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05.04.08 - I am currently researching my family history which has led me to your lovely village Pakenham. My interest lies with the Bradbrooks who lived at Pudding Hall in the 1800s. I would dearly love any information regarding Pudding Hall and/or the Bradbrooks who lived there. Many thanks. martin barrett : martin.barrett11 at btinternet.com

04.02.08 - I'm still adding bits to the information given to me last year by Martin Harrison. (See 29.01.2007 below) Any details will be gladly received especially about the slate quarries in North Wales and the ironmongers in Settle. Thanks. John Mathew : johnatgreengates at googlemail.com

04.12.2007 - I am researching my family history and have found that my Great Grandparents James and Kate Rebecca Frost lived at Tollgate cottage in Pakenham. I was wondering if the cottage still exists and whereabouts in Pakenham it is? I would appreciate any information you could give me. Regards Maureen Steel : m.steel5 at ntlworld.com

21.11.2007 - My parents were Leonard and Daisy Moore who lived in Pakenham for many years and remained in close contact with the village after moving to Tostock in 1951. My grandfather, Albert Moore, was for many years headmaster of Pakenham school, church organist and village clerk. I am now living in Palgrave, near Diss and my sister Shirley is in Bury St.Edmunds. Our brother, Colin, sadly died 2 years ago. Tony Moore : tonyemoore at btinternet.com

18.10.2007 - I have just discovered that my Great great great grandfather William Hailstone was born in Pakenham in 1811, also his wife Sarah also born 1811. Has anyone more information on this information particularly helping me trace back further so I can find out more about my family? Thank you in anticipation, Robin Smith : harcourt.smith at tiscali.co.uk

24.09.2007 - Dear Pakenham Village, Froglife has been updating it's Toads on Roads project. We have a site registered on Fen Road/Mill Road in Pakenham but unfortunately we have lost touch with the patrol. We last heard from Susanne Blurton in 1999, previously she had sent in crossing data every year since registering the site in 1993. Do you know of anyone with current information about the site? Are the signs still erected each year? Are there any toads still using the site and if so is there still a patrol? I would be very grateful if you could send any information you have about the toads in your village. If you are interested in supporting Froglife, by becoming a Froglife Friend or by making a donation, please see our website for details. Lucy Benyon - Wildlife Information & Data Officer : info@froglife.org - www.froglife.org

21.08.2007 - Hello, I do not have any information to give you but was wondering if anybody knows how Maulkins Hall got its name. Was there a connection with the Maulkin family of Bury St Edmunds? I am related to this family and am researching family history so would be interested in any more information. Thank you - Ruth Thorne : Ruthorne at aol.com

15.08.2007 - Dear Friends, As you must already know there is a pakenham in ontario,Canada, lovely little place and its claim to fame is its stone bridges, and, hardly ever mentioned, it is home to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police horse stud. I always wanted to be in this Force but circumstances dictated otherwise and I ended up joining Suffolk Police who had a mounted division in those days, unfortunately they were disbanded.
I always wondered if you were twinned in some way with Pakenham, Ontario,Canada? You can find them on the website by just asking for www.pakenham.ontario.ca We visited you for the first time last Sunday and had a very pleasant day out, saw the two mills and the marvellous creations of the man opposite the water mill, also naturally visited the local puib for lunch - "The Fox" - very nice and nice people, I am a great beliver in using the local shops and amenities when there, if you don't use them, you will lose them, so we hope we have done our bit to keep them in use for you. Our Kindest regards to you all, Geoff and Ann : geoffrey at smithgillard.freeserve.co.uk

30.06.07 - Dear Ladies/Gentlemen, Lately I received an e-mail from "Bury Record Office"' containing the following data: Thomas Sibbes yeoman of Thurston Party to dead in Pakenham 1628 also John his brother. Paul Sibbes of Thurston 1595 Deed to pasture in Thurston ref HD1749/2/26. I should like to know if anything is known about these people. I am interested in anything about a family Sibbes. Sincerily Yours, J.D.Sibbes, Jacob Roggeveenlaan 9, 2803EG Gouda (Netherlands).
email : jdsibbes at hetnet.nl

07.06.2007 - My name is Colin Wallis, and I'm currently visiting the UK; while here I am researching my Family history in the area and am trying to trace the Lusher family, who lived and worked in Pakenham around the 1700's. I would greatly appreciate any help and can be contacted on this e-mail address: peterandness at mac.com.

29.04.2007 - Yesterday I visited Pakenham. I spent the winter researching a distant relative of mine May Ellen Dyer. In 1906 she became Sir William Hollingworth Quayle Jones third wife. This links me in a small way to the church where William's father and grandfather were vicars and to Barton Mere. Through the trees I was able to compare photographs of 100 years ago of William & May in various poses on the lawns by the Mere with how things look now. The house looking almost unchanged (at a distance anyway). The interesting thing from the family history point of view is that the marriage only lasted a short while and not as our family myth suggested because he died as that did not happen until 1925 (there is a nice plaque in the church). She 'ran away' to British Central Africa, Nyasaland as it was then known with a new husband and grew tobacco. I was lucky enough to discover a bundle of letters she wrote home and a series of photographs.
What I would like to know is can anybody shed light on the relationship, any of those little details that make family history come alive and make days out to wonderful places like Pakenham so enjoyable? Peter Talbot - Petalbo at aol.com

15.04.2007 - I was very lucky to have known Arthur Bantick. He was a dear old man. I had a copy of the book he wrote (through dust of conflict) many years ago now, but I lost it when I took it to school to show my teacher. That book has never left my mind. I have not been able to find another copy. If some one can help me I would be so grateful as Arthur was a great part of our younger years living in Pakenham. Many Thanks, Joanne Manning (01359 231257)

