Kingsbury Family

[Dafydd Wyn Phillips]

I'm researching my family history and would be grateful for some information regarding Catherine Jane Kingsbury who was my great aunt. Catherine married a Fred Kingsbury and they had a son named Celyn. I believed they lived in Spondon for a long time. Catherine Jane's sister, Margaret Olwen Jones, also lived in Spondon during the 1950s and 1960s

[PK]

Hello,
I can certainly assist you here, as Catherine Kingsbury was my grandmother! Please contact me on [e-mail]

[margarethughes603tesconet]

Have just seen your message and thought you might be interested in the small bit of information I have on your family.

Your aunt and Celyn lived in a cottage on Dale Road Spondon, but her long garden backed on to the end of Coxon Street where I lived. I knew your aunt to speak to through playing in the street as a child in the 1940's and 50's.

Later I married a teacher who taught at Hallcroft School in Ilkeston. My husband (who left Hallcroft in 1968) taught alongside Celyn who was still the music teacher at that date.

Later (probably in the 1970's) Celyn came to live in Marina Drive in Spondon. His house was opposite where my aunt and uncle lived, so once again my husband and I came into contact with Celyn.

Good Luck in your search!

Margaret and Graham Hughes

[jenny]

Hi, Celyn Kingsbury was my music teacher at Spondon School in the 70's - very nice funny man! We did some splendid shows in Derby - A Sea Symphony, Belshazzar's Feast. Is he still in Spondon?

[amyjurrison]

Celyns Wife was my Year 1 (Junior) teacher at St Werburgh's junior school and Mr Kingsbury used to come into school to help with the choir practice...all I can remember is that you cannot sing with your legs crossed and your arms folded.

I also know the house on Marina Drive as my Grandmother lived there as well. The Kingsbury's had a grand piano and it is reputed that when the had it delivered to the house they had to take the front window out to get it in!

I would love to hear if your research is successful.

[gareth]

I remember Celyn Kingsbury. He married Jean the organiser of the junior choir at Spondon Methodist Chuch. He was assistant organist at Derby Cathedral. What happened to Jean and Celyn, does anyone know?

[mmilner]

jenny said:

Hi, Celyn Kingsbury was my music teacher at Spondon School in the 70's - very nice funny man! We did some splendid shows in Derby - A Sea Symphony, Belshazzar's Feast. Is he still in Spondon?

I also took part in Vaughan Williams' Sea Symphony. If it was the same concert it was at the Central Methodist Hall near what was then Duckworth Sq. in Derby (just past Debenhams). I still remember coming home on late bus - all of us on the top deck, after the performance. I did not know that Mr. Kingsbury's name was Celyn, however. So that is news to me (even after these years). MARTIN MILNER - formerly of 211 Nottingham Road, Spondon. I can be reached at [e-mail]. Best of luck with your searches.

[lindsayredfern]

I have very fond memories of Catherine Jane Kingsbury, but to me she was Aunty Jane. When my parents were newly married they lived in the house next door to Mr and Mrs Kingsbury, and they all became very good friends. This friendship continued all their life. We still have, and use, the wedding present she gave us nearly 40 years ago.

[gruff]

Hi

I have only recently spotted the entry by Paul Kingsbury made in 2005 in Spondononline saying that Catherine Kingsbury was his grandmother. From this I guess that he is a son (born circa 1960) of Jean and Celyn Kingsbury, of whom I heard but whom I never saw. I had the privilege of meeting Catherine on at least one occasion, when I delivered a bouquet from the Methodist “Young People” group. She and my mother were good friends, particularly as they could chat together in Welsh.

Paul's E-mail address given in 2005 appears to have expired, but I should be very grateful to hear whether others were able to contact him in 2005 and whether they have up to date contact details. I'd be very interested in any news of Jean and Celyn, since Jean trained me and others in the Spondon Methodist Junior choir for many years in the Fifties, and Celyn gave me organ lessons in Derby Cathedral (1958 – 1963) during my sixth form years and on vacation from university.

Gruff Edwards

[melidenlad]

I can remember the house on Moor Street just below Moor End, it had the Welsh name PLAS NEWYDD on the sandstone gate post.

[howarthbrass]

Hi, I am keen to find out about Celyn Kingsbury. He was my music teacher at Spondon Park School and I have been prompted to find out anything I can after the school was on National News this week.
Lesley Howarth (Swindell)
[e-mail]