Second World War novel on legacy of poppy factory

Henley-based author Kirsten Hesketh, aged 62, has written a novel set during the Second World War about the intertwined lives of three young women. She published the book under the pseudonym Kirsty Dougal through Penguin.

The novel, titled The Poppy Girls, reflects themes of resilience, friendship, and remembrance inspired by wartime Britain. The author resides on Greys Hill, Henley.

Local News

Elsewhere, several community updates were announced across Maidenhead and nearby areas:

Furze Platt Infant School, Oaken Grove, Maidenhead – three classes: Dragonfly (Miss Midaoui, Mrs Lampton).
Alwyn Infant & Nursery School, Mulberry Walk, Maidenhead – two classes: Ash (Mrs McKeown, Mrs Clarke).
Braywick Court School, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead – one class: Maple (Mrs McNeaney, Mrs Reading).
St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School, Altwood Road, Maidenhead – two classes: Otters (Ms Knapper, Mrs Tang, Miss Grant, Mrs Fretwell).

Community Developments

Centrica is preparing to relocate from its Maidenhead Road site. Additionally, new public notices outline a proposal to build a self-constructed home on land between Green View, Holyport Street, and Glenside, Holyport Road. The plot has seen three previous unsuccessful bids for housing.

Remembrance and Heritage

Residents have created colorful Remembrance poppy displays, including knitted tributes placed atop the postbox on Bray High Street and another installation in the park along Bray Road, Bray.

Community Fundraising

Pinder Hall in Cookham has launched a £50,000 campaign to fund essential building repairs, especially for its roof. The hall, located at 2 Lower Road, continues to serve as a vital community venue.

Local History

Photographs from The Maidenhead Advertiser 150th Anniversary book Days Gone By are now available for purchase, capturing moments from the area's rich past.

Author’s Summary

The story of The Poppy Girls intertwines wartime memory with community spirit, mirroring how local women’s lives continue to inspire remembrance in Maidenhead’s present-day culture.

Henley Standard — 2025-11-06