12.02.2007 - A big thank you to Suzanne who emailed me with some information of the Fisk family (circa mid forties). Unfortunately I am not able to respond to her directly as she did not advise me her email address. The info. from her grandfather was very helpful. Once again, thanks. B. Robinson. brianrobinson1937 at btinternet.com

29.01.2007 - I think that my ancestors used to live at Maulkins Hall and a friend of mine - Jane Breen - is trying to trace the family tree. My name is John Mathew and I would be grateful to hear from anyone who might be able to help us us in our searching. johnatgreengates at googlemail.com

03.12.2006 - My grandfather, Ernest Frost was the eldest child of Samuel Frost who ran the pub? probably the Woolpack and lived in Pakenham and is in the census of 1901. There were 5 other children and I hope some descendants are still living in the village? I would very much like to hear any information. Sarah. rhrix at aol.com

28.11.2006 - Mathews Family Enquiry : For many years I have been researching into the History of the old Oakeley Slate Quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales. One of the constituent companies which were eventually taken over by the Oakeley family when their lease ran out was the Rhiwbryfdir Slate Company, whose directors/owners included Nathaniel Nathews and later his son Edward Windus Mathew. The information I have is as follows, and is mostly taken from "Hanes Porthmadog" and has been translated into English:
Nathaniel Mathews had only arrived in Wales in 1835 with his wife and son. He was the younger son of the Mathews family of New House, Pakenham, near Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk and had leased the house "Wern" from Sir Joseph Huddart. His wife was one Mary Windus, the daughter of Edward Windus of Tottenham, Middlesex.
He was to take a great interest in the life of Ffestiniog and later became a J.P. for Caernarfonshire, his office lasting for many years. John Whitehead Greaves of the later Llechwedd Quarry stayed at Wern with them and met his future wife, Ellen Steadman, there. He and Mathews were later considered to be the most honest and just Magistrates and always sat on the bench together. He died, aged 80 on the 3rd. March 1867, his wife having died some 15 years previously, aged 62. Both were buried in the family tomb in the churchyard of St. Mary's, Pakenham.
The son, Edward Windus Mathew was born in 1812 and was again later remarked on for his kindliness and generosity; his generous nature was said to have helped many to find a position in life. He was known as a thorough gentleman and in all the circle he moved in he was known as faithful to his position and his conscience.
He was Chairman of the local National School Committee for many years and established a Volunteer Corps in Porthmadog in 1860, becoming it's first Captain and later Major. He was apparantly a loyal and sincere churchman, and so succeeded his father as a J.P. and became a Deputy Lieutenant of Caernarfonshire.
I would be very grateful for any information which can expand on the above and in particular would like to know if there are any photographs or otherwise of these two important men who were responsible for the significant development of the quarry between 1838 and 1877. If nothing else, a photo of the tomb would be very useful... For instance are there any records deposited anywhere of the family which might contain information relating to the quarry. Thanking in anticipation of any help, however small. Graham Isherwood. grahamad at wolvcoll.ac.uk

23.10.2006 - I am researching my ancestors on my mother’s side and have recently acquired a copy of the family tree dating back to 1524. My mother was member of the Tipple family in Bardwell. While studying the tree I saw that one of her ancestors lived in a place called Pudding Hall in the village of Pakenham. Just out of curiosity I looked it up on the internet and the page opened at chapter ten of a book called ‘PAKENHAM – VILLAGE OF TWO MILLS, by N.R.Whitwell, and there, to my surprise was a photograph of Charlie Tipple, hurdle maker, with other photographs on other pages. Are there still Tipples living in the village? raymar.hume at talktalk.net

22.10.2006 - Bern and I visited Pakenham near Ottawa this month.As you would imagine, it is so different from the one in Suffolk (and Australia !) We were made so welcome by Corinne MacFarlane local historian who I have been corresponding with since 1980. If anyone would like more details they can contact me on 01359 230053 Pauline Freeman

22.08.2006 - There was mention of an Oxborrow Gravestone, does anyone know the names of the people buried there as I am researching the "oxborrows"? ( sueday446 at jbkv.com )

17&22.08.2006 - Excellent easy to use site full of information. We have just returned from visiting your pretty village where a lot of our decendants came from and lived. Some also came from Thurston, Rougham, Hessett and Wickham Skeith. We are trying to trace our family name ALDERTON; great grandfather and great grandmother Amos and Sabina Alderton (worked at Nether Hall) and any of their children including grandfather Frank and his sister Emma who was married to Ben Stokes who lived in Pakenham. There is a lovely headstone in your well tended churchyard to commemerate their passing, facing the road. We would welcome any information about them or Nether Hall or any more relatives. THANKYOU - Brian & Margaret Alderton ( atmolemanbrian at yahoo.co.uk )

14.05.2006 - I placed an ad some two year ago and unfortunately did not receive a response. I was rather hoping that one of the many Pecks in the village may have done some family history. I am a Peck, born in Sudbury in 1949, but my home has been New Zealand since 1961. My family hail from Pakenham. I have traced back to my great great grandfather, Amos Peck, born around 1815. He married Martha Mayhew from Ixworth in 1847. My great grandfather, George, was born in Pakenham in February 1849. He married Elizabeth Howe from Ixworth. My grandfather, Charles was born in Pakenham in Jul 1909. He married Laura Scates of Hawstead. My father, Jack, was born in Gt Livermere in 1920. The Pakenham connection was broken when the family moved to the Sudbury area between the wars. Is there anyone in the village who can help me go back beyond Amos?? Many thanks. Alan Peck ( peckfamily at paradise.net.nz )

17.03.06 - My brother and I were evacuated to Pakenham in 1939. We both think we remember a well on the green outside the cottages next to the old school. When we went back several years ago there was no sign of it and no one was able to give us any information about it. Any help, and if possible photos, would be appreciated. Bill Townsend. billtownnsend at waitrose.com

28.02.2006 - I am currently researching my family tree. I find my Father William Charles Hull b. 1881 came from Pakenham. The 1901 census shows the family living in Grimstone Road. Head of the Family was Henry, wife Elizabeth, sons Roberrt E., Frederick J., Frank and Thomas. There was also a sister Florence, shown on 1891 census. William was serving in the 3rd Suffolk Regiment at the time of census and was 21. Previous census show the address as 71 Grimstone End. Henry was born in Stowlangtoft, his father came from Ixworth. If anyone is a living relative I would love to hear from you or if you live/lived in the house at Grimstone End. Any other information greatly appreciated. email gibsonantiques at aol.com . I plan to visit the village later in the year to do some research. Thanks - Joan Hull.

