ena Fitch bought the Bear and on 17th March 1954 sold the freehold of the garage site to Harry Neil Stradling, (mis-spelt Streading in the Land Registry). Then on May 3rd 1956 the enterprising Mr and Mrs Fitch disposed of a further 162ft frontage to Berkshire and Reading Fire Authority, the intention being to replace the Fire Station, by Faulkner Square, with a new building. The local volunteer force argued against this, however, because traffic congestion on the A4 prior to building of the motorway meant it would take too long to reach the fire scene. Fortuitously the present site in Church Street became available after the fire at James’ Mill in June 1960 and a new Fire Station was commissioned in 1968.

Roy Tudor-Hughes, trading as Fine Inns Ltd., bought the Bear in 1978 and in due course built a house, initially for his own occupation, close to the Western boundary of his land. It is this same building, now known as “Bear Island” that overlooks Numbers 5 to 9 Bearwater.

This photograph was taken in October 1985.

Tudor-Hughes sold in 1988 and since then there have been several owners, with major refurbishment taking place at a reputed cost of £750,000 in 2005.

Chapter Three, Charnham Street.

A question frequently asked about Bearwater is “when did it last flood?” and the answer is that in 1932 Charnham Street was under several feet of water, probably due to poor management of the many sluices controlling water levels on the Rivers Kennet and Dun. There have been isolated floods in Bridge Street and elsewhere since then but none seem to have affected land to the West of the Bear Hotel.

1932 floods, looking West down Charnham Street.

Now, as we have seen, the garage site also shares part of Bearwater’s East boundary. Circa 1960 Stradlings sold out to the Chilton Group, at that time principal employer of labour in Hungerford. Ownership was with the Ward family of Chilton Foliat who founded Chilton Aircraft in 1936 and manufactured aeroplanes until 1945, after which they grew a substantial business making electrical goods, including the Chilton hair-clipper, Chilton shavers and shaver sockets, earth leakage circuit breakers, and marketing of the Chilton spin dryer. The Group also diversified enthusiastically into the selling of motor cars. A Ford dealership and Mercedes Service Agency were established, in addition to the existing petrol station, on the former Stradlings’ premises.

On the other side of the road, next to The Sun, was another filling station at one time owned by Alf Middleton, proprietor of that Inn. Subsequently Harry Webber operated a Mobil franchise on the site and in 1959, whilst under his stewardship an experimental prefabricated kiosk was erected. It was built by 10

Fairey Engineering Ltd. in the hope that the design would be used on all Mobil petrol stations across the country.

This was the official Mobil photograph dated 13th November 1959. (Note the gasholder which was located behind what is now Ratnamss Stores.)

Chilton then acquired the kiosk, and Webber’s business, thereby controlling petrol sales on both sides of the Bath Road. The combined gallonage was reputedly the highest delivered between London and Bath.

They continued to expand into manufacture of switchgear for the defence industry and in the mid 1960’s attracted the attention of a giant American Corporation by the name of Westinghouse. The whole culture of this essentially local company changed when they took over. The new owners were, however, stuck with a couple of garages on the A4 which were not part of their agenda.

By 1969 management of these two outlets was in a parlous state and Gerald Ward, who had retained an interest, called upon his former Company Accountant to come back and sort things out. His name was Jack Williams and the full story can be enjoyed by reading his book: “A Man of Hungerford”, published in 2001. 11

Looking East, Charnham Street, circa 1970

On March 1st 1972 a new company, incorporated by Peter Nolan, a B.M.W. dealer in Faringdon and his friend Gideon Pickering, took over the whole garage business. With Gideon as Managing Director they opened a B.M.W. showroom on the South site, adjacent to the Bear Hotel, with a workshop behind the petrol station on the North site, opposite what is now Bearwater.

The inherited showroom was of an “art deco” design comprising a bow fronted centre section with curved glass and high squared false wing walls, more reminiscent of a pre-war cinema than a car showroom. In 1975 the false walls had to be lowered to follow the roof contours after structural engineers became concerned as to their stability.

