A YEARLY tradition will be extended next month as Lowestoft's evacuees will meet up once more for their winter reunion.Every year, the Lowestoft Evacuees Committee organise the event, and are always delighted when new people attend to tell their stories and reminisce about a defining period of their lives.

A YEARLY tradition will be extended next month as Lowestoft's evacuees will meet up once more for their winter reunion.

Every year, the Lowestoft Evacuees Committee organise the event, and are always delighted when new people attend to tell their stories and reminisce about a defining period of their lives.

In June 1940 local children were united when they packed up a few belongings and kissed goodbye to their loved ones, as they boarded a train to the safety of the Midlands.

The threat of war had arrived on the country's east coast and it was time for the youngsters of the region to join with many others from across Britain by leaving their home for areas less under the enemy spotlight.

Children from Lowestoft predominantly descended on Derbyshire, with Creswell, Clowne, Glossop, Barlborough and many other small villages across the county welcoming the large groups.

Every child had a different experience as their lives were turned upside down, with many being away from their parents for the first time. Some struggled to cope and were soon back at home, while others enjoyed their time so much that they set up home in the Midlands, never to return to live in their former home.

Whatever their story, all ex-school evacuees are invited to attend the winter reunion. During the day there will be a slide show and a range of memorabilia, as the group look through old photos and share stories of their time.

Amongst the images will be these two photos taken in 1940.

One shows a group of boys, predominantly from Roman Hill Senior Boys school, in Clowne, while the other shows girls from the Church Road School, at Shirebrook.

There will also be views of the evacuation committee's events that took place this year and news of what is in store for the group in 2010.

The reunion takes place on December 5, at the Stella Maris Hall, in Gordon Road, Lowestoft, from 11am to 2pm.

Those attending are invited to bring along a plate of food for the shared buffet and/or a raffle prize.