Our school magazine
Read the interview in this month’s edition of Pulse. Then talk to an old person in your community and ask them about their childhood. Write a short interview in English.
In conversation with Grace Lawson
This month we interviewed Grace Lawson and asked her about her memories of her childhood in Liverpool.
Were you born in Liverpool?
Yes, I was born in 1931, in a house not far from your school. It doesn’t exist now.
What was life like in Liverpool in those days?
For most families, life was hard, but we just accepted it. My father worked in the shipyard. He used to work from six in the morning until seven at night, but I think he enjoyed his job.
What’s your most vivid childhood memory?
The day when we were evacuated during the war. Liverpool was very badly bombed, so a lot of children were sent to live in the country. I was nine. My brother and I went to live in North Wales. Our bags were taken to the station by a horse and cart. We both had a gas mask and a label with our name. Everyone tried not to cry but I remember we were very frightened. Some of the children never saw their parents again.
What do you particularly remember about that time?
We lived on a farm and we used to help with the animals. I looked after the hens and I used to love collecting the eggs.
What was it like after the war?
At first, of course, there were huge celebrations – everyone danced in the streets in the city centre. But for us, life soon went back to normal – school, and homework!
Do you think children were happier when you were young?
Yes, I think they were. We didn’t have computers or TVs. We played together all the time, often in the street. We didn’t worry about all the things that young people worry about now. Life used to be more fun, it seems to me.