大象传媒

Joan Daws (nee Steele) is my name and I am now in Southport, but was evacuated to Weaverham at the age of eight years. I was evacuated with my older sister Margaret from Wellington Road School, via St. Michael's Station, Aigburth, with my gas mask, identity label and luggage. The first home we went to belonged to a lady with a little boy and we were not happy- we were missing home and family very much.

The next home we went to was that of Auntie and Uncle Crompton who had two sons who were called up. We were still very sad and missing home but they treated us very kindly. Auntie had been in the service and so was a very good housewife, bottling fruit and making jam and chutney. Uncle grew all the veg and it was all picked fresh. They did not seem to be short, although we did stand in queues in the market in Northwich, one in each queue.

At first, the evacuees had their own school, but alot went home, so eventually we had schooling at a local school. Margaret, now deceased, could pluck a chicken and skin a rabbit all with Auntie's instruction, such skill was essential in war time. We stayed there about three years, I think.

I have met quite a few evacuees but nobody who went to Weaverham. We came home much healthier with good fresh air. My father was a dock worker and was also in the home guard. They did get bombed out and mum and dad were rehoused in Ouse Street, whilst we were evacuated.

The house in Weaverham was 12 Clitheroe Road and my son-in-law took us back on a sentimental journey about twelve years ago. The house was then rented by a new owner and completely changed. When we came home we did visit and write for many years. It was an experience that changed our lives.

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