here - Hungerford Virtual Museum

1
A History
By Alan Staddon

2
Contents.
Acknowledgment........................................................................3
Foreword....................................................................................4
Chapter One, Backdrop..............................................................5
Chapter Two, the Bear Hotel.......................................................7
Chapter Three, Charnham Street................................................9
Chapter Four, Mill Hatch and the River Dun.............................17
Chapter Five, the Site...............................................................22
Chapter Six, Building Begins.....................................................27
Chapter Seven, Taking Shape....................................................30
Chapter Eight, Bearwater Completed.........................................34
Chapter Nine, Bearwater Life.....................................................39
Chapter Ten, Dredging the Lake.................................................43
Chapter Eleven, National Fame! ................................................46
Chapter Twelve, Bridge Building and a Flood.............................47
Chapter Thirteen, a Slight Problem............................................49
Chapter Fourteen, the Social Scene............................................51
Chapter Fifteen, Open Plan and a Campaign..............................55

3
Acknowledgment.
This booklet has been written in the hope that it will be of interest to those
who live in Bearwater. Ray and Effie Stebbings reserved number 19 as soon
as the development came on the market and they have followed the progress
of Bearwater with a camera ever since.
It is their photographic record which has formed the basis for this story.
Others have contributed, however, and in no particular order they include:
Hugh Pihlens
Jack Williams
Rita Offer
Robert James
David and Andrew King
Tony Prentis
Angela Evans
Gideon Pickering
Kath Walker
Guy Mossop
Henry Thornton
My thanks to them all.
Alan Staddon, Bearwater, December 2012.

4
Foreword.
This interesting account of the history of Bearwater by Alan Staddon brings
back many memories and some pride for Guy Mossop and me, as it was our
first venture into the emerging market for private retirement housing. Being
the first, it was not without its teething problems, yet despite these its
success was assured by the creation of an active and sociable community
that, as this story so clearly recounts, really set out to enjoy their
retirement.
The project was widely reported in the national newspapers, won a few
awards, and was popular from the start. It gave us the confidence to launch
many more such schemes across the South of England. Today retirement
housing is an established part of the housing market and residents and
developers are not the pioneers they were back in 1985. Bearwater, however
is special, with its backdrop of the river, lake and water meadow providing
opportunity for fun and enjoyment and the “back gate” a short cut to the
shops.
Henry Thornton, December 2012.

5
Chapter One, Backdrop.
Bearwater occupies about five acres of land in a much larger historical plot
comprising mainly water meadows, lying to the West of Bridge Street,
Hungerford and North of the River Dun.
Some twelve thousand years ago, it is likely that hunter- gatherers used the
natural resources of the area. Archaeological excavations at Charnham Park
in 1988 and 1989 revealed evidence of habitation from the Mesolithic period,
circa 10,000 B.C., and Bronze Age, 2100 to 750 B.C., including fragments of
an “Aldbourne Cup” associated with early Bronze Age burials. During the
Iron Age, around 1000 B.C., people settled just to the East of the area at
Eddington, living in thatched houses by the River Kennet. There is also
evidence of a settlement at Cake Wood, just to the West of Bearwater.
The Roman road from Silchester to Cirencester, now known as Ermine
Street, runs through Shefford Woodlands just a few miles north of
Hungerford. A branch of this road at Wickham crossed the Wantage Road at
Gypsy Lane (Folly Crossing), less than a mile North of Eddington, and
crossed the river at Chilton Foliat. This road passed along the valley through
what is now Littlecote heading for the Roman town of Bath. Roman coins
have been found on Strongrove Hill and, of course, the extensive remains at
Littlecote show how important the district was 2000 years ago.
In Saxon times the plot we know as Bearwater was in the Domesday Manor
of Charlton, but by the 13 th Century this same parcel of land became part of
Charnham Street Tithing, in the County of Wiltshire. A route from London to
Bath was then clearly established along the main road we know as the A4.
The Tithing was divided into named fields, and appropriately, an area
bounded by the River Dun, adjacent to the Bear Hotel stretching Westwards
to the Chilton turn, was called Bearmeadow.
In the 16 th Century Charnham Street was joined with the Manor of Chilton
Foliat in the ownership of Henry V111. He subsequently granted Lordship
of the Manor to Edward Darrell, uncle of Jane Seymour. The Darrell family
then lived at Littlecote House and included in their estate was “le Beeres
Inne” with nearby land. In 1589 ownership of the Inn passed to Sir John
Popham and it was to remain with the Leybourne-Popham family until 1893
when it was sold with adjacent land for £1500 to William Rennie. In1929 Sir
Edward Wills, 3 rd Baronet, bought the Littlecote estate.
So the scene is set in history. Far greater detail can be obtained in “The
Story of Hungerford”, written by Hugh Pihlens, first published in 1983 and
“Hungerford, A History” published by Hungerford Historical Association in
2000.

6
The story of Bearwater cannot be told without reference to the various
properties which share its boundaries. They are the aforementioned Bear
Hotel, Charnham Street South side, Mill Hatch, the River Dun and
Hungerford Marsh.
Bearwater site map.

