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I was born in Manchester in 1926 and came from a large family.
I was evacuated to Clitheroe aged 11 years old.
One of my sisters was evacuated to Downham.
I was lucky to be placed in a very comfortable home. Another girl was placed with me but she was sent back home as she was naughty.

We were ‘chosen’ in the village hall and taken to the hosts house which was so impressive. We had our own bedroom with en-suite! This was unheard of in those days.

The couple ‘spoilt’ me, taking me on country walks etc … I stayed in touch with them until they died.
My schooling took place in half days. (half for the grammar school and half for the convent).
My hosts were wealthy (the man didn’t work). He was a keen photographer and took albums of photographs (unfortunately now lost).
The wife taught me to knit, crochet and other skills.
They were real country people — walked daily.

My hosts gave me a marvellous dinner party for my 13th birthday all beautifully done.
We had rabbit pie!
The wife was quite strict but taught me all the domestic skills of baking, cooking, laundry.
They had a maid and a gardener. The wife made the linen (eg pillow cases) and was thrifty.
My hosts were great musicians, entertaining friends in their beautiful home.
We were allowed to go the cinema on a Saturday.
I went back for holidays after the war and before I was married.

On visits home it was distressing to see the devastation in Manchester.

‘This story was told to Shirley Padley and submitted to the People’s War website by Lisa Reeves of CSV Action Desk Leicester on behalf of Maureen Hailwood and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the sites terms and conditions.’

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