‘Hedge End From Village to Town’ – New Book, by Hedge End Author Stephen Tanti
By Caroline_W | Tuesday, February 02, 2010, 16:27
Written by Stephen Tanti, Hedge End born and bred, with research input and technical assistance from fellow Hedge Ender Denis Collins, ‘Hedge End From Village to Town’ traces the history of Hedge End.
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Hedge End From Village To Town By Stephen Tanti
It begins with very early times when a Roman road ran close to present day Heath House Lane and with the Manor of Shamblehurst built in the 13th century, and follows on marking the development of roads, schools, housing, churches, shops, as well as detailing the history of some of the more notable families of Hedge End.
It’s a fascinating read, full of photographs and interesting facts. For instance, whereas most Hedge Enders know about the town’s strawberry heritage, do you know what ‘chips’ were? (Not the ‘and fish’ sort but those connected with strawberry cultivation.)
Stephen says, ‘I wrote the book because I have always had an interest in the history of Hedge End and my family has lived here for generations. My Nan, although born in Lowford, moved here when she married – and there’s a photo in the book of my great grandparents’ wedding group outside the St John’s Rooms in 1913.
‘I also had lots of old photographs and it seemed a shame not to share those with other Hedge End residents.’
Much of the detail for the text came through interviews Stephen held with local people. He’s obviously stirred up memories because people are still coming forward with information, even after the book’s been published and with so much to tell Stephen’s considering producing a second book.
The book is dedicated in part to ‘the next generation of Hedge Enders’ – and does indeed seem a fine way of passing on Hedge End’s history to the next generation.
The book is priced at £9.95 and can be bought at Stephen’s second-hand bookshop, above the Post Office in Upper Northam Road.
Comments
Hi Steve.
I was lucky enough to be given a signed copy of your book from my sister.
The books great and it was lovely to see photos showing my aunts.
Although i was born in Botley my fathers family came from Hedge End. My grand parents were Mr & Mrs Smith who ran the shop in Burseldon Road.
Also Bill Smith was my uncle, it was lovely to see his story in print.
I also went to Wildern school with your sister and used to come up to your house with my sister at christmas delivering christmas cards.
i'm looking forward to my next visitors from the uk in the hopes that they will bring more of your books on Hedge End :)
By wensmith at 09:10 on 09/04/11
ReportJust received a signed copy of the book last week.
It was lovely to read all about Hedge End even though i was born in Botley!
My Grand parents were Mr and Mrs Smith who ran the shop in Burseldon Road, i also enjoyed reading the story from my Uncle Bill .
It was lovely to see the old photos especially seeing i now live in Australia.
I also went to Wildern school with Stephens sister and used go around to their house every christmas delivering christmas cards.
looking forward to any more books on the history of Hedge End, or Botley.
By wensmith at 09:05 on 09/04/11
ReportHello there and Happy New Year!
I used to reside in Hedgend many moons ago, at 'Le Nid on Shamblehurst Lane to be more precise, next to the Fruit Farm.
The old house was prefab and freezing cold in the winter. It was rumoured to be haunted by a Mother and Daughter, how true this was I am not sure, but I did have a couple of scary experiences whilst living there. (Noises in the night, doors opening seemingly on their own that sort of thing). There was an old orchard at the back with remains of old pigsty's as it was apparantly a small holding with one of the best kept gardens in the area, or so I was led to beleive. I always wanted to know more about the old place as it was very atmospheric and of historical value. Do you have any information on the Lane at all Steve? And is your book still available to buy as I live ooop North these days...
After Le Nid, I then moved to Edmunds Close to a new Barrett House early 1980's. After that I went to the 'rival' village - Botley to live on the high street.
I have many many happy memories of my time living in Hedgend, and returned several years ago to visit and had the biggest shock of my life! Hedgend and Botley sort of convereged in to one with loads of new housing estates, but the worst shock of all was that Shamblehurst Lane as I knew it, no longer existed, but was full of new estates where my old abode had stood along with only a tiny portion of the Lane remaining.
Trying to get my bearings I managed to locate the Shamblehurst Barm which had only just been turned into a pub when I lived across the read from it. I was and still am stunned that such a beautiful area was allowed to be destroyed like this. I recall spending evenings at the Farmers Arms when it was still only a sitting room with barrels behind the bar and then precariously stumbling home back along Shamblehurst Lane in the dark as of course street lighting was unheard of there. Of course there were not as many cars on the road then either so it was relatively safe - apart form the large unseen ditches along the side of the road that is!!
Anyway, thought you might like to share my story as one who lived and worked in the area some 30 years ago. (I worked on the Industrial Estate at Global Vision and used to buy my lunch at the little grocers shack that served the estate, opposite the caravan site...Ah, happy carefree days...
Warm wishes, vonnieX
By Plooma at 19:09 on 02/01/11
ReportHi , Alison any information on old Hedge End is welcome , thanks Steve Tanti.
By Hedge End book shop at 15:16 on 11/08/10
ReportDear Steve
I don't have a copy of your book yet but i do have one on order with you & i can't wait to read it, i have a couple of books about Hedge End, one from Mr Buttler the history teacher from Wildern School
I've lived in Hedge End since 1975 & seen a lot of changes, my husband's family have lived here for many more years & we have lots of stories if your interested, there was a shop on the site of HSBC bank that was called Williams Newsagents, it was my husbands grandfathers store, i'll pop back into your shop with any info i can bring if you would like it.
alison
By alison62 at 20:18 on 04/08/10
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