大象传媒

In 1941 the London Docks were fire bombed. People were trapped there and couldn't get out so anyone who had a boat travelled up (or down) the river from everywhere to rescue the people.

Some boats were coal barges but it didn't matter how dirty the boat was, they had to escape.

They travelled to Kew where I lived and the people there, who were known to be 'posh'. gave them a warm welcome - they offered them baths and their rations. They took them into their homes and lasting friendships were made.

My mother was in chrge of emergency catering and I made lots of fish paste sandwiches. Everybody was well looked after.

One couple who were due to be married lost everything. My mother went to see the Archbishop and arranged things so the service could go ahead and everybody helped with food and clothers. We didn't have any alcohol but everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

When I think of it, even now, how everybody pulled together, it still brings a tear to my eye.

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