Page 17 - link magazine

LOCAL LIVES
13
Bert Lancaster's story continued We turn from one man's experiences of war
over 70 years ago to concern for servicemen and women
kept in the breast pocket of my
blouse. Another piece of luck." involved in the Gulf conflict.
Bert says there wasn't anything
special about Armistice Day on 11 The West Swindon Churches
November 1918. It just meant that are here to help
he didn't have to go into the line The war in the Gulf brings home to us some harsh facts of life,
again. He's equally unassuming writes Helen Lawrence. But we don't have to be overwhelmed
about receiving the Military Medal. by fear and anxiety. We can pray and God promises to be near
"1 don't know what I got it for. I was
just doing what everybody else was to all who call on him. (Psalm 145:18).
doing." If you have friends or relatives in the Gulf and would like
He also achieved a marksman someone to pray for them or pray with you, ring the West
qualification. "I never wore the Swindon Church office on 874221- and we will contact you as
badge though. There was a super- soon as possible.
stition that Gerry had your number
if you displayed it." Be ready to give blood
He finished the warat Douai as an The area Blood Transfusion Service are asking readers to
officer's servant and was later de- respond to invitations to give blood when an appointment card
mobbed and arrived back in Eng- Bert holding up the prayer book which is received.
land just before his twenty first stopped a bullet and saved his life over Blood will be needed in months to come and people who are
birthday. "I arrived back at Old 73 years ago not registered as donors (or who have not given blood for some
Town station and the first thing my very modern at the time by having a time) are asked to do so as soon as possible.
brother said was, 'have you got a hot water system installed. To register telephone Freephone 0800 - 300333 or Oxford
fog?' Things were pretty tight at As a keen footballer, Bert recalls (0865) 741188.
home, but I managed to bring 1,000 playing in a local cup final at the You will then be called to attend one of the blood donor
back." Swindon Town County Ground for sessions held regularly in West Swindon.
Bert returned to the GWR works the Stratton Reform F.C. If you are not registered please do not attend local blood
and went into the springshop, where After Bert's wife died in 1980, he
he stayed for the next 45 years and travelled out to New Zealand to live donor sessions. Blood has a short shelf life and the Service
eventually became charge hand. with his son and daughter in law. cannot cope with an unplanned supply. Please register.
"Until that time springs for the rail- After five years they all moved back
ways were made by being ham- to England and have lived in West r Id : 4 -1 -W 1101 -1 Al k 'I'd 4: 4,rA
mered into shape by hand. Soon Swindon since 1988.
after I arrived the first spring coiling Nowadays with failing sight Bert's
machine arrived and I was the first activities are rather restricted, but
person to operate it. That machine he tries to get fresh air everyday. "I
was still there when I left the works." try to take a short walk twice a day
Bert retired in 1963 and because if can, when the weather is good. I
he had been too old to join the con- know a few people in the street and
tributory pension scheme when he we have a bit of chat. I used to be
returned from the war, he was able to get up to the Toothill shops. ma
awarded an ex-gratia pension from "Last year one of the girls at JCR
British Rail which he still receives. made me a lovely cake for my TAKE-AWAYIl i, --- 110 & HOME DELIVERY SERVICE
He married in 1922 and moved birthday. It was nice of them to
into one the first houses being built think of me."
on the Oxford Road between Bert will be 93 next month. We'd
Stratton St Margaret and Swindon like to wish him Many Happy Re- Forget the January Sales!
new town. He remembers being turns.
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