Blunham Pubs : The Horseshoes

By Bill Exley

....The Horseshoes Pub commands a prime position in the centre of Blunham village overlooking the square, with views down The High Street (due North) , or West up The Hill and Barford road, over the river Gt. Ouse into Great Barford village, we then have the town of Bedford only 7 miles away.

. In bygone years there were six more old cottages either side of The Horseshoes Pub, (10, High Street today ) then we have to the right 2 and 4 High St. ( The Ovens and Battle Cottage ). So over the years the whole area has given way to progress, a car park and other clearances, 6 and 8 have gone now along with 12, 14, 16 and 18 no more. The Saluation Public House is actually 20, High Street as a postal address, with the entrance to retirement bungalows for Ex. landlords. ( Wellsfield, Est. re. Charles Wells brewers )

. This can be seen in some old postcards etc. The pub sign in the past has shown 3 horseshoes, misleading patrons to call it 'The Three Horseshoes'. Records held by Chas. Wells Ltd, reveal that in years gone by c1822-1890 it was The Three Horseshoes, then around 1907 and 1946, it was also described as The Old Horseshoes.

. Today (Dec - 2000) Bedford Brewers Charles Wells Ltd supply the bars with draught beers, the surrounding area offers riverside walks and renowned fishing spots. Just 5 minutes around the corner, past the Church, brings you to a Weir and bridge over the quiet River Ivel, here one can take a pleasant walk on paths through the fields to the market town of Sandy. - For interest In 1903 Sandy had 16 Pubs / Beerhouses / Alehouses. - Origin - see my link to Misc & Mash / ref - 12 . *

o * O * oO * o

* Addendum - by Brian Ekins - According to my research and information provided by Bedfordshire archives my Great Grand father x 5 Thomas Ekines [sic now] who was originally a carpenter took the lease on The Horeshoe Inn on the 21st October 1769. The lease was agreed between Joseph Cole on behalf of the Earl of Hardwick and the Marchioness Grey and Thomas Ekines. Thomas was to pay the Earl 8 guineas per annum. Thomas was born c1740 and his wife was Elizabeth [nee More]. * for Brian, - July 2011, via Colin Hinson.

o * . * o

Show Time with BOBBY GEORGE at The Horseshoes - (c1985-96)

: We had a well known character in the village called Neil Mc Cormack, his Mum known as Mary Mac and Dad Roy. Neil loved his darts and was often 'dropped off' at The Sally or Horseshoes pubs to watch or take part in a game of Darts. Why he was taken to a pub, was due to him being Wheel Chair bound by Spina Bifida.

: So for a special Birthday, his Mum arranged for any well known dart player to make a special appearance as a suprise for Neil. Two top players wanted very high Fees, (who shall remain nameles) but a certain Mr Bobby George stepped forward and offered his time and travel for Free, which was a superb gesture to say the least.

. On the night of Bobby coming to Blunham, in the days of Lol' and Wendy Charteress behind the bar, yours truly, ever the optomist, took my darts down to the Horseshoes. At the start of the evening, Bobby George announces , again the Gent, "I will play anyone who wants to take part in supporting Neil and the evening, if you drop a coin into Neil's charity pot." - obviously one Leg, or Game only and not the best of three as usual. Neil always had to play his way, from his wheel chair, to a dart board set up on a board for him on a chair a couple of feet off the floor.

: When Bobby George played Neil, he was on his knees using 'his' board, but our Games or Legs , he showed no mercy and took us all to the cleaners with his World reknown Dart skills . He scored 7 x 180's, yes a phenominal achievment in one night, and all this is on a recording. At one point, my usual darts partner Rex Clarke, drops in two treble fives and a single five, next door, so 35 scored, or a left handed 140 so close.

: Bobby George with his huge smile, and all his Gold adornments, rings, bracelets and chains, enough to bail Greece out from Debt, just smiles at Rex and he calmly puts 'his' three darts, in two treble fives and a single, to even it up - with skill and humour. So ever the sport and gent, he showed all evening , he could have scored a Ton ( 100 + ) or more, so a night to remember. All this was recorded on video and later put onto disc .

A unique evening for us all .

o * . * o

: Answers to Misc & Mash - (Ref 14) , there are only Two errors, / Sentence and Mistake / the 'Third' error is the word Three, it should read Two . - . Ans / 2 - of Ref 14 - About 3 feet or a metre off the floor, on the wall all round the room, to protect expensive Victorian or Edwardian thick, embossed wallpaper from damage, scuffs or dents with heavy Dining Chairs being pushed back.

---

Back to Index Page . & our Blunham Home Page, with Village life by Colin Hinson - top L.H.S - or return to, or Try my Misc & Mash, work for just outright Trivia / Brain Fodder by Mr Blex

• Last Revision made by Bill Exley on the - 30th Oct, 2023