Far Away
About things
that began life in Redhill and have travelled elsewhere
| There are
no doubt many things that started in Redhill and are now
resident in some far place, either elsewhere in England
or abroad. Many of these will have got to their
destination by accident, some will have been taken there
for a specific reason. All will have a story to tell.
This page is about some of those objects and their
stories. As with some of the other pages on this website,
information is required from those to whom the stories
belong. |
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We
begin with the story of Tony Gibbs' Brick (it's not just any
brick!)
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The Story
Tony is a writer who works from
home, and he has this wonderful little bit of his past
sitting proudly on his desk in his office. The brick has
the words ' R.TROWER
REDHILL' on
it, and was made at the brickworks of Richard Trower at
the Siding Brickworks, Holmethorpe, Redhill.
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Tony lives in Michigan, USA and the story of his brick is
told in his own words: -
"I was born in
Redhill back in May of 1945 (3 days after VE Day). I am
very proud to have Victor as a middle name. I'm sure you
may know that many children in England were given the
middle name of Victor or Victoria if they were born
during Victory Week.
Although my wife Lynn and I were in Northern England and
Scotland in the spring of 1999 visiting family, it was
our trip to Southern England back in the spring of 1995
that was the most memorable. We popped in on Redhill and
Caterham, where I grew up.
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Tony has a replica MG TD with a
very appropriate plate.
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When we arrived at Redhill, I
must say that I was very disappointed to hear from some
of the locals at the library that the old hospital I was
born in was essentially an abandoned building now.
Nevertheless we made our way up the walk to where the old
hospital once proudly stood to pay a visit. It was still
a very special moment for me, not having been there since
I was a child.
I remember on the flight home telling Lynn that I
regretted not taking an old brick from the abandoned
building as a souvenir. Over the years I recalled this
regret to my son, Michael, on more than one occasion.
A few years later Michael was pursuing his doctorate in
law degree from Michigan State University when he was
privileged to secure an opportunity to study
international law for a semester at the University of
Notre Dame (an extension campus located in London).
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| Tony
Gibbs and son Michael
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When he returned home to Michigan he expressed
his disappointment at not being able to get to Redhill
due to scheduling and time constraints on his studies
(although the rascal did manage a jaunt to Paris).
Needless to say he was 'putting me on', as he then
presented me with a shoebox containing the now famous
'R.Trower' brick from the old Redhill Hospital - the
brick I had longed for for so many years - and a
'signature' one at that!
I must confess I was overwhelmed when he opened the box.
He told me how he was able to 'rescue' the brick from the
debris. I understand a nice residential development has
since been erected in its place while still keeping the
distinct architecture from the old hospital.
Although the Redhill brick brings back fond memories of
my roots, it turns out to be a better story about a
thoughtful and loving person I'm proud to have as a son.
Thanks, Redhill."
Tony Gibbs.
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| Thank
you too, Tony, for a wonderful story. |
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21 July 2011 |
