LAST week we enjoyed some of the memories of Ione Barents (nee StJohn) who grew up in the prison officers' quarters on Portland.

Ione, whose dad worked in as a prison officer, lived in Alma Terrace at The Grove in the 1950s.

There were many treats to look forward to as a 'quarters kid', she recalls.

"Some of the inmates kept pet birds, canaries and budgies.

"We frequently took the birds in when they weren't well, returning or replacing them to serve out their confinement.

"The Prison Officers' Club put on parties for the children, Christmas and Guy Fawkes being the most remembered.

"I think on occasions for Guy Fawkes there was a parade starting at Alma Terrace and winding its way through the quarters gathering children and adults on its way to a bonfire on a cliff top overlooking Osprey.

"On one occasion my Dad, who was involved in the organisation of this, was given obsolete distress signals by the Navy, which on our firework night, he successfully fired to the delight and amazement of children and adults. "Unfortunately the local coastguard were not aware that these distress signals were obsolete and no longer used, and responded accordingly .

"My mum was also none too happy when she realised these had been stored under their bed!

"On another occasion a spark on his sweater caused the ignition of several fireworks in the back seat of his much loved car. No lasting damage was done as I remember."

Royal celebrations were also special occasions in the community, Ione said.

"We had a party in Alma Terrace for the Queen's Coronation.

"A top secret plan was put into operation to build an aeroplane a child could sit in, it would be suspended on ropes between supports and travel some length along the back of Alma Terrace.

"Once again my dad was involved and I was volunteered to be the test pilot. Needless to say the first test flight was a disaster, test pilot and plane plummeting a few feet gently to the ground.

"The plane was successfully modified and safely flew children at the Coronation Party."

Ione said that despite her father dealing with dangerous situations, her childhood was wonderfully safe and shielded from the hard reality of prison life.

"I have mainly happy memories of my childhood which was due to my parents.

"I was never aware of the danger of my dad's work - the riots, assaults and the emotional strain of looking after young men/boys who were behind bars.

"My mum made a home in appalling conditions and relied on her husband working many hours of overtime in stressful and dangerous conditions just so we could have new shoes, mum a dress and for me and my brother, a toy at Christmas."

Ione said she has really enjoyed recording her memories by honouring her parents Herbert Sidney StJohn and Dinah StJohn.

Thanks to the other former residents of Alma Terrace who have been in touch after reading Ione's evocative piece. We're so glad you enjoyed the article.