Kids supposed to evacuate this afternoon. Later told that it is tomorrow. Said goodbye to John and all my pals. May never see them again.’
In October 1939, sixteen-year-old Eric Armstrong took the coach from his modest home in Handsworth, Birmingham to faraway rural Gloucestershire.
'Living away from Mum and Dad turned out to be much more pleasant than anticipated. He was fortunate in his placement and made lots of new friends. Stroud turned out to be an idyllic retreat from the bustle of Birmingham, where Eric could enjoy walks, cycle rides and trips to the cinema. And as for company: ‘there are lots of simply lovely girls here – all sorts and sizes . . .’
With warmth and vivid detail, Eric describes a time that was full of new challenges and tiresome shortages; yet also of kindness and humour, resilience and courage.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eric Armstrong was born, raised and educated in Handsworth, Birmingham. Following army service, 1942-1947, he became a student at Birmingham University. After six years at Cadburys, Bournville, working in the field of industrial relations, he became a university teacher, first at Aston and later at the Manchester Business School. During retirement he has developed a keen interest in postcards of old Birmingham. So far, 10 lavishly illustrated books about the city have been published, including Old Birmingham Work and Leisure and Birmingham 1900, and more are planned. Eric now lives in Derbyshire, but has kept in close contact with Birmingham friends, relatives and old boys.
235 x 165 mm | paperback | 128 pages | 150 b&w illustrations
COVER PRICE £ 14.99
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