7
Chapter Two, the Bear Hotel.
Land belonging to this historic coaching inn shares a boundary with the
East side of Bearwater. It is possibly the best documented building in
Hungerford, and evolved from the adjacent Priory of St John founded
before1232. (www.hungerfordvirtualmuseum.co.uk). The present building
dates from the early part of the 17 th Century and within the extensive
grounds there was at that time stabling, glasshouses and an orchard. In
1893 the Leybourne-Pophams, whilst retaining the meadowland and
Littlecote, sold the Bear Hotel to William Rennie. There followed a
succession of owners until 1934 when Horace Arthur Cadd took over and
granted a 42 year lease to Stradlings of Newbury for the purpose of
operating a garage and filling station.
Prior to this, with the
increasing popularity
of the motor- car,
patrons of the Bear
had petrol dispensed
from a roadside
pump owned by the
hotel. The Stradling’s
site comprised 141ft
of frontage to
Charnham Street
with 90 ft depth.
The Bear and Stradling’s Garage, circa 1938.

8
On July 1 st 1953 Reginald Ernest and Ena Fitch bought the Bear and on
17 th March 1954 sold the freehold of the garage site to Harry Neil Stradling,
(mis-spelt Streading in the Land Registry). Then on May 3 rd 1956 the
enterprising Mr and Mrs Fitch disposed of a further 162ft frontage to
Berkshire and Reading Fire Authority, the intention being to replace the Fire
Station, by Faulkner Square, with a new building. The local volunteer force
argued against this, however, because traffic congestion on the A4 prior to
building of the motorway meant it would take too long to reach the fire
scene. Fortuitously the present site in Church Street became available after
the fire at James’ Mill in June 1960 and a new Fire Station was
commissioned in 1968.
Roy Tudor-Hughes, trading as Fine Inns Ltd., bought the Bear in 1978 and
in due course built a house, initially for his own occupation, close to the
Western boundary of his land. It is this same building, now known as “Bear
Island” that overlooks Numbers 5 to 9 Bearwater.
This photograph was taken in October 1985.
Tudor-Hughes sold in 1988 and since then there have been several owners,
with major refurbishment taking place at a reputed cost of £750,000 in
2005.

9
Chapter Three, Charnham Street.
A question frequently asked about Bearwater is “when did it last flood?” and
the answer is that in 1932 Charnham Street was under several feet of water,
probably due to poor management of the many sluices controlling water
levels on the Rivers Kennet and Dun. There have been isolated floods in
Bridge Street and elsewhere since then but none seem to have affected land
to the West of the Bear Hotel.
1932 floods, looking West down Charnham Street.
Now, as we have seen, the garage site also shares part of Bearwater’s East
boundary. Circa 1960 Stradlings sold out to the Chilton Group, at that time
principal employer of labour in Hungerford. Ownership was with the Ward
family of Chilton Foliat who founded Chilton Aircraft in 1936 and
manufactured aeroplanes until 1945, after which they grew a substantial
business making electrical goods, including the Chilton hair-clipper, Chilton
shavers and shaver sockets, earth leakage circuit breakers, and marketing
of the Chilton spin dryer. The Group also diversified enthusiastically into the
selling of motor cars. A Ford dealership and Mercedes Service Agency were
established, in addition to the existing petrol station, on the former
Stradlings’ premises.
On the other side of the road, next to The Sun, was another filling station at
one time owned by Alf Middleton, proprietor of that Inn. Subsequently Harry
Webber operated a Mobil franchise on the site and in 1959, whilst under his
stewardship an experimental prefabricated kiosk was erected. It was built by

10
Fairey Engineering Ltd. in the hope that the design would be used on all
Mobil petrol stations across the country.
This was the official Mobil photograph dated 13 th November 1959.
(Note the gasholder which was located behind what is now Ratnamss
Stores.)
Chilton then acquired the kiosk, and Webber’s business, thereby controlling
petrol sales on both sides of the Bath Road. The combined gallonage was
reputedly the highest delivered between London and Bath.
They continued to expand into manufacture of switchgear for the defence
industry and in the mid 1960’s attracted the attention of a giant American
Corporation by the name of Westinghouse. The whole culture of this
essentially local company changed when they took over. The new owners
were, however, stuck with a couple of garages on the A4 which were not part
of their agenda.
By 1969 management of these two outlets was in a parlous state and Gerald
Ward, who had retained an interest, called upon his former Company
Accountant to come back and sort things out. His name was Jack Williams
and the full story can be enjoyed by reading his book: “A Man of
Hungerford”, published in 2001.

