A WOMAN made an emotional return to the village she was evacuated to during World War Two to launch a new book about her experiences. Sheila Fields has penned the semi-autobiographical novel, entitled Sally Bone, featuring many true stories about her time

A WOMAN made an emotional return to the village she was evacuated to during World War Two to launch a new book about her experiences.

Sheila Fields has penned the semi-autobiographical novel, entitled Sally Bone, featuring many true stories about her time as part of the Cranwell family, who looked after her during the war.

The book was released on Friday, and to mark the occasion Mrs Fields, who now lives in Holland, came back to Chrishall to speak to children at the village school.

Afterwards, a launch party was held at the Red Cow pub, where the author was reunited with friends, many of whom she hadn't seen for years.

She said: "I had always promised the Cranwell family that one day I would write about them, tell the world about my time in Chrishall and make them famous."

In the book four-year-old Sally Bone is evacuated from her home in London and taken into care by Uncle Fred and Aunt Jessie, who treat her like their own daughter.

Sally is so happy at Chrishall that when her father eventually visits her there, she pleads with him to let her stay.

As well as the happy times, Sally also recalls the more poignant implications of living under the shadow of the war and she describes how five young men from surrounding villages never returned home after joining the army.

"Sally Bone has taken me about a year to write and has been an emotional journey," said Sheila. "I laughed and cried and then laughed and cried some more.

"I'm really happy with how it has turned out and everybody who has read it has really enjoyed it."

To order a copy of the book visit www.blenheimpressltd.co.uk.