| Title | Jean Ponder photographs |
| Abstract | A collection of photographs from the late Jean Reynolds née Ponder. When Jean died in 2012 she did not leave a will and had no close relatives. Pat Milgate spent a lot of time sorting out Jean's belongings, and in 2023 decided the collection of photographs should come to Mersea Museum.
Jean was the daughter of Charles 'Bert' and Elsie Ponder. On 21 April 1921 Charles Bertram Ponder married Elsie Maud Brown at West Mersea Parish Church. 11 December 1954 Olive Jean Ponder married Edgar George Alfred Reynolds of Pete Hall Cottages at Peldon Parish Church. They lived at The Bungalow, Moor Farm, Peldon. Edgar died 12 February 1966.
Jean was in the Women's Land Army from 19 August 1942 to 30 November 1950, and several of the photographs are of her WLA colleagues, including Ruby Balls (Tucker), Patricia Viney (Ponder) and Peggy. Peggy appears in several photographs but there are no clues as to where she was from.
Jean and her parents lived in a cottage just down the Mersea Road from the Peldon Rose, usually addressed 'Near The Rose'. It is opposite the track down to the Shell Bungalow, which Elsie looked after for some owners, and where John and Pat Milgate lived from 1970.
There are about 180 photographs, all original, of varying sizes. All have been scanned but not all are on the website. Very very few have anything written on the back to give clues as to the content. Andrew Brown's research into the Brown family has been a great help, and Mersea Museum archives help a lot, particularly with the Ponder family and the Brown/Stoker family.
Also included are ration books, Identity Card etc. which came to the Museum in 2012.
September 2023 collection now includes photographs and papers donated by Andy Brown, which had come to him via Pat Milgate after Jean died. They include birth, marriage and deathcertificates, WLA pepers, Jean and Edgar's wedding pictures, Shell Bungalow ... |
| Author | Tony Millatt |
| Source | Mersea Museum
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| ID | OJR
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| Related Images: |
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| ImageID: | OJR_001 | | Title: | Peldon School Centenary 1833-1933. Sent to Jean Ponder from Miss A.P. Tyrer, June 1933 - see OJR_002 for the back and OJR_003 for an unnumbered copy.
13. Cyril Christmas, 28 Jean Ponder, 35 Ruby Balls
From Olive Jean Reynolds née Ponder. | | Date: | June 1933 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_002 | | Title: | Peldon C.E. School Centenary 1833-1933.
With kindest regards to Jean Ponder & Family. Miss A.P. Tyrer.
Back of photograph OJR_001. From Olive Jean Ponder. | | Date: | June 1933 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_003 | | Title: | Peldon School Centenary 1833-1933. Sent to Jean Ponder from Miss A.P. Tyrer, June 1933 - see OJR_002 for the back and OJR_001 for an unnumbered copy.
From Olive Jean Reynolds née Ponder.
13. Cyril Christmas, 28 Jean Ponder, 35 Ruby Balls | | Date: | June 1933 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_051 | | Title: | Jean Ponder on the gate of the Shell Works (now Shell Bungalow), Peldon. Jean was born and brought up in the end cottage of four called Rose Cottages (now known as The Old House) near the Peldon Rose on Mersea Road, Peldon situated opposite this gate and driveway. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_053 | | Title: | Elsie Ponder née Brown, daughter of Mersea's Police Sergeant Brown, outside the end cottage of a terrace of four called Rose Cottages, Mersea Road, Peldon, not far from The Peldon Rose. She moved there in 1921 upon marriage to Charles Bertram Ponder, (known as Bert). They were to have one child, Jean.