The M4 motorway between junctions 9 and 18 was opened on 22nd December 1971 and the two filling stations immediately lost significant amounts of trade. The North site ceased selling petrol in 1975 and, in 1981, following negotiations with local planners, a new showroom was constructed so that B.M.W. sales and service could be on one site. That same showroom now houses the Dick Lovett Mini franchise and B.M.W. service reception.

The new building was opened in 1982 by the Managing Director of B.M.W. GB with an evening launch event, attended by many Hungerford Garages customers. In order to provide adequate space for guests, Carters of Reading covered the entire car park with a lined and carpeted marquee, with furnishings extending into what was then the workshop, creating a seamless space for cocktails and canapés, followed by dinner. A surprise attraction, parked inside, was a Bell Jetranger Helicopter, owned by one of Gideon Pickerings’ friends who thought B.M.W. customers might be interested in learning to fly, or chartering the aircraft. It had landed in Bennett’s yard, touching down close to where number 1 Bearwater now stands, before being wheeled across the road into the marquee. At the end of the evening a draw was held for a trip in the Helicopter over the winner’s house. It was won by 12

Alan Holland, mentioned elsewhere in this volume and son-in-law of Gladys Thatcher, late of Bearwater.

This aerial photograph was taken shortly after Bearwater was completed.

The now vacant South showroom was rebranded “Hungerford Garages (Specialist Vehicles) Ltd.” and became a Suzuki dealership selling mainly, as expected in a rural area, 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Petrol sales ceased in 1983 and the canopy was removed with the pumps, to provide a larger area for car parking.

After a short period concentrating on second hand sales, the Suzuki franchise was replaced, in 1992, by one of the first Chrysler Jeep dealerships in the country. Their 4 wheel drive range, coupled with the Chrysler Neon, proving an instant success in the area. A new workshop was built between the showroom and Bear Hotel to accommodate servicing needs.

Dick Lovett, a family owned company, founded in 1959, bought the business in April 2001, continuing with a B.M.W. franchise, subsequently obtaining planning permission for construction of a new showroom on the old 13

“Specialist Vehicles” site, (including the public toilets which were demolished). The Chrysler Jeep franchise was moved to Swindon.

This new building was completed in 2004 leaving the premises next to The Sun available for their Mini franchise.

On 29th May 1934 Major Sir Gerald Burrard 8th Baronet, sold Ian Alfred Bennett a parcel of land situated opposite The Sun Inn for the purpose of constructing a workshop to maintain tractors and agricultural equipment. This business wound down in the late 1970s with the death of Ian Bennett. His son Roy assumed ownership but concentrated on a pet shop located between NatWest Bank and the railway bridge, later redeveloped as “The Cuttings”. The tractor sheds remained until 1985 when they were bought by Beechcroft Developments Ltd. 14

This view was taken in 1974.

Looking West in 1983.

So who was Gerald Burrard? He was born in 1888 and died in 1965. His home in Hungerford was Willow Lodge, located just to the North of Hungerford Bridge with the canal at its Southern boundary. He owned the area we now know as Hungerford Marsh and it seems likely that he bought it from Sir Edward Wills in the 1930s shortly before the sale of a small part to Bennett. It is pure conjecture, but one can imagine the deal being done between one Baronet and another, the land unsuitable for Littlecote farming, but ideal for Burrard. He was an authority on shooting and fishing, writing several books on these subjects. Rita Offer, who has lived in a cottage on Strongrove Hill all her life, can remember looking across the marsh in her younger days and watching Sir Gerald enjoying target practice. 15

He is relevant to the history of Bearwater because he owned the water meadows lying to the West of what is now the main entrance. The Northern boundary of his land was Charnham Street leading onto Strongrove Hill, which was then a relatively steep incline, requiring traffic heading West to change gear. The profile of this section of main road was changed in the 1960s, when the hill was reduced and a short length of dual carriageway built, ending at Chilton Road junction.

The derelict tractor workshop, with wooden shed used as an office in the foreground, just as it was before acquisition by Beechcroft Developments.

The map on the following page dates from circa 1984 and shows Bennett’s Works opposite Hungerford Garage and The Sun. Vacant land to the East was where the Fire Station might have been built, but was actually acquired by Bennett for open storage. PC marks the public toilets, closed in the early 1980s because of vandalism and use by “undesirables”. TCB signifies a telephone call box, removed in 2009.

