The Log Gang, Uttoxeter

The Log Gang

Children love “gangs”, in modern times, they are sometimes a menace.
In the early war years, the boys at the top end of Park Avenue,Uttoxeter, were very much a close knit group. We all swam in the River Tean, March till October. We never got pneumonia. Our spots, were “The Basin” in a field, owned by my family. The Pipe, the last place, owned by my grandfather. The next place was “The Log”, owned by Amos Campbell. All the owners knew we were there.
We had strict rules, no litter, no fires, no bottles, and we cleaned up after each visit. We had decided to call ourselves the Log gang. Rules, simple, obey the farmers unwritten rules, never disturb animals, and sometimes have a crafty smoke, “Dart” cigarettes, 2pence a packet.
Our leader, Was Percy Archer, “Yapsi”a giant, his deputy was Sidney Williams, “Bache”, Percy(Guards) and Sid(Scottish Infantry), fought in the Second World War, Sid went onto Korea, and the battle of the River Imjen
We had Cyril Williams and Geogie(cudgel), with me, John Foster and Victor Statham (60 years in USA )as foot soldiers.
We called ourselves The Log Gang, because, it was a favourite swimming place.
We imagined, we were feared and dreaded, I don’t think anyone knew we existed.
Our most interesting time, was when Todd Williams, 15 years old, joined us, he worked, and I think tolerated us. He was giant in size, and in mind, a natural philosopher. I never met anyone, who knew him to be critical of him.
John Mellor. Now living in Wolverhampton