Readers questions from yesteryear

QMR A.E. Whiting of 63 Berry Avenue, Watford asks:

Does anyone recall The Old Dell on the Harebreaks?

QWHEN did Rousebarn Lane become so called? People in that area used to refer to it, and may still do, as Rosebarn Lane spelt Rowsbarn.

QDO you recall the doomed R101 airship, which went over Bushey in 1931-32? It crashed in France.

QA READER is researching the life of the artist Featherstone Robson. He was born in Hexham, Northumberland, in 1880, and he died in Canada in 1936. He usually signed his work F Robson.

The reader would also like to contact anyone who may have prints or original works by this artist.

QDOES anyone remember any matches, conditions, incidents or stories from those days before Watford moved to Vicarage Road?

QHAS anyone any recollection of Avenue View School, Finch Lane, Bushey, which flourished in the 1920s? A Miss Ada is thought to have been a teacher there.

QA READER is seeking any pictures or information of the cottages which were part of the Earl of Essex's estate before Cassiobury House was demolished.

Timber Yard Cottages, Cedar Cottage and what was known as Crumplers Farm - but was probably called Home Farm - and Orangery Cottage.

Also, is there an old lily pond and fountain still surviving from Cassiobury House in the estate now?

QDOES anyone know if a darts board with a wire triangle above the double one is used anywhere else, other than in Portland, Dorset, where I last saw it?

QINFORMATION about an auction of a Travelling Fair on Sarratt Green sometime between 1900 and 1925 is being sought. The auction was conducted in the Red Lion public house, situated near Red Lion Lane.

QA READER is investigating a face in the wall of Croxley House, adjacent to the garden centre, and would be interested to know if anyone can help in finding out its origins. Has anyone any information of this and what happened to it?

QA READER is looking for a photograph of a property known as Lindiswara on the Watford Road, Croxley Green. Originally, it was the home of Charles Barton-Smith, one-time manager of Dickinson Mill. It was demolished and a block of flats now stands on this site.

QDOES anyone know what happened to the perfectly round hole that appeared in a paving stone at the junction of Ashby Road and Gammons Lane after an air raid? A reader remembers a barrier was erected soon after and the paving stone replaced but never saw anything dug up.

QDOES anyone have any recollections or anecdotes on Garston House and Garston Manor?

QA LOCAL society is collating memorabilia and information of past events in Croxley Green.

The aim is to make a scrapbook, to include audio/visual information and photographs, to keep possibly at the library for residents of Croxley Green to enjoy, borrow and learn from.

QDETAILS on the Watford Silver Prize Band are being sought, with particular reference to the early 1920's and 1930's.

QIS there still a lake and island on the site of the garden of The Tarn in Hartsbourne Avenue, Bushey Heath?

QWHAT is the history behind Sparrows Herne House, Bushey?

QHAS anyone a photograph of The Warren, Bushey, or can anyone describe it?

QDOES anyone possess photographs of the locality taken during the past century which, to the best of their knowledge, have not previously been published?