Lowestoft Second World War evacuees set for station reunion

Hosted by the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership and the Lowestoft Central Project, the reunion at Lowestoft railway station runs from noon to 3pm on Saturday, June 1 - and it will include a complimentary afternoon tea.

Open to all former Lowestoft wartime evacuees and a friend/family member, memories will be shared once more.

Evacuees at Lowestoft Rail Station in June 1940. (Image: Archant)

In June 1940 more than 3,000 schoolchildren left Lowestoft on five trains on their way to rural Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire for the duration of the war.

Many of the friendships established and bonds made with their host communities during such difficult times are celebrated and cherished over 80 years on.

More than 500 of the children evacuated went to the Derbyshire town of Glossop and the links between the two communities forged all those years ago are still celebrated today with a permanent display at Glossop railway station.

The reunion will be joined by Glossop resident and Chair of the Friends of Glossop Station, Neil Williams, who will share news and memories from the town.

Chair of the Friends of Glossop Station, Neil Williams. Picture: Neil Williams (Image: Neil Williams)

Community Rail Development Officer Martin Halliday said: "It is a privilege to be hosting the Lowestoft Evacuees Summer Reunion at Lowestoft station again this year.

"It is wonderful to see friends reunited and hear some of the fascinating stories from their time away.

"We are also delighted to be welcoming as our special guest, Neil Williams, Chair of the Friends of Glossop Station, who does so much to preserve the memories and friendships made between our two communities all those years ago."

Two large panels depicting the events of evacuation day were installed at Lowestoft station in 2021 with information also displayed at Glossop railway station as both towns continue to celebrate and preserve the unique links.