Roy Finch's Life in Acol

Roy Finch passed away on 10th July, 2018, aged 94. He had been a lifetime Acol resident, and wished his story, which follows in his own words, to be recorded:

Acol – My Life

I was born in 1923 at Alan Grange in Manston, and moved to 2, Ladds Cottages with Mum & Dad in 1925. I went to Park Lane School, and left at age 14, after which I worked as a motor mechanic for A Pantony in Birchington. I joined the Home Guard in 1940, aged 17, and in 1941 joined the RAF, where I was sent to the Middle East, serving in Egypt and Turkey. I was demobbed in September 1946, by which time Mum & Dad had moved to Manston. I lived with them until I met and then married Elsie Fagg in 1948. We subsequently had three children, Carol, Audrey and Barry. In 1955 I was offered a job working for Linningtons Farm at Quex Park - a job which came with a tied cottage, which turned out to be 2, Ladds Cottages – again! The family had a great life living in Acol, and made many friends, as well as joining in with village events and helping with Church, Village Hall and Summer Fetes. I enjoyed gardening and working on my allotment, and retired in 1988 after 34 years on the farm, but still worked part time for a further 3 years. We enjoyed holidays to Canada to visit Carol and the grandchildren. Sadly Elsie died in 2004 after a short illness, but I was determined to stay at 2, Ladds, so with help from Audrey and family and friends I managed to remain living in my beloved house in Acol until I died.

Roy

Dad called 2, Ladds his “Forever Home”, and we are all so pleased it was able to be, as it was our beloved childhood home and village too. We will so much miss not going back to 2, Ladds Cottages, but will always have such great memories of it.

Carol, Audrey & Barry...  the Finch children