Weatherfield at War. Part 1

[CG Wendy]

The war in Weatherfield

September 12th, 1940

The air raid warden was patrolling Inkerman Street. He stops to have a chat with Nellie Grimes as she was scrubbing her front step.
“`ello Nellie, `ow are you luv, how`s the family”?. Nellie looks up from her task. “Oh hello there Mr Barlow. How`s yer Ida and the kids?” Frank grimaced. “Our Kenneth kept us up all night with his bawling. I can see we`re goin` to `ave a lot of trouble wi `im. Young David slept through the night again, even through all Kenneths cryin`. Nellie tutted sympathetically. ‘Aww young Kenneth will be ok. `e was no trouble when I looked after him t`other day. He was as good as gold”
Frank looked at his watch. “I`ve got to go lass, I want to see if Elsie Tanner from Coronation Street has got her blackout curtains up yet, an` it`s getting` dark. I might pop over t`Rovers for some Dutch courage first. Nellie laughed. “tara Frank, good luck…you`ll need it with that young madam”.
At the Rovers, Frank sat at the bar. It was quiet, and he could hear the conversation in the snug with Ena, Minnie and Martha. They were all huddled together each drinking stout. Ena leaned over to Martha and Minnie and whispered…”have you heard that Elsie Tanner has got a fella over there whilst her Arnold is overseas?” Martha was shocked “ee I don`t believe it Ena, she`s only been married a few years and her 2 kiddies Linda and Dennis aren`t even in school yet. Ena was annoyed. “well don`t take my word for it, go on over there and see. If her blackout curtains aren`t drawn up like they should be, then you`ll be able to see who she`s intertaining int`parlour.
With this, Frank quickly drains his glass, wipes his mouth then hurridly walks out the Rovers. He walks over to Number 11 Coronation Street and knocks on the door. A minute later Elsie slowly opens the door. “Oh its you Frank, what do you want”? Frank smiled politely. “`ello mrs Tanner, d`ya mind if I come in? I want to `ave a word wi` you about the complaints I`ve been `avin` from the other neighbours about your blackout curtains”. Elsie tried to close the door, but Franks foot was in the way. “No you can`t, I`m busy, an` you can tell that lot (she gestures towards the Rovers), to mind their own bloomin` business as I`d like to mind me `own”
Just then there was a male voice coming from Elsies parlour “the kettle is boilin` Elsie luv, shall I make the tea”? Elsie went pale. She tried to close the door, but not until frank managed to see who the man was.
"why `ello there Stan Ogden in`t it, what are you doin` `ere"?
End of part one

[CG Wendy]

This is my first attempt at fan fiction, so feel free to give your opinion and whether you want part 2? Am in the process of writing it now.

[eithne]

I really, really love the concept and the characters you've used - even if I'm not a long term Corrie fan in that I'm too young to remember watching all these people. I do know their decendants pretty well though. More soon please!

[CG Wendy]

Thanks eithne


Stan heard his name mentioned and walked over to the front door. “yeah, that`s me name, do I know you”? Frank nodded. “aye you should do, I deliver letters to your `ouse. Your married to`ilda Crabtree as was aren`t you”? What you doing `ere anyway”?
Elsie interrupted the two men. “`ere wait a minute, what you insinuating wi` that mucky mind of yours Frank Barlow? Stan `ere was just bringin` me a letter from my Arnold. They`re in the same regiment, and we `ad a bit o` a chat that`s all. I`m not in the `abit of livn` with a fella that ain`t me own. She calls out upstairs…” Linda , come down these stairs now” There`s a thumping noise as a 3 year old girl run down the stairs. “yes Mam what do you want”? asks Linda. Elsie hands Linda a bag of sweets. "Here, your dad sent them, now go out an` play”
By now a few people are gathering outside number 11. Elsie has a sinking feeling as one of the crowd is Ena. Elsie glares at her. “Want a picture Mrs Sharples, it may last longer” Ena ignores her. “What`s goin` on Frank? Is everything ok”Ena spots Stan. “Who are you? Do I know you? Stan stares at the middle aged woman. “No missis, I don`t think you do” he grabs his jacket quickly, and walks off. Ena glared at Elsie “entertainin` the troops while Arnold is away? I should`ve known. `e `as a right to know what sort of woman `e`s married to. An` there`s me a widow o` 4 months. You don`t know `ow lucky you are Elsie Tanner. Elsie is furious. ‘Now look `ere Mrs Sharples, you`ve a mucky mind you `ave. Stan and Arnold are in the same regiment see, an`e just bought me a letter so stick that in your stout and drink it”
Elsie slams the door and slowly the crowd disperses.
Ena, pleased that she gained the upper hand walks back to the Rovers Return pub. She sits down in the snug and tells Minnie and Martha what just happened. Martha sighs “oh Ena, must you always pick fights with that Tanner girl? She`s just lonely that`s all. And who could blame `er..stuck at home with Linda and baby Dennis all day. Ena snorted. “I should`ve known you`d stick up for `er Martha Longhurst. Well if you`re going to be like that, I`m goin` off to the Glad Tidings Mission and practice on the piano.
Ena grabs her coats and leaves. But instead of going to the Glad Tidings Mission, she walks out of the Rovers and knocks on the house next door…number 1 Coronation Street. A middle aged man opens the door. Ena smiles…”hello Albert”. Albert smiles back…`ello Ena, s`pose you`d better come in ad`nt you. Ena wipes her feet quickly on the doormat and steps in the house.
Over by the viaduct, Stan Ogden is watching. He looks around to see if anyone else is watching. He walks back over to number 11 and raps on the door. Elsie opens the door. “you`ll never guess what I`ve just seen Elsie, let me in and I`ll tell you”