11
Looking East, Charnham Street, circa 1970
On March 1 st 1972 a new company, incorporated by Peter Nolan, a B.M.W.
dealer in Faringdon and his friend Gideon Pickering, took over the whole
garage business. With Gideon as Managing Director they opened a B.M.W.
showroom on the South site, adjacent to the Bear Hotel, with a workshop
behind the petrol station on the North site, opposite what is now Bearwater.
The inherited showroom was of an “art deco” design comprising a bow
fronted centre section with curved glass and high squared false wing walls,
more reminiscent of a pre-war cinema than a car showroom. In 1975 the
false walls had to be lowered to follow the roof contours after structural
engineers became concerned as to their stability.
The M4 motorway between junctions 9 and 18 was opened on 22 nd
December 1971 and the two filling stations immediately lost significant
amounts of trade. The North site ceased selling petrol in 1975 and, in 1981,
following negotiations with local planners, a new showroom was constructed
so that B.M.W. sales and service could be on one site. That same showroom
now houses the Dick Lovett Mini franchise and B.M.W. service reception.
The new building was opened in 1982 by the Managing Director of B.M.W.
GB with an evening launch event, attended by many Hungerford Garages
customers. In order to provide adequate space for guests, Carters of Reading
covered the entire car park with a lined and carpeted marquee, with
furnishings extending into what was then the workshop, creating a seamless
space for cocktails and canapés, followed by dinner. A surprise attraction,
parked inside, was a Bell Jetranger Helicopter, owned by one of Gideon
Pickerings’ friends who thought B.M.W. customers might be interested in
learning to fly, or chartering the aircraft. It had landed in Bennett’s yard,
touching down close to where number 1 Bearwater now stands, before being
wheeled across the road into the marquee. At the end of the evening a draw
was held for a trip in the Helicopter over the winner’s house. It was won by

12
Alan Holland, mentioned elsewhere in this volume and son-in-law of Gladys
Thatcher, late of Bearwater.
This aerial photograph was taken shortly after Bearwater was completed.
The now vacant South showroom was rebranded
“Hungerford Garages (Specialist Vehicles) Ltd.”
and became a Suzuki dealership selling mainly,
as expected in a rural area, 4 wheel drive
vehicles.
Petrol sales ceased in 1983 and the canopy was
removed with the pumps, to provide a larger area
for car parking.
After a short period concentrating on second
hand sales, the Suzuki franchise was replaced, in
1992, by one of the first Chrysler Jeep
dealerships in the country. Their 4 wheel drive
range, coupled with the Chrysler Neon, proving
an instant success in the area. A new workshop was built between the
showroom and Bear Hotel to accommodate servicing needs.
Dick Lovett, a family owned company, founded in 1959, bought the business
in April 2001, continuing with a B.M.W. franchise, subsequently obtaining
planning permission for construction of a new showroom on the old

13
“Specialist Vehicles” site, (including the public toilets which were
demolished). The Chrysler Jeep franchise was moved to Swindon.
This new building was completed in 2004 leaving the premises next to The
Sun available for their Mini franchise.
On 29 th May 1934 Major Sir Gerald Burrard 8 th Baronet, sold Ian Alfred
Bennett a parcel of land situated opposite The Sun Inn for the purpose of
constructing a workshop to maintain tractors and agricultural equipment.
This business wound down in the late 1970s with the death of Ian Bennett.
His son Roy assumed ownership but concentrated on a pet shop located
between NatWest Bank and the railway bridge, later redeveloped as “The
Cuttings”. The tractor sheds remained until 1985 when they were bought by
Beechcroft Developments Ltd.

14
This view was taken in 1974.
Looking West in 1983.
So who was Gerald Burrard? He was born in 1888 and died in 1965. His
home in Hungerford was Willow Lodge, located just to the North of
Hungerford Bridge with the canal at its Southern boundary. He owned the
area we now know as Hungerford Marsh and it seems likely that he bought
it from Sir Edward Wills in the 1930s shortly before the sale of a small part
to Bennett. It is pure conjecture, but one can imagine the deal being done
between one Baronet and another, the land unsuitable for Littlecote
farming, but ideal for Burrard. He was an authority on shooting and fishing,
writing several books on these subjects. Rita Offer, who has lived in a
cottage on Strongrove Hill all her life, can remember looking across the
marsh in her younger days and watching Sir Gerald enjoying target practice.

15
He is relevant to the history of Bearwater because he owned the water
meadows lying to the West of what is now the main entrance. The Northern
boundary of his land was Charnham Street leading onto Strongrove Hill,
which was then a relatively steep incline, requiring traffic heading West to
change gear. The profile of this section of main road was changed in the
1960s, when the hill was reduced and a short length of dual carriageway
built, ending at Chilton Road junction.
The derelict tractor workshop, with wooden shed used as an office in the
foreground, just as it was before acquisition by Beechcroft Developments.
The map on the following page dates from circa 1984 and shows Bennett’s
Works opposite Hungerford Garage and The Sun. Vacant land to the East
was where the Fire Station might have been built, but was actually acquired
by Bennett for open storage. PC marks the public toilets, closed in the early
1980s because of vandalism and use by “undesirables”. TCB signifies a
telephone call box, removed in 2009.
To the West the area is marked as marshland. The River Dun, Mill Pond and
drainage ditches are marked in blue.

