RE: Memory lane (An appeal for information about Roch and childhood friends from 1941 to 1944, Letters, February 25).

I WOULD like to thank Holly Robinson and the Western Telegraph for providing the opportunity for me to journey back in time with the help of two lovely ladies living in Roch.

Pearl and I had a mutual friend, Avril and she provided me with a childhood photograph of Avril for my memoirs. Comparing our ages I was in the same class as Pearl in 1944.

She also pointed out that Bryn Awel the bungalow my father rented (albeit a more modern version a stone’s throw from the Victoria Inn) still exists.

In later years, Avril moved into the bungalow. Sadly, she passed away some time ago.

In its original form, the bungalow was constructed with internal walls clad in asbestos.

I recall my father attempting to demonstrate his athletic prowess crashing his foot through the wall doing a hand stand.

Mary, 10 years older than I, had clearer memories of the events in those wartime years.

Another photograph was kindly offered; this time of my family. Apparently, my father rented garage space from her father.

Mary remembers in detail the activities constructing Talbenny aerodrome where my father was responsible for John Morgan’s contract.

I spent an enjoyable few hours in the company of these two ladies as they recalled more about life in the village after we had left to live in Cardiff.

I am extremely grateful to everyone who provided me my Brigadoon moment.

In that enchanting film, Gene Kelly crosses the bridge to Brigadoon to join the residents after it emerges from a 100 year slumber.

With Pearl and Mary’s photographs in my hand, I was transported back 70 years.

Five years old, I was standing outside the Victoria Inn with my school friends, parents and neighbours... A truly unforgettable experience.

DAVID LEWIS

Porthcawl