This end cottage was eventually in very poor condition and was demolished. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_055 | | Title: | Left to right
Vera Stoker, Ethel Brown, Elsie Ponder née Brown, Nellie Brown c 1922 with Hilda Stoker (2nd from right) who was to marry the Brown girls' brother, Hartley Brown, in 1924 | | Date: | c1922 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_057 | | Title: | Elsie Ponder at Shell Bungalow, Peldon. Elsie née Brown was born 1892 and died 1984. Photograph via Pat Milgate - the Milgates lived at Shell Bungalow from 1970. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_061 | | Title: | Peldon and Wigborough Conservative Ladies League from the collection of Jean Reynolds née Ponder. Photograph via Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_071 | | Title: | A tribute to Arthur Whiting in Stisted Church. Arthur, from Peldon, died in WW1. His brother Vic Whiting moved to Stisted to farm and it is his descendants who remembered Arthur on Armistice Day. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_073 | | Title: | A close-up of the photo of Arthur Whiting in the tribute at Stisted Church. Arthur, from Peldon, died in WW1. His brother Vic Whiting moved to Stisted to farm and it is Vic's descendants who remembered Arthur on Armistice by making this display. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_101_001 | | Title: | Ration Book Clothing and other coupons. 1947-48. From O.J. Ponder, Nr The Rose, Peldon
Accession No. 2012.10.005H | | Date: | 1947 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_101_005 | | Title: | Ration Book Personal Points (Sweets). From O.J. Ponder, Nr The Rose, Peldon | | Date: | c1947 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_101_007 | | Title: | Ration Book Personal Points coupons. From O.J. Ponder, Nr The Rose, Peldon | | Date: | c1947 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_101_009 | | Title: | Ration Book Supplementary Clothing Coupon Sheet. From O.J. Ponder, Nr The Rose, Peldon | | Date: | c1947 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_101_011 | | Title: | National Registration Identity Card. Olive J. Ponder. Nr The Rose, Peldon
Accession No. 2012.10.005G | | Date: | 20 May 1943 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_121 | | Title: | Letter of appreciation of service in the Women's Land Army from Her Majesty the Queen.
"By this personal message I wish to express to you Miss Olive Jean Ponder my appreciation of your loyal and devoted service as a member of the Women's Land Army from 17 August 1942 to 30th November 1950.
Your unsparing efforts at a time when the victory of our cause depended on the utmost use of the resources of our land have earned for you the country's gratitude.
Elizabeth R. | | Date: | 30 November 1950 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_123 | | Title: | Olive Jean Ponder
Women's Land Army Release Certificate.
Member from 19 August 1942 to 30 November 1950
Signed K. Scott WLA | | Date: | 30 November 1950 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_201 | | Title: | Arrivals at a Peldon Wedding 1952-53. Elsie Ponder née Brown
Photograph from Pat Milgate | | Date: | c1953 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_203 | | Title: | Arrivals at a Peldon Wedding 1952-53. Jean Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | c1953 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_205 | | Title: | Arrivals at a Peldon Wedding 1952-53. Charles Bertram Ponder.
The scaffolding on the east end of the church gives a clue as to the date. The new short chancel was built c1952 and inaugurated April 1953.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | c1953 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_207 | | Title: | Arrivals at a Peldon Wedding 1952-53. Edgar Reynolds and Charles 'Bert' Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | c1953 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_231 | | Title: | Charles Bertram 'Bert' Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_233 | | Title: | An unknown wedding. Jean Ponder on the left throwing confetti. Peldon, outside Priest's House.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_235 | | Title: | H.C. Starling Baker & Confectioner, High Street, Aveley
Henry Charles Starling of Aveley married Nellie Brown, daughter of Charles Brown, at West Mersea Parish Church 14 September 1925.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_241 | | Title: | Jean Ponder
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_251 | | Title: | An early combine harvester. The photograph is from Jean Ponder from Peldon who was in the Land Army, and it is probably a Land Army Girl on the combine. The combine is an early Massey Harris, owned by the War-Ag - the Wartime Agricultural Committee ? The combine is registration JVX164. JVX registrations were issued in Essex July 1944 to May 1945.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_253 | | Title: | An early combine harvester. The photograph is from Jean Ponder from Peldon who was in the Land Army, and the combine is probably owned by the War-Ag - the Wartime Agricultural Committee ? An early Massey Harris ? The combine is registration JVX164. JVX registrations were issued in Essex July 1944 to May 1945.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_255 | | Title: | An early combine harvester. The photograph is from Jean Ponder from Peldon who was in the Land Army, and the combine is probably owned by the War-Ag - the Wartime Agricultural Committee ? An early Massey Harris ? It is a model that does not store the grain in bulk, but someone on the combine bags the grain and the bags are left in the field. The combine is registration JVX164. JVX registrations were issued in Essex July 1944 to May 1945.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_257 | | Title: | Massey Harris combine towed by a tractor. Photograph with Jean Ponder pictures - she was in the Land Army during and after WW2. Peldon or Wigborough area ? | | Date: | 1940s | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_261 | | Title: | Ruby Balls and Jean Ponder - who were together in the Women's Land Army in the Peldon area.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate
| | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_263 | | Title: | Ruby Balls - a friend of Jean's - they were together in the Women's Land Army
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_265 | | Title: | Women's Land Army in the Peldon area? The photo is from from Jean Ponder who was in the WLA.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_267 | | Title: | Women's Land Army in the Peldon area? The photo is from from Jean Ponder who was in the WLA. Peggy ?
