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Home <> Lifestory Library <> Explore By Location <> <> <> A Policeman's Lot Is A Nappy One




  Contributor: Ena ClaydenView/Add comments



This article was first published in the West Sussex Gazette on 15th October 1992.

On reading about pre-war Tarring in a Remember When feature some months ago, Worthing-born reader Mrs Ena Clayden wrote in to tell us of some of her own memorable past.

'On the way up South Street, Tarring towards the church one came to The Priory, in which Mrs Wisden and her family lived, most important people in those days. My grandmother was nanny to Mrs Wisden's sister and brother.'

Their name was Orme and he became a doctor -- hence Orme Road was so named.

Very proud of her grandfather Harry Payne, particularly during the General Strike 66 years ago, Ena wrote, 'He was a signalman for 40 years at the South Farm Road signal box. He was the only one on the south coast in the year of 1926, I believe, who would not go on strike.'

A well-known character in the constabulary who lived in South Farm Road was recalled by Ena, 'Miss Moss(P.C. Gladys Moss) was the first policewoman in Sussex. She was actually a neighbour living two doors from me. How well I remember her. Always very smart.'

Another member of the Force, policeman 'Tiny' Dear, Ena has fond memories of. 'I used to go to dances at the Conservative Hall at Goring when he and his colleagues used to attend. I had many a dance with him. I also have a photograph of him at a fancy dress dance at the Pier Pavilion in the late 1920s.'

Then Ena goes on to ask, 'Can anyone remember Superintendent Bristow and P.C. Merrit who would never accept promotion? He always remained a constable until he retired.'


A Police Ball at Worthing's Pier Pavilion circa 1928. Policeman 'Tiny' Dear dressed as a 'Babe in the Crib' holds a large baby's rattle in one hand while he grasps the hand of the girl who 'won' him as first prize in a raffle.
right to left: Chief Constable A.S. Williams, the mayor and mayoress, Superintendent Bristow, Sgt Len Lewis(later superintendent) and Sgt Charlie Wiseman.

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