Glossop evacuees feature on BBC primetime show

Millions of viewers have learned how Glossop opened its doors to children fleeing enemy air attacks during the Second World War, after the story featured on the BBC One programme 'The One Show'.

The programme, broadcast on Wednesday 22nd April, told in words and pictures how around 600 children and their teachers arrived in the High Peak from the port town of Lowestoft in 1940.

As bombs fell on the east coast, Glossop was seen as a safer and quieter place. On a summer day, the young evacuees said emotional goodbyes to their parents before setting off on a long train journey, carrying a few belongings in suitcases and bags. When they arrived in Glossop, they were welcomed into local homes and hearts.

Many of the children stayed for several years, with some later returning for nostalgic visits, while others settled permanently, marrying and raising families in the area.

It is a story documented many times by the Glossop Chronicle - see the article from 7th June 1940 below - and now it has been shared with a nationwide audience.

Helping to bring the feature to life was Neil Williams, chairman of the Friends of Glossop Station, who has remained in contact with some of the evacuees and host families over the years.

He explained that the programme was the culmination of a project that began last September, when the evacuees and he were contacted by Pier Productions, working on behalf of The One Show, about making a short film on the Lowestoft-Glossop evacuation.

Between September and December, extensive background research and interviews were carried out before the project was commissioned by the BBC.

Filming took place in Glossop over two days in early February, following a preliminary location visit in January. Key locations included Glossop Station, Twig Café in Hadfield, Whitfield St James Primary School and a former evacuee home on Queen Street. At Neil’s recommendation, the production also captured views of Glossop from Monks Road to highlight the surrounding hills that made such a strong impression on the children arriving from a flat coastal town.

Five evacuees featured in the film: Alma Mingay, 93, and Keith Bellward, 95, from Lowestoft; Thelma Wood, 93, and her sister Sheila Mickleburgh, 87, from Glossop; and Ken Holt, 93, from Hadfield. They were supported by family members throughout filming.

Sheila Webster, from Glossop, who has done much to keep the evacuee story alive over the years, was also interviewed at Whitfield Primary School - her late husband’s family took in an evacuee - but her contribution did not make the final edit.

Children’s writer and illustrator Martin Impey played a central role in the programme, appearing on the train journey to Glossop and leading interviews at each location. Filming saw sisters Thelma and Sheila return to their former family home on Queen Street, revisiting childhood memories with the permission of the current owners. Martin later created an evocative painting of the pair as children outside their home, which was presented to them in a scene featured at the end of the programme.

Another particularly moving moment came at Whitfield St James Primary School, where Year 6 pupils thoughtfully interviewed Keith Bellward about his experiences. The school had been his secondary school during his time in Glossop, adding further poignancy to the visit.

Neil said: “Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the filming process, which lasted several hours each day. We are delighted that this important story in Glossop’s history has now reached a nationwide audience.”

He added that those involved were pleased the programme highlighted the kindness and compassion shown by the Glossop community in welcoming the children, as well as the lasting connections that remain to this day.

The next Lowestoft evacuee reunion will take place at the restored Parcels Office at Lowestoft Railway Station on Saturday 6th June at 2pm, marking the 86th anniversary of the children’s journey to Glossop. Martin Impey will attend as a special guest, and the event is open to family, friends and anyone interested in the story.

The episode of The One Show is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.