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Written by Ronald Mizon
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One day, Mam started to pack things away – clothes, dishes, etc. I was in for a surprise. I was growing up and started at a small school. The surprise was we were on the move again.
Not too far from our little cottage – about three hundred yards or so. As Dad was employed at the chemical works which was owned by the Warburton family and did part time gardening for Mrs. Warburton and head grounds man at the cricket field, of which the Warburtons had an interest in as well, he was offered the tenancy of a much larger house for us. It was, in fact, a four bedroomed property. This too was owned by the Warburtons and subsequently it was offered to Dad at a reduced rate. When we actually came to move our goods and chattels we transported them, not on the usual horse and cart belonging to the coalman but on a chemical works lorry (truck) which was put at our disposal, along with a driver, by the generosity of the chemical works Manager and the Warburtons. I was much thrilled! It was the first time I had ever ridden on a motor vehicle and I sat beside the driver. As we moved the short distance, my Queenie stood at her front gate. I had given her a hug but it was not farewell as we would be just around the corner and as we settled down in our new house I would go regularly up to see her and we would go down to the cricket field and she and I would learn to throw a ball and she would bring it back to me nearly every time. As she and I sat and watched Dad tidy up the pitch or other times with Dad near the score board, she would sit close up to my legs.Our new home was enormous, with the four bedrooms, a bathroom and a bath. But no inside toilet. This was to be found at the bottom of the garden but when it was dark Dad provided a kerosene lantern for us timid ones as I, for one, did not like making a visit in the dark.It was getting near Christmas, my Mam told me, and she put up a few decorations and Dad managed to find a Christmas tree close by on the moor. Mam asked what I would like Father Christmas to bring me. I thought and thought, then I told Mam I would like a new baby sister. So, she said I should shout up the chimney and tell Father Christmas. So, I did and do you know on Christmas Day I went in to see Mam who just happened to be in bed and do you know she had with her a little baby girl?! Father Christmas had heard me for there was my baby sister. He had left her on Christmas Eve and that is how my younger sister came to us. Our little Bessie Florence.The house stood alone on the moor and was a little on the lonely side. ie no close neighbours and at night it was a little eerie with dark corners and shadows. It was only lit by gas lamps and there were no streetlights. Sometimes Dad came home late and when it was dark Mam was a little frightened. So, he bought a gun. Ronald Mizon
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