10 November 2004, Geoff Gough
Having my mind in neutral this evening I punched in Cottingham – Coles. and was delighted to find your site, which is a credit to you.
My family – my mother’s side were the Coles. On September the 3rd 1939, the day after my eleventh birthday, I listened to Neville Chamberlain declare war in the front room of what was The Three Horseshoes pub. which one of several homes of Coles’ in the village.
I could not find reference to Coles Garage on the Crossroads on the Road to Corby (dismantled in 1940) or to Mr. Porter who was Headmaster at the school in 1939.
We went to Cottingham regularly before and during the War and my times there are indelible in my mind. Among the family members were Doris & Vere Coles of the Old Three Horseshoes; Sid and May Coles who lived in the bungalow on the corner of Middleton Road and Great Easton Road; Arthur Coles & family on Rockingham Road; Frank and Annie Coles in Barrack Yard.
I recollect a modern pub in Middleton, The landlord was Graham Moffatt, who starred with Will Hay in many prewar films.
I have a family & friends function photo taken in 1949 with many Cottingham inhabitants of the time.
Best Regards, Geoff Gough