Dockyardies

I suppose you could say that growing up in Keyham was pleasant and in many ways. In a community with spirit because of the strength of both religion and politics. There was also a strong spirit amongst “Dockyardies”, (those who worked there) and that could sometimes be shown as almost unique dark humour only known inside the walls of the place. As a nine year old life had settled into a regular sort of routine. Religion through the week with Mass and Communion the core reaching a contented sort of spirit on a Sunday as if the week had been worthwhile. School with the looming 11+ coming ever closer and detailed schooling, Sister Austin teaching Penmanship as it was known then, but really it was just clear writing classes. She would have three lines across the pages or the blackboard and you had to keep your letters up to the first level, top level for “t l b d” etc with the round bits exactly to the first level. You were in serious trouble if it was scruffy. I also recall some classmates were left-handed and this was not encouraged, in fact it was deemed wrong and there were some confrontations with some parents over the ferocity the Sisters dispensed if they thought you were defying them. I have often wondered if those classmates had problems in later life over that, although I hope not.
So many people I have mentioned here were good friends of both Mum and Dad and that created a mixture of religious,political and neighbours who brought a range of opinions and views to life in Keyham and in many ways they all came together as a community if any changes or issues affecting the community came there was usually a united front. It was for me the first time I had seen or experienced that and in some ways was reassuring to a boy of nine that this could happen.
I can recall one annual event that was always something to look forward to. I think it was around Autumn time when nights were pulling in. Aunty Vera lived in Wombwell Cresc with Grandma Riggs and Uncle Ernie who worked in Dockyard and stayed at Wombwell for some of the time. The military started conducting annual mock attacks on the Naval barracks and base. The Royal Marines were tasked get into both by whatever means and claim a victory while the Royal Navy was tasked with stopping this happening. Sailors and Marines were armed although only firing blanks. At the back of Wombwell beyond the allotments was the firefighting site with parts were regularly set ablaze so the practice of firefighting aboard could be accurately enacted. Right next to and almost under “Shaky bridge “carrying the main Penzance to London Trainline it was an entry point for a marine attack through the creek at Camel’s Head. Bursts of gunfire indicated action and huge movement of bodies suddenly appearing from the base this would go on during the day but more intensely at night.
I can always recall Uncle Ernie moaning when delayed leaving work and late home that it was because “Bloody military playing bloody cowboys and Indians again”. For a nine year old it was quite exciting and always wanted to be at Grandma’s as long as possible. Apparently the Marines did some clever manoeuvres in lorries going into the Dockyard and under lorries so much that in these exercises all vehicles were stopped and searched throughly. I think the Marines did get in a few times to claim victory.