[eithne]

Wow! Very intriguing! Ena Sharples and Albert, eh?

[RitaLittlewood]

LOL CorrieGirl. I loved that with Elsie and Ena. Just like the good old days. Well done and more please! ;D

Patsy

[CG Wendy]

Thanks for your kind words...ok on with part 3.......

As Ena walked into the parlour, Albert looked through the window into the street and quickly closed the curtains. Ena took off her coat. “You do realize Albert, I`ll `ave me name up in t`street if anyone knows what we`re doin’” Albert chuckles. “Aye Ena, we may as well put up a big sign in the corner shop. Elsie Lappin would `ave a field day” They both laugh.
“Ok are you ready Albert? Time is money y`know” Albert is looking through his 78`s collection and chooses one and puts it on the gramaphone. ‘Ok Ena I`m ready” Ena stands waiting. “Ok Albert, put your arms around me slowly…slowly I said I`m not a sack o` potatoes. Now look at me, don`t look at the floor. And a one and a two” At the sound of the Viennese Waltz, Ena and Albert gently glide across the living room floor. “aye that`s it Albert, you`re doin` fine. When you`re dancin` with Flo Grimshaw at the Legion on Saturday, all the money you`ve been payin` me for dance lessons will be worth it. I ll miss the extra shillings though”
At number 11, Elsie is shaking her head and laughing. “I don`t believe it Stan….Ena and Albert shackin` up together? I`ve `eard some stories in my time, but this takes the biscuit, it does an` all". Stan is annoyed. “But I saw Ena walk into Alberts `ouse as plain as day, nowt wrong wi` me eyesight yet y`know”. He sighs.. I` spose I`d better go an` get a bit o` shoppin` in for our `ilda. I`ll be glad when the baby is born then she can do `er own bloomin` shoppin`. Elsie gets up from the chair. ‘aye alright Stan. Ta again for the letter, I `ope Arnold `as put in extra money in me letter this time, the rent is due”
Just then there was a knock on the door. Both she and Stan jump as the knocking gets louder. Elsie opens the front door. There is a man there wearing a GPO uniform “oh `ello Alf, what`s up”? “ Alf Roberts looks agitated. “Hiya Elsie, look, `ave you seen Stan Ogden `e`s needed at `ome” Stan hurries to the door. “Hiya Alf, anything` wrong”? “yeah Stan, your ‘ilda was at the post office an` she collapsed. I think she`s in labour. The ambulance is taking `er to Weatherfield General, you`d better get a move on, I`ll give you a lift in the van, `urry up.”

[RitaLittlewood]

Ena and Albert waltzing? I wish they'd have done that in the show. It would be really something to see.

Well done again, CorrieGirl. More!!!!!!

Patsy

[Lane Kent]

Like Eithne I don't remember those days at all other than through their descendants, but stil enjoyable

[CG Wendy]

