The Fernhurst Society
Tales from the Archives - 53
Sentimental Journey - An Evacuee Remembers
David Cameron was evacuated to Fernhurst in September 1939 when he was 12. He made a nostalgic visit back in 2005 with his sister.
'I held my breath at the top of Fridays Hill as memories came flooding back. There was the first farm we were billeted at, there was the Spreadeagle pub, turn left at the crossroads, down past the cemetery and the church and on to the village green where I spent many happy months living with Mr and Mrs Wellen.
The Red Lion and the houses round the green still looked the same, except that the school had been turned into private houses. And there was still cricket being played on the recreation ground.
We walked on down to the old scout hut, which had been designated as our school in 1939, but now returned to its rightful owners and original use.
On the way back we caught up with a couple of old ladies who had been watching the cricket match. I asked how long they had lived in the village and one replied that she had been born here. I recalled that there were three main families, the Wellens, the Lamberts and the Dudmans. Well, I'm a Lambert, was the reply. I said that she must be Sheila Lambert and that she was a bit of a 'Dolly Bird'. Sheila thought that was very funny and said that she must tell her grandchildren.
We chatted some more about mutual wartime acquaintances before going our separate ways.'
If you would like to know more about this story, or research other local topics, the Archive is open on Tuesdays, 2.30-5pm in the Village Hall. Other times by arrangement.
Christine Maynard
Fernhurst ArchiveOne of a series of short articles bringing you some of the incidents from our rich village history. Collated by Christine Maynard, based on documents preserved at the Fernhurst Archives, these originally were published in the monthly Fernhurst News.
The Fernhurst Archives
Fernhurst History