07.02.2006 - I am doing research into walled gardens in the country and would like to know more about the garden(?) with high walls in Pakenham please. On the road to Thurston. All help most welcome - Many thanks - Allan Scott-Davies - allan.scott-davies at stmatthewhousing.org

21.12.2005 - Hello. Whilst browsing the Internet I loggd onto the Pakenham website and was immediately cast back to the mid 1940s when I spent some time at the village as an evacuee from London.
My most vivid memories were that I stayed with a family called Fisk who lived in a cottage at the edge of the village opposite the Dell. The time span would have been late 1944/1945, I can remember that very well because VE day was announced on the wireless. The Dell was a favourite playground for myself and my friends (unfortunately I cannot remember their names now, but they would now be in their mid to late 60s.)
One of our favourite pastimes would be collecting birds eggs, a practice frowned upon by the local bobby who lived in a Police House just outside the village. Many was the time we were caught and given a good hiding. I now live in retirement in Lincolnshire, and a few years ago returned to the village one Sunday with my wife to recollect those days as an evacuee. The cottage was no more, now a small housing estate opposite the Dell.
We went to the local pub to try to trace any members of the Fisk family but even the locals did not recognise the name. Perhaps you can throw some light on the history of the name? I have many more memories of my time in Pakenham which I would be happy to share with you if you feel they would be of some interest. I was evacuated to several places during the war but my time in Pakenham has always stuck in my mind. My name is Brian Robinson, now 68yrs, and I may have been known as Robbie to my then friends. Thank you for taking the time to read this E.Mail and hope you may be able to add to my memories. Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Brian Robinson - brianrobinson1937 at BTinternet.com

11.12.2005 - Hi, we came to live in Pakenham about 1956, my father worked on a farm just out of the village (I'm almost sure the farm owner was a Mr Whitwell) and my mother worked at a large house at the top of the village. My mother would take me on the back of her bike to school while my brother rode his own bike - I remember it seemed a long way to the school, which I belive was just three classrooms and you stayed there till you were 15 (if I remember correctly). I was only six at the time but can still picture the village and the Dell were we would go to play with other children. I cannot remember any of the names of the children who would have been at school when we were, I think we lived in Pakenham for about two years before moving on to a place in Cornwall. Before we came to Pakenham we lived in Flempton.
I visited both villages a few years ago while visiting my father when he was in hospital in Ipswich, I would like to say that it was like time had stood still for part of the village as it was very much as I had remembered it, very peaceful.
My fathers name was John Stapleton, he passed away three years ago aged 86, my name Sally and my brother Robin Stapleton who was two years older than me. I don't expect any one will remember us, I' m 54 now! I can remember my mother used to visit someone who lived almost at the top of the village on the left hand side in a big house, (well it seemed big back then) I'm sure it was the local policeman but cannot be sure about this. I belive the cottage we lived in is still there, it had a thatched roof and some very big beams in it. I hope to be able to visit Pakenham again one day. Sally Cundall nee Stapleton I now live in Yorkshire. - SL436 at btinternet.com

09.12.2005 - I am currently doing some research into my family history and have come across a William Hailstone born 1853. His parents were George and Susan, they lived at 43 Hungry Hall. He somehow managed to marry one of my relatives and lived in Holbeck a district of Leeds Yorkshire. Is there any local information or anyone in the area that might be familiar with family history of Pakenham that you could perhaps put me in touch with that may be able to assist me please? Kind Regards Colin Best - colin at pollardbest.co.uk

08.12.2005 - In case anyone was wondering, Tosca, the little black and white cat, was not a stray. In fact he had a very comfortable home with us here at High House(yes he was a he). His very friendly nature meant that he visited many in the village. He had on a collar with our phone number and address. Sadly, Tosca was hit by a car early one Friday morning three weeks ago and was fatally injured. I am sure he knew nothing of the accident. I would like to thank the kind lady who brought him home to us - I have no idea who she was as I was too concerned with Tosca to note. He is buried in the rose bed. He was born in Lincolnshire and came to live with us as a homeless survivor. Naturally when we moved to Pakenham, he came too. He was a delightful companion who was much loved. In his later years he developed an over active thyroid - hence the voracious appetite. Despite the best efforts of our vet, we were unable to totally stabilise the condition. He was 'lost' earlirer this year and had to be 'rescued' from Bury stray cats. We understand the concern of the lady who handed him in as a stray but are glad we managed to find him and track him down. Many thanks to the villagers who assisted with information. Tosca also became profoundly deaf which probably contributed to his death. I apologise to those of you who found him a nuisance, there is little one can do to control a cat. To those of you who shared him, I send our thanks for your caring, I am sure you will miss him as much as we do. Lillian Benson - lillian.benson at tiscali.co.uk

08.11.2005 - My partner and I moved into Wheelwrights Cottage on Fen Road 4 years ago and think we are very lucky to live in such a lovely location. My maternal Grandmother was born in Hungry Hall Cottage which I understand used to be near the Windmill.
I would be very interested to hear from any one who knows about the history of Wheelwrights. We know that Freddie Hayward the Coal Merchant owned it from the sixties until the mid nineties and before that it was owned by the Grant family who ran a forge. They first bought in the early 1900's but we don't know who from.
We know the house has undergone many structural changes and once used to thatched. If anyone has any old pictures of the house we would love to see them.
You can email me at mmoore at acas.org.uk - Mandy Moore

