Born in Pembury hospital in January 1929, Doreen really is a local girl!
Growing up in the High Brooms area, Doreen remembers her childhood during World War Two – the frightening shriek of doodlebugs, the arrival of American and Canadian soldiers and not being able to play out on the street as a child. She also has a vivid memory of a dog “hurtling down the street alarmed by the sound of the doodlebugs”.
Doreen has five siblings – three brothers and two sisters, one of whom (Edith) made Doreen laugh “more than any other person in her life”. Her father had spent 10 years in India cooking for the army there, and her mother, Clara, worked in a service house in Southborough and was “lovely”. Doreen was able to grow fruit and vegetables in her back garden which was also an allotment.
At school, Doreen was terrified by her school mistress but during the war her lessons took place underground in air shelters, which was even more scary! Exercise was one of Doreen’s favourite activities in school, especially netball which she could play with her friends.
Doreen met her husband, Denis, at an international store where she worked, and they married when Denis returned after being away in the navy for five years. They went on to have two children – Barry and Valerie – who each went on to have children of their own.
As there were fewer available hobbies in those days, Doreen found enjoyment sewing and knitting clothes for her family, but after a while they started buying their own! The family also discovered a love of travel and toured many of the wonderful locations around the country, including Doncaster (to visit her sister), Eastbourne, and Bournemouth.
Unfortunately, the pandemic divided Doreen and her children/grandchildren for a time, and she missed them greatly. During the lockdowns Doreen joined in lots of the home’s activities to keep busy and spent a lot of time doing Tai Chi. She is delighted to be receiving visits from her family once again and is also happy that the shops are open so she can get out and browse again!
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