This Was Lymington - history book provides us with insight

Struggles and difficulties were all too apparent on the locals' faces - yet every day seemed to move along at its own steady pace. They were, paradoxically, simpler times.

Around three decades ago, a slim volume known as This Was Lymington emerged in local bookstores and is now a rare item.

The book, compiled by historian Joan Grigsby, included pictures taken between 1900 and 1920 that were part of E M Knight's collection.

In the early 1900s, the paddle steamers Lymington and Mayflower were a familiar sight in the Solent as they crossed between Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and Totland and Alum Bay.

Lymington munitions workers during the First World War. (Image: Echo)

In addition to their passengers, these vessels would often pull a barge that had been loaded with cattle - though eventually this cargo was replaced by motor cars.

It wasn't a rare occurrence for the paddlers to lose their towing rope, leaving the barge and its cargo loose.

In a remarkable incident, it was reported that a Rolls Royce had been seen adrift in the Solent, with its chauffeur still calmly seated behind the wheel and engrossed in his newspaper.

Maybe it was a Daily Echo!

During the summertime, a voyage from Lymington to the Isle of Wight was among the most exciting activities available to children in those distant days. Every year, this special journey presented an opportunity to explore and experience something new.

“The boys in sailor suits with large straw hats their bands inscribed with the names of past glory – HMS Victory was an obvious favourite,’’ wrote the author.

“The girls usually wore smocks, which they tucked into their bloomers when paddling, providing a curiously balloon-like profile.

Lymington children on holdiay in the Isle of Wight. (Image: Echo)

“Both boys and girls carried spades and brightly-coloured buckets made of tin.

“With attendant adults burdened with picnic baskets, bathing towels, shrimping nets and all the paraphernalia of the seaside the party would embark on the steamer and proceed down an almost deserted river into the sparkling adventure of the sea beyond.’’ During the First World War, Lymington lent its support by providing hardworking employees at South Coast Garages - later known as Wellworthys. Here, staff worked tirelessly in 12-hour shifts every day for a whole week to manufacture 100 artillery shells per week.

Over at Hordle, a remarkable effort was made to help those injured fighting for their country, with 167 eggs collected and sent to the troops. Additionally, more than 80 boxes of fresh vegetables and fruit were donated to the Royal Navy.

A captivating tale from 1913 involves a peculiar German Count who rented a substantial home in Boldre. Along with his associates, he traversed the local area, "admiring the view".

It was later discovered that the man was a German spy. Despite his nefarious activities, he was remembered for attending a children's summer party where he showered them with gifts.

Lymington paper boys (Image: Echo)

The Lymington River was home to many characters, but none quite as memorable as Dan Bran, a boatbuilder who passed away at age 82 in 1950.

“With his shining, weather-beaten face and his bright blue eyes he exercised a wholly unofficial, but completely accepted sovereignty over the water,’’ said the author.

“Dan was a craftsman of the old school who depended entirely upon ‘eye’ and if asked for any measurements of his boats he would simply tap his head and say: ‘That’s where I keep them’.’’