Local Lynx No.131 - April/May 2020

D-DAY VETERAN RELIVES
HAPPY MEMORIES
The following article appeared in the
EDP on 6th July 2019. Sadly, William
Twiddy has recently passed away and his
funeral was held at Langham Church in
February.
“There were a lot of tears but also smiles
as a D-Day veteran relived some of the
times of his Second World War service
Seventy-five years ago William “Bill”
Twiddy was a young soldier billeted with
Pierre and Maricke Bertrand at their small farm in
Melkwezer, Brabant in Belgium.
Now 96 Mr Twiddy was moved to tears when their
son Francis Bertrand and his family visited him on
Thursday, July 4 th while holidaying in the country.
Mr Bertrand, 61 his wife Linda Van Mol and sons
Sander and Lowie, brought along a photographic album
and Mr Twiddy immediately recognised his parents and
the small farm where Mr Twiddy and three other
soldiers were billeted towards the end of the war.
Mr Twiddy has remembered the two weeks he spent
there as the happiest of the war.
He was part of a Royal Armoured Corps team that
transported petrol to Tanks on the front line.
He said “I remember the family well. They did not
speak English, but we made ourselves understood when
we asked for a cup of tea and they made themselves
understood.
They gave up their double bed for us, which was a
godsend. And it was lovely to sleep on clean bedsheets.
“We were very happy there and the whole village
came out when we left”
The visitors brought Belgian chocolates and beer as
gifts and Mr Bertrand who speaks excellent English,
said it was amazing to finally meet Mr Twiddy.
He said “My parents said he was the quietest of the
soldiers that were billeted with them. I did not know
why they stayed at my parents' house, but I think other
British soldiers also stayed at other times.
My father had previously sheltered a man called
Raymond from the Resistance which was dangerous.
My parents told me that Germans came to the farm.
The family has written to Mr Twiddy using the
address in Hollow Lane, Langham which he had written
on a Christmas card he had sent to them in 1975. As
they were coming to England, they decided to visit the
Twiddy family at Williams‟s son, Alan‟s house in
Holt.”
VILLAGE HALL AGM
The village hall AGM will be held on Wednesday 27th
May at 7.30 in the evening. After the AGM there will be a
chance to socialize with a glass of wine and nibbles.
The village hall is a great village asset and the committee
is always looking for new members to help with the running
of events and maintenance of the hall so if anyone is
interested please speak to any member of the committee for
further information.
ART EXHIBITION
Paintings, Photographs, Ceramics, Baskets,
Cushions, Metal Work, Prints & Cards
Langham Village Hall
VE Day Friday 8th May – Sunday 10th May
10am – 4.30pm daily
Free Entry
Our usual wonderful refreshments served daily
Come for coffee
Put the dates in your diary
Proceeds for Langham Village Hall
Application forms and further details, please contact Pauline
01328 830696 bartlett16@btinternet.com
FRIENDS OF LANGHAM
Phillip West presents another fascinating talk on the history
of Norfolk.
His latest talk entitled Poppies, Bloaters and
Beach Men covers the Norfolk East Coast
Langham Village Hall
Thursday May 21st 7.30pm
Admission £2 everyone welcome
SPRING SALE
Blood Cancer UK (Leukaemia Research)
Saturday May 16 th 9.30am - 11.30am
Plants, Bric-a-Brac, Household, Good Clothes, etc
Langham Village Hall
Tea & coffee available. Everyone very welcome.
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