East Leake, Leicestershire

Evacuees to Normanton in 1941

My elder brother, Alan Crook, and I were evacuated from Sheffield during the blitz of, I think, 1941. We stayed, as far as I can recall, in a large house, I believe the Manse, attached to the Church. (St. James ?). I was about 6 at the time so my memories are a little hazy ! We were looked after by the Vicar, and his housekeeper who was very kind to us. The vicar had a grown-up daughter who used to lend me her doll's pram. I remember a beautiful garden with an archway leading to the church grounds. It was a very traumatic time for my brother and I but I would love to find the place again as I have many questions but very few clear memories. I would appreciate any contact with anyone who was in Normanton during the war and who remembers any details.

snow on the university site

I remember when the snow was really heavy, I was about 6 years old and I lived with my grandparent and mother on New Ashby Road, just over the road from the Loughborough University. My uncles and Aunts took me over to the university with a sledge, we had a wonderful time sledging and making a giant sized snow man...

Long Whatton Primary School

My name is Sandra Faure nee Cartlidge.
I have wonderful memories of my childhood in Long Whatton, especially those when I was at the Primary School.
Anyone remember Mrs Sharpe and Mrs Varnam?
Mrs Sharpe was a lovely person and I feel that we all got a good start in life having her as our teacher. She taught us so many things apart from the normal lessons. I remember how happy she was when I became the first ever Queens Guide in Long Whatton. She even gave me five pounds, which in those days, was a LOT of money!
I remember how we used to be able to play in the fields which were opposite my house (9, The Green). They were really happy days for me and my two brothers and all our friends.

Working on the boats.

The wooden boats in the picture belong to the riverside restaurant, out of shot to the right. As a teenager, in 1974, it was my job on a Sunday afternoon to hire these out. We did have a few people fall out of the boats, but no one complained. A warm brew and some towels was all it took to make things right.