Pop’s Cafe

Richard Wyatt

I hope l don’t come across as a scary bloke? Bath Newseum regular Terry Basson has sent me a ‘May l be so bold’ email which states:

‘Thank you for all your posts – many in a day – but what are your readers gaining when it is mainly only your thoughts being directed? Why not open up your blog for others occasionally to add their mindful thoughts?’
Terry, l have often said l welcome contributions from my followers and am happy to publish your thoughts and memories – revolving around your father and VE Day.

‘The Evacuees of Suffolk

This year, we have celebrated the long life of our force’s sweetheart Vera Lynn. There’s been Victory in Europe, and ‘distanced’ street parties. We have also enjoyed some wonderful movies – Dunkirk – !917 – Winston’s Darkest Hour- Garry Oldman  – what a year!

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In my PJ’s today, I wandered out into my garage stubbing my toe in the dark on an old frame that had a red poppy attached. After regaining my composure, I picked up what had given me a painful shock.

This poster was about my Pop during WW2 and it mentioned the Suffolk Evacuees. Having read it through again, I thought, I might add a little more of ‘Pops Café’  other exploits with those young evacuee children, so far from home.

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Dad placed an ad in the newspaper, inviting all Suffolk evacuees for a treat to the Saturday morning picture house, down by the town railway station. The children lined up in considerable numbers outside ‘The Cross’ pub.

Dad arranged with the local American 439th airbase to provide a band – he marched the kids down ‘Quay Street’ and the children felt really important. How do I know this  – because I was there with them. My Splendid Pop! ‘

Terry then emailed again and added another photo and message.

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‘Dad and his two brothers were in the trenches,  all three went over the top together at the Battle of The Somme – they ran right through no man’s land together and survived the slaughter that occurred on the first day of the battle.
My dad is far right.

Thanks, Terry.

 

Published by Richard Wyatt

Freelance Journalist, broadcaster, columnist and local historian. Director of Bath Newseum. Married and lives in Bath. Interested in local history, architecture and visual display in museums and urban spaces.