Second World War evacuee reveals happy memories in Essex village
A WARTIME evacuee who was taken in by a Chrishall family is fulfilling a promise to make them famous . At an emotional book launch in Chrishall s The Red Cow, author Sheila Fields was reunited with friends, many of whom she has not seen for years. Her ne
A WARTIME evacuee who was taken in by a Chrishall family is fulfilling a promise to "make them famous".
At an emotional book launch in Chrishall's The Red Cow, author Sheila Fields was reunited with friends, many of whom she has not seen for years.
Her new semi-autobiographical book, Sally Bone, is packed with real life characters, including members of the Cranwell family who looked after her during the second world war.
"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," said Sheila.
You may also want to watch:
To coincide with the launch of the book, Sheila visited Chrishall Primary School where she spoke to children about the war and life as an evacuee.
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.
Most Read
- 1 New Market Row deli will inspire community spirit, says mayor
- 2 New pub opens: 'We had almost the whole village, and the one nearby'
- 3 Application refused for 100 homes on former Friends School site
- 4 No end of the line in sight for Audley End CrossCountry cancellations
- 5 Things to do on the May Bank Holiday weekend: Essex gardens are open
- 6 Survey reveals Uttlesford fears of fourth national Covid lockdown
- 7 Back to the drawing board for Radwinter Road retirement homes
- 8 Houses in pub garden refused on appeal but similar application pending
- 9 Boy George and Culture Club announce Audley End concert
- 10 Firefighters rescue woman after town centre collision
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 boys from surrounding villages never returned home after serving in 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."
After the war Sheila spent much of her life living in Holland where she still lives, but she has never forgotten her promise to the Cranwell family of Chrishall.
To order a copy of the book visit www.blenheimpressltd.co.uk
