One thing that we looked forward to

In those long lost childhood days,

Was visiting the local Belle

For their thrill-packed matinees.

We booed and cheered the westerns

From beginning to the end,

Stamped in the US cavalry

When they galloped round the bend.

The clouds of war were gathering

And the cream of youth did claim,

The lives of those who came back home

Would never be the same.

The village lads in far off climes

When things weren't going well,

Had dreams of being safe at home

And visiting the Belle.

A raging fire destroyed our dream

And left an empty shell,

No more the hub of village life

That we had known so well.

Stan Harrison

Minster Close, Firwood

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.