To the West the area is marked as marshland. The River Dun, Mill Pond and drainage ditches are marked in blue.

1984 site map.

An aerial view

Chapter Four, Mill Hatch and the River Dun.

There was a water mill in what is now Bridge Street as far back as 1275, however the original building, together with many properties in the town, was consumed by fire in 1566, the inferno spreading South as far as the Three Swans Hotel. The mill was rebuilt on the same land at a cost of £100 and ten years later, now known as Queens Mill, owned by the Crown, it was back in operation.

As the years went by there were various ownerships, including the Leybourne-Pophams of Littlecote.

This map shows the position of the mill on the original route into Hungerford as it was around 1740. The Northern part of Bridge Street, joining Charnham Street at the Bear, was formed about that date to provide easier access from the main road into the town; previously entry had been via a ford through the River Dun.

The last miller, Mr. Cole, died about 1920 and thereafter the place fell into disrepair. Around 1932 Mr. A.G. Turner, owner of Hungerford Park, acquired what had now become known as Town Mill and demolished it to make way for a splendid new house, completed in 1934, named “Mill Hatch”.

It was designed by W. Stephenson Raine and constructed by Mr. Gibb, a local builder of repute, at a cost of £1000. The first tenants were Lon and Joy Peart, the latter being the architect’s daughter. They were owners of a fish farm at Dun Mill and their daughter was Mrs. Angela Evans, one time Assistant Secretary at Bearwater!

Town (Queens) Mill in 1900. Note the gateway on the left.

Mill Hatch from the Mill Pond, a photograph taken not long after the house was built and kindly supplied by Angela Evans, via Tony Prentis the present owner.

In 1963 the Pearts left Mill Hatch and Mr. Turner sold it to none other than Major Sir Gerald Burrard of Willow Lodge! It is likely that the 8th Baronet wanted to add the Mill Pond and Mill Reach of the River Dun to his fishing rights, already held over the water and meadows to the West in the form of Hungerford Marsh. He was to enjoy his sport for only another two years before he died. His executors sold this part of his estate to Messrs E.K. and C.F. Robinson, owners of a paper mill in Bristol.

This map delineates Mill Hatch and the fishing rights attached thereto along the North side of the River Dun and around the South West of the Mill Pond.

On May 24th 1985 the Robinson brothers sold Mill Hatch to Peter John and Jennifer Margaret Whiting in the sum of £68,000. The transfer was, however, by the direction of Beechcroft Developments Ltd. The company had previously acquired Bennett’s Yard and, contemporaneously, part of the water meadow to the West and South owned by the Robinsons, together with an option on the house. This is how residents of Bearwater are able to enjoy access to Bridge Street through their “back gate”.

Thus Bearwater, as it is now known, was created.

The remainder of Hungerford Marsh, (acquired by the Robinsons from Burrard) was bought at auction by David Susman, the Town and Manor of Hungerford being an under- bidder. 20

Mr. Susman, a South African, was a Non-Executive Director of Marks and Spencers for some thirty years. He was married to Lord Marks’ niece Anne Laski, and died on 11th May 2010 at the age of 84; she survives him. Mrs Susman is currently the owner of all that land comprising 11.5 hectares sharing a boundary with the West end of Bearwater, South of the A4 and on the opposite bank of the River Dun. She enjoys access through a gate in the North West corner of Bearwater land and over the bridge which is known to residents as “Susman’s Bridge”.

This Google Earth image shows the Susman land, most of which is leased until 2015 to the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust as a Nature Reserve. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Included in the list of rarer birds seen on the marsh are Snipe, Water Rail, Siskin and Yellow Wagtail. In 2009 and especially in 2010, bird watchers from all over the British Isles came to see a Glossy Ibis which took up residence on the River Dun just to the West of Simmonds Seat on Freeman’s Marsh. All year round visitors can observe Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Coot, Grey Heron, Little Grebe and, with luck, Kingfishers. Red Kite and Buzzards are a constant feature overhead. Plantlife includes Marsh-Marigold, Ragged-Robin, Water Avens and Yellow Iris. In recent years Himalayan Balsam has made an unwelcome encroachment.

