HANORA “MILES” OVENS, BORN 1919, RAMELTON (Part 1)

Hanora Miles was born in Northampton, England. Her father was a military man who served with the South Staffordshire Regiment during the First World War. Hanora’s mother’s family were French Quakers and when Hanora was very young the family moved to Aghangaddy House in Ramelton. She describes this historical house and its history, her own sheltered childhood and the raids on the house by the IRA in those days. She recalls the way of life — her family dressing for dinner each evening and the lavish hospitality afforded by her parents. Her father’s family were the Hicksons of Fermoyle House in Kerry and Hanora spent many holidays there. She was constantly in adult company and consequently learnt a lot about the traditions and the history of her family. She owns a magnificent collection of dolls’ houses which she began to collect during her childhood.