The Bomfords of Worcestershire
SALFORD LODGE
Extract from The Bomfords of Worcestershire by Dr Bruce Bomford FRCS, Salford Priors, 1983. The work was published privately and only a few copies were made. Re-published here with permission from Dr Bomford's sons.
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This attractive farmhouse lies in a line between Pitchill and Harvington Lodge and is approached by a road almost opposite New Inn Lane. The boundary between the farm and Pitchill land is called Can Lane and is believed to be an ancient road through The Lenches to Worcester; the right of way is still maintained.
The house was occupied in former years by a foreman and the present front hall was a fowl pen later enclosed in the house.
Mr. Pip Hughes O.B.E., is a retired farmer and a Director of Messrs. Bomford and Evershed Ltd. He married Daisy Bomford, daughter of Benjamin and Gertrude of Harvington Lodge and they have resided at Salford Lodge ever since their marriage. They have two sons, John who lives at 81, Greenhill, Evesham, and Barry who lived for a time in a new house built on New Inn Lane, and then moved to Brook Farm, Abbots Salford.
Pip Hughes bought land wisely as it became available and at the end of the Second World War (he had served throughout the First World War), and with his brother Bert Hughes of Moat Farm, Abbots Salford, he bought the farms owned by Capt. John Eyston, as well as Salford Lodge. At one time he was in partnership with Harold Kendrick Bomford of Harvington Lodge, but this was dissolved later and the land divided.
Aunt Daisy used to arrange the flowers at Dunnington Churchfor many years. She was baptized by the Rev. Perry and he said he might not be able to lift her up out of the water as she was a big girl and one was totally immersed during the ceremony. It was the custom to sew lead weights into the hem of the white dresses worn by girls at baptism so that they would sink and modesty be preserved. (I remember being somewhat frightened as a boy before I could swim at the prospect of being totally immersed in the water at baptism). Boys wore black suits for baptism.
Daisy and Pip were married at Dunnington Churchwhich was built by Raymond and Benjamin Bomford. Uncle Ray used to go to sleep during the sermon. The Church at Atch Lench was started at an earlier date before their time.
There was a lovely wood above Salford Lodge called Salford Wood and children used to be taken there for walks and picnics and the wood was carpeted with bluebells and primroses.
Aunt Daisy is a skilful gardener and her garden was always full of cuttings and small plants in preparation for planting out.
She had kept and identified numerous rare plants which had been handed down from earlier days and Bomford Houses and gardens.