大象传媒

The following was written by my late Mum, Margaret Fairbrother (nee Clayton). It was in response to a request from a Blackpool primary school who were learning about local life during World War Two.
She was 9 at the outbreak of the War and wrote of her evacuation:

"I came to Blackpool with the evacuees because my father, being employed by Manchester Corporation, had been sent to assist.

Some evacuees, myself included, went to Claremont School as a temporary measure. We were in the boys' science room sitting around in groups on chairs, but with no desks, and, as far as I can recall, little or nothing in the way of books or equipment. The teachers just kept us occupied by talking and reading to us. Lunch time was brilliant! Our group teacher took us for a walk along the promenade and it felt as though we were on holiday.

The next move was to Salem on Westcliffe Drive, Layton. We did have pens and paper there, but it must have been very difficult for the teacher because of the wide age range of the children. I do remember practising writing neatly - light strokes up, strong down.

By now some evacuees were so homesick that they chose to return home. As the numbers reduced we were able to settle into local schools. I was very lucky because I had my family (mother, father, brother and a cousin who came to live with us). We rented a house on Lynwood Avenue directly opposite the gates of Layton Primary School where we attended for a short time. Air raid shelters were built in the school grounds.

A vivid memory is of us all standing in the back garden at night looking towards Manchester, 50 miles away. The sky was red from the bombing and subsequent fires. This was the 'blitz' of 1940. The feeling of utter helplessness by our parents was felt even by us young children, although we could not comprehend the situation. The garden was mainly used for growing vegetables and dad also had an allotment (a neighbour's cat had kittens under our rhubarb!). The countrywide slogan was 'Dig for Victory'.

Dad also joined the A.R.P. and did night patrols. If they saw a chink of light seeping through the black-out curtains they'd call, 'put that light out!'. This became a general catchphrase.

Another cousin came to stay with us as they had been 'bombed out'. Her father was in the army and stationed for a time in Blackpool and visited us regularly. The house always seemed full and, although it seems strange now, was a very happy time.

My brother subsequently went to Palatine School and I went to Claremont Girls' School. This was my sixth school in twelve months and I had a lot to catch up on. I was made 'monitor' which did much for my ego and helped me settle in. There were two evacuees in particular who I remember from my class - one from Manchester where we had both earlier attended the same school, and one with exactly the same name as me but from London.

The family attended St. Mark's Church. I joined the Girls' Friendly Society and appeared in some shows and pantomimes (6d. admission).

My father's position as School Attendance Officer for the evacuees was not now needed and in January 1945 we all returned 'home' to Manchester."

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