Bill East
PSTS Broughton House
I entered Parkstone in 1957/58 as a result of my father's death, and my mother being diagnosed with cancer. It was felt that trying to bring up three children on her own was likely to prove too much for her. This was my first time away from home, and I suppose I saw it as a bit of an adventure. I was (and still am) a quiet sort of person, but I like to think that with the exception of little bouts of home-sickness, I took to the change in circumstances like a duck to water.
As it was, my mother recovered, and after some two years, and a stint on the T.S. Vindicatrix, I headed back home. Some 50 years later I find I have only fond memories of Parkstone, and am astonished at how many names and faces I can still remember.
About the only person there that I really disliked was Bert Busby, though since I was in Broughton House I had little to do with him. Even Charlie Woods has left no real impression on me, we hardly ever spoke. Officers I really liked included Mr Seviour, Lt Commander Wolvern, Mr Joyce, Mr Butcher, and I could go on.
During my working life I've been an industrial chemist, an R.A.M.C. combat medic, male nurse, Health Care Manager, and an antiquarian book dealer. Now retired, one of my great joys in recent years has been meeting up again with people I knew at Parkstone, specifically John (Joe) Wallace, Richard Eastwood (Goble), and Graham (Dinger) Bell.
I'm looking forward to making contact with others through this site, and am at the moment hoping that Roger (Drac) Bower will remember me, and reply to a message.
Bill East 90
Broughton House 1957 to 1958