16
1984 site map.
An aerial view

17
Chapter Four, Mill Hatch and the River Dun.
There was a water mill in what is now Bridge Street as far back as 1275,
however the original building, together with many properties in the town,
was consumed by fire in 1566, the inferno spreading South as far as the
Three Swans Hotel. The mill was rebuilt on the same land at a cost of £100
and ten years later, now known as Queens Mill, owned by the Crown, it was
back in operation.
As the years went by there were various ownerships, including the
Leybourne-Pophams of Littlecote.
This map shows the position of the mill on the original route into
Hungerford as it was around 1740. The Northern part of Bridge Street,
joining Charnham Street at the Bear, was formed about that date to provide
easier access from the main road into the town; previously entry had been
via a ford through the River Dun.
The last miller, Mr. Cole, died about 1920 and thereafter the place fell into
disrepair. Around 1932 Mr. A.G. Turner, owner of Hungerford Park,
acquired what had now become known as Town Mill and demolished it to
make way for a splendid new house, completed in 1934, named “Mill
Hatch”.
It was designed by W. Stephenson Raine and constructed by Mr. Gibb, a
local builder of repute, at a cost of £1000. The first tenants were Lon and
Joy Peart, the latter being the architect’s daughter. They were owners of a
fish farm at Dun Mill and their daughter was Mrs. Angela Evans, one time
Assistant Secretary at Bearwater!

18
Town (Queens) Mill in 1900. Note the gateway on the left.
Mill Hatch from the Mill Pond, a photograph taken not long after the house
was built and kindly supplied by Angela Evans, via Tony Prentis the present
owner.

19
In 1963 the Pearts left Mill Hatch and Mr. Turner sold it to none other than
Major Sir Gerald Burrard of Willow Lodge! It is likely that the 8 th Baronet
wanted to add the Mill Pond and Mill Reach of the River Dun to his fishing
rights, already held over the water and meadows to the West in the form of
Hungerford Marsh. He was to enjoy his sport for only another two years
before he died. His executors sold this part of his estate to Messrs E.K. and
C.F. Robinson, owners of a paper mill in Bristol.
This map delineates Mill Hatch and the fishing rights attached thereto along
the North side of the River Dun and around the South West of the Mill Pond.
On May 24 th 1985 the Robinson brothers sold Mill Hatch to Peter John and
Jennifer Margaret Whiting in the sum of £68,000. The transfer was,
however, by the direction of Beechcroft Developments Ltd. The company had
previously acquired Bennett’s Yard and, contemporaneously, part of the
water meadow to the West and South owned by the Robinsons, together
with an option on the house. This is how residents of Bearwater are able to
enjoy access to Bridge Street through their “back gate”.
Thus Bearwater, as it is now known, was created.
The remainder of Hungerford Marsh, (acquired by the Robinsons from
Burrard) was bought at auction by David Susman, the Town and Manor of
Hungerford being an under- bidder.

20
Mr. Susman, a South African, was a Non-Executive Director of Marks and
Spencers for some thirty years. He was married to Lord Marks’ niece Anne
Laski, and died on 11 th May 2010 at the age of 84; she survives him. Mrs
Susman is currently the owner of all that land comprising 11.5 hectares
sharing a boundary with the West end of Bearwater, South of the A4 and on
the opposite bank of the River Dun. She enjoys access through a gate in the
North West corner of Bearwater land and over the bridge which is known to
residents as “Susman’s Bridge”.
This Google Earth image shows the Susman land, most of which is leased
until 2015 to the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust as a Nature Reserve.
It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Included in the list of rarer birds
seen on the marsh are Snipe, Water Rail, Siskin and Yellow Wagtail. In 2009
and especially in 2010, bird watchers from all over the British Isles came to
see a Glossy Ibis which took up residence on the River Dun just to the West
of Simmonds Seat on Freeman’s Marsh. All year round visitors can observe
Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Coot, Grey Heron, Little Grebe and, with
luck, Kingfishers. Red Kite and Buzzards are a constant feature overhead.
Plantlife includes Marsh-Marigold, Ragged-Robin, Water Avens and Yellow
Iris. In recent years Himalayan Balsam has made an unwelcome
encroachment.
The river bank provides an ideal habitat for endangered Water Voles and
Deer of several varieties are not uncommon, as they seek water. Cattle
grazing is controlled, but a herd of little black Dexter Cows are often at
home, hidden in the long grasses (much to the frustration of the Cowman).
Susman’s fishery extends from the bridge across the Dun at Bearwater
along the South bank as far as a Public Footpath which heads towards the
Church, across Croft Swing Bridge. It is well maintained, but seems to be

seldom fished. Perhaps for this reason Brown and Rainbow Trout are
plentiful, as are Grayling. Quiet observation will reveal Pike of significant
size, lurking green and still in the shallows.
21

