Sully Island panoramic view

" I heard war being declared on the radio; everyone very serious - and there followed long discussions as to whether I should be evacuated ... Soon it was decided that I should be evacuated (to Cardiff) to mam's best old school friend that I knew as Auntie Sylvia and her husband Uncle Phil, who worked for Tate and Lyle. They had no children, so I must have been a shock to them!. The day dawned and I went to Paddington wearing a label, with my suitcase and gas mask. I was very frightened in the dark going through the Severn Tunnel. I travelled in the care of the guard and when I arrived in Cardiff was met by these strangers Sylvia and Phil. I had to remember to be on my best behaviour and to thank the engine driver. My time spent in Wales in the country in Swanbridge was wonderful. I went to school in Penarth by train each day. My best friend Dorothy Worrall got on at the next station, Lavernock, and we spent all our time together roaming the countryside on bikes, blackberrying, walking across to Sully Island when the tide was out and chasing rabbits... I learnt lots about country ways and learnt to swim in the sea - running down the lane after school in my knitted swimsuit!