大象传媒

This story has been put on the website by 大象传媒 Radio Cornwall Action volunteer, Olivia Davey, on behalf of the author Jean Winnan who understands the site鈥檚 rules and regulations.

Days ran into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years, infact into almost 6 years. At last the day came when peace was about to be restored once more and by the time that VE Day and VJ Day came I was now 16 going on 17. At the age of 14 I had left school to work at the Docks Office which had now for reasons of safety been moved to Penryn. A Dr Blamey had just had a lovely house built for his retirement but before he had a chance to move in it was taken over to house the machinery and staff and all office equipment. The house overlooked Trelawney Park. It was a beautiful house with a spiral staircase and a large kitchen with a Rayburn cooker, lovely on cold winter mornings as we would all assemble here when we arrived for work. Two days a week we started work at 8am and finished at 7pm-鈥渇or war effort鈥� and for this I in my little junior post was paid an extra two shillings and sixpence per week to my ten shillings weekly wage. Fortunately for me there were several people who lived near by and also worked there so we all walked together as it was dark both mornings and evenings at that time, and Tresooth Lane was always a bit creepy as there was a stable at the bottom. I only stayed at the Docks Office for 6 months as my job was punching time cards in the 鈥減ower鈥� room and this noisy environment and mechanical work was not for me. I went on to a school for short hand and typing then. The tutor was a Miss Hayward, the school situated in a flat above the Midland Bank Chambers, where Boots the chemist is now. In 1945 after my years course I got a job at the Transport and General Workers Union Office at the bottom of Hulls鈥檚 Lane in Falmouth, and it was in this office that we heard from the people in the flat above that the war was over. There was great joy and jubilation, people danced in the streets. Later followed many street teas and parties. I remember the one in Glen View where we lived. Everyone contributed cakes etc. Trestle tables were laid up right down the middle of the road, and everyone joined in. We also had another street party for Mr Sydney Rundle who lived opposite us on his return from a prison of war camp where he had been for some years. With all the sadness of war there was a great feeling of togetherness and just as we had shared each others sorrows now we too shared their joy.
Life was good and meaningful and now with the war over everyone was happy again.
Now 50 years later I often reflect on those impressive 6 years. I think of all the people who played their part in one way or another and who are no longer with us. Our own Mum and Dad, the neighbours in our street Mr Kneebone and Mr Raker who as Air Raid Wardens patrolled the street, and constantly shouted PUT THAT LIGHT OUT if only the smallest chink of light shone from the sides of our black out blinds. The four firemen including Dad, the St John鈥檚 Ambulance men and women. Our neighbours who took in and cared for evacuee children from London.
A few of my friends from that bygone age are still around and like me are now grandparents. Others have moved away and we have lost contact, but for me those 6 years and all who were part of it in our corner of the world made a deep imprint on my life, and will live on in my memory for ever.

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