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Ferney Hill House

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:08 pm
by ken
I'm not sure of the date of the photo. It appears to be well before it was used as a Residential Home for the Blind. Any comments?

Re: Ferney Hill House

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:11 pm
by dursleyglos
Hi Ken

The picture was probably taken near the beginning of the 20th century. At one time (certainly in 1807) the house and estate of Ferney Hill was owned and lived in by Robert Bransby Cooper and his family. by the 1830s it was owned by the Vizards. Henry Vizard was a great benefactor in the town, providing money to pay for St. Mark's Church (1844), the Woodmancote Almshouses and the National School (now the Parish Centre). Cheers Andy

Re: Ferney Hill House

Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:18 am
by ken
When Ferney Hill was a home for blind people my grandmother worked there after she had retired. This photograph taken in the 1950's shows, what I believe to be, the Kitchen staff. My grandmother, Lily Ballinger, is the lady on the left. Although a couple of the faces are familiar I can't put any more names to them at the moment. The head cook was, I think, a Mrs Allen.

Re: Ferney Hill House

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 7:19 pm
by Jeaw
Regarding the photo of Ferney Hill cook's.... The lady on the far right is Amelia Bullimore who I believe lived in Highfields. The lady half hidden in the center of the photo I am told is Phyllis Stokes from Rockstowes. My Mother and sister both worked at the "Blind Home" as it was called by the locals. Matron Mirium Lumm (not sure of the spelling) was in charge at that time which would have been early 1950's. Years before that it was a private residence and I'm not sure but I think a Major Parberry (not sure about that spelling either) was in residence. There was a large vegetable garden at the side of the house. I do remember a Land Girl was there at some time, they would often be seen at the Carpenters Arms. In later years my sister dated one of the gardeners, his last name was Talboys. I would be interested to know if the grounds and gardens are still kept in good shape. Is it a private residence again now? When I was a small child I remember the grounds being opened annually and lots of game and white elephant stalls etc. Morris dancing perhaps also, with Charley Webb leading the troup! The grounds were always wonderful to wonder around with the green lawns, flower beds natural streams and ponds with gold fish.
JEAW

Re: Ferney Hill House

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:32 pm
by dursleyglos
Many thanks for the additional information. You're right about the Major living there, his name was spelt 'Parbury'. The house is once again a private residence and very well looked after, as are the gardens. The person who owns it now runs a company which specialises in property and estate renovation and restoration. Thanks again, Andy

Re: Ferney Hill House

Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2017 9:32 am
by Bautis
Fantastic photo and it's nice to see the old staff too!