Once in a while, I get some strange questions from readers. (Yes, I love your questions.)
Today I’m sharing three of these questions here, and hope some of you could help.
About former Red Lodge nurseries
By Mike Hindson-Evans:
I live in The Croft, which backs onto Chestnut Avenue across the road from ASDA. The estate (built around 1986) is on the site of the former Red Lodge Nurseries (hence the road names of Red Lodge – leading from the ASDA roundabout – and Nursery Gardens a little further on).
Does anyone have any photographs of the former Red Lodge nurseries, the ASDA/Carrefour roundabout when it was built (which may still show the nursery to the north) or the general layout of the area where Bournemouth Road originally met Chestnut Avenue? Thanks in anticipation, in case someone has a photo album stashed away.
If you have the photographs, or have any useful information, please contact Mike directly at hindsonevansmike@gmail.com, or leave a comment to let us know.
Naked man on horse
By Hazel Bateman:
As I was walking from Winchester up towards the hospital yesterday, I spotted this statue of a naked man on horseback. There was no plaque or information to say who he was or why he was there. Can any local historian enlighten me?
Actually I already sent Hazel some information I have found today, such as this article, Horse and Rider – Winchester High Street.
If you have other stories about this Naked man on Horse, or you might have had a photograph taken with this famous sculpture, please share it with us.
Fryern Funtasia 2017
By a reader:
Could you tell me, please, who organises the Funtasia day and when is it – and how organisations go about taking part in it? We’re a Guitar based music group.
Update: The Parish Council of Chandler’s Ford will be hosting the Fryern Funtasia Community Event at the Fryern Recreation Ground on Monday 1st May 2017.
Regarding Red Lodge Nursery…
It was run by Rogers, who specialised in growing & selling roses.
I remember back in the 1950’s, my Dad & I pushed his wheelbarrow (We didn’t have a car), from our bungalow in Hursley Road, to Red Lodge Nursery, Dad bought some roses he selected, & we pushed them in the barrow back the two plus miles to home again!
The original ‘Three Corner Woods’ (as it was known), original line can be traced as the original Chestnut Avenue was where the path now runs to join Bournemouth Road near the crossing. The other side of the triangle was roughly where the southern side of the roundabout now is, adj. to Asda’s filling station.
Thank you so much for the information; I can now start looking for “Three Corner Wood” (or maybe “Three Corners Wood”?) as well.
Thanks once more.
Mike
I actually work for WH Roders and Mr Verdon back in the early 70’s as an apprentice Nurseyman .Famous for growing Roses and Miniature Conifers .The General Manager was a lovely man called Mr Douglas Bunce.The entrance to the nursery is almost in the same place as the entrance to the housing estate that now exists on the site .The main potting and packing shed was adjacent to the first electricity pilon. I recall Mr Verdon had a large detached house in the woods heading towards Chandlers Ford .I wonder if the stream is still visible. I’m retired now ,but I have so many fond memories .