We were sad to hear of the death of William Cattle in February. Bill, or Billy, has been mentioned many times in Chorleywood Magazine. Born in Uxbrige Rd, Rickmansworth, his family moved to Chorleywood House North Lodge (at the current entrance to the House and Mews) when his father William became Estate Houseman.
Bill went to Christ Church junior school and took a job with a London printing firm In London in his teens. He did a stint in the army at Catterick, Northumberland and Germany at the end of the War and when back in Chorleywood he became gardener at the Flour Milling and Baking Research Association on Chorleywood Road, (now Beaumont Home). Bill had a busy retirement helping the Amanda Theatre Group and spent many hours walking around the Common and Chorleywood House grounds taking photographs and making record of flora and fauna, especially butterflies – he recorded sightings for the Butterfly Conservation Group for over 20 years. He always kept a list in his pocket of species he spotted. Bill contributed greatly to the Lady Ela exhibition in Chorleywood House Summer House curated by Lynda Herity
“ Bill was seen almost daily sprinting through Chorleywood House Grounds often with a camera in hand (he never did dawdle) “ says Lynda ” He had a great memory and a good sense of humour and gave me so much “insider” information about Lady Ela and the Estate, and photos and paintings by the Lady herself. He told us that when he broke his leg as a young boy Lady Ela at the house insisted that her Chauffeur took him to hospital in the Rolls Royce!. There were so many stories!”
Photo © Peter Eeles