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_269 | | Title: | Women's Land Army in the Peldon area. Peggy ?
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_273 | | Title: | Edgar Reynolds working on the railway ?
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_275 | | Title: | Edgar Reynolds on the right ?
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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![In affectionate remembrance of Emily Louisa Brown née Oliver, The beloved wife of Charles Frederick Brown, who departed this life 23 Feb 1953 age 84.
Envelope addressed to Elsie & Bert [Ponder]
Donated by Pat Milgate OJR_281](MMThumbnails36/OJR_281.jpg) |
| ImageID: | OJR_281 | | Title: | In affectionate remembrance of Emily Louisa Brown née Oliver, The beloved wife of Charles Frederick Brown, who departed this life 23 Feb 1953 age 84.
Envelope addressed to Elsie & Bert [Ponder]
Donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 23 February 1953 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_291 | | Title: | Jean Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_293 | | Title: | Edgar Reynolds
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_295 | | Title: | Edgar Reynolds
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_297 | | Title: | Elsie Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_301 | | Title: | Edgar Reynolds ?
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_303 | | Title: | Jean Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_305 | | Title: | Elsie Ponder and her daughter Jean.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_307 | | Title: | Elsie and Charles 'Bert' Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_309 | | Title: | Jean Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_311 | | Title: | Charles 'Bert' Ponder, Clive Starling, Elsie Ponder.
Photograph from Pat Milgate | | Date: | 1977 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_313 | | Title: | Charles 'Bert' Ponder, Joyce Starling, Elsie Ponder.
Photograph from Pat Milgate | | Date: | 1977 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_315 | | Title: | Charles 'Bert' Ponder in the garden.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 1977 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_331 | | Title: | Jean Ponder
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_341 | | Title: | Underwooods Coach outside Peldon Rose, on a 'club' outing. Bedford Duple OB MMT507.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_343 | | Title: | Underwooods Coach loading outside Peldon Rose, on a 'club' outing. Bedford Duple OB MMT507.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_347 | | Title: | Underwooods Coach loading outside Peldon Rose, on a 'club' outing. At least one crate of Whitbread going on board. Bedford Duple OB MMT507.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_349 | | Title: | Party off on a 'club' outing posing outside Peldon Rose with their cups.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_353 | | Title: | Ready for a 'club' outing posing outside Peldon Rose.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_355 | | Title: | Albert, Marjorie & Roy welcome you to "The Peldon Rose".
Card donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_363 | | Title: | HMS SOBO
Card posted 17 August 1919 West Mersea to Miss Brown Staff, Esplanade Hotel, Frinton on Sea, donated by Pat Milgate. Another photograph tells us that Albert Victor Brown served on HMS SOBO.
Close examinatio of the photograph shows the photographer has painted out some rigging - probably belonging to another vessel that was alongside and behind the SOBO.
SOBO was built 1898 for African S.S. Official No. 110056, 3,652 tons gross. 1908 Elder Dempster. 1914 sold to the Admiralty. Torpedo sub-depot ship. 1915 at Cromarty. 1920 to W.R. Davies Liverpool and to Soc les Affreteurs Reunis (French) as JUPITER. Broken up 1925. | | Date: | c1917 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_365 | | Title: | Cap tally is HMS ST GEORGE. Thought to be Albert Victor Brown 1901 - 1974.
Photograph from Christopulos Photographer, 37, Avenue Niki, Salonica, donated by Pat Milgate
HMS ST GEORGE was a cruiser built 1892 which served in the First World War. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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![George Brown. 1892 - 1957. Son of Charles F. Brown and Emily née Oliver.