23.08.2005 - Can you help Katie Millard?
Hi there, I am just inquiring about the local site called Pakenham Quarry... also known as the pit. I was wondering if anybody may be able to tell me if that property is privately owned or if it is common land? Alternatively do you know anyone who I could phone to find out this information.
Thanks for your help in advance - katiem at hattrick.com

02.07.2005 - In researching our family tree we are trying to trace the WHITMORE family who came from 'KEMPSEASH', Suffolk. We cannot find this on any map and wondered whether it was an obsolete name of a parish or large house or estate. A remote branch of this family, STEDMAN, came from Pakenham.We would be grateful for any information about the location of KEMPSEASH or
any other source. Charles Burford - cha at katz72.fsnet.co.uk

02.07.2005 - We would like to inform all in Pakenham that the little black and white cat with a name tag on stating her name as Tosca does not live at The Thimble with Kevin and Elizabeth as assumed by some locals, however we are both great cat lovers and therefore offer her a bite to eat whenever she is passing as we would not want to see her suffer in any way. Whilst we reside here we will continue to offer her our hospitality as she is a very affectionate little cat. With regards Kevin and Elizabeth - Kevlizburton at aol.com

27.04.2005 - Hello , My name is Christine Gullickson. My maiden name was Christine Pakenham.
I was born in Peterborough Ontario on January 6 1947 to Malcolm and Violet Pakenham. My mother was a war bride from Cardiff Wales. After I was born my dad joined the service again, this time the airforce. We always came back to my hometown of Peterborough to visit my grand mother named Maude Pakenham. She was married to my grandfather Gilbert Pakenham. I have been to the town or village of Pakenham and I thoroughly loved what I saw, there is alot of history there.
I will sign off now but I just wanted to write to you. Blessings, Christine - fb063 at ncf.ca

14.12.2004 - Good afternoon, I have visited your site as a result of a brief article in THE EVACUEE, a monthly magazine aimed at Evacuuees from WW2. You have an interesting and informative site and although I haven't been to Pakenham it looks to be a pretty village, and I suspect with a friendly atmosphere.
    For the past 4 years I have been trying to find out where I was evacuated to, without success and I am wondering if I give you all the information I can recall (I am 68) if you may be able to see if you have any of your long term residents recognise anything.
    In mid 1944, My Mother and I were taken by train to Bury St. Edmunds and then by a single decker bus to a village no more than an hours trip.We were housed with a family whose name was FOOTER, and my Mother worked on local farms potatoe picking and general work. There was I am certain a school nearby that had an indoor swimming pool, not that I went in, and there were always heavy aircraft to be heard. These I would think were the Flying Forts and Lancasters being used at the time.
    We returned to Dagenham (where I have always lived) within 6 months but apart from this I have no other informative memories, I do recall that my stay was pleasant and within the past 3 years have twice visited the area around Bury St. Edmunds in an effort to try and rekindle memories.
    I will be most grateful for any information you can supply. regards,
Tom Pettengell  - squaredancerthomas at squaredancer.freeserve.co.uk

13.10.2004 - my name is Andy Norgate and I am an ex-resident. I have happy childhood memories of Pakenham living for a year at Netherhall where my father worked - I was about 12 at the time. I made a lot of friends in the village and wonder if any of them are still around, two being Mark Brown and Andrew Bray who lived at the top housing estate near the Dell. I have been back only once but would like to revisit for a short stay and wonder if there is any accomodation in the village? I am a live session recording artist and details of my music can be found at www.andynorgate.co.uk - cheers, Andy - andyrocks at twentyforseven.fsnet.co.uk

24.07.2004 - I am compiling records of Landymores back to Norman times. Many Landymores have lived in Pakenham over the centuries ( particularly in the 1600s) and I would be pleased to help anyone researching their family tree with this name or its variants up to about 1920. However, I do not have Phoebe Landymore as mentioned in your article. Was she married and if so , who was her husband? Was she born in Pakenham? I would be most grateful for help with this information. (Mrs) Lauretta Harris email: laurettaharris at hotmail.com

26.05.2004 - Hallo Pakenham Village Website - I was pleased to find your site as my links with the Village go back nearly 50 years - I still visit, but usually about once every two years. My in-law family lived along the Fen in a cottage and their name was Cocksedge - Edie and Ernie - this cottage was once two small ones but is now one home. I last visited in 2002. I spent many many happy times in the Village - being an East End of London child, Pakenham was magic and still is as far as I am concerned. Edie and Ernie had relatives at the old shop - now long closed - but eventually my aunt and uncle moved to The Owell - I knew many names and many young men! - All my age now - newly retired! - Is there someone who would like to write to me on an email friendship - I would be so pleased to hear what is happening in the village in these modern times - but am pleased to see that the church is playing an important part - and good luck with the new Village Hall.
Last time I visited in August 2002 - The Fox had newly been taken over by a couple that came from my town - Romford. Email me - Maureen - maureenthurtle at yahoo.co.uk .

