Fernhurst pays tribute to Peggy Allen Published on the 25 March 2014 Fernhurst residents rallied round to remember a much-loved friend, neighbour, and member of the community.   St Margaret's Church was packed for the celebration of the life of Peggy Allen, who was born in Fernhurst during WW2 and and lived here all her life.   Born March 1942 as Peggy Edwards at Courts Farm where her grandfather looked after the team of horses.   Attending the village school before going on to Midhurst Secondary Modern School, here making friends that she kept for the rest of her life. 50 years later she was helping to organise reunions for pupils and teachers attracting former pupils from as far afield as Australia and Canada.

Her first job was as a junior secretary at Clement Brothers, but her mother died when she was 18 and she had to leave to look after her younger half-brother.
 
In December 1963 aged 21 she married John Allen and they had Mike and Jacqueline in the next 5 years. John travelled a lot with his job and Peggy was a full-time mum, but that did not stop her being involved with village activities.
In 1962 she was a founder member of the Fernhurst stoolball team, playing it for many years, as have her daughter and grand-daughters. She also regularly supported the football and cricket teams and organised the May queen's coronation for 27 years.
Peggy was also on the village hall committee for many years and treasurer of the Nappers Wood Association.
 
In 2004 she and John were invited to the Queen's garden party at Buckingham Palace and five months ago the Allens celebrated their golden wedding at the recreation ground with their children and grandchildren Stacey, Josh, Laura and Charlotte.