22
Chapter Five, the Site.
In the early 1980s visitors to Hungerford arriving by road from the West
were greeted by a scene of wasteland and dereliction as they looked to the
right, over what was once Bearmeadow.
The Town Council were very aware of the eyesore, and asked David Randall,
the County Landscape Architect, to have a look and make suggestions. Jack
Williams was Chairman of the Landscape Group at the time and recalls
Randall as a man of vision. He thought that after demolition of the
redundant sheds and clearance of adjacent land, a scheme could be put
together, utilising marshland between the main road and river, for a small
housing development.
Guy Mossop, then in his early thirties, was a land finder for English
Courtyard, founded by Noel Shuttleworth. They were perhaps the first
developer of retirement homes, as we know them. It required an enormous
leap of faith, to imagine housing for people over the age of 55 on this
inhospitable reclaimed water-meadow, next to a noisy main road, with a
Public Toilet close by and Motor Dealers overlooking from the East and the
North. English Courtyard rejected the site as being more suitable for a
“Malayan village”. Guy Mossop was undeterred and by chance met Henry
Thornton, a little older, and with some development experience. These two
ambitious young men agreed to take on the very high risk of developing this
unlikely site and on 9 th March 1984 Beechcroft Developments Ltd. was
incorporated with Registered Number 01798684.
The new company put together the present Bearwater site, with completion
on or about 24 th March 1984. Andrew Downie and Partners were employed
as architects and came up with various designs for discussion with the local
planners.

23
This was part of one such plan dated 4 th December 1984
Eventually the layout in its present form, providing twenty seven retirement
cottages, eight apartments, together with a Manager’s office and flat, was
submitted for approval. Planning consent from Newbury District Council
was forthcoming, numbered 1230679, on 21 st June 1985.
Included in the conditions: 11.06 “The existing trees and shrubs on the site
shall not be lopped topped or felled, lifted, removed or disturbed in any way
without prior permission in writing from the District Planning Authority”:
also 11.09 “The works for the protection of the existing trees and shrubs on
the site shall be carried out before any building or other operations start,
and shall be maintained in good repair until the completion of the
development.”
In other words the developers had to work round existing trees, a particular
inconvenience bearing in mind seven mature willows lined up in the middle
of the site along an old drainage ditch.

24
An article which appeared in Newbury Weekly News on the Thursday after
granting of planning permission.
Bruno Zornow (Builders) Ltd. was appointed main contractor and before
July1985 had moved on to the land. Knight Frank & Rutley, up-market
estate agents, with an office in Hungerford, took on responsibility for
marketing and selling the properties.
This plan shows
the approximate
position of
Bearwater
buildings on the
original site. A
drainage ditch
was located where
numbers 9 to 18
were to be built.

25
Lois Pihlens, living in Canal
Walk on the banks of the
River Dun, was amazed to
see what was happening in
an area which she considered
immune from developers,
and cried: “They’re going to
build on my marsh!”
When she realised the
builder’s intentions, thoughts
turned to her parents. Ray
and Effie Stebbings, who
became the first buyers to
reserve a plot, choosing what
was to be number nineteen!
The architects model on display in Knight,Frank,& Rutley’s office.

26
Part of an undated letter originated in July 1985.

27
Chapter Six, Building Begins.
After clearing the site, the builder’s first task was to drive piles into the
marshy ground in order to provide a firm foundation for each block of
cottages and flats. This photograph dates from early August 1985. Kath
Walker, later to become Assistant Secretary at Bearwater, recalls the pile
drivers at work, night and day, for several weeks.
A lake was created, fed from the River Dun, with excavated soil used to fill
the old ditch behind Bennett’s Yard. Preserved willows can be seen on the
left.

28
The piles were capped and beams fabricated, to form foundations. This
photograph, taken on 28th August 1985 shows numbers 1 to 4 with Hugh
Pihlens looking on. In the background are the public toilets, garage, and
Tudor-Hughes house.
Numbers 5 to 9 on the same date.

29
Looking North across the central block of flats, 28 th August 1985.
October 1985 and numbers 4 to 1 seen from the North at joist level.
West block, numbers 19 to 23 seen from the road at the same time.

30
Chapter Seven, Taking Shape.
By December 1985 significant progress had been made and the garages on
the Eastern side were under construction. An entranceway was also taking
shape, although at weekends access was blocked in order to minimise risk
of theft.
This was the view
towards the North
East corner at the
end of 1985. The
trees remained in
place in accord
with planning
consent.

31
By March 1986, the lakeside cottages were progressing to roof level.
Then on April 3 rd Ruby Ellen Giles, aged 85, moved in to number 5, whilst
the other cottages in that block were being finished. Her removal men had to
navigate a plank, giving access to the front door over a hole in the ground.
Mrs. Giles was not the first resident, however, because Mr. And Mrs.
Sturgess were already in number 2. Kath Walker, Assistant Secretary, was
on duty April 4 th , using number 1, the show house, as a base. She wrote in
her note book:

33
Meanwhile, with the East side
occupied, the West side of
Bearwater was taking shape,
and Effie Stebbings posed for
this picture of her new home,
number 19, taken from the
waterlogged meadow at the
rear. Completion was
originally scheduled for July
1986!
By August 1986, the lakeside cottages were almost finished.
Two months later Ray Stebbings flew over the site and took this photograph;
only the small garage block adjacent to number 23 still needed roofing.

34
Chapter Eight, Bearwater Completed.
During October, number 19 was being plastered and on November 17 th
1986, Ray and Effie Stebbings moved in to a house which was four months
behind schedule and still being finished off.
Mud and rubble surrounded
the cottage and their large
removal van was unable to
navigate its way round to the
front door. So the furniture
was transferred to a smaller
vehicle.

