Ted Ayden (1897 – 1971)
One newspaper said he was ‘No Ordinary Man’ and that this should be pre-fixed by Extra! Read on to find out why.
Manette’s 104th birthday
Can you believe it? On 21st August Manette Baillie, Benhall resident since 1961, will be 104 years old.
People of Benhall & Sternfield
Browse our on-line book giving voice to past & present residents. Contact us if you would prefer to borrow a copy.
Pal, the performing dog
Pal, Ted Ayden’s rescue dog with a black patch over one eye, was one of the best known figures in the Benhall area.
Mabel Woods (1924 – 2025)
Florence Woods, known as Mabel, was 100 years old in December 2024. This is how she was remembered in our villages.
Frank Barnes (1881-1922)
Frank Barnes died after the WWI Memorial in Benhall had been finished but is on the Suffolk Roll of Honour.
William C.R. Berry (1893-1916)
William Charles Russell Berry was born in Snape Watering, Sternfield and enlisted at a recruiting drive in 1914.
John F.B. Delap (1897-1916)
John Follansbee Bredin Delap was the son of Rev. Louis Delap, Benhall Vicarage & killed in action on 18th October 1916.
Mary Edmunds (1921-2013)
Mary was born at Bigsby’s Corner, Benhall and was one of twins. She was also known as Mary Watson-Bell.
Nellie May Friend (1921-2019)
Nellie was born at Mollett’s Farm, Benhall. She married Jesse Friend and they lived in Manor Farm & down School Lane.
Bob Saunders (1884-1957)
Bob Saunders was Benhall’s shoemaker but was also well-known for taming wild birds and for his attractive pond.
Frederick Self (1873-1933)
Frederick Self was born 1873 in Benhall to parents Robert Self (Carpenter) and Susan Kitson. The family lived in Aldercar Lane.
Margaret Swanenburg (1935-2022)
Margaret lived at The Rowans, Benhall Green and was a member of the Parish Council, Flower Show committee and the History Group.
Jennifer M. Toombs (1940-2018)
Jennifer Mary Toombs was a much-loved member of the community, where not everyone was aware of her international reputation.
Tim Trotman (1937-2023)
Tim Trotman lived at Sternfield Vicarage from 1950 to 1959. Read his own words here about his life and meeting the Queen Mother.
F.J. Flatman (1896-1916)
Frederick John Flatman was born in Sternfield and died in France on 18th March 1916 aged just 20 years old.