My father, William Edward Bowers, was born on the 18th August 1906 in Kingston, Surrey.

His parents were James Bowers and Louisa Bowers (nee Tillett).

As a young man he had a number of jobs, including working in a dairy, on the buses and rowing people across the River Thames.

He was national service for almost 10 years, first with the Royal Engineers (TA) and subsequently with the ACC he was an army cook at various camps around the country.

My mother, Nora Middleton, was born on the 2nd of September 1924 (although her birth certificate states 21st September) in Bolton on Dearne, West Riding of Yorkshire.

Her parents were John Middleton and Mary Elizabeth Middleton (nee Earnshaw).

During the war my mother worked in an armaments "tank factory". She later worked as a "Home Help", and finally, at the local Youth Club.

My parents met in Sheffield, where my father was on leave with an army friend.