Herbert Charles Simian Bass (1916-2008)
With parents Annie & Albert Bass
| Parents | Annie | Herbert | |
| Siblings | Jack, Alfred | Muriel, Nora | Margaret |
| Partners | Terry | ||
| Children | Maggie | Paul |
Light Coastal Forces
Below follows (more or less in note form) what Bertie wrote about his life, also see his wartime memories click above.
In His Own Words
Herbert Charles Simeon Bass born 26.02.1916 to Anne and Herbert Bass at Southview Road, Hornsey, North London, weighing in at 13lb. He was named after his father (Herbert) and his two Grandfathers (Charles and Simeon).
At the age of five, he went to Campsbourne Primary School, by which time he had a sister, Muriel, (b.1918) and a brother, Frederick John (Jack), (b.1919). His other brother, Alfred, and two more sisters, Norah and Margaret, came later. Also when he was five, he used to have to go to the shops with a purse with money and his little shopping list.
In those days, on Empire Day, a May pole was erected in the school playground with coloured ribbons and we used to dance round it. We were dressed up to represent the different countries of the Empire. Usually one of two of the girls had cocoa rubbed into their faces to represent Africans.
Our holidays were spent in the village of Bassingbourne, where my family originated from. We were met at Royston Station by an Uncle driving a pony and trap. I was given the reins to hold; I now realise, the pony did not need any guiding – it knew its way home.
Bassingbourne had one pump to supply the whole village with spring water, which we used to collect in a pail when we stayed in the Tan Yard. My Aunt, who lived at the beginning of Spring Lane, was the School Marm. My Great Grandad was the miller of Bassingbourne. At the age of 102 he held me on his lap.
Bert with his grandparents (Williams)
The other place we went on holiday to was Southend every other year. At the age of 11 years, I sat the 11 plus exam. On getting 100 out of 100 for Maths, I was offered a place at Grammar School. My family, after a discussion, decided I could go to Grammar School. Tollington Grammar School was chosen, which was at the top of Muswell Hill, 2 miles away. It was a 1d fare from the bottom of Muswell Hill to the top. Often the bus stopped three-quarters of the way up and we had to walk the rest of the way. The bus had solid tyres.
At grammar school we were put into 3 grades: A, B, and C. At 14 years, I took on a paper round to help out at home. Also, a baker’s round on Saturday. The tips at Christmas were great – most people tipped in those days.
We were all christened C of E, but changed our religion to Baptist. Every year, the Sunday School used to take us on an outing to Folly Farm at Hadleigh Woods. We all collected tracts for regular attendance and received a Bible.
In my teens, wireless was invented. I remember making a crystal set with my Grandfather – but cannot recollect how many yards of wire were wound onto a cardboard disc to make a coil. With our headphones on, we moved a piece of wire to find a bright spot on the crystal to hear a voice or music!
At the age of 16¼ years, I left school and obtained a job through the Headmasters Association. I Went to three appointments and was offered a job at the Head Office of the Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company, now called the Nestlé Company.
Before the War
I ran the Cricket Club at Hornsey, London N8. The club was called Priory Cricket Club.
We also ran a dance about 3 times a year at Hornsey Town Hall to pay for the equipment. On Sundays, played in a band at the Holloway Catholic Church after the service. No charge was made by us.
Victoria Park Salisbury 1940 – Football match for ‘Cigarettes for the forces’. Nestles (Bert third from right at front) -v- Lord Radnor’s 11. Nestles won 2:1
After the War
I Joined the Civil Defence, became Head Quarters Instructor, Signal Instructor and Warden Instructor. I also started a social club. We had dances and a table tennis team. Having played table tennis since the age of 14, I instructed the other members of the team on how to play to win.
I stood for local Council at Friern Barnet, for the Liberal party and canvassed for John Pardoe MP.
At that time Terry was a Sunday School teacher at the local Methodist Church. Started a youth club; I helped her run it. She also formed a choir and started a recorder group. She started a Drama Club and the choir used to go to old peoples’ homes and entertain them; also put on nativity plays. Then we set up two youth clubs one for under tens and another for teenagers.
I received a letter from the Queen when [the] Civil Defence was disbanded, thanking me for my services.
Little Paxton
I started a Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme: fishing for juniors and was Vice Chairman of the St Neots Angling Club. I was made a life member for services given to running the club.I also ran a campaign to get Terry elected to the Parish Council, the first ever election in Little Paxton – she was successful.
Friern Barnet
I was Secretary of the local allotment club. I attended meetings at the Town Hall with the late Matt Tarton: we fought to keep the allotments and won.
Bournemouth
I was Chairman of Kinston Ward Conservative party and helped to get two councillors elected. Before there were none.
When we moved to Bournemouth a note came through the door; Age concern wanted to start a lunch club. We went to the meeting they called. Terry was made secretary. We rented the hall at Wallisdown from the Talbot Church. I was leader. After a short while, the Treasurer was not happy in her job, so I took over. We organised day trips, holidays, and Christmas lunch with a free raffle. Everyone won a prize. We needed to buy food and veg for lunch. At Easter, we had hot cross buns. It was a very successful club and we ran it for ten years, but It took us 3 days a week to organise everything! The limit was 70 members and we always had a waiting list. At the age of 82 we stepped down to let other people run it, after which the membership fell off.
Bert accepting his retirement gift from Nestlé
Bert at c.85
Bert at c.90