大象传媒

LOCAL DANCES AND MY BRUSH WITH A WAR RESERVE POLICEMAN

I had a friend, Ena Barker, who worked as a GPO telephonist just opposite the fish shop where I worked. At this time fish was very scarce because fishermen and their boats had been taken over for naval service and mine-sweeping round the shores. When we had a delivery of fish I would phone her to let her know and in turn she would get to know when there was a dance being held by one of the companies of soldiers based nearby. Usually the dances would be held at one of the village halls, such as Frinsted, Milstead, Bredgar, Doddington or Rodmersham. We sometimes went on the bus and got a lift back on an Army lorry, sitting on forms, but when it was at Frinsted we always had to cycle. Coming home one night, cycling down Ruins Barn Road, I realised I'd forgotten to borrow my Dad's bike lamp but took a chance and rode my bike. I said to Ena "you ride outside and I'll ride in". It was pitch black but I had a feeling there was someone lurking in the entrance to Woodstock Park. A War Reserve Policeman stopped us and I got a summons for riding without a light. As it was we were only allowed a little glimmer. I was fined 15 shillings.

The night I met my future husband
8 October, 1941. I had been to Herne Bay in the afternoon and had a swim in the sea. It was a dull day but fairly warm. In the evening I went with my friend, Ena Barker, to a village dance in Rodmersham. We met a couple of soldiers there and they walked us home after the dance. I took mine home for some supper. When he walked back to camp (which was at Torry Hill, Milstead) his mate was still waiting for him at Cromers Corner.

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