SORRY to read about 3343 children living in Poverty, Echo October 25.

I can remember years ago how my mum used to struggle to get food and hay, everything on no money coming in as Dad was not working, not by choice. He used to queue for work on the coal boats in Weymouth Harbour, or anything around. There were nine children, plus Mum and Dad to feed.

We lived in Jockey Row, Silver Street where they are building the new flats, which used to be the fire station. There were no benefits then or family allowances or help. We often talk about how our Mum and Dad managed. Mum used to cry because there was no money to feed us. We all as sisters and brothers remember one cooked dinner a week.

I am 85 years old now and never forgot what hard times Mum and Dad had to feed us all.

It would have been better for us all if benefits were around then.

Mrs Bolt
Chesil View
Weymouth