Latest local news, sport, what's on, weather, travel from Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, South West

Evacuees return to Yeovil - 60 years on

From the archive, first published Thursday 15th Jul 2004.

TWO evacuees returned to the platform of Yeovil Junction Railway Station on Tuesday - 60 years after they were evacuated to the town from war-torn Surrey in 1944.

Peter Durrant and Sheila Nicholas made the journey to rekindle their special memories of the town and its people.

Mr Durrant, who is now 73 and a Freeman of the City of London, said: "We received incredible kindness from the people of Yeovil.

"I was taken in by a lady called Mrs Board who was a coal merchant in the town and we lived in Vincent Street.

"As well as the special memories, we are making the visit to say a thank you, through the Mayor of Yeovil, to the people of the town whose kindness and sacrifice made us feel so very welcome."

The Mayor, Cllr Ian Martin, who met them at Yeovil Junction, said: "I consider it an honour and a privilege to welcome Peter and Sheila back to Yeovil and to receive their thanks on behalf of the townspeople of Yeovil.

"I hope they enjoy their stay and their visit brings back many happy memories."

Archive Home