George BROWN (24) Army Ordnance Corps 014884, 66 Company (Jan 1916) [Andrew Brown]
1918 in West Mersea Absent Voter List, Army Ordnance Corps.
014884 Private. Army Ordnance Corps in 1918, and served in France, but no other details of war service known.
</p><p>
George married Margaret Ida Buckle (Daisy) in 1913. George was then a Boot Maker and had premises next to the West Mersea British Legion. They had a daughter Margaret E Brown born in 1915. Sadly Daisy died in 1931 age 42. At this time George was a driver for his brother Victor's bus company.
</p><p>
At age 49 George married Florence Ada Lee in 1940 Sept 1940. George became an Ordnance Storekeeper and died in Colchester aged 66 in 1957.
</p><p>For more on George and his family, see <a href=MMPDFs/WW1_ABR.pdf target=browns>Mersea Browns in WW1</a> (new window).</p>
<p>Photograph donated by Pat Milgate.
George Brown was Brian Jay's grandfather</p> OJR_369](MMThumbnails36/OJR_369.jpg) |
| ImageID: | OJR_369 | | Title: | George Brown. 1892 - 1957. Son of Charles F. Brown and Emily née Oliver.
George BROWN (24) Army Ordnance Corps 014884, 66 Company (Jan 1916) [Andrew Brown]
1918 in West Mersea Absent Voter List, Army Ordnance Corps.
014884 Private. Army Ordnance Corps in 1918, and served in France, but no other details of war service known.
George married Margaret Ida Buckle ("Daisy") in 1913. George was then a Boot Maker and had premises next to the West Mersea British Legion. They had a daughter Margaret E Brown born in 1915. Sadly Daisy died in 1931 age 42. At this time George was a driver for his brother Victor's bus company.
At age 49 George married Florence Ada Lee in 1940 Sept 1940. George became an Ordnance Storekeeper and died in Colchester aged 66 in 1957.
For more on George and his family, see Mersea Browns in WW1 (new window).
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate.
George Brown was Brian Jay's grandfather | | Date: | 1916 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_373 | | Title: | Elsie Brown age about 20. She married Charles Bertram Ponder at West Mersea Parish Church 21 April 1921.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | c1913 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_383 | | Title: | Charles Bertram Ponder. RASC Certificate 40269 Transfer to Reserve
Regtl. No. 086716 Rank Driver. Royal Army Service Corps
Enlisted on 7th April 1915.
Donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 25 February 1919 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_411 | | Title: | Charles Frederick Brown and family
L-R Charles Frederick (born 1894), Emily Oliver (married 20 August 1890 at Brightlingsea, age 22), George (born 1891 ?), Ethel May (born 1896), Charles Frederick (born 26 February 1868 at Brightlingsea, died 1953), Elsie Maud (born 1892).
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate, names from Andrew Brown. | | Date: | 1897 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_453 | | Title: | WW1 soldier.
Photograph Whitfield & Cosser Colchester, Ipswich & Bath, donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_457 | | Title: | Pauuline Johnson and twin sisters, Westcliff.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 31 August 1965 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_459 | | Title: | Harry Starling and Nellie Brown's 40th wedding anniversary
Clive Starling (34), Nellie Brown (61), Nita Starling holding David Johnson (2) Harry Starling (72), Joyce Chilman.
Front row: Clare Starling (4), Anne Johnson (10), Pauline Johnson (12),
Richard Starling (7), Christine Johnson (10).
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate, names from Andrew Brown. | | Date: | 1965 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_469 | | Title: | Peggy
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_473 | | Title: | "With Best Wishes from Peggy."
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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![Lots of Love from Peg. [Peggy] Photograph donated by Pat Milgate OJR_475](MMThumbnails36/OJR_475.jpg) |
| ImageID: | OJR_475 | | Title: | "Lots of Love from Peg." [Peggy]
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_479 | | Title: | Peggy ?
Photograph from Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_483 | | Title: | Clive Starling with his 1936 Singer 9 Saloon CEV567.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate, details from Andrew Brown. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_485 | | Title: | Nellie Starling née Brown, Harry Starling
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_513 | | Title: | Unknown
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_545 | | Title: | Henry Starling, Nellie Starling (née Brown), Nita Starling, Clive Starling
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 1932 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_553 | | Title: | Vanstone - Smith wedding at St Mary's Church Peldon, between Mr Percival John Edgar Vanstone of Newton Abbott Devon and Miss Joyce Smith, third daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Smith of Butcher's View, Peldon.
