Page 85 - ‘A Blaker Family History’ The family history of Joseph Blaker (1916-2007; ‘Joe’)

© The Blaker Society
© The Blaker Society

visiting from England, if they could assist ‘Peg’ in obtaining work in
England.

In 1936, at the age of 16 years, ‘Peg’ moved to England, initially living with
her aunt, ‘Nellie’, at 4 Kepler Road, Clapham, London. ‘Nellie’ helped ‘Peg’
obtain work in Pratt’s departmental store (now John Lewis), washing up
in the staff canteen, under the direction of the cook, Mrs. Hall. The job also
provided accommodation, and ‘Peg’ shared a room with another Irish girl
– Mary. Despite the hard work, it was a happy environment, particularly
since there were a lot of single Irish girls working in the Pratt’s store and
its canteen and restaurants. Leisure time often involved going to dances
in nearby Streatham, South London – a far cry from the quiet life in rural
Castletown Geoghegan.

The job in Pratt’s lasted some 3 years, and was a staging post to a position
as a housemaid, working under a housekeeper (Mrs. Eme) for Mrs.
Cornwall in Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, South London. Mrs. Cornwall
owned green grocer’s shops in London and would often bring ‘Peg’ a large
box of fruit – which she, in turn would pass on to her aunt, ‘Nellie’. During
‘Peg’s’ working time, she would send most of her spare money back to her
parents in Ireland, both to repay her fare to England, and to help with the
meager family finances in Ireland.

Margaret Marie Jackson; Unknown Date

‘Peg’ met my father, ‘Joe’ Blaker in 1940, at a childrens’ party in West
Norwood, South London. ‘Peg’ had gone there at the invitation of Henry
Atwell, a Minister’s son, thinking the invitation was to a dance, as opposed
to a childrens’ party! Whilst watching a lantern show, she met ‘Joe’ who
had been helping out with the washing up at the party. That was the start
of 67 years together.

6.24.2 Joseph Blaker and Margaret Marie Jackson
‘Joe’ and ‘Peg’ were married at St. Luke’s Church in West Norwood,
followed by a reception in the church hall, and had a subsequent blessing
of their marriage at St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church, Norwood High
Street, West Norwood. Needless to say, following their wedding
celebrations, they soon returned to work - during the war years there was
no time, or money, for a honeymoon! Indeed, on the following Monday,
‘Peg’ had to go to the local Town Hall to get her ration books changed to
her married name.

‘Joe’ and ‘Peg’ had 3 children:
• Graham Joseph: b. 1946, Lewisham, London
• Anne Dolorosa: b. 1953, Lewisham, London
• Christina Mary: b. 1953, Lewisham, London – an identical
twin to Anne Dolorosa