It's been almost 46 years since Ron Simpson left Chester for a new life in Australia but he still has many happy memories of life as a Cestrian.

Now 76, and living in Aldinga Beach, Adelaide, Ron still enjoys reminiscing about his childhood in Chester, and is so fascinated by how much the world has changed since then, that he’s written a memoir, 'Growing Up in Chester' , detailing his life in our city as a young boy.

Although its primary aim is to inform future generations of his family and grandchildren about what life was like in his childhood compared to theirs today, Ron is also hoping to get back in touch with some of the schoolfriends he hasn’t seen since he left at the age of 15.

Ron was born on George Street in a house that has since been demolished.

He attended the mixed Victoria Road Primary School and later the all-boys Chester College School on Parkgate Road.

Ron recalls: “I did quite well at this school and as it was situated next to the Teachers College we had the advantage of good facilities, like a gymnasium a large playing field and chapel, plus it was close to home.

“I left school just before my fifteenth birthday and had to earn my own keep as families were still struggling financially after the war.

“Back then I worked as a projectionist at the then Tatler Cinema on Foregate Street.

“Although I loved Chester, after reading my memoirs it may be understandable why I decided to leave for a better life.”

After 12 years in the RAF, Ron moved to Adelaide where he was employed for many years in the insurance industry and as an estate agent until he retired a few years ago due to ill health.

“I’ve not been in contact with any of my old school friends since leaving school, although I am still in contact with Bob Jones who lived next door to me in George Street - we got together for a reunion on a visit to Chester in 1980,” said Ron.

“I never regretted the move to Australia although I did love Chester.

“My autobiography is an account of how life was from 1937 to 1957 and although my story may not be not the most exciting of tales, it is factual and represents the life of an average child in those days and how simple life was compared to the modern generation.

“Although it was a dangerous time in history we were never scared or lacked for much, even though food was scarce and people had to work hard.

“Compared to some countries we were lucky as children and were well looked after,” he remembers.

“I hoped some <em>Chronicle</em> readers might be interested in my story and could help identify any of the children in my school photo.

“If so, I would love to hear from them.”

If you know, or are one of the people in any of these pictures, email Ron at ireron@adam.com.au