The river bank provides an ideal habitat for endangered Water Voles and Deer of several varieties are not uncommon, as they seek water. Cattle grazing is controlled, but a herd of little black Dexter Cows are often at home, hidden in the long grasses (much to the frustration of the Cowman).

Susman’s fishery extends from the bridge across the Dun at Bearwater along the South bank as far as a Public Footpath which heads towards the Church, across Croft Swing Bridge. It is well maintained, but seems to be 21

seldom fished. Perhaps for this reason Brown and Rainbow Trout are plentiful, as are Grayling. Quiet observation will reveal Pike of significant size, lurking green and still in the shallows.

Chapter Five, the Site.

In the early 1980s visitors to Hungerford arriving by road from the West were greeted by a scene of wasteland and dereliction as they looked to the right, over what was once Bearmeadow.

The Town Council were very aware of the eyesore, and asked David Randall, the County Landscape Architect, to have a look and make suggestions. Jack Williams was Chairman of the Landscape Group at the time and recalls Randall as a man of vision. He thought that after demolition of the redundant sheds and clearance of adjacent land, a scheme could be put together, utilising marshland between the main road and river, for a small housing development.

Guy Mossop, then in his early thirties, was a land finder for English Courtyard, founded by Noel Shuttleworth. They were perhaps the first developer of retirement homes, as we know them. It required an enormous leap of faith, to imagine housing for people over the age of 55 on this inhospitable reclaimed water-meadow, next to a noisy main road, with a Public Toilet close by and Motor Dealers overlooking from the East and the North. English Courtyard rejected the site as being more suitable for a “Malayan village”. Guy Mossop was undeterred and by chance met Henry Thornton, a little older, and with some development experience. These two ambitious young men agreed to take on the very high risk of developing this unlikely site and on 9th March 1984 Beechcroft Developments Ltd. was incorporated with Registered Number 01798684.

The new company put together the present Bearwater site, with completion on or about 24th March 1984. Andrew Downie and Partners were employed as architects and came up with various designs for discussion with the local planners. 23

This was part of one such plan dated 4th December 1984

Eventually the layout in its present form, providing twenty seven retirement cottages, eight apartments, together with a Manager’s office and flat, was submitted for approval. Planning consent from Newbury District Council was forthcoming, numbered 1230679, on 21st June 1985.

Included in the conditions: 11.06 “The existing trees and shrubs on the site shall not be lopped topped or felled, lifted, removed or disturbed in any way without prior permission in writing from the District Planning Authority”: also 11.09 “The works for the protection of the existing trees and shrubs on the site shall be carried out before any building or other operations start, and shall be maintained in good repair until the completion of the development.”

In other words the developers had to work round existing trees, a particular inconvenience bearing in mind seven mature willows lined up in the middle of the site along an old drainage ditch.

An article which appeared in Newbury Weekly News on the Thursday after granting of planning permission.

Bruno Zornow (Builders) Ltd. was appointed main contractor and before July1985 had moved on to the land. Knight Frank & Rutley, up-market estate agents, with an office in Hungerford, took on responsibility for marketing and selling the properties.

This plan shows the approximate position of Bearwater buildings on the original site. A drainage ditch was located where numbers 9 to 18 were to be built. 25

Lois Pihlens, living in Canal Walk on the banks of the River Dun, was amazed to see what was happening in an area which she considered immune from developers, and cried: “They’re going to build on my marsh!”

When she realised the builder’s intentions, thoughts turned to her parents. Ray and Effie Stebbings, who became the first buyers to reserve a plot, choosing what was to be number nineteen!

The architects model on display in Knight,Frank,& Rutley’s office. 26

Part of an undated letter originated in July 1985.

Chapter Six, Building Begins.

After clearing the site, the builder’s first task was to drive piles into the marshy ground in order to provide a firm foundation for each block of cottages and flats. This photograph dates from early August 1985. Kath Walker, later to become Assistant Secretary at Bearwater, recalls the pile drivers at work, night and day, for several weeks.

