LOCAL character and retired businessman Eddie Stapleton has, at long last, achieved his ambition of having some of his childhood memories published.

As a little boy, living in Bermondsy in August 1939, Eddie recalls in his first short story, his experience of being an evacuee, sent off like a little parcel, to an unknown destination to 'escape' the consequences of war.

The little book (in paperback) records several stories about Eddie's time as an evacuee, about the characters he met and about the places he was sent to. He has also had printed some of the pictures of him and another little boy at the time.

For anyone who remembers the wartime evacuees, the book will evoke personal memories and indeed, for those who do not remember that time, the book creates a very vivid picture of the period.

Some stories are poignant, some very amusing, but all are interesting as being pertinent to the life of a little boy aged just six when war broke out.

For some time, friends have been telling Eddie he ought to write his stories down, as he is known as something of a raconteur, and is famous amongst Tenby Male Choir as 'their' comedian who regularly performs 'turns' at concerts in the Giltar Hotel when the boys sing there, as well as at choir private events.

So at last, Eddie has had printed about 100 copies of his little tales entitled 'An evacuee in the Hay! and other stories'.

To cover the cost of printing, Eddie would ask for a donation of £2 for each copy and these are available by phoning Eddie on (01834) 844539.