Chalk Pits & Cherry Stones

A story of a working class childhood spent in a uniquely at odds with itself region of the Thames where customs of urban living clashed awkwardly with rural traditions. Jean was just one of hundreds of children who swarmed the narrow back streets of once attractive waterside villages long sacrificed to the shadow and ugliness of relentless nineteenth century brick and cement production. The unruly poor growing up in the environs of Gravesend and Northfleet were accustomed to deprivation and once the first flurry of fear receded they became just as accustomed to air raids and the omnipresent threat of sudden and total obliteration. They learned early to treat the hitches and glitches of life with realistic optimism. Even with the war safely behind them, circumstances dictated that life offered few treats and therefore community driven activities and celebrations such as making the Guy and building the fire for Bonfire Night were focused upon with enthusiasm. On a day to day basis the local chalk pits and the recently created bomb sites became obvious playgrounds and allowed plenty of potential for danger combined with inventive play. Book lovers like Jean and her friend Milly turned eagerly to the library and the delights of Enid Blyton. Possibly it was this ongoing diet of fantasy adventure that allowed Jean to conjure up all new and frequently alternating imaginary families to replace the one she felt unfortunate enough to have been born into.