The travellers in Echo sketch were my aunty uncle’s family
AFTER seeing the charming country scene sketched by AT Warbis for the Echo in 1954, Mrs Beryl Pate rang in to say that the travellers featured were part of her family.
To accompany his sketch for the Echo Mr Warbis wrote: “Meet Mr and Mrs Joseph Squires and their young family of eight and dog. Where do they live? The answer may be seen in the background.
“It is a compact home on wheels, a horse caravan in fact. Peep inside and you’ll be surprised at the arrangement.
“The small enclosed coal stove, surmounted by shiny copper kettle and cooking utensils will intrigue you, as well as the strong plank seats along the sides, and neat, broad platform used as a bed for the children at night and communal perch for them during the inclement, weather. “Everything is neat and clean.
“Wild indeed must be the weather to keep these hardy young gypsies indoors. They prefer to roam in the long grass near the hedges, or to wander off in a band to see the sights in the nearby town or village.
“On this Sunday morning they have camped on the verge in Catsick Lane. Breakfast is over and brushing and combing proceeding.
“Tomorrow they will be - where?
“On the road to Northampton or Kettering perhaps, for Mr Squires, who is a general dealer must provide for his large family.
“All the children were born in the caravan. They never grow tired of their back garden, for it is never the same.”
Mrs Pate said that Joey Squires was her uncle and his wife, her Aunty Katy.
Katy was the sister of Beryl’s mum, Daisy, and there were five sisters and five brothers in total.
Though Daisy eventually gave up the travelling life, Beryl was born in a caravan in Shepshed, near The Pied Bull. The family were stationed there when they were employed as pea pickers.
Beryl added that Catsick Lane (Cotes Road) near Barrow-upon-Soar, was known amongst the travelling community as Pigeon Lane, but said she didn’t know why.
• For all of you who admire this marvellous artist’s sketches, there is a super book on sale, complied by Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteers.
From an Artist Sketchbook, Then and Now, can be bought at the Local and Family History Centre at Loughborough Library.
Copies are available at £8.99.