´óÏó´«Ã½

This story has been submitted on behalf of the author by a People's War volunteer story gatherer. The author has been made aware of the site's House Rules.

------------------------------------

My parents, who lived in an isolated farmhouse at the foothills of the Blackdown Hills in Somerset, turn part of the farm buildings into a camp for evacuees.

Over the war years they had about 20 children living in very primitive conditions.

Cared for by mostly young men, Cos, who really had no training or experience of looking after children. A situation that I imagine would never be tolerated today.

The children came from London, Coventry, Bristol and Exeter.

There were no real accidents, the children were hardly ever ill. They thrived on fresh air, regular routine, and plain but wholesome food.

Although occasionally homesick, they were a very happy crowd. None left before it was safe to do so.

The helpers belong to "Quaker Relief Service", it was very exacting work and they shared the same living conditions as that of the children.

Some of the children have kept in touch over the years, the young man from London, married a girl from Coventry, and they still live in the area.

Two or three of them took the trouble to come to my parents’ memorial service at the Quaker meeting after their deaths.

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.