PEOPLE who lived in Nissen huts on a disused airfield in the period after the Second World War were reunited on Saturday.

Residents who lived at Blakehill, near Cricklade, between 1947 and 1955 met at the Jenner Hall in the town to share a cup of tea and memories that stretch back more than half a century.

Some of the people who attended were adults at the time and had vivid memories of their experiences on the former RAF Blakehill Farm airfield, a mile west of Cricklade.

Many were children then and came along to match memories to the pictures in their photo album.

The event, which was organised by local author Marion Parsons, was previewed in the Adver last month.

She said: "There has been an absolutely fantastic response since the article in the Advertiser.

"In fact, there's been such a demand that we're organising another event.

"Because the hall is limited to 60 people we have decided to have another meeting on July 19 - and lots of people have said they want to come again.

"The reunion has been a fantastic success."

One family who came to share their memories were the Matlows.

For Les, 76, and his wife, Elsie, 82, the huts were their first home.

Les said: "There was a great community there - that kind of experience bonds people.

"I don't think you find that kind of spirit in communities today."

Elsie remembered the long road up to the site, nicknamed the Burma Road by residents, which she regularly had to navigate.

"Although there was a store on the site, I used to have to go down to the town to do a big shop," Elsie said.

"I did that while I was pregnant and while I had another little one with me.

"I remember having to put the shopping in the pram and push it all the way up the hill. You just got on with it in those days."

Their daughter Barbara was born on the site.

She said: "I don't really remember the site myself but there are pictures of me and it's nice to hear everyone's memories."

Bella Vincent, who is now in her mid-seventies, said that the huts may not have been much, but they were still home.

She said: "For a lot of people it was actually a step-up to go and live in the huts.

"It was cold and there wasn't much there, but there was running water and electricity, a toilet and a bath indoors.

"It was heaven just to have your own front door."

The reunion was organised by Marion in preparation for the latest in her Cricklade Revealed series of books.

Part seven deals with the post-war years and will feature the memories of many of the people at the reunion.

For more information or to book your place at the next reunion call Marion on 01793 750542.