There were five bridesmaids. Miss Audrey Smith (sister of bride), Miss Joan Vanstone (sister of bridegroom), Miss Jean Ponder (friend of bride), Miss Betty Vanstone (sister of bridegroom) and Miss Jacqualine Cudmore (niece of bride). The best man was Mr Cyril Smith (brother of the bride). Service conducted by Rev. J.W. Wilson. Mrs Wooldridge was at the organ.
See OJR_657 for what was probably this wedding.
Cutting donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 3 June 1947 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_567 | | Title: | 6 Firs Chase, West Mersea. Postcard sent 21 October 1908 (?) to Miss E. Brown, 9 Chalfont Road, South Norwood Hill, London S.E. from Mother. "Dear E., do you know this house. Uncle George is getting on nicely again"...
It is from Emily Brown to her daughter Elsie Brown (16). Outside the house are Charles Brown (40), Emily Brown (40), Ethel Brown (13) and Nelly Brown (5).
Faded photograph A11917 donated by Pat Milgate
A discussion a few years ago between Brian Jay and Andrew Brown gives the history of the two halves of the house.
"Charles Brown bought two cottages in Firs Chase (6 and 8, originally 1 and 2). The second cottage (number 8) was later bought by George Brown, and then by Hartley Brown. Hartley's daughters Eileen and Dorothy then lived at the same place. In the 1939 register Charles and Emily are living in No 1 and Hartley, Hilda, Dorothy, Eileen and George are living in No 2. | | Date: | Before October 1908 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_571 | | Title: | An unknown group in an unknown pub. Photograph by Ocean Trading Photos Ltd, 1 London Road Ipswich, donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_593 | | Title: | Ruby Balls age 17.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | c1942 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_599 | | Title: | Jean Ponder at Clacton.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_601 | | Title: | Clacton. Peggy ?
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_607 | | Title: | Jean Ponder on the right with her cousin on the left. The other lady and the boy are not known.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_611 | | Title: | One of Jean Ponder's cousins. Location not known.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_621 | | Title: | Wedding of Clive and Joyce Starling
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_631 | | Title: | Nelly Brown
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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![With best wishes, Harry [Starling] 2/4/23
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate OJR_633](MMThumbnails36/OJR_633.jpg) |
| ImageID: | OJR_633 | | Title: | "With best wishes, Harry [Starling] 2/4/23
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 2 April 1923 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_657 | | Title: | A Peldon Wedding. Ron Green believes the bridesmaid on the left is Audrey Smith, one of 4 Smith sisters from Peldon. Jean Ponder on the right.
Audrey's sister Irene Maud Elizabeth 'Rene' Smith married Henry John 'Jack' Cudmore at Peldon 14 October 1939.
Sister Vera Alice Smith married Ernest George 'Ernie' Hempstead at Peldon 21 Dec 1940.
Sister Joyce Smith married Percival John Edgar Vanstone at Peldon 3 Jun 1947. There were five bridesmaids. Miss Audrey Smith (sister of bride), Miss Joan Vanstone (sister of bridegroom), Miss Jean Ponder (friend of bride), Miss Betty Vanstone (sister of bridegroom) and Miss Jacqualine Cudmore (niece of bride). - see OJR_533
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 3 June 1947 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_661 | | Title: | A Peldon Wedding. Jean Ponder bridesmaid on the left ?
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_683 | | Title: | Wedding of Henry Charles 'Harry' Starling and Nellie Winifred Brown at West Mersea Parish Church.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 14 September 1925 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_705 | | Title: | Wedding of Charles Bertram 'Bert' Ponder and Elsie Brown. Charles Frederick Brown standing back left.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 21 April 1921 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_721 | | Title: | Wedding of Irene Taylor and Bob Ponder at Peldon Parish Church.
L-R 1. Henry Augustus 'Harry' Ponder - grooms father, 2. Bernard Ponder - grooms brother and Best Man, 3. Robert 'Bob' Ponder - groom, 4. Irene Taylor (née Beaumont) - bride, 5. Dough Beaumont - bride's brother, 6. Emily Beaumont - brides stepmother. Family called her Nan Beaumont.
