People / Places

A Memory of Earl Shilton.

I remember so much about Earl Shilton, it wasn't just my home but my playground. The Rec. with its swings, slide and round-a-bout - so exciting then, back in the early 40s.
Gigley Wrights burned out factory, where we played for hours, the 'frog' pond, Watery Gate, and sometimes the visiting 'travellers' brightly painted wagons close by. Conquering the 'great' Croft Hill, the Brockey where we fished for tiddlers, Elmesthorpe Station where we stood in the train's steam and sometimes played 'chicken' on the tracks. Cycling for miles, the bluebell woods where we'd pick baskets full of flowers for our mums, our first dance at the Working Mens Club, and so so much else.
I lived in Heath Lane, and later Elmesthorpe Lane, before leaving E. S.
I went to Wood St. infant school in 1941 at aged 4yrs. Then the 'Top' school until 1948, and then Heathfield until 1953.
I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Wendy Baxter-Walcott......nee Baxter