The Ardern Family
=================

**"Walnut Fell", Walnut Tree Lane**

.. image:: images/ardern.jpg
   :width: 300
   :alt: Image of the Ardern family
   :class: profile-image

**Edwin John Ardern 'Eddie'**

I was born in Wheelwright Cottage, Freston, Suffolk. After travelling around due to my father being in the Air Force my family settled in a new Council House on River View Road in 1953.

I had a happy childhood, attending the local village church school. We played games on the meadow next to the church and were taught to swim in the river. My younger brother and I spent many carefree hours down on the Shore. Our mum always knew where to find us!

There are many opportunities for activities locally. I played football for Woolverstone United, bowls for the Shotley Rose , was involved with The Baker's Arms darts team, sailed down at Shotley and learnt how to bell ring . All these recreational activities are still there to be enjoyed . Harkstead is home!

**Angela Mary Ardern 'Angie'**

I work at Clench House residential home for older people at Holbrook.

Eddie and I met at a party held at the Old School, Harkstead where my sister was living. They had some great parties there!

Weekends at Harkstead started with Friday night in The Baker's. It was always packed. The 'old boys' - Fred Dunnett, Basil Hopes, Bill Potter and Bill Grimwood would be sitting on one bench. It was here I learnt to play cribbage and shove halfpenny.

On Saturdays we would take long walks, then on Sundays I would cycle down to Shotley to watch Eddie sailing before returning to Surrey.

We married in March 1978, Eddie moving away from Harkstead having lived here for twenty-five years. With Eddie's mum still living in Harkstead we kept coming over and I learnt how to bell ring.

Having lived in Layham and Hintlesham we moved to Harkstead the day after the great storm of 1987. We had difficulty getting through as fallen trees blocked so many roads.

Harkstead is a lovely place to live . I love being part of a small community where people are so friendly and caring.

**Rebecca Ardern**

I was born in 1990 at Ipswich Hospital and named Rebecca Grace Ardern.

I have been brought up in Harkstead and since I was four I have always taken part in the sponsored walk called 'Beating the Bounds' to raise money for our Church, 'St Mary's'

We have a set of handbells and I play two of the twelve. The other people in the group, led by Jenny Freeman my Godmother, play at Christmas, Easter, Pancake Day and Harvest Festival. On one occasion we played to the Archdeacon in Harkstead Village Hall.

Harkstead is quiet and peaceful and the river that runs up to Sudbury and beyond is called the Stour. I swim in it every year when I get the chance.

I enjoy living in Harkstead because all my school friends live near by.

`View scan from original book <../_static/individual/ardern.pdf>`_

`View text <../_sources/individual/ardern.rst.txt>`_