Members were taken on a trip down memory lane at their November meeting when Mr Jim Howitt talked about The Home Front and the Blitz.

He told how as a choir boy at St Mary Cray church the vicar had stopped his sermon to announce that war had been declared and they were told to all quickly make for home.

It wasn’t long before ID cards, ration books and gas masks were distributed.

Chislehurst caves were opened as a shelter but soon were enlarged to contain a first aid centre and a chapel Many local pictures showed bombings in St Mary Cray, Lewisham and the tragedy of Sandhurst Road School. One of our members lost a friend there and learnt of the mass grave for the children in Hither Green cemetery.

It was interesting to learn that boys were allowed to replace their school blazer badge with that of their father’s service or regiment. After the night raids boys were out searching for trophies and showed off their collections of shrapnel etc.

We were reminded to come and support our darts team, quiz evening, church bazaar and the district Carol service all taking place within the next month as well as a trip to Shringham and Thusford Christmas spectacular.