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WI
Alan Nix, who, aged 5, was evacuated in 1940 from the London suburbs to a mining
village in Wales, told us of his experiences, and illustrated his talk with slides. His
family were quite well off and had a nice house and garden and owned a car. He and
his elder brother went together and were the last to be placed as no-one wanted 2
boys who were not old enough to help.
Their first placement was not pleasant, and they had to share a bed with 2 little girls.
They were not very well fed, as the couple were only in it for the money. Alan ate
berries and grass because he was so hungry, and ended up in hospital.
They were then moved to a Mr and Mrs Francis. He was a mining gangleader. They
had a flush lavatory, albeit outside, but no hot water, no books, no music and no
school! However the food was lovely as Mr Francis had a smallholding, and they had
lovely expeditions on the track built to take the spoil from the mine, and they loved
visiting the LMS signalbox. Mr and Mrs Francis were keen supporters of the Chapel,
and they went every Sunday. The social highlight was the occasional Magic Lantern
Show.
They went home briefly after a couple of years, but the doodlebugs started, and Alan
went back with his sister. They celebrated V. E. Day at Merthyr Tydfil.
Over 3,500 children were evacuated from London. Some were traumatised by not
being wanted, - some were filthy and covered in lice, - and some were abused. The
upside was that they went home more adaptable and more self reliant, and some
continued to keep in touch with the families that took them in.
After the war Alan's father lost his job, and they moved to Swindon.
On Monday June 16th we are having an outing to the Somerset Lavender Farm in
Faulkland. Anyone wishing to join us should contact a member of the committee.
JEAN KAIN
Over 55’ Afternoon Tea
Asda Melksham, kindly sponsored the May Afternoon Tea by
supplying delicious cakes and also three very friendly and useful
helpers. This was most welcome and much appreciated. The
attendance was very good as usual and resulted in an excellent
afternoon. Thank you to everyone who helped and to everyone who
came along.
The Over 55s Afternoon Tea is an occasion for all 55s and over to meet together for
an enjoyable afternoon of tea, coffee and cake. It is a lively and good humoured event.
The next one will be held on Wednesday 11th June 3.00pm - 4.30 pm at the Atworth
Institute/Village Hall. If you haven’t been before, please come along. You will be made
most welcome. If you are unable to come this time, the following Afternoon Tea will be
on Wednesday 9th July at the same time and venue so just call in. If you need
transport that’s no problem as a lift can easily be arranged by phoning 01225 702228.
Kind regards Effie
Yer Tiz Atworth Village Magazine—June 2014
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