Wartime tea ladies show us there's more to Carnforth than that film

It's time to salute jam jar battalion

By Kate Abram

WHEN Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson first met on Carnforth Station there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

But little did the cinema audiences know that behind the scenes of that classic film a thousand other 'brief encounters' were taking place.

During the Second World War Carnforth station became famous throughout ,the world as a haven for passing troops.
The station canteen, was manned every day by members of the local Women's Volunteer Service who were on hand with cups of tea at just a moment's notice.
"We had troops passing through from all over the world because Carnforth was an important terminus,'' explained Beryl Watson, 80, of Coniston Road, who worked on the station with her mother.
"But we didn't have enough cups to give out so we used to rush onto the platforms with buckets full of tea and serve It in old jam Jars."

With many of the troop movements being  top secret the women of Carnforth relied heavily on Jimmy Wedge who became a vital link in the town's war effort.
As an employee at Carnforth station Mr Wedge could relay last minute details of any approaching trains.
"We were only given a few minutes notice. It was so exciting and quite a rush going from carriage to carriage," added Beryl.
"We used to have to carry the buckets of scolding hot tea and jam jars down the subway.~ It was quite a sight."

Many volunteers came from neighbouring villages and not only worked at the WVS canteen but also gave their rations towards making sandwiches for the troops.
'The  lads were so grateful and it was our way of contributing to the war effort," Beryl continued.

Although many women played an important role in", Carnforth's home front battle, they have largely remained unsung heroes.
Just a handful currently live in the town and Beryl enjoys reminiscing with past volunteers Mary Hodson and Renee Izzard.
'When people think of Carnforth Station they .always think of 'the film Brief Encounter," added Beryl "l don't, think they realise what went on  and that it p1ayed such an  important role during the  war.

It's time to salute jam jar battalion, Morecambe Guardian 15 ^th May 1998

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