Memories will be made and re-lived in St Dogmaels this May, when a group of war time evacuees return to their adoptive home.

More than 60 children from the town of Hythe in Kent were billeted in and around the village during the Second World War.

The story of those evacuees is being researched as part of the Village’s Heritage Lottery funded War Years project and a visit organised for the former evacuees.

Children aged between three and 11 were evacuated from London and Kent by train, bussed out to the village’s former workhouse and billeted with local families.

War Years researcher, Heather Tomos, has uncovered the names of 64 evacuees. Heather has managed to make contact with a number of those still living and a group of around a dozen will travel to St Dogmaels for a week of reminiscing.

“This is probably the most exciting, pleasurable and poignant part of the project,” said co-ordinator Nia Siggins.

“It is lovely to think that they are coming back here after three quarters of a century. It will be interesting to see how the village has changed.”

During their time the visitors will enjoy a civic reception, local excursions, afternoon tea with locals and a 40s style dinner dance complete with jazz band.

“One of the first things I ask the evacuees was if they have happy memories of the village and most of them have very happy memories of being here,” said Heather.

“A lot of them learnt Welsh quickly as they stayed with local families, many of whom did not speak that much English.

“Some of the children returned to Hythe after the war, but there was something about the area that brought them back, in many cases they fell in love, married local men and brought up their families and are buried locally. “

As part of the project there will be an exhibition running at the Coach House in early May. Heather is appealing for anyone who has photos of the evacuees, or any other memorabilia, to get in touch.

She would also like to hear from local people with memories of the evacuees and is still appealing for any evacuees, either to St Dogmaels or the wider area, to get in touch as well as the relatives of any evacuees who have passed away.

The organisers still need host families for the evacuees from May 4 to May 8, ideally in the village of St Dogmaels or the surrounding area.

To get in touch with either Heather or Nia ring St Dogmael’s Coach House on 01239 615 389 or e-mail heathertomos@live.co.uk.