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Bob and Fran Saltmarsh

An article about people who contribute to the community

Bob and Fran Saltmarsh live in Rose Cottage, Dalham Road. Bob however grew up on Trinity Hall Farm, School Lane, where his father was the tenant farmer. Bob went to school in Newmarket and Norfolk before going to Agriculture College in Lincolnshire. He then secured employment in the Agricultural Seed Industry in Trumpington, Cambridge where he remained for 34 years.

Along that journey he met and fell in love with Fran. Fran’s was born in Kent but raised and educated in Norfolk. She went to college and undertook a housekeeping/catering course and took up employment at Newham College, Cambridge, where she quickly rose to the position of Head House Keeper.

Bob and Fran married in 1972 and set up home in the Cambridgeshire village of Hauxton before moving to nearby Newton 3 years later. From here they raised their 3 daughters Claire, Polly and Hannah and stayed living for 25 years.

In 1982, Bob’s parents bought Rose Cottage. Bob’s father and his brother were both involved with the parish council and the Saltmarsh name became very well respected in the community.

It was in 1999 that Bob was persuaded by his father to buy and move into Rose Cottage; sadly Bob’s father died just a few weeks before the move was completed. Bob, Fran and their daughters love living in the cottage and Bob joked that the only way he will be leaving Rose Cottage is in a wooden box!

In 2003, Bob was made redundant and at 54, being far too young and active to retire, decided to become a handyman. He was overwhelmed by the support and assistance he received from the local community to help him get started in this new vocation – a job which still keeps himvery busy.

Meanwhile Fran combined being a busy mum with involvement in village life. As the girls grew up Fran worked from home as a dressmaker and caterer and became involved in the WI.

Over the years she expanded her knowledge of and involvement with the WI organisation and has held some very impressive posts including Federation Chairman. In 1999, whilst in that post she was elected to the National Board of Trustees. Fran has also held the prestigious positions of National Vice Chairman and then Chair of Denman College (the WI’s Residential Adult Education College) where she is currently a tutor.

When Bob and Fran moved into the village ten years ago they soon became integrated into Moulton village life. Bob currently holds the position of Church Warden and Treasurer and in 2007 Fran was instrumental in reviving the Moulton WI. Both Bob and Fran work tirelessly in the community helping to organise events that bring the Church, the WI and the Millennium Club together for the greater good of villagers and the community.

In the future, when time allows, Bob would like to return to his much loved hobby of water-colour painting and Fran her dress and lace making – I anticipate it will be a long time before the Saltmarshes ’find time for those hobbies!

Jill Goodwin