Gillian Jones’ Story

Available for over a year

Gillian Jones (nee Akers) has lived all her life in Eton Wick and was just a child during the Second World War. VE Day is something she vividly remembers, having helped her mother organise a street party at which she wore a dress made from a Union flag. She enjoyed the celebrations, the singing, food and excitement without fully comprehending what it meant. Life for the family had changed dramatically during wartime when a refugee from London came to live with them for a couple of years, and they also took in an airman for a while. Her mother, Alice Akers, was later sent a certificate of appreciation from Queen Elizabeth for her help in offering shelter to strangers. Gillian remembers the air raids, school and the day to day life and emotions of a childhood lived during wartime, which she says never really leaves you. Image: A young Gillian with evacuees who were staying in the village Interview with Gillian Jones by Janice Hunter