Water Under the Bridge e-bog

This is part one of the autobiography ofPamela Jean Heyman, a Kentish girl who grewup in the period before, during and after theSecond World War and went on to migrate toNigeria in search of interest and excitement. It covers the period from her birth in 1931 tothe eve of her departure for Africa in 1956. Most of the story is set in and around Throwley,Ashford and Maidstone in the 1930s and 40s. The author, Jean, was born on her maternalGrandparents farm. Her Father left soon afterthe birth of her little brother. He remarried, and Jeans Mother moved to Maidstonewhere she took up a career in hairdressing, leaving Jean and her brother in the care ofGrandma and Grandad and Auntie Kalla. In the tale that unfolds the old couple andtheir second daughter represents fortitude and loving stability, whereas Jeans Mother,on her frequent visits, represents glamour, laughter and colour. By the end of the 1930s Jeans Grandparents had to give up the farm due to ill health. Jean and her Brother went to live with their Mother and her new Husband and theirhalf-Sister, Maureen. This period coincides with the outbreak of war and the beginningof its privations. The Authors life story serves as an evocative account of how country people lived inthose days and how (not withstanding the trials and tribulations brought about byher Mothers third marriage), during and after the war she worked hard to improveher secretarial skills which enabled her to eventually obtain a position in the FederalGovernment of Nigeria in Lagos. Part two will recount this period.