I 'spect I grow'd
A Cotswold childhood and teenage years during the 1930s and 1940s
by
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Though autobiographical the focus of this volume is a description of the social history and community life of Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden through the eyes of a young and youthful participant observer. The story embraces the post-depression period of the 1930s through World War Two into the immediate post-war era of reconstruction. The account takes the reader on a journey as a boy during pre-school years then time at the Infant School moving on to Junior School and finally to the Grammar School and beyond. The text is largely anecdotal describing the people and activities in a manner that is blatant;y honest. Some stories are mischivious, others poignant. Dr. Whitehouse also spends time talking about his membership of the local scout troop and other local activities as well as escapades with the American forces based in abudance in the area prior to D Day and his varied association with the RAF station both during WW2 and his personal experience of being based there whilst serving in the RAF. An epilogue relates the influence of his formative years to his career and the personal development that subsequently evolved.
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About the Book
This book will appeal to a variety of people living in the North Cotswolds and particularly for those living in Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden. It will provide nostalgia for those who have lived there all their lives and insight for those who have arrived more recently. It is a comment on the social history of the time and could be a useful resource for schools as well as for local history societies. It will be of particular interest for those associated with local schools and scout groups. The text and some forty photographs illustrate much of the history of the area seen through the eyes of a working class lad but from the perspective now of an adult who has kept in touch with local developments all his life.
About the Author
Dr. Derrick Whitehouse was born and grew up in Moreton-in-Marsh during the years prior to WW2 until he left to join the RAF in 1950. He was educated at Chipping Campden Grammar School and was a member of the Moreton Scout Group where he became a King's Scout. Following RAF service he became a teacher. He had a wide range of experience in senior posts in Education and Community Development in many parts of the UK. In retirement, he has travelled world-wide and is the Quaker Chaplain at The University of Northampton (TUN) where he teaches yoga with meditation. He also serves on the Northamptonshire Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education in schools.