World War 2 Evacuees in Essex. 10th September 2013

Fourteen members of the district society were entertained on Tuesday 10th September by Bryan Thurlow who took on the apparel of a Cockney pearly king as he related the fictional story of Billy and Doris Jackson and their adventures as evacuees from Bethnal Green during World War 2. Clearly showing his background in acting, Bryan told how the two children were moved to the safety of a Suffolk farm, run by an uncle and aunt, when the Luftwaffe began the blitz. With a convincing accent and just the right amount of pathos Bryan took us through the changes the children experienced in their education and how they adapted to life on a farm. Their father had joined the army and mother had gone to work in a factory so visits were rare but loneliness was ameliorated by the fact that they were with cousins of their age – so there was fun at times.
Bryan burst into appropriate song at times inviting audience participation. As this is a talk that is “doing the rounds” it would be unfair to reveal too much detail or the outcome! Several members recounted their own experiences of evacuation.
Chairman Alan Fitch thanked Bryan for his contribution to an interesting evening.

Next meeting: 8th October 8pm in Foxearth Village Hall when Robert Halliday will relate some “Suffolk Ghost Stories”
(by Ken Nice)