16.04.2004 - I was enjoying the wonderful history section about Pakenham, especially about Nether Hall, but was disappointed to find there was no information about the important thoroughbred stallion Herod, who lived at Nether Hall in the mid to late 1700s. He was owned by Sir John Moore. Who might I contact that would know anything about Nether Hall as a stud farm during that period? Best regards, Anne Peters (apeters at epix.net)

04.04.2004 - Hello- My name is Bridget Pakenham. I am 50 years old. My grandmother and grandfather were from Manchester, England. I have been trying for several years, in vain, to locate any family my grandfather, Thomas, might have had. The grandparents, as well as my father and his 4 brothers, are all deceased, so this history is even more important to me now. I would love to know more about Pakenham village and how it came about. Do you think I would have any chance of locating any relatives through this Pakenham village?? Thank you for your time, Bridget Pakenham Murphy, Oregon, US. (bam72 at comcast.net)

13.03.2004 - I am a Peck, born in Sudbury, but my home has been New Zealand since 1961. My family hail from Pakenham. I have traced back to my great great grandfather, Amos Peck, born around 1815. He married Martha Mayhew from Ixworth in 1847. Is there anyone in the village who can help me go back further? Many thanks. Alan Peck ( ajpeck at xtra.co.nz )

29.02.2004 - Hello, I am researching my family history and I know that in the 16/1700s at least one of my ancestors was a baker whose daughter 'Ann' had an interest in one of the mills. I had always assumed it was a windmill but realise now that it could have been the water mill.
Can any kind person give me any help on this matter. In fact any info re Ayers/Ayres/Eyres of Pakenham would be welcome. Judith Larner ( Judithlarner at aol.com )

29.02.2004 - I thought you might be interested in this for the gallery. Rob Cubitt and I, both living in the Greenwoods development at the top of the village, go cycling every morning at 6:30 am. We whimsically refer to this as the Greenwoods Cycling Club. I have taken photos throughout the year, and they are on a website. Other Pakenham residents may like to see a cyclist's view of the village through the seasons - Geoff Barton (Thank you Geoff - the link is in the Gallery.)

23.02.2004 - Hello - I also have a Gin bottle. It's labeled as No. 4. I've attached 2 jpeg files. My mother found it in an apple orchard in Southern England. Maybe Lymington, but she cannot remember. The item currently resides in South Carolina. We moved here in 1987.
Any information is greatly appreciated. Sincerely: Scott Crossley ( scrossley at sc.rr.com )

22.02.2004 - By chance I found myself logged onto the Pakenham Village site and was fascinated to read about the village where I was born. My mother Beryl Brocklehurst nee Parry-Crooke lived at Newe House as her father owned it , he then sold it to Julian Spicer's father way back. My mother is now 93 and lives in Wiltshire. My sister and I (twins) were both born at Newe House and have been back several times. I shall have to try and get my laptop over to my mother to show her some of the photos, which I'm sure will bring back many memories, - Anne Radcliffe ( annecliffe at aol.com )

16.02.2004 - Older residents of Pakenham may be interested to learn that Charles & Peg Foat formerly of 'Knutsford', Great Barton but active members of Pakenham Parish are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary on Friday February 20th. They are presently living at 4 Church Close, Riding Mill, Northumberland. NE44 6DP. Jill Scott (niece)

04.02.2004 - From Robin_B.Clay at virgin DOT net
Greetings ! At the bottom of your Web page http://www.pakenham-village.co.uk/History/PV2Mbk/s12_C9TheMillsandOtherFeatures.htm you show a photograph, in which a lady in the back row is identified as a "Miss Thorniwell". Upon reading the excerpt from the local paper just above the photograph, it would appear that this may be wrong, and that the lady in question may be a Thornhill. I would be interested in any comments on this! Regards Robin Clay

31.01.2004 - From keith at thewillinghams.freeserve.co.uk
I have ancestors (surname Hailstone) who lived in Pakenham and was searching on the internet when I came across your site. I found it very informative, especially the History section. I have researched back to William Hailstone who was born in 1809 and married Sarah Palfrey. If anybody has any further information on the Hailstone family or any old photographs that may contain any of my Hailstone ancestors I would be very pleased to hear from them. Regards Keith Willingham

24.01.2004 - From Robyn Packenham - Vine Grove, Ky. U.S.A.
I am a descendant from your village and was delighted to type in the name and see you on the Internet! One big WOW for technology. My Aunt Joyce Ramage Packenham, (from Arizona), was privileged to visit a few years back. I hope to visit in a year or two. Until then I wish there were more pictures of the village. It would be lovely to get more of an idea older, (and even more recent), sections of Pakenham. Still, it has been a treat to visit your site, and I look forward to coming back. Thank you, robynk at bbtel.com

09.11.2003 - Since receiving an email about Hungry Hall just a few days ago I felt a need to express my sincere thanks again to the people who run this site.
Three years on from my first posting and here I am with another email regarding that search. Martin Harrison gave me information then that I had no hope of finding for myself and now I have been able to pass it on to other descendants of George Rosier who farmed there all those years ago. Thank you so much for maintaining this site for all of this time because I am sure this last contact got his information about me from it. I will be forever grateful.
Compliments of the season to you all.
Dorothy Bonfield. doro3 at caloundra.net

21.09.2003 - I have been researching my family tree (JACOB) who came from Pakenham in 1853 to South australia. They were HENRY JACOB and ANN nee PITMAN. I was very interested in your publication "Pakenham - Village of Two Mills'. If there is any history of my family available I would be very interested. Regards Bruce Edward Jacob brucej at elite.net.au

07.09.2003 - We have received an email from Ken Crawford - kenpao at charter.net - in Kentucky, with an interesting photograph of a gin bottle - similar to those found in the Old Vicarage. Because of the historical interest there is also a link to his email in the History section. Do you know more? Perhaps you can help.

