Books / knowle
Memories of a childhood in Bristol
A member of Knowle and Totterdown Local History Society is selling copies of a book he has written to raise money for a local charity.
John Fletcher has been publishing excerpts on his book, Memories of a Bristol Boyhood, in the South Bristol Voice since August 2020, and has decided to sell his full collection of childhood stories in Broadwalk News.
The 88-year-old has lived within a short distance of Broad Walk in Knowle for his whole life, except for evacuation in World War Two and completing National Service.
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John and his wife Mary, who have lived in the same house for 50 years, have both been members of the Knowle and Totterdown History Society for more than 30 years.
John had previously sold the book to friends and family to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West, and after much success, has decided to sell the memoir to a wider audience.
Along with friend Peter Read, who used to work at Broadwalk News and is good friends with the family who currently run the store, 100 copies of Memories of a Bristol Boyhood have been printed and are being sold for £10 each.
Find the book ar Broadwalk News, near the shopping centre. Photo: Tabi Panter
“Memories of a Bristol Boyhood starts when John is born in Knowle in 1932. At the age of just 18 months John suffers the loss of his father,” says Peter, who met John 12 years ago when he joined the local history club.
“Times were really difficult then for a single mum with two children. When John is eight the family are caught up in the raid on Castle Park, a little later are nearly killed when their air raid shelter is bombed and the house made uninhabitable.
“Evacuation, re-housing, wartime schooling, local entertainment, sporting triumphs, church life and youth activities, National Service and starting work at 14, John describes these events and many more in graphic detail.”
Children’s Hospice South West provides hospice care for children with life limiting conditions. At three locations across the South West, the charity offers emergency care, respite and short breaks and palliative care for young people and their families.
Memories of a Bristol Boyhood documents the city between 1932 and 1952. John share stories ranging from Bristol’s now long-gone tram system to the Blitz.
Main photo of bomb damage in Palmyra Road, Bedminster: Bristol Archives
Read more: Banksy confirmed to be behind artwork on side of Totterdown house
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