A lake was created, fed from the River Dun, with excavated soil used to fill the old ditch behind Bennett’s Yard. Preserved willows can be seen on the left. 28

The piles were capped and beams fabricated, to form foundations. This photograph, taken on 28th August 1985 shows numbers 1 to 4 with Hugh Pihlens looking on. In the background are the public toilets, garage, and Tudor-Hughes house.

Numbers 5 to 9 on the same date. 29

Looking North across the central block of flats, 28th August 1985.

October 1985 and numbers 4 to 1 seen from the North at joist level.

West block, numbers 19 to 23 seen from the road at the same time. 30

Chapter Seven, Taking Shape.

By December 1985 significant progress had been made and the garages on the Eastern side were under construction. An entranceway was also taking shape, although at weekends access was blocked in order to minimise risk of theft.

This was the view towards the North East corner at the end of 1985. The trees remained in place in accord with planning consent.

By March 1986, the lakeside cottages were progressing to roof level.

Then on April 3rd Ruby Ellen Giles, aged 85, moved in to number 5, whilst the other cottages in that block were being finished. Her removal men had to navigate a plank, giving access to the front door over a hole in the ground.

Mrs. Giles was not the first resident, however, because Mr. And Mrs. Sturgess were already in number 2. Kath Walker, Assistant Secretary, was on duty April 4th, using number 1, the show house, as a base. She wrote in her note book: 32

Meanwhile, with the East side occupied, the West side of Bearwater was taking shape, and Effie Stebbings posed for this picture of her new home, number 19, taken from the waterlogged meadow at the rear. Completion was originally scheduled for July 1986!

By August 1986, the lakeside cottages were almost finished.

Two months later Ray Stebbings flew over the site and took this photograph; only the small garage block adjacent to number 23 still needed roofing.

Chapter Eight, Bearwater Completed.

During October, number 19 was being plastered and on November 17th 1986, Ray and Effie Stebbings moved in to a house which was four months behind schedule and still being finished off.

Mud and rubble surrounded the cottage and their large removal van was unable to navigate its way round to the front door. So the furniture was transferred to a smaller vehicle.

The delay in completing construction of Bearwater, which should have been over a sixteen month period, resulted in the architects recommending that, in accordance with the building contract, a sum of £40,000 should be withheld by way of liquidated damages. This was based on a stipulated rate of £200 per week per block from the date shown on the original works programme. The decision was challenged by Bruno Zornow (Builders) Ltd. in the High Court before Justice Davies.

He held, after considering Lord Pearson’s dicta in Trollope & Colls and the very complicated facts of the case:

(i) The contract did not incorporate documents which specified dates for sectional completion but only phased provision for the transfer of possession. (ii) A claim for liquidated damages could only be made in respect of failure to meet specified completion dates and not failure to meet transfer of possession dates – which operated on a consent basis. (iii) No term would be implied for any sectional dates for completion.

The area behind the Western row of cottages remained a sea of mud, this photograph taken during the Christmas period 1986. 36

In the spring of 1987, however, Bearwater was beginning to look like the idyllic place the Residents wanted. The willow in the foreground, which had to be preserved in accord with planning permission, caused landscapers to build a curve into the lake bridge path.

Ray Stebbings had already taken on responsibility for the fishery, including stocking with sporting fish. He quickly saw that the original grid over the lake exit sluice, was liable to block with weed and designed the pictured replacement. It was built by a blacksmith at agricultural engineers Oakes Bros., cost £100 and is still in use 25 years later. 37

The River Dun, flowing alongside the resident’s path to Bridge Street, had a single plank bridge originally used as a weed trap, installed by the Robinsons. It is likely that the structure was attached to Bearwater bank, but a few inches short on the opposite side in order to avoid infringing landowner’s rights. (The bridge was removed towards the end of 1987 by David and Andrew King.)

By June 1987, the mud was gone, landscaping complete and lawns looked healthy, with preserved trees flourishing, here viewed looking South West between numbers 18 and 19.

