- Contributed by听
- Aquitania
- People in story:听
- Blackpool Hospitality Home
- Location of story:听
- Blackpool
- Background to story:听
- Civilian
- Article ID:听
- A5057147
- Contributed on:听
- 13 August 2005
Blackpool Hospitality Home
The Steer Family
This is a story that I feel should be recorded of the generosity and hospitality of one Blackpool family during the war. Mr and Mrs Steer had three sons, Gordon the eldest, was in the R.A.F. and served in Burma. Harry the middle son was in the 8th Army and served with General Montgomery in the North African campaign. John who was my close friend being the youngest. John desperately wanted to join HM Forces, unfortunately due to a heart condition he was declared unfit. I was not old enough to join the forces at the beginning of the war and being in the same Boy Scout Troop as John, it was essential that we did something to help the war effort, consequently we both joined the A.F.S. as messengers.
On Sunday evenings we all attended a Methodist church in the centre of Blackpool and subsequently when Blackpool became a training centre for the R.A.F. we had several airmen and airwomen attend the services on Sunday evenings. Mrs Steer started to invite most of them back to their home after the service. We met many wonderful people during that time, unfortunately some were destined to be shipped out after a short time in Blackpool, however the great social times that we had together still remain as happy memories, I can still remember Mrs Steer sitting playing the piano in their living room and everyone joining in the sing song.
I am sure many of these young people far from home, really appreciated being able to relax and enjoy refreshments in a comfortable friendly home atmosphere, all due to the generosity of the Steer family. I often think about some of those AIRMEN / WAAFS and did they survive the war.
I subsequently joined the R.N.A.S. ( Fleet Air Arm ) and thankfully survived in one piece.
Mr Steer himself served in France during WW 1 and was in the Royal Flying Corps. Sadly, all the Steers have now passed away, my friend John being the last. John passed away at Christmas 2003.
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