A Grand Life

A Biography by Barbara Hornby of George Freeston

   Based on stories and memories from his family and friends, this book celebrates the life of George Freeston, historian, collector, gardener and lover of life. Born on 19 November 1911, son of the village wheelwright and carpenter, George spent his early years working in the family firm and later, as the village taxi driver.
   At the outbreak of World War II, George joined the Home Guard and then volunteered for the RAF Volunteer Reserve and ended up in 264 Squadron as an armourer keeping Mosquitoes flying fit. The diary he kept while in Europe is the basis for one of the most fascinating sections of the book.
   George spent his demobilisation pay on a row of cottages which he converted into the home known as Plowmans where he spent the rest of his life. It was an Aladdin's cave of treasures, both ornamental and useful, with a garden full of wonders, horticultural and structural.
   The book also includes chapters on George's "happenings", his people and his honours and is an affectionate tribute to an amazing, much loved man.

   The book consists of 135 pages, A5, and is available at both shops, the General Stores and the Newsagent, in the village High Street - priced £7.  You can buy a copy also by post from the author by sending a cheque for £8.50 (£7 + £1.50 p&p) payable to Barbara Hornby at 12 Frog Lane, Upper Boddington, Daventry, NN11 6DJ, Northamptonshire.
                             Please print your name, address and telephone number clearly.

George Freeston  (1911 - 2002)

Of George: ".. he felt that there was history in everything and that there were delights around every corner, if only our eyes were open to see them - and this is what he wanted to show us".                          Dr Derek Bull

This is my cue to say again that this website simply would not have been possible without the abilities of George as a collector.  My work has been easy.
                                  Tony Marsh

Posted on Jan 19th 2006