Irene Holt

I was born in Blackburn just a stones throw away from Ewood Park, and went to St Bartholomew’s School. When I was ten years old my father died following an operation at the age of 41 years. My mother and I went to live with his parents in Southport where I went to St Philip’s School.

I left school at the age of 14 and started work at the Co-op Emporium where I was sent to various departments before ending up on dress materials.

The War had just broken out and a Voluntary Land Club started which quite a few of my workmates and I joined. We used to go in the evenings and on Sundays to Burscough which is all arable land to plant potatoes etc; There were fields as far as the eye could see which all had to be hoed and weeded.

When I was nearing 18 I was asked if I would like to join the Land Army and as we were expected to join up, I did!

I was sent to Mellor to Higher Warble Hey Farm and worked there for three years during which time I became engaged to Bobby (the farmer). We were married in August 1945 just as the war ended. I have vivid memories of going on our honeymoon to Ambleside—the train was packed with service men and we had to sit in the corridor on top of our cases.

In 1947 our son, Thomas was born and our daughter, Ellen Elizabeth, followed in 1951.

In 1959 I joined St Mary’s Mothers’ Union and in 1969 was asked to be Treasurer. I was expected to ’sort the supper out’ and decided instead of biscuits I would make scones. At the time there were only 20 members, now there are 60plus and I still bake scones 40 years later! And I’m still the Treasurer! I enjoyed teaching in Sunday School for over 20 years, served as a Sidesperson and was responsible for the flowers in Church for 20years after Mrs Howson left and asked me to do the job until we got a new Vicar

I have spent many happy hours at Mellor School and Church and made some very dear friends.

I now live on Glendale Drive where Bobby died 14 years ago. I have a grand daughter, 4 grandsons and a great grand daughter.

Only a very ordinary life after reading some of the letters in the magazine but very fulfilling and rewarding.