18.07.2003 - Hello to everyone
I had TREDGETT family living in Pakenham from at least 1734. George TREDGETT and Mary Ronds were married there in 1760 . Just wondered if connections remain in the village - would love to hear from anyone that can help me
Heather. familytree at rmcdonald98.fsnet.co.uk

21.04.2003 - This email refers to a suggestion made for the design of the village hall - if anyone has any ideas you may like to email Shirley...
A search that I did on the internet for room partitions/screens/dividers, gave your web-site as a reference..........it indicated that you had considered using screens for partitioning purposes in Pakenham village hall. Can you tell me where I might get some nice decorative ones. Do you know where I might get some anglo-indian ones....think they were popular in the 1950's. Thankyou, in anticipation of your help.....Shirley Downes. Busybeehoneyfarm at aol.com

10.02.2003 - We are really excited to be able to present the book written by N.R. Whitwell "Pakenham - Village of Two Mills" in our History Section - it is a charming account of 'Pakenham through the ages' and answers a lot of those questions we all wonder about. Old photographs are also included from the book so some of the pages may take a little longer to appear.

Are you fed up with hearing that BT cannot install ADSL in our area because there is "not enough interest", well now is your chance to show just how interested you are! Visit www.01359broadband.co.uk for details.

-We have recently received the following emails (appologies for the delay in updating this page) and in all cases, reference to N.R. Whitwell's book in the History Section will give further insight:-

14.01.2003 - Hello and greetings from Illinois, United States! I am researching a Pakenham ancestor and hope that one of your readers who may know the older Pakenham lineage might be able to help me. My ancestors were Smiths of County Monaghan - John Smith, Jr. b. 1728; John Smith Sr. b. 1689; Henry Smith, b. 1660; William Smith, b. 1630. This William Smith was supposed to have married a Lady Elizabeth Pakenham, daughter of Lord Longford. Would anyone have more information on these people? I would appreciate it so much. Thank you, Chery Eichar Jett. gwynna1 at hotmail.com.

23.10.2002 - Hi, I was just searching the net for my second name and your site came up! Can you give me any information about how your vilage got its name? Cheers, Joe Pakenham. joepakenham at hotmail.com

01.10.2002 - I appreciate your picture of Pakenham Street very much.Could you show some other scenes of what looks to be a delightful place? My ancestors came from there over 150 years ago and it is great to see a picture of the village. Many thanks. - N. & R.T. Matthews. ronorma at origin.net.au

09.11.2002 - Jan& Max Bacon wish to thank all of friends and customers, old and new, for all their love and best wishes, wonderful cards and flowers after the events at the Post Office on the 1st of November. So much kindness, so much help. A million thank-yous from us for the truly immense advice and guidance from all. We are so undeserving. Thank God we live in Pakenham. PakePo at freenet.co.uk

15.07.2002 - A big thank you to the many villagers of Pakenham who came to the Medical Foundation Garden Party at Bridge House on Saturday 13 July.
Over six hundred pounds was raised to help the victims of torture from all over the world.
If you would like to know about future events organised by the South Suffolk Branch of the Medical Foundation, please contact Lesley Whitwell, Secretary, 19 Blomfield Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1PE, tel 01284 705777, email l.whitwell@btinternet.com. Recent events have included a Persian Dinner, an Art Raffle and a Strawberry Tea..
THANK YOU
Colin Harbury (Chairman) colinharbury at btinternet.com

06.07.2002 - Once again the Pakenham Barn Dance gave us an excellent evening with excellent food and an excellent turnout. Many thanks to all those involved in organising the event and the food, well the food was just delicious!

02.04.2002 - Within the last few days we have received two very interesting articles, one from Martin Harrison (our local History Recorder) on the subject of the Royal Jubilee of 1887 and the second entitled "Secrets of the Family Frozen In Time" - a detective story written by Robin Imray which appeared in the East Anglia Daily Times on 15th March 2002.. Both articles to be found in the History Section. Apologies to all waiting to read recent Parish Council Meeting Minutes - as soon as they are made available they will be posted in the Parish Council Section.

19.03.2002 - Please contact Andy Priestner if your memory serves you well!
I maintain a large site all about the cult 70s BBC TV series Survivors and Pakenham was one of the locations used for an episode back in 1977. The windmill features quite heavily in the story, which was last broadcast on UK Gold in the late 90s. The episode was entitled The Peacemaker and featured performances from Denis Lill, Lucy Fleming (daughter
of Celia Johnson) and Edward Underdown. My current page on this episode features several shots of the windmill and can be visited here: http://www.survivorstvseries.com/The_Peacemaker.htm
The episode was filmed in April 1977. I would be very interested to hear about any villagers' memories of the production taking place. Some may have taken part as extras (and would have worn white monk habits as the episode was about a religious cult!). Please pass on my email address to anyone who has memories of the show or perhaps even photographs of the production as I would love to hear from them. My postal address is : 176a Ock Street, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 5DT.

02.11.2001 - We have been asked by the National Blood Service to promote their forthcoming blood donor sessions - to be held at Thurston and Ixworth - on the village website which of course we are happy to do. The easiest way to do this is to show dates on the Events page. For further information you might like to visit their web site at www.blood.co.uk

27.07.2001 - Ian Kings takes us down memory lane and just by absolute coincidence there is now a photo in the gallery taken from a picture in the Church showing the two schools mentioned!
Hello, My name is Ian Kings and I lived in Pakenham between 1967 and 1973. I attended the old primary school when it was just two enormous classes in the Victorian building. Later I went to the new school when it opened. It had an amazing polished wooden floor in the main hall. Mr Pitchford, then head teacher, was very proud of it. Mrs Laing was my teacher for some time. I lived at 29 The Owell, with my parents Ian and Marina, brother Paul and sisters Tracey and Lesley.
The Redgate family ran the village store (Mace); our neighbours included the Gooch's, Palmers and Skinners. I sang in the church choir. The Rev Cyril Newell was the vicar and he lived in the wonderful rectory next door to the church. My main memories are playing in the Dell, playing football every day-light hour and playing with the haystacks in summer. It was a perfect place to grow up.
My family went through several moves after Pakenham, though we never lived anywhere as good. I'm now living in Norwich, working for BBC News. I'm married with two children.
I drove through Pakenham recently for the first time in years. It hasn't changed much, though it was disappointing to see the school replaced by houses. The Church is truly stunning. Good to see the pub still going strong.
Incidentally, I ran into Mrs Laing back in the 1980s. I went out with a lovely girl called Alison who I discovered later was her daughter !
Best wishes to anyone who can remember me. ian.kings at bbc.co.uk