35
The delay in completing construction of Bearwater, which should have been
over a sixteen month period, resulted in the architects recommending that,
in accordance with the building contract, a sum of £40,000 should be
withheld by way of liquidated damages. This was based on a stipulated rate
of £200 per week per block from the date shown on the original works
programme. The decision was challenged by Bruno Zornow (Builders) Ltd. in
the High Court before Justice Davies.
He held, after considering Lord Pearson’s dicta in Trollope & Colls and the
very complicated facts of the case:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
The contract did not incorporate documents which specified dates
for sectional completion but only phased provision for the transfer
of possession.
A claim for liquidated damages could only be made in respect of
failure to meet specified completion dates and not failure to meet
transfer of possession dates – which operated on a consent basis.
No term would be implied for any sectional dates for completion.
The area behind the Western row of cottages remained a sea of mud, this
photograph taken during the Christmas period 1986.

36
In the spring of 1987, however, Bearwater was beginning to look like the
idyllic place the Residents wanted. The willow in the foreground, which had
to be preserved in accord with planning permission, caused landscapers to
build a curve into the lake bridge path.
Ray Stebbings had already
taken on responsibility for the
fishery, including stocking
with sporting fish. He quickly
saw that the original grid over
the lake exit sluice, was liable
to block with weed and
designed the pictured
replacement. It was built by a
blacksmith at agricultural
engineers Oakes Bros., cost
£100 and is still in use 25
years later.

37
The River Dun, flowing alongside the resident’s path to Bridge Street, had a
single plank bridge originally used as a weed trap, installed by the
Robinsons. It is likely that the structure was attached to Bearwater bank,
but a few inches short on the opposite side in order to avoid infringing
landowner’s rights. (The bridge was removed towards the end of 1987 by
David and Andrew King.)
By June 1987, the mud was gone,
landscaping complete and lawns
looked healthy, with preserved
trees flourishing, here viewed
looking South West between
numbers 18 and 19.
A newspaper article, reproduced
overleaf, appeared at about this
time praising the Bearwater
development, as “among the best
and sold out”.

38
Maintenance of the landscaped and planted Bearwater grounds was
entrusted to David King, who had been recommended to
the management company by Roy Bennett. He initially
worked one day a week, but in due course gardening
hours were increased and he was assisted by his son,
Andrew. David knew the meadowland from his childhood
and recalls Albert Edward Holland, tenant at Hopgrass,
farming 400 acres and grazing cattle on the Marsh. He
also had a dairy herd on 180 acres at Undy’s Farm. The
farmhouse is now Kerridge Insurance office on the corner
between the A4 and Chilton Road. Albert’s son, Albert Harry, continued
dairying at Undy’s and lived there until his death. His son, Allan Holland,
mentioned earlier in this book, is remembered as Seton Wills’ partner,
farming Littlecote Estate in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Allan’s wife Christine ran
the “Pick-Your Own”, now Cobb’s Farm.

39
Chapter Nine, Bearwater Life.
With all the properties sold and occupied, it was not long before friendships
were forged and common interests enjoyed. A Residents Association was
formed and Bob Thomae from number 24 was elected first Chairman. The
idea was to present a common view to Beechcroft Trust, Bearwater’s
managers, to deal with individual concerns and to organise social life.
Understandably, the lake attracted those with an interest in fishing and
here we see Ray Stebbings teaching his brother Neil how to cast, in October
1987. Behind them the softwood windows, doors and sun rooms were still in
their original light stain finish.
Pike in the lake were at once a nuisance and a sporting
challenge. This 24lb monster was caught in the winter
of 1987. It was one of many. Residents were encouraged
to enjoy pike steak, a delicacy which may have been
new to some, but to decline the offer of freshly caught
fish could be regarded as discourteous! The head of
each large pike was, in accord with tradition, nailed to
one of the surviving mature trees, presumably to
discourage their brethren from invading Bearwater
Lake!

40
Here we see intrepid fisherman Ray
with another haul.
Guy Mossop is on the right, enjoying
the development he helped to create.
Val Sturgess on Ray’s other side was,
with his wife at number 2, the very
first resident.
Some owners were keen gardeners and used their talents to improve the
already excellent landscaping. This view of the South West corner shows
Effie at work in March 1988.
By 1989, the pike population had
grown to an unacceptable level and
residents resorted to electro–fishing.
This meant that all the fish in the lake
were stunned, enabling pike to be
selected and “priested”, or clubbed on
the head.

41
A year later
and the same
operation was
performed, in
order to
preserve stocks
of rainbow and
brown trout for
enjoyment of fly
fishing.
In February 1990, heavy rain caused the River Dun to break its banks and
flow across into the feeder stream at the top sluice. A side effect of this was
that silt washed down into Bearwater Trout Lake resulting in depth
reduction to the detriment of fishing.
A barbeque and picnic area was
built by owners, close to the
river, in the meadow area.
Many sociable events took place,
this one pictured on 23 rd May
1990.

42
Here is another picnic, taking place on 13 th July in the same year.
This gathering, in August 1991 took place by the feeder stream.

