Welcome
The above photograph shows our contingent at Horse Guards Parade following the Cenotaph March on 12th November 2023
Office visits…
Ken and Vivienne called in at the office on their way to giving a talk at nearby Balby School, Doncaster, South Yorkshire – 22nd March 2023
Doug Wilde visits the office January 2023
Office revamp…
Joy and Len Townsend paid a visit on 26th July 2021 and gave the new look their seal of approval!
James Roffey MBE
On 19th November, 2019, James was invited to Buckingham Palace for his Investiture. His guests on this memorable occasion were Lady Emma Barnard (one of the Patrons of The BEA) Karen (BEA Manager) and Sherin, his daughter.
Above: Karen, James and Sherin after the Investiture at Buckingham Palace - 19th November 2019
More photographs will appear in the January/February 2020 issue
The Evacuees have arrived at The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
Thank you to all our members, family and friends, and our supporters who have made this possible. It has been a long time in the making and your support and patience has been appreciated. Without you all, this would not have happened.
The British Evacuees Association celebrated its 21st Birthday with the Dedication of our National Memorial to the Evacuation by HRH The Duke of Gloucester on 25th July 2017. Our memorial stands proudly next to the Children’s play area at The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The BEA (formerly The Evacuees Reunion Association) is a non-profit making registered charity which is funded by our members subscriptions and donations.
It was formed in 1996 to ensure that the true story of the great evacuation would become better known and preserved for further generations.
We publish a 16 page quarterly magazine ‘The Evacuee’ which is sent to all our members worldwide, We currently have members in the United Kingdom, The United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and some parts of Europe.
The magazine features our members stories and recollections of their time as children, articles of interest, and an Events and Lost Touch section, that has helped many contact former friends and family. We organise reunions throughout the country, some are large and others are localised meetings.
Our biggest event to date was the St Pauls Commemorative Service held on 1st September 2009 which was attended by 1800 of our members and attracted worldwide coverage. We also attend many 1940’s themed events throughout the country and are proud to be invited and participate in the Royal British Legion’s Cenotaph Parade in November each year.
We provide educational information to schools, history groups, and are regularly asked to contribute/take part in radio/television programmes on the subject.
We have members worldwide. Why don’t you join us!
John Holmes was evacuated to Caerhayes Castle, Cornwall, along with 22 other children. Here is John stood beside where he and his friends used to play darts. The wall where the darts used to miss the dartboard is now preserved in casing, to remind others of the days that the evacuees stayed there.
Alan Perkins and Bill Tucker met up again in person after becoming members, after 82 years apart! They were both evacuated from Christchurch Road School, Ilford to Helmington Hall in Suffolk.
PATRONS
Mr Michael Aspel OBE – Television Presenter and former evacuee
Sir Robert Crawford CBE – Former Director General of the Imperial War Museum
Lady Emma Barnard – of Parham Park, home for evacuees during World War Two
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Former Patron and Evacuee - Sir Roger Moore
Former Patron and Evacuee Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE
Former Patron and Evacuee Mr Henry Sandon MBE
PATRONS
Mr Michael Aspel OBE – Television Presenter and former evacuee
Sir Robert Crawford CBE – Former Director General of the Imperial War Museum
Lady Emma Barnard – of Parham Park, home for evacuees during World War Two
-
Former Patron and Evacuee - Sir Roger Moore
Former Patron and Evacuee Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE
Former Patron and Evacuee Mr Henry Sandon MBE