18.07.2001 - We have received the following email - if anyone remembers or has news of the Jackson family please contact Christopher and don't forget to let us know as well!
My grandfather was a William Jackson, sometime cottage gardener at the Nether Hall estate. My father was one of his six children. I have only one photo and an a newspaper cutting of his obiturary. I have very little to offer to your site but would be interested to hear from you. Regards, Christopher Jackson. Chris_Jack at btinternet.com

12.07.2001 - We have received the following email and perhaps anyone interested in the Pakenham name would like to contact Christine:-
Hello, my name is Christine Gullickson, and my maiden name was Christine Pakenham and I am 54 years old. My dad was Malcolm Aubrey Pakenham and he served in the Canadian army during ww2 and is how he met my mother Violet Williams from Llanelly Wales. Dad married my mom in July 1945 and she became a war bride . She followed my dad to Peterborough Ontario, Canada. They lived at my grandparents place until dad joined the air force. Dad's dad was Gilbert Pakenham. What I would like to know is if I could write to someone who has been interested in the Pakenham name. Thanks. Christine Gullickson - Poppa at interactive.rogers.com

10.07.2001 - Thank you to Jo and Phil Beck for the following email - you have certainly come to the right place and we hope you thoroughly enjoy your stay!
We are a couple of visiting Australians and have been given a tour of your local web site by Colin Harbury. We think that it is excellent. Full of useful information and great graphics. We are visiting Pakenham and staying with my parents Peter and Anne Beck. Jo and Phil Beck, Hobart Tasmania

08.07.2001 - Once again the Pakenham Barn Dance gave us a lovely evening, despite the monsoon-like weather. A big thank you to all those involved in organising such an enjoyable event and the food was absolutely delicious. Photos have been added to the gallery but unfortunately my little camera is just not up to the nightlife so the quality is awful but I hope you agree the evening was too good not to be included.

17.05.2001 - Welcome to Richard Weavers and Karen Auty who, since the beginning of May, are now running our local pub, The Fox. If you fancy a drink and something to eat, call in at The Fox, you will be glad you did! We recently had a request to include Parish Councillors' contact details on the site. We have been in touch with the Parish Council and they are happy to discuss the request along with the idea of showing the agenda for future parish council meetings, at their next meeting on 11th June. Don't forget, if you would like to attend any of the meetings, please just turn up on the night.

16.02.2001 - Yet again, a wonderful production from the Pakenham Players, photos to follow shortly in the Gallery. Good news for road safety in Pakenham - new warning signs are now in place on the approaches to the Upper Town cross-roads. The Internet is a really useful resource for those researching their family trees/history and our Useful Numbers & Links page now includes a section of Genealogy Links - if you have any favourite genealogy links, let us know and we will add them too. And thanks to Dorothy for kind wishes received in the following email ...

04.02.2001 - Sending all Pakenhamites my very warm and sunny wishes from the Sunshine Coast of Queensland with belated New Year greetings to everyone who has any input to your village site I wish them all the very best for 2001. I really do appreciate all the hard work which must go into producing such a wonderful site which has provided me with such a lot of information pertaining to Pakenham. Consequently your site has been added to my 'Favourites' for easy access. Since my e-mails to you I have found the Wickham Market site - another village close to Leiston and was able to get the 1851 Census for that Suffolk village where to my delight I found some of the Pells family that I have been looking for, for a very long time. Wickham Market School site has also been added to my 'Favourites' Martin Harrison has been a great help to me and his contribution to your site makes interesting reading even to one like me who is not at expat of your village. He certainly is a wealth of information. I only wish I could be of as much assistance to your site as Martin Harrison is and has been to me. I thank you all most sincerely. Dorothy Bonfield... doro3 at caloundra.net

08.01.2001 - We have received this email from Karl Scott - Karl, select the Suffolk County Council link from our Useful Numbers & Links page then do a search on Pakenham from their Infolink page and you will find your answer!
To whom - I was trying to help my daughter research something about Pakenham for a school project but had no luck with either the District Council or your good selves. The site is very nice to look at but gives no real detail about the village. Please could you inform me if you know how many people live in Pakenham. Mr K Scott

07.01.2001 - We have received this email from Sandy Miles - can you help?
I was wondering if you may be able to help in tracing an old friend of my aunts by putting this message on the web site. My Aunt Josephine (Jo) Crawford - now Jo Gill - was wondering if her old friend Dorothy (Dotty) Gooch still lived in the village. She believes she married and became Dorothy Plummer. My grand-parents ran the Crown Public House in Ixworth and Jo was born there in 1946 and lived in the area until 1960 when the family moved to the Midlands. Jo used to play and go to school with Dorothy who lived in Ixworth at the time and later moved to Pakenham. As I now live here I said I'd try and track down her old friend for her. If anyone knows of Dorothy's whereabouts please contact me on 01359 233306 and I can hopefully reunite a friendship. Thanks for your help and keep up the good work on the site. Regards Sandy Miles - garden.house at lineone.net

06.11.2000 - Once again the site has been re-vamped - if you have any problems with the new page layout please let me know a.s.a.p!