Its 7.30 pm the following evening at Weatherfield General and Hilda is cradling her new daughter. Hilda looks at the clock. “Where the flaming` `ell is that Stanley? Visitin` time started `alf hour ago. Knowin` `im `e`s at the Weatherfield Arms getting drunk” Hilda muttered to herself.
Over at the Rovers, Stan is indeed getting drunk. Jack Walker raps on the bar top loudly “can I `ave a bit of `ush please? I`m `appy to announce Private Stanley Ogden of the 12th regiment is a new dad of a baby girl. Here`s to a healthy daughter and hope the war will soon be over” A loud cheer rises up and Jack heartily slaps Stan on the back and hand him a whiskey. “get that down yer neck lad. I know `ow proud you must feel. When our Joan was born last year I was the `appiest man in the …..”
An air raid siren interrupts Jacks speech. A loud groan rises. “‘awww no not now” Stan moans. Jack shouts out… “quick everyone…into the cellar” Ena, Minnie and Martha quickly rose from their seats. Ena grabbed her bottle of milk stout. “At the prices `e charges, I`m not letting this go to waste”
The cellar is full of people. Stan is standing between Ena, Alf Roberts, and Albert Tatlock. Minnie and Martha are sat on some upturned beer crates. Stan is still clutching his glass of whiskey. Bombs could be heard going off all around them. “Excitin` this in`t it Stan” grinned Albert. “reminds me of the great war in 1916 where I was `oled up in a bunker in France. Me mate managed to get `old of some wine and we stayed in that bunker til we drank the whole bloomin` crate of wine. `ee those were good days. It was in that bunker where I won me first medal y`know”. Ena snorted. “Winnin` a medal for getting drunk Albert? That`s a new one on me, it is that” Albert laughed. “I saved my whole regiment I did, an` only coz me mate Charlie Matthews tried to climb out o` the fox `ole to go to the lavvy” Alf gaped at Albert. “I don`t believe you, yer makin` it up” Albert was serious for a moment.” it`s true lad. If I `and`t grabbed `im when I did, he would`ve `ave fallen back into the bunker. And where `e nearly fell, a live grenade landed at `is feet from the Jerrys. If I `and`t grabbed that grenade and chucked it back, we`d all be dead an` all”
Just then the air raid sirens went off again. The crowd started to disperse back up to the bar, but Jack stopped them. “`old your `orses, stay where you are. We don`t know what state the street is in yet, could be broken glass everywhere” There was silence. “looks like the Germans `ave stopped their bombing for the night, our lot could`ve sent them off packing already” Minnie said.
Slowly the crowd left the cellar and went up to the bar, There was a huge gasp. Where Ena, Minnie and Martha had been sitting in the snug was now a mass of upturned chairs and tables, broken glass and dust. The windows had been completely shattered. Amongst the carnage, Frank Barlow was sifting through the wreckage. “hello hello, is anyone there”? he shouted out frantically. “We`re here Frank and we`re all alright” said Jack. Frank took off his ARP hat, wiped his brow, then put his hat back on. “Oh thank god for that. The whole street is a mess, I didn`t think there would be anyone alive”
Stan Ogden looks at his watch, but its broken. ‘ere, what time is it”? Ena looked at her watch. “Its 8.30 Stan”. Stan staggered back, picked up an upturned chair and sat quickly on it. “Flaming `ell I need a drink” Martha was concerned. “Are you in shock Stan, are you hurt”? Stan shook his head. “No but I`ll be hurt tomorrow, I`ve missed visting hours at the hospital, our `ilda is gonna flaming` kill me”

[RitaLittlewood]

LOL! I can imagine them all saying that. And typical Ena grabbing her stout. Excellent stuff, CorrieGirl. MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patsy

[CG Wendy]

Thanks Patsy.
ok here ya go, the last episode of the week. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing about 2 Coronation Street legends.


The following evening, Stan was first in the queue with the other new fathers waiting to see their wives and babies in the maternity ward at Weatherfield General. Stan still looked disheveled, and had a stubble from not having time to shave. Stan was clutching a wilted bunch of flowers whilst the door opened allowing the new fathers to greet their wives and babies.
Hilda was sat up in bed cradling their new daughter. She saw Stan shuffling in shamefaced. Hilda put the baby in her bassinet at the side of the bed and was then smoothing imaginary creases from the bedspread waiting for his arrival.

