On 25th October 1923, Jane Ormerod (Nee McNeiry) gave birth to her first and only child, a son. He was probably born at home in Knott- End -On -Sea above the Fish and Chip shop that his parents ran. I am not certain of these details as I do not think the shop was built until later in the 1920’s. I do know that he was Baptised in the local catholic church named after St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The story goes that Dad was to be named something else, (it doesn’t mention what), but as he was the first person to be Christened in the church his parents were persuaded to call him Bernard. Bernard Ormerod. Born 25th October 1923 Died 9th June 2014 in his 91st. year. Most of his life was lived in Knott End. He spent his National Service in Ireland and India returning to the village where he spent the rest of his long life. As a person who has wandered far and wide, I find it hard to comprehend how someone can spend their whole life in a very small community. Myself and my brother have lived in many different places, but my sister is following in the family tradition and has stayed close to her roots all her life. I am grateful my parents stayed in the village for 60+ and even the same house for 50 years. It meant a lot of memories were kept there, as well for my brother and I, it was always a place to go home to and see old friends and make new ones. Since 2014 even my sister has left the village and it is odd now to think we have no base there.
My roots are forever being moved but we have been resident in this area now for almost 11 years. This is the longest I have lived in one house since my childhood first home in Knott End “The Hackney”. It is a milestone indeed. This year I have greatly appreciated living here, enjoying both the house and grounds, it has afforded us room to breath in this strange year. My roots are happy here.
Dave and I decided we would go back to church today. It wasn’t’ a very comfortable experience as we had to sit in our masks for an hour but I guess we have to put up with that. It felt good to go back.
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