大象传媒

Bombs had fallen too close for comfort, just a street away from Eaton Drive, North Romford, and family concern grew.The Anderson shelter was abandoned, as Grandpa had friends on a Yorkshire farm who would offer safety.
The night train journey to Keigthley was arduous. I was five and my brother, Rodney, three years old. The packed carriage was full entertaining servicemen. Leaving all thingsfamiliar was scarey, but mum was with us, our security.
At first, all was well on the farm. Dad was called up into the R.A.S.C. and billeted at St. Neots. Mum would confidently leave us to visit him. Then came a change. The farmers wife grew increasingly irritable with my inquisitive brother, becoming harsh and ready to punish. Fear made me frightened to speak. Finally, on one return, mum sussed out that something was amiss; firm words were spoken, bags packed, and on a dreary morning we set off on foot, loaded with as much as we could carry.
We trudged down narrow lanes, with no sign of houses, under teeming rain. Mum kept repeating "We'll be alright!" Signs of life grew, and we reached Glusburn, a small mill villiage, south of Skipton, and calling at the local P.O. we were directed to the localH.Q. of the W.V.S.
Wrapped in towels, rubbed down, and then offered warm tea, mum started to tell our storey - I remember someone saying "Lets ask Edie - she'll help for a night or two!" and so saying, she left. Shw quickly returned and we followed her to an end terrace stone house, stepped through the back gate over the stone yard, and up to the back door. As she knocked I looked up into the warm, and welcoming face of Aunt Edith....
"Eh, cum in luvs - Willie'll fetch more fish 'n chips!" We were safe! The day or two grew into months and more, as we grew to love Edith and Willie and their regulated life. We found all the security we needed, and an example of Christian living which I've never lost!
Now I wore clogs to clatter cobbles to school. No shelter, raids, doodlebugs and sleepless nights. I could roam to the beck and splash about, or climb up the steep streets and onto the moors.
This remarkable couple, whose own son was a prisoner of war, became in time part of our wider family. We never lost touch. Their example still influences me now!

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.