A newspaper article, reproduced overleaf, appeared at about this time praising the Bearwater development, as “among the best and sold out”. 38

Maintenance of the landscaped and planted Bearwater grounds was entrusted to David King, who had been recommended to the management company by Roy Bennett. He initially worked one day a week, but in due course gardening hours were increased and he was assisted by his son, Andrew. David knew the meadowland from his childhood and recalls Albert Edward Holland, tenant at Hopgrass, farming 400 acres and grazing cattle on the Marsh. He also had a dairy herd on 180 acres at Undy’s Farm. The farmhouse is now Kerridge Insurance office on the corner between the A4 and Chilton Road. Albert’s son, Albert Harry, continued dairying at Undy’s and lived there until his death. His son, Allan Holland, mentioned earlier in this book, is remembered as Seton Wills’ partner, farming Littlecote Estate in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Allan’s wife Christine ran the “Pick-Your Own”, now Cobb’s Farm.

Chapter Nine, Bearwater Life.

With all the properties sold and occupied, it was not long before friendships were forged and common interests enjoyed. A Residents Association was formed and Bob Thomae from number 24 was elected first Chairman. The idea was to present a common view to Beechcroft Trust, Bearwater’s managers, to deal with individual concerns and to organise social life.

Understandably, the lake attracted those with an interest in fishing and here we see Ray Stebbings teaching his brother Neil how to cast, in October 1987. Behind them the softwood windows, doors and sun rooms were still in their original light stain finish.

Pike in the lake were at once a nuisance and a sporting challenge. This 24lb monster was caught in the winter of 1987. It was one of many. Residents were encouraged to enjoy pike steak, a delicacy which may have been new to some, but to decline the offer of freshly caught fish could be regarded as discourteous! The head of each large pike was, in accord with tradition, nailed to one of the surviving mature trees, presumably to discourage their brethren from invading Bearwater Lake! 40

Here we see intrepid fisherman Ray with another haul.

Guy Mossop is on the right, enjoying the development he helped to create.

Val Sturgess on Ray’s other side was, with his wife at number 2, the very first resident.

Some owners were keen gardeners and used their talents to improve the already excellent landscaping. This view of the South West corner shows Effie at work in March 1988.

By 1989, the pike population had grown to an unacceptable level and residents resorted to electro–fishing. This meant that all the fish in the lake were stunned, enabling pike to be selected and “priested”, or clubbed on the head. 41

A year later and the same operation was performed, in order to preserve stocks of rainbow and brown trout for enjoyment of fly fishing.

In February 1990, heavy rain caused the River Dun to break its banks and flow across into the feeder stream at the top sluice. A side effect of this was that silt washed down into Bearwater Trout Lake resulting in depth reduction to the detriment of fishing.

A barbeque and picnic area was built by owners, close to the river, in the meadow area.

Many sociable events took place, this one pictured on 23rd May 1990. 42

Here is another picnic, taking place on 13th July in the same year.

This gathering, in August 1991 took place by the feeder stream.

Chapter Ten, Dredging the Lake.

The feeder stream continued to deposit silt into the lake and in October 1990 remedial work was carried out to restore a healthy environment for the fishery. As a first step all the fish had to be netted and transferred to the river. Paul Hill, waterman to the Town and Manor, assisted with this operation.

Then the feeder stream was blocked at the sluice above Susman’s bridge. This restricted water flowing into the lake, although there are natural springs which also help to maintain water levels.

It was necessary to pump the lake as dry as possible, transferring water into the stream East of the lower bridge.

A tracked digger was then driven on to the lake bed from a mud ramp constructed at the West end, whilst Paul Hill was kept busy catching the stragglers, up to his knees in silt.

The dredged material was dumped between the lake and River Dun.

When the job was complete, contractors were faced with the problem of extracting their digger! A second machine was brought in to pull the first one out! The result was a mess requiring a new bank to be built up before refilling the lake.

At this time the opportunity was taken to line the banks of the island with wire netting, in order to limit erosion by ducks and water voles. The South side also received attention. Four inch oak posts, each seven feet long, were driven by machine into the bank and two rows of railway sleepers were laid between them, thus preventing dredged silt from slipping back into the water. 45

By November 1990, the task was complete, the upper sluice unblocked, and Bearwater lake restored. This view was taken looking West towards the island.

