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Chesham Stories

Freda Puddephatt's Story as told by Julia Yeardye

Freda was born 11 July 1914 to Bertha and George Hinks who both worked at Hayes Boots and Shoes factory in Waterside. Bertha's maiden name was Mead, her father was a brother of Jesse Mead, the builder who lived at Inkerman Terrace (used to be Leaches Yard). Her parents lived in Moor Road.

Freda's father George managed to avoid call up until 1917 when he left Chesham to become a stretcher bearer in the army. Before he left England he gave Bertha an aspidistra urn (plant pot) - which by now must be nearly 100 years old and which has been donated to Chesham Museum. The pot was purchased from Mr Bell's stall at Nags Head meadow - the site of the present-day Job Centre.

When Freda was only 3 years old her father was killed, aged 31. Freda's brother George was born 6 weeks after his father died. Freda recalls seeing her father leave from Chesham Station, the last time she and her mother were to see him.

The family lived at Woodley Hill and George Hinks' name is commemorated on the war memorial at Chesham Bois as having lost his life at the Western Front.

The plant pot (CHSSM:2009.33.1) was donated by John Puddephatt on behalf of his 95 year old mother.

Julia Yeardye is a local author and poet who has written a short play based on Freda's story called 'Broken Hearts and Unbeakable Pots'. The play was performed at the White Hill Centre, Chesham in September 2007 by Chiltern Playwrights.

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