many local men and women serving their country. The impact of the world wars has been closely studied by the society and in 1995 an exhibition it held to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day attracted thousands. Meetings are held on the ?rst Thursday of every month from September to May at 8pm in Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane. However in January and February 2014 these meeting will be held at 10.30am. The book club meets the third Thursday of the month. To learn more about Pinner’s fascinating history, or how to join the society, visit www.pinnerlhs.org.uk or phone the Membership secretary on 020 8868 5032.
spitfire Pilot Brian Lane (centre)
Famous Pinner People
over the centuries Pinner has been home to a number of in?uential and remarkable characters. These include: HorATIA NeLsoN, the illegitimate daughter (left) of Horatio Nelson and Emma Hamilton, Horatia lived for many years later in her life in Elmdene, Pinner. Her parents initially concocted a story that they were her “godparents” although Nelson wrote many endearing letters to his daughter and later asked her to use his name. AgNes MArsHALL, a leading cookery writer of the Victorian era, pioneered the development of ice cream was known as the “Ice Queen”. She is credited with inventing the edible ice cream cone. Her life was cut short when she fell from a horse, and she later died in Pinner.
BrIAN “sANdY” LANe was a dashing Spit?re pilot, and squadron leader during the Battle of Britain. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service and was the author of Spit?re!, a ?rst-hand account of life as a Spit?re pilot originally published in 1942 under a pseudonym. In December 1942 he ?ew out for a mission but never returned and was listed Missing in Action. A blue plaque is on his former home in Barrow Point Avenue. sIr AMBrose HeAL, a member of the Heal’s furniture family, lived for many years at Fives Court in Moss Lane, Pinner. During his time with the family ?rm he championed artistic design and ?ne craftsmanship. A blue plaque was placed on his Pinner home earlier this year (above).
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