OVER the last 85 years many memories have been created at Bekonscot with one lady cherishing a 70-year-old picture of the village for all of her life.

Hazel Bird was born in Beaconsfield during World War II after her mum was evacuated to the town from London, but sadly her mum died when Hazel was just 10.

One of the only pictures she has of her parents was taken in Bekonscot in 1944.

This picture remained as one of the only visual reminders of that time of her life.

The miniature world of Bekonscot remained a distant memory for Hazel until she made an emotional return to Beaconsfield as a surprise 70th birthday present, earlier this year.

The nostalgic experience was filled with tears and memories as Hazel even visited the very spot the picture was taken all those years ago.

She said: “It was so nice to go back. I could sort of remember the village because I remember going again with my mum when I was quite young.

“We looked for the bench in the picture but they didn’t have anything like that now.

“It was a really nice surprise to come back to Beaconsfield after all these years. It’s amazing that I was still able to remember so much.”

“It was very emotional, I cried and cried at times, but it was one of the best celebrations for me” she added.

Since her return to Beaconsfield a few months ago, Hazel has been contacted by relatives she hadn’t seen for most of her life.

Between them they have now found more pictures of the family from their time in Beaconsfield.

Hazel hopes to return to the town and the miniature village again soon.

AS part of Bekonscot’s anniversary celebrations the BFP is presenting a month-long special looking back over the past 85 years of the model village.

Read next week to find out about the real reason Bekonscot is the success it is..

Bekonscot will officially celebrate being open to the public on the weekend of August 9.

To share your memories of Bekonscot please email andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk

Competition:

The model village is offering Bucks Free Press readers the chance to win some great prizes.

Find all ten Bekonscot bears around the miniature village to be in with a chance of winning the competition.

The lucky winner will receive a special prize and have their picture printed in the BFP.

Terms and conditions apply.