In an attempt to avoid the need for dredging in future years, Ray Stebbings and Paul Hill constructed a silt trap at the top of the feeder stream. Sadly the idea didn’t really work and in 1993 a new batch sluice was installed which is in operation to this day. Despite continuing problems with silt, dredging was never repeated and the fishery gradually fell into disuse. 46

Chapter Eleven, National Fame!

On February 3rd 1991 the following article appeared in the “Independent on Sunday” under the heading: “Where old age means a new lease of life”.

Unfortunately the bottom line of this clip is missing, but the essence is there.

Chapter Twelve, Bridge Building and a Flood

In October 1991, Ray Stebbings decided to build a bridge for easier access to the island. He did this pretty well single handed, at his own expense. Sadly, after nearly twenty years, the structure was deemed unsafe and dismantled.

Back in the 1990’s Bearwater lake was used for boating, as well as fishing and here we see some grandchildren enjoying the water. The bank on the right was the section reformed after the dredging operation.

On December 7th 1992, the River Dun broke its banks once more, this time Susman’s bridge was submerged and so was the garden and barbeque area which Ray and Effie Stebbings had created.

Luckily rising water didn’t reach any of the cottages, but nervousness on the part of Bearwater residents was very understandable.

Chapter Thirteen, a Slight Problem.

From the beginning, cottages at the end of each block in Bearwater had required attention because of internal dampness originating from parapet walls. Kath Walker recalls that the show house, which was wallpapered, needed remedial work and redecorating. Various solutions were implemented, including flashing the whole inside face of the parapet wall.

Compounding the problem was spalling of the original roof tiles which, it transpired, were to the wrong specification. Eventually, in 1994, a retiling programme was completed using a harder less porous tile.

This photograph shows the new tiles in place and also full lead flashing inside the parapet wall.

Unfortunately end cottages continued to suffer from damp entering through the parapets, so the directors of Beechcroft, in consultation with owners, decided to have these character features redesigned resulting in the more 50

orthodox gable ends which are seen today. The work was completed in 2001, resulting in a large number of surplus stone copings and decorative finials, which were gradually dispersed around the site.

This photograph of lakeside originates from 2005, and shows cottages with revised gable end treatment, finally curing a long standing problem.

The observant will notice aluminium tape applied to the glazing bars on sun room roofs. This was a “temporary” solution to prevent water seepage which, despite being unsightly, was successful.

In 2002, Peter Castor, who had recently moved to number 25 with his wife Anne, tried to cure the continuing problem of silt entering the lake by constructing a dam in the feeder stream using redundant coping stones. Regrettably this idea failed because water-flow became too restricted. The remains were still there in 2012.

Chapter Fourteen, the Social Scene.

Meanwhile, residents of Bearwater continued to enjoy a good social life together. Gas operated barbeques came to replace the charcoal variety and the centre of activity tended towards the meadow area behind West end cottages.

This scene comes from 1995.

Also in 1995, the guests here are from Ray Stebbings’ old R.A.F. squadron.

Another barbeque for Bearwater residents, this time in August 1996.

And in 1997,Clockwise; Ken Barnes in the striped shirt, Verity Fenemore (his carer), Joan Thomae, Jack Smith, Gladys Thatcher, (Allan Holland’s mother-in-law ), D. Good, Adele Gotobed and Bob Thomae.

As the years passed by, enthusiasm for picnics and barbeques seemed to wane but informal gatherings for drinks, usually at 6pm, have always been 53

part of life for those Bearwater residents wishing to socialise and enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company. Small dinner parties have also been popular, as have lunch time excursions to local hostelries.

Each Christmas most owners have enjoyed lunch together at the Bear Hotel; in recent times the gathering has been very capably organised by Ann Castor.

Since August 2006, after the introduction of Harry the chocolate Labrador to the Bearwater community, the dog’s birthday has been celebrated with a party for everyone at number 5.

This was on 29th August 2009. Round the room from the left are: Mary Staddon, Shirley Jenkins, Joan Thomae, John Manners, Ray Stebbings, Angela Evans, Harry Jenkins, Betty England, Mary Clive, Jimmy Davis, Susan Kendall and Beth Williams. Beth was Secretary at the time.

The inside space at number 5 is dealt with in Chapter 15.

