This is an anonymous story collected from the public as part of the THE WOKINGHAM ARC PROJECT

I am a happy, outgoing retired builder with four sons and one daughter. Was married for 57 years – been widowed four years. Nice STRONG builder’s tea makes me feel alive. I love garden mint in everything. Wokingham was quiet and rural but now urban.  Family is most important, I have 13 grandchildren… Home to me means family. I like a busy home, but enjoy the peace too. I also built most of my home.

For the future I want my children to be happy (& rich after I’ve gone!) and to use their inheritance wisely. In the future I hope there are no wars, and that ice caps stop melting -  we need more awareness of everything.

I moved to Wokingham in 1940. Bombed out of London and evacuated – supposed to get on train to Woking with mum and five kids but I got on the wrong train! I went to the council, they wouldn't help. I stayed in a stable for one night then a room over a garage in a big home with US troops. Mum fed them, they gave food. D-day USA left and UK troops moved in! Stayed in Wokingham since!