Recording Session 7: Keith and June
What was it like growing up in England?
She was five when the war started, so her childhood was tough.
She moved to Toronto at age 22 and then to BC in 1988. Always lived on the island when in BC.
She left school at 15 and worked in an office, bounced around jobs a bit then ended up at an insurance company for 6 years.
Why leave England?
She went to Italy the year before. And then got an adventure bug. She had holidays in Northern Italy, it was wonderful, very nice.
Special thanks to Parks West for sponsoring this session!
After settling in Canada
She’d had to be unmarried as a flight attendant. Some very sexist job segregation. She couldn’t wear certain clothes, had to wear hair a certain way, nail polish, a girdle, just really insane stuff by today’s standards.
Different employment standards
Keith shared the differences in his attire in hood jobs to date. From scooping iced cream to fast food to not working at a local grocery store.
Definitely more gender inclusive compared to years past.
According to June she didn’t question things back then because that’s just the way it was. But acknowledged how different this day in age is.
The process of being evacuated
A friend worked in radar and could see when German bombers were approaching England. June was an only child because of the war. Her parents didn’t want to bring more children into the world.
She was evacuated to a lady for 1.5 years when she was six. She got spoiled there.
The second time that she was evacuated was terrible as the lady would accuse them of stealing things and was just awful. She recalls spending her 10th birthday there.
The news and headlines of Hitler Dead! made waves worldwide.
Career goals
Keith spoke about his love of writing and they spoke about that.
Technology
Keith asked what was the most innovative technological invention. June thinks the television was it for her. In her younger years.
History
June loves history. She’s into history and takes part in a monthly history night at the Berwick.
Family knowledge
Is there anything your parents taught you that you pass down? June says her parents taught her to be honest, careful and loving among many other things.
Adding…any secrets to shares?
We don’t think about getting old when you’re young. But when you’re older, you’re much more aware of breaking bones at the older age.