I was born in one of the cottages in the High Street, opposite the Band Club. I remember that there was a pump in the middle of the courtyard. My father, Reginald Ernst, was born in Burton on the 23rd April 1906. My mother was born in Burton on the in 1903. Her name was Doris Mabel née Clipstone. Dad worked in the shoe trade before joining the RAF. My father was on the village bookmakers. His offices were right next to Coles Boot factory, which was in Piggotts Lane.,where the Fire Station is now. Mum was in service in Burton Latimer before marriage. I was four when I went to Burton Latimer infant school in the High Street. On leaving the Grammar school when I was fifteen I began work as a clicker for Whitney and Westley. There would be leather fairs every year. Mr Westley would select the leather. I was a scout leader in Burton Latimer for many years. I loved the scouts as it was great fun. Jack Addis started the scouts in Burton. The headquarters are to be named after him later this year who would want to learn to tie a knot now I wonder.
