Second World War novel on legacy of poppy factory

Second World War Novel on Legacy of Poppy Factory

A Henley author has written a novel about the lives of three young women during the Second World War. Kirsten Hesketh, 62, from Greys Hill, authored The Poppy Girls under the pen name Kirsty Dougal. The book is published by Penguin.

Local Schools and Classes

Furze Platt Infant School, Oaken Grove, Maidenhead SL6 6HQ
- 3 classes: Dragonfly Class (Miss Midaoui, Mrs Lampton)
Alwyn Infant & Nursery School, Mulberry Walk, Maidenhead SL6 56EU
- 2 classes: Ash Class (Mrs McKeown, Mrs Clarke)
Braywick Court School, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead SL6 1UU
- 1 class: Maple Class (Mrs McNeaney, Mrs Reading)
St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PX
- 2 classes: Otters Class (Ms Knapper, Mrs Tang, Miss Grant, Mrs Fretwell)

Local Developments and Notices

Plans have been submitted this week for a self-build home on a plot in the heart of Holyport. This site has already seen three unsuccessful bids for housing.

Centrica's Maidenhead Road site is being vacated, affecting the land between Green View, Holyport Street, and Glenside, Holyport Road.

Remembrance and Community Efforts

Remembrance knitting has been placed atop the postbox on Bray High Street. There is also a Remembrance Poppy display in the park on Bray Road.

Pinder Hall in Cookham has started a £50,000 fundraiser for essential building repairs, including the roof.

Pinder Hall is located at 2 Lower Road, Cookham.

Local History

Photos from The Maidenhead Advertiser's 150th Anniversary book, Days Gone By, are now available for purchase.

Author's summary: This collection highlights local history, education, community remembrance, and new developments, reflecting the area's rich heritage and ongoing changes.

Henley Standard — 2025-11-06