Sylvia's childhood stay at 10 Downing Street in 1945

By Sylvia Middleton (d.o.b. 17.11.1937). Born Cookham-on-Thames, Berkshire. Resident of Radyr, Cardiff from 1974.

"My wartime experience resulted in a most memorable three days - as a seven-year-old - staying at No. 10 Downing Street with Mr. Archibald Carter and his wife, Alice. I was privileged to stay in the top rooms at No. 10 in 1945 as the Second World War ended, as a guest, with my parents, of Mr. and Mrs. Carter. Mr. Carter worked as the Superintendent of Messengers and Office Keeper for No. 10 during the office of Winston Churchill and after the war when Clement Attlee became Prime Minister.

My father was a gardener for a family in Cookham-on-Thames, a village near Maidenhead, Berkshire. Cookham had been made famous by the war artist Sir Stanley Spencer. My father, Harry F. W. Fairlie, had also served in the Reading and Maidenhead Fire Brigade in one of the worst blitz areas in England. Indeed, he was later awarded the King's Commendation for Bravery. He wasn't able to accept the King's invitation to receive the award at Buckingham Palace as the King had died earlier in the year, but was sent the tribute described in the attached letter from the Home Office at Whitehall, dated 26 July 1951.

My father had been asked by the garden employer if he had any rooms for Mr. Carter, who had become unwell during the war and needed to come away from the bombing in London for a complete rest with his wife. My parents, who had hosted several evacuees, were able to help Mr. Carter to recuperate. They remember him walking down to the Cookham Railway Station when he was better to return to work at No. 10.

As my father could drive, my mother and I were able to join the crowds outside Buckingham Palace for several exciting events around that time.

The Carters subsequently invited us to stay additionally - for two years running - following their service at Downing Street. This was at their home in Saltdean, near Brighton, to which they retired. Two years running! They were so grateful to my parents for their help and for his recovery. They gave us a large photo of Mr. Carter standing outside the back entrance of No. 10 before he retired. (Copy of this photo supplied.)

My parents and I - from the top of the building overlooking the stairs at No. 10 - watched the door of No. 10 being opened for PM Attlee to come in!"

Also supplied - cutting from Maidenhead Advertiser, 20 April 1968, marking the retirement of Harry Fairlie who for 28 years was Leading Fireman with the Fire Service in Reading in Maidenhead.