WW2 Pillbox on Huntingdon Common (England)

As a child I remember playing at a WW2 pillbox sited on some of the land next to the old St. Petersfield Hospital, just off St. Peter's road, Huntingdon, England. Unfortunately it was demolished during the 1990's to make way for a new housing development. 

The pillbox can just about be seen at the bottom of  this arial photograph taken in 1950. At the top end of the field is a large allotment. The bottom half cleared and became the housing development Lammas Gardens in about 1969. The top half of the allotment was also cleared for the Kingsmeadow housing development around 1978.

Here's how the area looked on this map from 1971.

I've previously shared this information with the Pillbox Study Group. 

This is the only photograph I have of the pillbox. I've cut myself out from the photo, hence the white outline. 

This is where I believe the pillbox was sited

This is how it might have looked before it was demolished

I would love to hear from anyone who remembers this piece of wartime history. I'm also hoping that someone somewhere might have photographs of the pillbox before it was demolished that they're willing to share.  

Best water bottle carrier, harness, holder

 

Simply the best bottle holder

I received this as a gift from my Sister-in-law, who's rather good at making such things. I provided her with my specification, which was based on a bottle carrier I once owned. In a massive house clearence I got rid of what was actually the ideal bottle holder. A black nylon canvass carrier with carry strap and I've never seen one for sale in a shop since. 

My requirements were specific:

• Can hold a standard 500ml water bottle but also a slightly larger size/shape if needed
• Made from black nylon webbing
• Shoulder strap
• Plastic 'D' clips to allow removal of the shoulder strap if needed
• Adjustable length shoulder strap

This type of bottle holder is often found for sale at various tourist destinations such as Peru. However, I've not been able to find a shop selling anything close. There are some online stores such as Etsy and Ali Express which sell variations but these don't meet my spec. They are often 'over-complicated' and not always cheap when you add postage. 

These bottle holders can be found at tourist destinations like Peru

Some people might ask why you even need one. Well, not everyone does need everything they want regardless of what it is. Some might prefer to keep a bottle in a backpack. But what if you're just walking the dog on a hot summer day, going for a walk, at a festival or workplace where it's handy to have the bottle with you and still be hands-free? I'm one of the latter. 

Sturday 'D' clip assembly

Delightful makers emblem courtesy of my Sister-in-Law

Inclusion of some elasticated webbing makes accommodating larger bottles possible

I think this would sell on the open market, subject to price but as of writing, my Sister-in-Law doesn't plan to make more to sell. However, if my limited appeal blog audience is interested then please comment!