By Ken Hamilton

The war had finished.  It would be sometime in 1946 when Evenwood Infants School teacher, Sally Willen, drew pictures of fruit on the blackboard, one of which was a banana.  By coincidence, word was out that the Co-operative store was to get a consignment of bananas.  One pupil, Ken Hamilton was particularly interested in tasting a banana.  At 12 o’clock he left school, ran down home to Copeland and asked for a banana.  His mam gave him the Ration Book and he was sent to “the Store” to get some bananas.  Ken ran all the way – to Bank Top, past the school, past Walters, down Swan Street and to the Co-op in record time.  There was a queue outside the Co-op door.  Ken joined behind one of Hodgson’s girls.  The queue moved on, the counter was in sight.  Tom Robinson was dispensing the bananas.  The box of bananas was steadily being emptied.  The Hodgson’s girl got served – it was Ken’s turn.

Tom Robinson, “Sorry lad. None left!”

Ken burst into tears – no bananas!

The photo was taken about 1943: Evenwood Infants School

Back row: Jean Watson: Audrey Welsh: Margaret Yole: Enid Maughan

Middle row: Dave Penman: Colin Blackett: Ken Hamilton: Norman Towers

Front row: Brian Woollard: John Richardson: Donald Gallagher

Bobby Corner standing extreme left, who is next to him?

Above: 8 June 1946, About a year later, the King’s Message was sent to all schoolchildren