Photograph from Pat Milgate, details from Anne Taylor - granddaughter of Irene. | | Date: | 3 Jan 1953 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_729 | | Title: | Peter George Brown age 11 months.
Born 29 December 1929 at Station Road, Inworth. Son of Charles Frederick and Laura Brown.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate, details from Andrew Brown, Peter's son. | | Date: | cNovember 1930 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_757 | | Title: | Wedding of Gordon Sewell and Mary Brown (daughter of Chrles Brown born 1894).
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 23 June 1961 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_785 | | Title: | Bert and Elsie Ponder.
Photograph from Pat Milgate - unmounted colour positive transparency. A print of this is dated August 1961. | | Date: | August 1961 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_823 | | Title: | Birthday of Elsie Brown née Ponder. Elsie was born 1892 and died February 1984. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_825 | | Title: | Birthday of Elsie Brown née Ponder. Elsie on the left. John Llewellyn-Jones on the right. Elsie was born 1892 and died 1984. | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_MET_021 | | Title: | Wedding of Vic French and Joyce Green at the Methodist Church in Mill Road.
L-R 1., 2., 3., 4. Vic French, 5. Joyce Green, 6. Cliff Green, 7.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 1950 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_MET_025 | | Title: | Wedding of Vic French and Joyce Green - outside West Mersea Methodist Church.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 1950 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_MET_031 | | Title: | Wedding of Vic French and Joyce Green - outside West Mersea Women's Institute Hall.
L-R standing 1. Stanley French (Groom's father), 2. Mrs Ethel French née Brown (groom's mother), 3., 4. Vic French, 5. Joe Mussett Best Man, 6. Joyce French née Green, 7. Vera Green (bride's mother), 8. ? Cornelius, 9. Cliff Green (bride's father), 10. Daphne Green (bride's sister).
Seated 1. Charles Brown, 2., 3. Arthur H. 'Snuffy' Cornelius, 4. Mrs Bert Green (bride's grandmother), 5. Bert Green (bride's grandfather).
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 1950 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_TUP_001 | | Title: | Ruby Balls age 21.
Photograph from Jean Ponder via Pat Milgate | | Date: | c1946 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_TUP_011 | | Title: | Wedding of Ruby Balls and Peter Tucker on 26 June 1948 at West Mersea Parish Church.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 26 June 1948 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_TUP_019 | | Title: | Wedding of Ruby Balls and Peter Tucker at West Mersea Parish Church.
Photograph via Pat Milgate | | Date: | 26 June 1948 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_TUP_031 | | Title: | Wedding of Ruby Balls and Peter Tucker at West Mersea.
The bridesmaids on the left are Jane Cudmore, Pat Ivory (ex Land Girl) and June Barette. Pauline Hempstead is hiding behind Ruby Tucker.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 26 June 1948 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_WED_001 | | Title: | Wedding of Jean Ponder and Edgar Reynolds at Peldon Parish Church.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 11 December 1954 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_WED_005 | | Title: | Wedding of Jean Ponder and Edgar Reynolds at Peldon Parish Church. Jean and her father Charles Bertram Ponder.
Olive Jean Ponder married Edgar George Alfred Reynolds 11 December 1954.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate | | Date: | 11 December 1954 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_WED_007 | | Title: | Wedding of Jean Ponder and Edgar Reynolds outside Peldon Parish Church.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate - from Prettygate Photos, Colchester. | | Date: | 11 December 1954 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_WED_011 | | Title: | Wedding of Jean Ponder and Edgar Reynolds reception (in Peldon Village Hall ?)
1., 2., 3. Edgar Reyndolds, 4. Jean Reynolds, 5. bridesmaid Dorothy Brown ?, 6. Elsie Ponder, 7. Charles Bertram Ponder.
Photograph donated by Pat Milgate - by Prettygate Photos, Colchester. | | Date: | 11 December 1954 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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| ImageID: | OJR_WED_023 | | Title: | Wedding of Olive Jean Ponder and Edgar Reynolds at Peldon Parish Church. | | Date: | 11 December 1954 | | Source: | Mersea Museum / Jean Ponder |
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