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Gillian Jones (nee Akers) has lived all her life in Eton Wick and was just a child during the Second World War.

VE Day is something she vividly remembers, having helped her mother organise a street party at which she wore a dress made from a Union flag. She enjoyed the celebrations, the singing, food and excitement without fully comprehending what it meant.

Life for the family had changed dramatically during wartime when a refugee from London came to live with them for a couple of years, and they also took in an airman for a while. Her mother, Alice Akers, was later sent a certificate of appreciation from Queen Elizabeth for her help in offering shelter to strangers.

Gillian remembers the air raids, school and the day to day life and emotions of a childhood lived during wartime, which she says never really leaves you.

Image: A young Gillian with evacuees who were staying in the village
Interview with Gillian Jones by Janice Hunter