43
Chapter Ten, Dredging the Lake.
The feeder stream continued to deposit silt into the lake and in October
1990 remedial work was carried out to restore a healthy environment for the
fishery. As a first step all the fish had to be netted and transferred to the
river. Paul Hill, waterman to the Town and Manor, assisted with this
operation.
Then the feeder stream was blocked at the sluice above Susman’s bridge.
This restricted water flowing into the lake, although there are natural
springs which also help to maintain water levels.
It was necessary to pump the lake as dry as possible, transferring water into
the stream East of the lower bridge.

44
A tracked digger was then driven on to the lake bed from a mud ramp
constructed at the West end, whilst Paul Hill was kept busy catching the
stragglers, up to his knees in silt.
The dredged material was dumped between the lake and River Dun.
When the job was complete, contractors were faced with the problem of
extracting their digger! A second machine was brought in to pull the first
one out! The result was a mess requiring a new bank to be built up before
refilling the lake.
At this time the opportunity was taken to line the banks of the island with
wire netting, in order to limit erosion by ducks and water voles. The South
side also received attention. Four inch oak posts, each seven feet long, were
driven by machine into the bank and two rows of railway sleepers were laid
between them, thus preventing dredged silt from slipping back into the
water.

45
By November 1990, the task was complete, the upper sluice unblocked, and
Bearwater lake restored. This view was taken looking West towards the
island.
In an attempt to avoid the need for dredging in future years, Ray Stebbings
and Paul Hill constructed a silt trap at the top of the feeder stream. Sadly
the idea didn’t really work and in 1993 a new batch sluice was installed
which is in operation to this day. Despite continuing problems with silt,
dredging was never repeated and the fishery gradually fell into disuse.

46
Chapter Eleven, National Fame!
On February 3 rd 1991 the following article appeared in the “Independent on
Sunday” under the heading: “Where old age means a new lease of life”.
Unfortunately the bottom line of this clip is missing, but the essence is
there.

47
Chapter Twelve, Bridge Building and a Flood
In October 1991, Ray Stebbings decided to build
a bridge for easier access to the island. He did
this pretty well single handed, at his own
expense. Sadly, after nearly twenty years, the
structure was deemed unsafe and dismantled.
Back in the 1990’s Bearwater lake was used for boating, as well as fishing
and here we see some grandchildren enjoying the water. The bank on the
right was the section reformed after the dredging operation.

48
On December 7 th 1992, the River Dun broke its banks once more, this time
Susman’s bridge was submerged and so was the garden and barbeque area
which Ray and Effie Stebbings had created.
Luckily rising water
didn’t reach any of the
cottages, but
nervousness on the
part of Bearwater
residents was very
understandable.

49
Chapter Thirteen, a Slight Problem.
From the beginning, cottages at the end of each block in Bearwater had
required attention because of internal dampness originating from parapet
walls. Kath Walker recalls that the show house, which was wallpapered,
needed remedial work and redecorating. Various solutions were
implemented, including flashing the whole inside face of the parapet wall.
Compounding the problem was spalling of the original roof tiles which, it
transpired, were to the wrong specification. Eventually, in 1994, a retiling
programme was completed using a harder less porous tile.
This photograph shows the new tiles in place and also full lead flashing
inside the parapet wall.
Unfortunately end cottages continued to suffer from damp entering through
the parapets, so the directors of Beechcroft, in consultation with owners,
decided to have these character features redesigned resulting in the more

50
orthodox gable ends which are seen today. The work was completed in 2001,
resulting in a large number of surplus stone copings and decorative finials,
which were gradually dispersed around the site.
This photograph of lakeside originates from 2005, and shows cottages with
revised gable end treatment, finally curing a long standing problem.
The observant will notice aluminium tape applied to the glazing bars on sun
room roofs. This was a “temporary” solution to prevent water seepage which,
despite being unsightly, was successful.
In 2002, Peter Castor, who had recently moved to number 25 with his wife
Anne, tried to cure the
continuing problem of
silt entering the lake by
constructing a dam in
the feeder stream using
redundant coping
stones. Regrettably this
idea failed because
water-flow became too
restricted. The remains
were still there in 2012.

51
Chapter Fourteen, the Social Scene.
Meanwhile, residents of Bearwater continued to enjoy a good social life
together. Gas operated barbeques came to replace the charcoal variety and
the centre of activity tended towards the meadow area behind West end
cottages.
This scene comes from 1995.
Also in 1995, the guests here are from Ray Stebbings’ old R.A.F. squadron.

