G’day from Eldorado in Victoria Australia.
My sister and I were sent to stay in Esh Winning during the war. I was 7 or 8, and Betty 2 years older. I stayed with Mr and Mrs Kale, and Betty with relations of our stepfather, John Pigg, also in the village. The Kales had Arthur and Eileen. They were all very kind. Mr Kale was a miner. He took me to the pit one Sunday morning, but I remember I chickened out and ran away. But since then I became a very keen caver. He also kept pigeons. The parents would be long passed away but perhaps Arthur or Eileen might still live there-abouts. I went to the local primary school, where the kids gave me a very hard time, because I didn’t speak proper!
We came from Bath. I wonder if anyone would make a few enquiries to see if these good people are still there. I would be very grateful, but please don’t go to any great trouble. I know I am pulling a very long straw.
Kind regards
Peter Ham
Monday 11 April 2011
Mr and Mrs Kale
Submitted on behalf of Peter Ham
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It's my brother's birthday tomorrow so I have arranged to pick him up en-rout from Hartlepool and make a few enquiries in Esh. My aunty lived in an old people's bungalow in Esh Winning and perhaps that may be a good starting point for our enquiries. We shall be having lunch in the pub at the top of the Silly Steps with fabulous views over Langley Park and The Vale of Lanchester. Shall keep you informed of any developments.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Hope we get there before WB.
This morning together with my brother I visited a retirement complex in Esh Winning and spoke to three or four people chatting at a garden gate. I explained the nature of my enquiry and was told the a lady Eileen Kale was alive and living in the village. Following directions, a few minutes later I was knocking on a door which was answered by a lady in her 79th year, Mrs Eileen ROWLAND who confirmed her maiden name as KALE. I started to explain about someone in Australia attempting to contact someone in Esh he had stayed with during the war years. She said, " Is it Peter HAM? I've just been thinking about him. " JACKPOT!! cont/
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely lady Eileen is. She invited me into her home and was so delighted to discuss these memories with me. She remembered Peter and Betty with great fondness, how Peter had lived with them in Evenwood Road and that Betty had lived with their next door neighbours Vera ( nee PIGG ) and Louis Sergeant. She said that her mother adoured Peter because she so reminded her of the son Albert she had lost - ginger hair and blue eyes. Eileen said how she so enjoyed going on reciprocal visits to Peter's home in BATHGATE Somerset. She did however have to go to school while down there and guess what - the kids took ' the Micky' because of how she spoke. Eileen said all the kids down there spoke really posh. Thats 1-1. cont./
ReplyDeletecontinue tomorrow the incohol is adouringly efefting me. Bludy birthdays.
ReplyDeleteEileen is widowed and lives with her daughter, I am told they are both lucky to be alive after a very serious road accident a few years ago, Eileen's daughter being effected even more than Eileen herself. Arther, Eileen,s brother is 81 years and living in retirement in Esh Winning after a lifetime spent farming in Wiltshire. I am asked to clarify the fact that her father did not keep pidgeons but kept hens, geese and goats, she says Peter would remember the many pidgeon lofts in their allotment area. We took a lovely photograph of Eileen and she provided her full contact details for me to pass to Peter Ham if somehow our email addresses could be exchanged. Eileen believes Peter went on to join the R.A.F., maybe Peter could confirm this for her. If I am able to assist further I would be happy to do so.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Really enjoyed our Birthday lunch in the Board Inn, washed away with a pint of Titanic.
Peter Clarke,What a tremendous job you have done tracking down Eileen and Arthur for me. Many many thanks for going to all that trouble. You certainly earned that pint of Titanic, it sounds good. Don't much care for the Aussie beer. I would be delighted if you could pass Eileen's email address on to me, or give her mine.
ReplyDeleteI did indeed join the RAF, first as an apprentice followed by 12 years of men's service as an aircraft technician.
To Mr Peter HAM - Hi Peter nice to read your response. I am not provided with your email address but if you send me an email to Percivalandcarole@hotmail.co.uk then I shall return it with Eileen's full contact details. Please include your mother's christian name. Kind regards.
ReplyDeleteSpoke today to Eileen who said she had received a lovely letter and photographs from Peter HAM. Because she had not responded quickley he had phoned her " All the way from Australia " She said how lovely it was to hear his voice after so many years. Mission accomplished - Thanks to this site for making all this possible. Cheers Paul.
ReplyDeleteGood work all round Peter. We had your relation up at Tynemouth for the weekend Carl Turnbull!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that Alf. I do believe Carl's marriage now makes us related - in any case I aways called your mam aunty Eva. Hope you and especially your good lady are keeping well.
ReplyDeletePeter,
ReplyDeleteRead this entry regarding your enquiries at Esh Winning with great interest. A job well done Peter. Kindness makes the world go around.
Brian Mc.