Former evacuee returns to Higham Ferrers after 80 years
A man who found refuge in Higham Ferrers as a child evacuee during the Second World War has returned to the town to which he first came in 1940.
Derick Budd came to Higham Ferrers in the same year the Battle of Britain took place, and in six years spent time at Higham Council School, where he earned a scholarship to Wellingborough Grammar School before eventually returning home after the war.
A Higham Ferrers Town Council spokesman said: “We were delighted to welcome a very special visitor on Thursday, June 4, when officers had the pleasure of meeting former resident Derick Budd, whose connection to the town dates back to the Second World War.
"Derick first reconnected with Higham Ferrers Town Council in 2025. The council’s assistant clerk, Emily Arrow, was delighted to correspond with him and shared photographs from the town’s VE Day anniversary celebrations.
“The display, created by local yarnbombers, featured colourful bollard covers, toppers, bunting, bench covers and a striking post-box topper showcasing local landmarks.
“The photographs sparked fond memories for Derick, particularly of the town’s VE Day street party held on June 8, 1946.”
Derick was evacuated from London at the age of six, and lived in Milton Street with Mr and Mrs Dixon during his time in Higham Ferrers.
Fifty years later, in the 1990s, he visited the town with his late wife, Maureen, introducing her to Mr and Mrs Dixon and visiting some of the places that featured prominently in his childhood memories. This month, Derick was accompanied on his visit by one of his daughters and her husband after Maureen’s passing earlier this year.
While in Higham Ferrers the family once again revisited Milton Street, where Derick had lived as an evacuee, as well as what is now Higham Ferrers Junior School and the town hall in Market Square.
A council spokesman added: “Eighty years after leaving the town, Derick was visibly delighted to be back in Higham Ferrers.
“It was a privilege for town council officers to meet Derick and his family and hear his cherished memories of the community that played such an important role in his early life.”