52
Another barbeque for Bearwater residents, this time in August 1996.
And in 1997,Clockwise; Ken Barnes in the striped shirt, Verity Fenemore
(his carer), Joan Thomae, Jack Smith, Gladys Thatcher, (Allan Holland’s
mother-in-law ), D. Good, Adele Gotobed and Bob Thomae.
As the years passed by, enthusiasm for picnics and barbeques seemed to
wane but informal gatherings for drinks, usually at 6pm, have always been

53
part of life for those Bearwater residents wishing to socialise and enjoy the
pleasure of each other’s company. Small dinner parties have also been
popular, as have lunch time excursions to local hostelries.
Each Christmas most owners have enjoyed lunch together at the Bear Hotel;
in recent times the gathering has been very capably organised by Ann
Castor.
Since August 2006, after the introduction of Harry the chocolate Labrador to
the Bearwater community, the dog’s birthday has been celebrated with a
party for everyone at number 5.
This was on 29 th August 2009. Round the room from the left are: Mary
Staddon, Shirley Jenkins, Joan Thomae, John Manners, Ray Stebbings,
Angela Evans, Harry Jenkins, Betty England, Mary Clive, Jimmy Davis,
Susan Kendall and Beth Williams. Beth was Secretary at the time.
The inside space at number 5 is dealt with in Chapter 15.
In 2012 on the occasion of the Queen’s diamond jubilee, a marquee was
purchased to provide some protection during outside social events. Erection
of this somewhat complicated structure provided endless amusement to
onlookers!

54
These photographs were taken on Joan Robinson’s birthday, July 2012.

55
Chapter Fifteen, Open Plan and a Campaign.
Towards the end of 2005, following the death of Ouida Sketchley, number 5
became available, and the intended purchasers, Alan and Mary Staddon,
sought permission from Beechcroft Trust to create one ground floor room to
replace the traditional layout. Subject to certain conditions their plans were
approved and they bought the house, which was in a neglected condition. As
new owners they appointed a contract manager, Diane McBride, to
supervise James Walker (Building Contractors) Ltd. and disappeared to their
holiday home in Spain whilst the work was done.
By May 2006 the job was finished and Bearwater’s newest residents moved
in to their open plan home, which had been refurbished throughout.
A few years later number 1 Bearwater was given similar treatment after
being purchased by Dorothy Goddard.
The formal Residents Association had by now lapsed; but as we have seen,
the unobstructed living area at number 5 provided an ideal space for
informal meetings. It was not long before a campaign was started, at one of
these gatherings, to persuade the directors of Beechcroft Trust, as managers
and freeholders, to allow owners to replace their original wooden windows
with uPVC double glazed units of similar colour and shape.
The Annual Owners Meeting was another platform for those who wanted
change, but despite some encouraging words, the traditionalists within
Beechcroft held sway. At a meeting held in number 5 on April 8 th 2010
owners were told by Julie Ellames, Regional Manager, that management “felt
changing the current wooden windows to uPVC wasn’t warranted”. A
proposal regarding refurbishment of conservatory roofs and replacement of
the ugly aluminium tape was also discussed, but owners argued that money
should be spent on replacement of the outdated sun room concept with
modern uPVC units.

56
Concluding notes circulated following that meeting said: “the general
consensus was that owners are not prepared to accept the Board’s views”.
A formal letter was then written to the management company detailing
reasons why uPVC was preferred including: improved energy efficiency,
better security, reduced maintenance costs and easier operation.
In the absence of a written refusal, a further formal letter advised
management that it was the intention of some owners to proceed. Making
this decision had been made easier following legal consultation, when
owners were advised that changing the window material was not a
contravention of their lease. (The Third Schedule clause 3 reads: “Not to
alter the external appearance or colour scheme of the Property”).
Peter and Anne Castor at number 25 were the first to break ranks and
arranged for the installation of new uPVC doors between their sun room and
living room. They used a nationally advertised company, as did the owner of
number 9 who replaced two upstairs rear windows with uPVC. Some
owners, however, favoured employing a local contractor. This being so, John
Sherwood and Alan Staddon visited Castle Windows, reporting back
favourably to the community. It was this company that were instructed to
install new French doors at number 5.
In November 2010, Castle received an order to replace all the external
windows in numbers 5 and 15. Number 25 quickly followed and throughout
the next two years more than half of all property was converted to uPVC.
Interested owners continued to press the management company on the
matter of sun room replacement and in mid 2012 came the news that
Salisbury Glass had presented a sympathetic design which had found
favour. The price depended on the number of owners requesting
replacement of their sun rooms with modern uPVC conservatories, and it
was no surprise that Salisbury Glass
accepted an initial order for 18 units at
an average price of £4,500.
Installation commenced at number 1 on
20 th August 2012. Each conservatory
employed a couple of fitters for around
two days. The job was slowed by
unseasonably wet weather, but endless
cups of coffee maintained good spirits
and owners reported a high level of satisfaction with this long- awaited
improvement.

57
Here, on 28 th and 29 th August 2012, the sun room at number 5 is
dismantled and the new conservatory assembled in pouring rain.
A day later, the work was
finished. This house has uPVC
windows, whereas next door
the original wood has been
retained. At a short distance
the difference is hard to spot!
Work on the first tranche of
conservatories was completed
at the end of September.
Here we see the “new look”
lakeside cottages, all of which,
in December 2012, had been
fitted with new conservatories.
This is not the end of the
Bearwater story, but it does
bring history up to date.
I hope everyone who reads
these pages gets some
enjoyment from them.

58
Printed and published by:
Alan Staddon, 5, Bearwater, Hungerford Berks. RG17 0NN
staddbonce@hotmail.com 01488 686596
December 2012
First update 4 th Jan 2013