feature WWII in Melbourn
This year we celebrate 70years since the ending of WWII In this issue we have an article about Florrie Widger who joined the NAAFI at the age of 17. We are interested in the experiences of Melbournians during the war years, so do please contact a member of the team and share your memories with us.
From the Village School In July 1939, from 10th to 14th plans were made for the dispersal of children in case of an air raid. All children have had their respirators filled and tested in school. On September 15th 32 children were evacuated to Melbourn from the Oratory School in London. girls, boys and infants. On October 3rd the Inspector of Schools, Mr H. Morris MA visited to discuss the rental of buildings in the village for the accommodation of the evacuated school. By Oct 11th, the following arrangements had been made: Class1 was in the Church Room, Class 2 in Baptist Church Sunday School. Infants and Classes 3 and 4 were in the Congregational Church Sunday School By November 17th the majority of the evacuated schools had moved to Clactonon-Sea. On October 9th in 1940 there was an air raid warning at 2.50pm and the children were sent home. On October 11th up to 39 children had been taken as Private Evacuees, and a party of 21 children arrived from London. On Oct 22nd the school was visited with reference to providing accommodation for 70 evacuees, and a day later Mr Wingate, the County Architect visited to discuss provision of Air Raid shelters. On October 25th there was an air raid alert at 2.15 pm, and the children were dispersed. On December 20th Trigg’s Prizes were presented by Lady Blenkinsop. Mr A. R. Fordham and Mr P. E. Elbourn were also present. In addition every child received an apple and a Christmas present. On January 21st 1941 there were 4 alerts, all of short duration, and each time a number of children went home.
School children with their gas masks
The War Savings Campaign in May resulted in £266 collected in the school. There were no cookery lessons in July due to a shortage of paraffin in the village. In October the children went hip picking, and gathered over ¼ ton of hips. (these were used to make rose hip syrup). On November the Head teacher was told that no permit had been received from the Board of Trade for a new furnace. To avoid closure the Head borrowed oil heaters and was given permission to purchase paraffin. There were open fires in Infants’ and 1 Classroom and oil heaters in the remaining three. In March 1942, during Warship Week the school raised £300. A joint exhibition of model aeroplanes, ships, lorries and soft toys by the School and the Youth Centre raised £36 which is being sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as a war gift. Evacuees helping to work the land.
A policeman makes sure some young evacuees are on the correct train out of London
We very much look forward to hearing from you. The names of the Magazine Committee and contact numbers can be found on the centre pages. EAD melbournmagazine
11
