Ray and Phil Shewry moved to Thame from Buckland in 1936. They describe their early recollections of school; the evacuees arriving; youth activities; their common interest of local sports, and their vivid memories of many local events in the town.
The recording was made on 6th February 2008
A New House in Thame – Mr Purser’s warehouse in London is bombed. Father changes job and the family moves to 10 Bell Lane. Ray and Phil describe the house.
John Hampden & Miss Groves – early experiences of John Hampden School and memories of Miss Grove, who had travelled all over Europe. At the age of eight Ray is singing Russian patriotic songs.
Evacuees – Evacuees arrive in Thame and the new children become part of the school.
Youth – There are plenty of youth activities – the White Crusaders, and a camp at Weston-Super-Mare.
Sport – Phil describes the local hockey players in Thame, in particular Joan Barton, John Hussey and Les Yates.
Table Tennis in Thame – Phil talks about the popularity of table tennis after the war and the youth club culture. The club has had many homes in halls and pubs in the town.
Ray Shewry died in October 2021.