Page 137 - KBHA BULLETIN 6

illuminated the steps into Douglas Cottage. It was generally a dark area after sundown.

Preparations for the first dance included the laying of carpets on the whole space between

the hall and sub-station as well as the drive to the sub-station. Couches and sofas were
placed in this area as well as tables dotted about for food and refreshments. Where once a

dirty old abandoned pump station stood was now a fairyland of light, people, music and
laughter! The kitchen was ablaze with light and powerful lights in the hall spilled light out

all around outside. The hall was full of dancers whirling around while others rested and
took refreshments outside sitting on the sofas. Soldiers were coming and going from the

Main Road, some only coming to see what was going on!

We, the local children, stood out of sight in the shadows, wondering at this transformation

of our familiar playground. Slowly we drifted away to tell our parents all about it.

Another service that S.A.W.A.S. provided was arranging for a serviceman to enjoy a meal

with local families. It was amazing to see how grateful these men were to be able to sit
down to a meal with a family again after many weeks away from home.

Apparently the British authorities were expecting heavy bombing raids on their cities. We

were told a decision had been made to evacuate as many children as possible to

Commonwealth countries where they would be safer living with foster parents during the
war. I think the S.A.W.A.S. was responsible for arranging outings for children in transit

before moving on to their foster parents. My parents were asked to have two children for a
day. As it happened, it was my sister's birthday and two boys about eleven and twelve

joined us at her party. I remember they were very quiet which was hardly surprising.
Leaving home without their parents, on a ten thousand kilometer voyage in wartime

conditions to a strange country to live with strange people, could hardly have been much

fun!

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