My Childhood - 1932 to 1946 - by John Ingham: Memoirs of a Marple lad.

My Childhood - 1932 to 1946 by John Ingham
Memoirs of a Marple Lad during the early 20th century

A social and political history of the times that documents early
childhood recollections of life in a small Cheshire village.

Introduction:

My life-long interest in history has caused me to think about the lack of knowledge of the lives of our parents and their families, the lack of written evidence of their lives, how many times do we wish that we had some idea of what their lives were, their families, work, interests and experiences.

With this in mind I decided that as far as this generation was concerned, I would put the matter right, even though my writing skills are not good, it matters not, what is important to the future generations are the facts.

John Ingham 1932 - 2012

The book is available at The Ring o' Bells for a minimum donation of Ł6.99 to The Charles Ingham Band Room Fund.

It will also be available at any Band Concert or fundraising event or by contacting Susan Ingham on 07900 935 835.

The Ingham family have paid for the production of the book so that all proceeds go directly to the CIBR Fund.

John Ingham was born and bred in Marple. He grew up in perhaps the most difficult and troubled times of the 20th century as the depression and 2nd World war made work scarce and the family relied on his Mother's work as a Weaver at Hollins Mill. After leaving school at 14 he went into the building trade and became a Joiner.

John was a big family man. He married the love of his life Joan in 1952 and had four children. 'Old Bean' as he was affectionately known, was also Granddad to eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved spending time with.

John was well known in Marple as one of the 'Ingham brothers' who ran their building firm, Ingham Brothers from offices in Church Street. The firm operated for well over 30 years and had a reputation for their high quality spec builds and works. John was a perfectionist and his work was appreciated as a master craftsman from all who commissioned and knew him. He was always keen to pass on his trade to young lads and many of them that served their Apprenticeships with him, have gone on to be master craftsmen and successful businessmen in their own right.

John was a Councillor for 12 years representing Romiley. He considered it a great privilege to do public service. He was hard working and had the interests of the community he served at the heart of everything he did. John was highly respected for his honesty, integrity and commitment to help make Romiley a better place to live, both with Officers in the Town Hall and in the Community at large.

John was also very involved with the Marple Brass Bands. His brother Charlie was a leading figure in the Band and when he died, John and Charlie's best friend, Ron Singleton, formed The Charles Ingham Bandroom Fund and worked tirelessly to raise money to secure a home for the Bands. John was very happy that before he died the Band now have their own building in Memorial Park.

John died on Mar 11th 2012 just one month before his 80th birthday having lived a full, rich and happy life, but he leaves us with a book about his early years. It is a fascinating piece of social and political history and glimpse back to life in a small village as Marple was, in the early part of the 20th century.