Miles Marshall

From Lacey Green History

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For Research by Miles see below.

1931 Cricket 2nd 11 Win Cup Photo sent by Miles to the press

Mary Ann Allen, nee Ward research by Miles

Shop. Harvey's Stores, Loosley Row research by Miles

Mains Water Supply research by Miles

Slad Lane. Hallmark cover story written by Miles in 1980

1983 Lacey Green Reservoir research by Miles

William Saunders & Bethia Janes includes a report of a conversation with William's daughter Daisy

Public House. The Pink & Lily for 2 sections of research by Miles

Parish Council. Research by Miles

The Sports Club history Research by Miles

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Miles Marshall died in 1988. Ted Janes (click Ted & Jean Janes for more of Ted) the editor of 'Hallmark' published the following tribute :-

Miles Marshall, like so many people, chose Lacey Green for his retirement and surely no retirement has been so happy and productive, not only for himself and family but for this community.

He came here in the early '70's at a time when the population was still comparatively stable, before the frantic movement that is occurring today, when the locals were still inquisitive as to who had moved to where.

So we were somewhat anxious when the late Beatrice Fagge known as Peg or Peggy one of the greatest stalwarts the Village Hall ever had, moved from her bungalow in Slad Lane, to one in Church Lane. Who was going to take over the care of that marvellous garden, would the new occupants get so involved in village life? Who could it be? With Peggy still residing in the village, who would dare to change the name of the bungalow from "Bulla Burra" to "Appleacre"?

We didn't have to wait long. Miles soon answered my appeal for cover drawings for Hallmark and chose as his subject the gate and arched entrance to Westcroft Stables, Speen Farm. His first combined cover drawings and story was of the country lane on which his bungalow is situated, a lane he grew to love, a lane he tended regularly by clearing up every scrap of rubbish.

From that first article, and it has been so much part of the interest and popularity of Hallmark, came over 30 contributions, sometimes at my request, but more often at his suggestion. He would ring me early in the morning excited to tell of a new story subject - inspiration i suspect came during the night.

During 10 years we developed a friendship and close working relationship, dedicated to the interest and betterment of the village magazine. I enjoyed every moment of it and I know Miles did, immensely. It is only articles like this I find so difficult and sad so, if I use a phrase to describe Miles that I have used before, perhaps readers will forgive me because it is so apt to say he was a 'gentle' gentleman.

When the history of this area comes to be written (if ever) it will surely be all those painstakingly researched articles from Miles that will form the main reference guide.

Together with the article in this edition we still have several more prepared, he was so prolific. As our tribute to him these cover drawings and stories will continue for the remainder of the year. This, I know, would have been his dearest wish. His last article, on the workings of the Windmill, was virtually finished on his deathbed, rallying the family round to help. It's his own tribute, as an ex-windmill warden, to the Chiltern Society members' years of toil and dedication in restoring the mill so that corn could be ground in 1988, and for all the Chiltern Society stood for in the observation of rural life, so much dear to his heart.

He was interested in all aspects of village life, particularly the Horticultural society, but its here, in the Hallmark pages, as a contributor, as a friend, that I am sure our readers will miss him.

To his wife Kathleen and all the family we send our deepest sympathy.

Note from the Local History Group. Miles had a twin sister, Barbara Hebbard who also lived in Lacey Green. click 1991 Barbara Hebbard obituary for more.

For Research by Miles see below.

1931 Cricket 2nd 11 Win Cup Photo sent by Miles to the press

Mary Ann Allen, nee Ward research by Miles

Shop. Harvey's Stores, Loosley Row research by Miles

Mains Water Supply research by Miles

Slad Lane. Hallmark cover story written by Miles in 1980

1983 Lacey Green Reservoir research by Miles

William Saunders, born 1851 includes a report of a conversation with William's daughter Daisy

Public House. The Pink & Lily for 2 sections of research by Miles

Parish Council. Research by Miles

The Sports Club history Research by Miles