In 2012 on the occasion of the Queen’s diamond jubilee, a marquee was purchased to provide some protection during outside social events. Erection of this somewhat complicated structure provided endless amusement to onlookers! 54

These photographs were taken on Joan Robinson’s birthday, July 2012.

Chapter Fifteen, Open Plan and a Campaign.

Towards the end of 2005, following the death of Ouida Sketchley, number 5 became available, and the intended purchasers, Alan and Mary Staddon, sought permission from Beechcroft Trust to create one ground floor room to replace the traditional layout. Subject to certain conditions their plans were approved and they bought the house, which was in a neglected condition. As new owners they appointed a contract manager, Diane McBride, to supervise James Walker (Building Contractors) Ltd. and disappeared to their holiday home in Spain whilst the work was done.

By May 2006 the job was finished and Bearwater’s newest residents moved in to their open plan home, which had been refurbished throughout.

A few years later number 1 Bearwater was given similar treatment after being purchased by Dorothy Goddard.

The formal Residents Association had by now lapsed; but as we have seen, the unobstructed living area at number 5 provided an ideal space for informal meetings. It was not long before a campaign was started, at one of these gatherings, to persuade the directors of Beechcroft Trust, as managers and freeholders, to allow owners to replace their original wooden windows with uPVC double glazed units of similar colour and shape.

The Annual Owners Meeting was another platform for those who wanted change, but despite some encouraging words, the traditionalists within Beechcroft held sway. At a meeting held in number 5 on April 8th 2010 owners were told by Julie Ellames, Regional Manager, that management “felt changing the current wooden windows to uPVC wasn’t warranted”. A proposal regarding refurbishment of conservatory roofs and replacement of the ugly aluminium tape was also discussed, but owners argued that money should be spent on replacement of the outdated sun room concept with modern uPVC units. 56

Concluding notes circulated following that meeting said: “the general consensus was that owners are not prepared to accept the Board’s views”.

A formal letter was then written to the management company detailing reasons why uPVC was preferred including: improved energy efficiency, better security, reduced maintenance costs and easier operation.

In the absence of a written refusal, a further formal letter advised management that it was the intention of some owners to proceed. Making this decision had been made easier following legal consultation, when owners were advised that changing the window material was not a contravention of their lease. (The Third Schedule clause 3 reads: “Not to alter the external appearance or colour scheme of the Property”).

Peter and Anne Castor at number 25 were the first to break ranks and arranged for the installation of new uPVC doors between their sun room and living room. They used a nationally advertised company, as did the owner of number 9 who replaced two upstairs rear windows with uPVC. Some owners, however, favoured employing a local contractor. This being so, John Sherwood and Alan Staddon visited Castle Windows, reporting back favourably to the community. It was this company that were instructed to install new French doors at number 5.

In November 2010, Castle received an order to replace all the external windows in numbers 5 and 15. Number 25 quickly followed and throughout the next two years more than half of all property was converted to uPVC.

Interested owners continued to press the management company on the matter of sun room replacement and in mid 2012 came the news that Salisbury Glass had presented a sympathetic design which had found favour. The price depended on the number of owners requesting replacement of their sun rooms with modern uPVC conservatories, and it was no surprise that Salisbury Glass accepted an initial order for 18 units at an average price of £4,500.

Installation commenced at number 1 on 20th August 2012. Each conservatory employed a couple of fitters for around two days. The job was slowed by unseasonably wet weather, but endless cups of coffee maintained good spirits and owners reported a high level of satisfaction with this long- awaited improvement. 57

Here, on 28th and 29th August 2012, the sun room at number 5 is dismantled and the new conservatory assembled in pouring rain.

A day later, the work was finished. This house has uPVC windows, whereas next door the original wood has been retained. At a short distance the difference is hard to spot!

Work on the first tranche of conservatories was completed at the end of September.

Here we see the “new look” lakeside cottages, all of which, in December 2012, had been fitted with new conservatories.

This is not the end of the Bearwater story, but it does bring history up to date.

I hope everyone who reads these pages gets some enjoyment from them.

Printed and published by:

Alan Staddon, 5, Bearwater, Hungerford Berks. RG17 0NN [email protected] 01488 686596

December 2012

First update 4th Jan 2013