‘ello `ilda chuck, `ow are you and the baby”? Hilda glared at him and started on him straight away “`an what time do you call this Stanley Ogden? You should`ve been `ere last night. I`ve never been so ashamed in all me life. All the others Dads got `ere on time, why didn`t you? yer flamin` useless” Stan started to explain, but Hilda interrupted him. “`an another thing Stanley Ogden, if yer gonna bring me flowers, at least take the tag off `em. You pinched these from the ladies ward next door didn`t you” coz my name isn`t ….” She looks at the card… “Ada Price” Stan sighed…”will you shurrup woman and let me explain for a minute”
Hilda reaches over to the bassinet. “hold the baby if you like but be careful” Stan takes his daughter in his arms. “`ee our `ilda, she`s a beauty and no mistake”. Hildas stoney expression softens just for a minute. “aye Stanley she is that. What d`ya think of the name Freda? I think it`s a lovely name. I saw it in the obituary column in t`Weatherfield Gazette while I was waiting on you. It sounds dead regal that. Yeah Freda Ogen. It `as a nice ring to it don`t it Stan. She can`t go wrong in life with a name like that"
Stan nodded. ‘whatever you want chuck is fine `wi` me. Freda Ogden, I like it. You`re a good `un our `ilda. I`m glad I fell over you during the blackout in 1939 or I`d never `ave met you. Hilda beams proudly. “oh shurrup Stan, you`re makin` me blush. Pass me a jug o` that water please Stan, `ee I`m that parched. I don`t `ave a baby every day y`know. Ta chuck”
Hilda leans back against the pillows contentedly. Then she remembered she was still mad at Stan. “I`m still annoyed you didn`t visit last night chuck. I know you was on a bender with the ale last night, I can still smell it on you. I `ad hoped you`d have visited us though, all the other dads did. Where were you anyway? The Legion”?
Stan shook his head. “no luv I was at the Rovers” Hilda stared at him. “The Rovers Return in Coronaton Street” Stan nodded. “`aye `ilda, aye “Hilda shuddered. The Rovers Return is a mucky backstreet pub in an even muckier street. You wouldn`t catch me livin` in one of those `ouses in Coronation street for all the tea in China” Stan put Freda back in her bassinet and grabbed one of Hildas hands in his. “The Rovers was bombed last night ‘ilda luv. Three people died. One in Inkerman Street, and 2 in Rosemund Street” Hilda gasped. “oh Stan that`s awful. Anyone I know”? Stan nodded. “yeah you might know `er. Nellie Grimes. She was scrubbing her front step when it `appened. She never `ad a chance, it were a direct hit” Hilda tutted sympathetically. “The poor thing. I only saw `er the other day. `ee I`ll be glad to get back `ome in me own `ouse in Maudsley Street”
Stan swallowed deeply. “We don`t `ave an `ouse anymore `ilda” Hilda fell back against the pillows. “oh Stan, our `ouse was bombed out too” Stanley again swallowed deeply, his voice hoarse. “Not exactly `ilda luv. I left the chip pan on when I got `ome, and I fell asleep.”

[RitaLittlewood]

LOL! I can imagine Stan doing such a thing, CorrieGirl. That's great going from sad with the people that died to him saying about the chip pan. More!!!!

Patsy

[CG Wendy]

Hilda understandably was furious. “what d`ya mean, you left the chip pan on an` fell asleep? I lost my `ouse `cos you were drunk?” Stan nodded, shamefaced. “I didn`t mean to, but after the shock in the Rovers an` all, I was `ungry and fancied some chips an` the chippy was shut.” Hilda scorned “fancied some chips `e did, `ungry `e was. While you were snorin` away, my `ouse burnt to the ground. Me flaming` mother was right about you Stanley Ogden…useless flaming` useless. `ave you thought where we`re gonna live when we get out of `ere? I`ll tell you one thing Stanley Ogden, I won`t be goin back to me mothers and hear her say I told you so, oh no I flaming` won`t” Stan sighed. “Look Hilda chuck” Hilda interrupted him again. “An another thing Stanley, what about me ration books? Were they burned too? I still got a weeks worth of meat left on those coupons that I was savin` for yer tea when I got `ome” Stan shook his head..”wait a minute” Hilda interrupted again.. “an ` while we`re at it, what we gonna do when you go back to your regiment? if they`ll flamin` `ave you back that is. Useless flaming` useless” Stan shouted…”will you listen to me for a minute woman, I`m tryin` to tell you aren`t I? I got in touch with your Archie, you and our Freda can stay with `im when I go back tomorrow night. It`s all arranged, that`s why I was late getting` to the `ospital. Your Archie is gettin` the spare room ready an he borrowed a cot from his next door neighbour”
Hilda folded her arms. “I suppose it`ll ‘ave to do won`t it. Don`t think you`re off the `ook yet Stanley. We still `ave to find a place to live, an` as usual it`ll be me doin` the lookin` while you`re off getting` up to all sorts” Hilda smiled at Stan. “I suppose I `ave to be grateful that you`re `ere in one piece and that the whole street didn`t burn down”
Just then the ward sister approached Hildas bed. “Can you please keep your voices down? I got other patients to see to here y`know. Visitin` time is almost over anyway so all the mums can get their rest and some food. Its Hot Pot on the menu tonight” Stan muttered under his breath “oo needs `itler when we got our own `itler in the wards” The ward sister, her hearing as sharp as her manner glared at Stan. “I`ll thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head Mr Ogden. Manners don`t cost `owt. You were a cheeky kid then and nowts changed I see. ” With that she storms off into the corridor.” Hilda stared at the ward sister as she walked off. “Do you know who she is Stan? She seems to know you, she must know you well too by the sounds of it” Stan nodded. Yeah I know `er. That`s Sylvia Preston. I used to date `er daughter Betty before Betty turned respectable an` started hangin` around that airy fairy policeman Cyril Turpin.”

[RitaLittlewood]

ROTFLOL! I just love that. I can imagine Hilda nagging him like that. And what a great way to bring Cyril Turpin into it. ;D

Patsy