It was a farewell to end all farewells. Evacuees who were sent to the safe quarters of Guilden Morden during the Second World War got together to reminisce for the last time on Saturday in the village that gave them shelter away from the Luftwaffe bombing that rained down on Britain’s big cities.
About 90 former school friends, including six evacuees, met at the Congregational Church schoolroom in Pound Green for a natter about years gone by – meaning the room at times was almost deafening with echoes of chatter.
The old friends dined like royalty with a big cake, sausage rolls, sandwiches and cheese straws, washed down with a much deserved glass of champagne to honour the last reunion.
Doreen Mitchell, who has lived in Guilden Morden all her life and went to school with the evacuees, was responsible for getting everybody together and was delighted with the turnout.
She said: “The day went very well. It was a really good afternoon, a lovely day. I’ve had a few phone calls since saying how well it went.
“There was plenty of food and everybody was chatting because we hadn’t met for so long.
“Everybody said what a wonderful day it was.”
People came from all corners of the country, including County Durham, Somerset, Yorkshire, Norwich and London to meet up with their old friends.
Doreen said: “Everybody got on very well.
“It was a proper send off. It was a bit sad because it was the last one, hopefully we will be able to meet up with some of the other evacuees at another point in the future.”
Doreen would like to say thanks to all those who helped arrange the event, and to the wonderful cooks for laying on a top class spread.
The reunion will be the last of its kind in Guilden Morden – it has been running since 2009 but Doreen and her band of helpers, who are almost all in their eighties, are finding it more tiring with age.
Freda Adlington, Doreen’s childhood friend, presented the humble organiser with a large bouquet of flowers in appreciation of all her hard work over the years.
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