Lambourn race horse killed in stable fire

A tragedy befell the village in 1978. This is the report of the fire at College House stables, which was run by Nan Birch. As Nan Birch, she was there from 1978 – 1979, but married and known as Nan Kennedy and trained there from 1980 until 1985. There is no date on the report, but judging those statistics, the fire was probably on Christmas Day 1978. I’m open to offers on that one. As it’s nearing Christmas Day again, I thought I’d slot this one in. Be careful over Christmas everybody. No tragedies please.

Mick Dowdeswell November

Comment from Janet: My dad attended that fire. I heard a story that Jack Pavier was up in a loft and fell though straight onto a horse which he road to safety. I know it was one of the stables, was trying to think how many fires at stables we’ve had. Barry Hill or his predecessor at old Piggots place had a fire I remember seeing all the horses being led up the lane to Templemans place. The yard on the corner of Baydon road and Upper Lambourn road had one too. I thought it may have been there that Jack rode the horse out. Too bad we can’t find out. So sad when we lose animals.

Comment from Kate: I remember this fire, my dad went down to help get the horses out. I also remember the charred remains the next day when we walked past it. On another note I remember Nan Birch driving and how the hell she saw where she was going I will never know she couldn’t see above the steering wheel!