Benches on the Green

Ockley Green is enhanced by benches set around it. Some of which are now in some disrepair. This page attempts to give background behind each one. If any one has more details then please do let us know. Many thanks to the late Briony Thomas for compiling the background to this page. Please click on each link to see a photograph. The benches are (clockwise from the Pavilion): 

1.       APR Figg

      In memory of Alfred Peter Raymond Figg - always known as ‘Ray’.  He was born at Carpoles Cottage on the Green, the son of William Percy and Rose Figg.  Ray was a well-known village figure and a popular landlord of the Cricketers Arms.         

2.      Ockley Stoolball 1986 

      Donated by Ockley Stoolball Club to the Ockley Sports Club (which at that time oversaw the Cricket, Football and Stoolball Clubs).  A presentation ceremony was held in September 1986 when the bench was formally accepted by Michael Calvert on behalf of the Sports Club.  A photograph of the occasion was published in the West Sussex County Times.   

3.      Two plaques here: Clive and Cyril (and to the right) Remembering Jane

      No details. Can anybody supply any details? 

4.     Brigadier General RTI Ridgway C.B 17/8/1868 – 11/11/1939  

      Father of Gwen Ridgway (see 8 below).  This from Ockley Parish Magazine: “General Ridgway had a distinguished military career and saw a great deal of active service from 1897 onwards including campaigns on the North West Frontier of India and in the Great War in Egypt, in France (where he was wounded) and later in East Africa.  Later he commanded Brigades on the Indian Frontier and in the 3rd Afghan War.  He retired from the Army in 1920.  He lived in London but was a frequent visitor to Ockley and took a great interest in the cricket, football and Flower Show activities.  In his memory, his widow and daughter placed a seat on the Green for the comfort of those who, like the General, enjoy watching the cricket or rejoice in the beauty of the surrounding scenery.”  

5.       This bench had a plaque once but it is now missing. It’s a bit poor condition too

      It is thought that this was put up by, or in memory of, the Copemans – two London doctors who used Rapleys as a weekend retreat. Has anyone more details? 

6.       Bert Coldman

      A well known village character who was born in Ockley in 1929, the third of 3 sons born to Edwin & Louisa Coldman who lived on Ockley Green.  Apart from 18 months of National Service, Bert lived in Ockley all his life.   After leaving school he worked for C Ansell & Sons as a plumber. He later became the local postman using his familiar bicycle to deliver mail around Ockley and also in Forest Green, Walliswood and Oakwood Hill.  He was a keen sportsman and key member of the village cricket and football clubs.  He died in 2014.  

7.       Sam (Michael) Sargeant  4.9.46 – 2.10.08

It is thought that he was connected with the Angling Society. 

8.      Gwendoline Frances Ridgway 29.11.1901 – 2.4.92

      Lived at Southfields and was involved in many village activities.  Daughter of Brig-Gen Ridgway (4 above) 

9.       Danny Ross 1937 – 2004

      A well-known villager, very involved with the Angling Society. 

10.   Ockley Herd of Dexter Cattle

      Guy Tompkins, a life long resident and Brenda Gooding – they used to farm this herd of cattle 

11.   Alan Smith 1943-2002 (this is the bench without a back)

      Moved to Ockley from Brockham, lived in Elmers Road, worked for Ansells. 

12.   Blank: does not seem to have ever had a plaque (it’s the one on the path at football pitch)

      Possibly in memory of Tony Ansell Has anyone more details? 

13.   Nigel (Ted) Molyneaux 2016 

      Has anyone more details? .                

14.   Very faint but it’s another Molyneaux

      Probably Ted’s father and also his father-in-law Len Burchell  

15.   Grace Molyneaux and Alice Burchell

Ted Molyneaux’s mother and aunt

16.   Harry Cullern 1955-1972   

Not sure about this or the significance of these dates.  Does this plaque referred to the well-known Ockley resident Harry Cullern but he died in 1989 aged 75 so was born c 1914). I suppose it could be someone else? 

      Harry Cullern was ‘The Man From the Pru’ for many years and a great participant in village life serving as Scoutmaster, Parish Councillor (Chairman for 11 years), Cricket Club scorer for 40 years, as well as being a member of many committees and always willing to help with any local activity.  He died in May 1989. 

 17.   G R 1935

Seat to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V on May 6th 1935.  The seat cost £7 18s 6d and was made by Messrs C Ansell & Sons. 

18.   Ted Wells 1908 – 1990 and Win Wells 1919 – 2005

      Ted Wells was the father of Julie Andrews.  Involved with cricket clubs at Ockley and Forest Green.  He lived at Hitchurst, near The Old School House.

 19.   Trevor, Christopher, Geoffrey and Brian Charman (no dates)

All born at Rectory Cottages in Ockley (now replaced by Rectory Close), and remained closely involved with Ockley life.  Geoff Charman was an expert on the flora and fauna of Ockley and a brilliant amateur photographer of birds and other wildlife.  Chris Charman – Cricket? has anyone onformation on Geoffrey?

20.   Ockley WI

In the golden jubilee of National Federation of Women’s Institutes 1915 – 1965.

      Donated by Ockley W.I to celebrate 50 years since the formation of the W.I.  

21.   Another blank bench, no sign it ever had a plaque 

It is believed that Bruce Cowles, a former Cricket Club captain, installed this bench for himself so he had somewhere to sit!

22.   William (Bill) Moore 1916 – 2000 

A well known actor who lived at The Tuns with his actress wife Mollie Sugden (of Are You Being Served fame).  

23.   Bill Dobson (no date)

      Oliver Reed’s gardener.