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As
the child of a family running a busy village shop, the author developed
the ability to be ‘a fly on the wall’ watching, listening and
establishing lasting memories. She has drawn up a very special picture
of life in the Worcestershire village of Ombersley during the 1940s. This
is a pithy account of village life as it was, offering a view decidedly
unlike a picture-postcard image. The full stratum of village life is reflected,
drawing attention to a variety of ideas and attitudes; poverty, wealth,
a common work ethic, crime, tragedy, sorrow and pleasure are all there
in the village mixing pot.
Vivid accounts of school days under the eagle eye of a Dickensian Headmaster,
together with tales of growing up in the countryside, are recounted. For
her friends and herself, life was a ‘let’s pretend’ world
of carefree childhood, playing around a lake and streams, enjoying the
river bank and roving freely in lovely parkland, woods and meadows. Visitors
to the village were always a source of interest and included Romany gypsies
and American soldiers. The villagers knew how to enjoy themselves in a
variety of ways including sporting activities, singing, dancing, and entertaining
others. The author also recalls her Grandmother’s stories, which
add another dimension to this book. |