01.11.2000 - Email from Dorothy Bonfield in Australia
Ann .. thank you so much for replying so quickly, for your interest and assistance. Hungry Hall where George Rosier worked with his wife and two younger sons Ben & Arthur was according to a very old map of Suffolk just west of Ixworth north west of Pakenham. A map I have is so old and has such small printing I have difficulty reading the place names on it. It might have even been a farm or some kind of estate where George Rosier worked. I went into the other site 'Suffolk Surname List' you told me about and found not only the name of Rosier but Pells the surname of George's son Ben's wife. My husband's paternal grandparents. I have contacted both by e-mail. Should it be of any interest to you I have quite a stack of info. on the Rosier/ Rosher surname which was supplied to me by another English lady who lives in New Zealand . There are Rosiers in Tasmania who are the descendants of a convict who was shipped out from Suffolk in those long gone dark days when the British shipped out even their petty crimimals to the Antipodes .This James Rosier born about 1790 at Great Finborough, Suffolk received a pardon or release but of course in those days he wasn't shipped back to England so made another life for himself and so another wife and family..... If you would like to know about this let me know but give me time to delve into my files. I have only just acquired my computer so of course my genealogy searches over the past few years are filed in a somewhat older system - letters, old photo copies and all kinds of bits and pieces I have collated over the years that I have been delving into our family history. It is amazing what one can amass. Some info. has been relevant to my research, some not but all of it was well worth keeping on file. even if only for future reference and hopefully for the benefit of other folk with the same interest searching their 'trees'..... Thank you again... Dorothy Bonfield... doro3 at caloundra.net

30.10.2000 - Looking for ideas for Christmas presents? Then take a look at the new Pakenham Tom site selling locally produced goods and products from foods and beverages to pottery, knitwear and crafts to furniture items, all produced locally to East Anglia.

29.10.2000 - We have received this email from Australia - can you help?
G' day to whoever reads my e-mail. I am contacting you from the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia. You see as Pakenham was the birth place of my husbands grandfather , and Leiston (in the parish of Blything,Westleton) was his mother's place of birth I am following up the tree of the family of ROSIERS who lived and worked in Suffolk in the 1800's. So I decided to search for information on the county of Suffolk on my computer and found your site. Is there any way that I can find out more about Leiston Abbey or a place called Hungry Hall? Hungry Hall I believe was not far from Pakenham. Whether it was a place or actually the name of a manor I would be very eager to find out. My name is Dorothy Bonfield .... doro3 at caloundra.net If any assistance can be given I would be most grateful.

11.09.2000 - At last some action on Traffic Matters - check out letters received from D. Watson and Mrs. A Pollard, view the maps and have your say before the next Parish Council meeting (18.09.2000)

31.08.2000 - Congratulations to Robert and Alex Cubitt, of the Greenwoods, on the birth of their son, Oscar, on Tuesday 29.08.00. - geoffbarton at mac.com

24.07.2000 - Many thanks to Martin Harrison for the email below and for his interesting reply to Colin Harbury's questions of 28.06.2000 regarding the Pakenham Charities which has become the first entry in the new section "Pakenham History". We hope to add many more entries - don't forget, this site needs your input - just send your information to info@pakenham-village.co.uk

23.07.2000 - Congratulations on setting up this site. I work in the Record Office in Bury St. Edmunds where the Pakenham Video has been deposited. May I, (unofficially), correct the information concerning the taking out on loan of this deposit. The Video can only removed from the R.O. by the depositor, or by someone authorised by a letter from the depositor or their representative(s). This is standard procedure for all documents deposited on long term loan and which remain the property of the depositor. Unfortunately this even applies to me! I hold the position of Local History Recorder in Pakenham although living along Fen Road find myself somewhat out of touch at times. If it will help, please include my details on your site. I hope I may be able to contribute something on village history or perhaps answer some enquiries. Any information that comes my way will be welcome. Martin Harrison - trelawne at yahoo.com

20.07.2000 - As you will have noticed the site has been re-vamped - please let me know if you have any problems accessing any of the pages. We seemed to lose the windmill in a black hole somewhere but hopefully it is now back again!... I am still waiting to receive the Parish Council Minutes for May & June to update the Local Information pages. Don't forget, this site needs your input - just send to info@pakenham-village.co.uk

12.07.2000 - Dear Pakenhamites, Your web site is super. Just as it should be for an attractive and valuable village information site! Best wishes, Basil and Raymonde Jackson, Brussels, Belgium - basil.jackson at wol.be

09.07.2000 - Hi and well done on your new site.A little titbit of info you may not know about your local windmill. It was a location in a tv series, that I hold in high regard ,Terry Nation's 'Survivors', in the episode 'The Peacemaker', in the third series, it was in 1977 that the episode was made, there were other maybe local scenes in the same episode, but I've not found them. My web page is at (http://www.bobmeades.supanet.com) with links to other Survivors sites. Regards Bob, Brandon Suffolk - bobmeades at supanet.com

28.06.2000 - Pakenham Charities
Wonderful to have this website. Well well done !. May I ask a question? We know there is something called Pakenham Charities, which has made grants to many causes. I am told it was founded about 100 years ago. That is very interesting. Can we ask the `trustees' for a bit of history of the Charity, e.g. how much has been distributed over the years and to whom. I would also be fascinated to know 1. Who founded it (and when) . 2. What are the criteria for considering applications. 3. Who are the trustees. 4. How are the trustees appointed. What about having a box on the website where letters, such as this, can be seen and responded to by anyone ? - colinharbury at btinternet.com

If you know the answers, please email us at info@pakenham-village.co.uk

16.06.2000

Colin Harbury suggested it would be useful to show contacts and phone numbers for village activities, e.g. Village Hall, Sports Field & Pavilion booking information, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Parish Clerk & other officers of the Parish & Community Councils. For the time being, this type of information will be in the Local Information Section.
Mrs. Valerie White (Borough Councillor) has, as I am sure you know, been very active in trying to sort out Traffic Matters in Pakenham and we hope to shortly include a section detailing correspondence and generally keeping us all up to date on what, if anything Suffolk County Council are doing in response to our concerns.
A big welcome to Pauline & Paul - new Pakenham residents.

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