Midhurst Magazine. Issue 31, Spring, April 2020. The 60th year edition.
The Society Founders: Past Reports From Past Midhurst Society publications
Frances Johnson-Davies (Midhurst Magazine July 2003)
[She also published an interesting history of Midhurst with the Society (Johnson- Davies, Frances. Midhurst - A Brief History, Midhurst Society, 1996)]
‘was a founder member of The Midhurst Society and its first chairman. She was also editor of our magazine for many years.
Frances grew up with a passion for animals that has continued to this day; in fact, it is such a passion that she refuses to leave Telegraph Hill in spite of ill health. With her are three rescue horses and six sheep, bred from her original flock of 50. We have much to thank Frances for, as can be seen when browsing through the archives, and not least for her commitment to the Society for over forty years.’
Frances was born in Calcutta and started riding at the age of two. She grew up on the northeast frontier of India at Simla. The family kept their own cattle and their property bordered jungle frequented by tigers and monkeys who often ventured into their garden at night. Whilst Frances' mother developed a career of designing clothes for the Court in India, by the age of eight Frances couldn't even read or write, despite having private tutors. So she was despatched back to England where she grew up to become head of film and production at the Central Office of Information, living in Pall Mall and South Audley Street.
Frances died in 2008 and is buried in the Midhurst Cemetery.
Tom Merrit (Midhurst Magazine July 2003)
When her mother returned to England, Frances spent much of her time at Buddington House, the family home for nearly 30 years. France's closest friend was Alice Lascelles ……. of Woolbeding House and they spent many happy hours riding and hunting. Alice founded The Midhurst Society in 1960 and, in Frances' words, 'Issued a royal command for me to take over the chair' – which she did for twelve years. In 1988 she published – and funded herself – the first Midhurst Society Magazine and continued for fourteen years as Editor.
‘In the Spring of 1999 Miss Alice L Lascelles paid tribute to Tom Merrit, who had died recently. “Without him the Midhurst Society would have had a very shaky start if, indeed, it had started at all. His knowledge and interest in the town and neighbourhood led to the idea of forming the Midhurst Society just when the town was becoming popular and rapidly expanding. He was one of those rare people who did appreciate and love the old town but knew that it must not be kept in mothballs. He knew that change and development were necessary to keep the place alive. The Midhurst Society's loss, and mine, were very great when he retired” 4
