BOZEAT couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Mabbutt, met five of their grandchildren for the first time last Friday. The children, aged from five to fourteen, are Americans, and arrived from Holland last Friday with their parents and their eldest brother, Peter (16), who was born in England.

For their mother, Mrs. Joy Owen, it was the first visit Home to 1 Easton Lane, Bozeat. since she left 15 years ago with her husband, Staff Sgt. William Owen, and Peter, who was then 19 months old.

They went to Arkansas, but since then the family has lived at a number of bases in America, including Texas, Georgia and Washington State.

Enjoys America

Seven months ago Staff Sgt. Owen was posted to Holland, and it was from there that the family travelled for a three weeks' holiday in Bozeat.

"The base is in the same street as the Queen’s country home," said slim Mrs. Owen. She enjoyed living in America.

"Once you get used to it and settle down, it's fine," she said.

Mrs. Owen met her future husband when he was stationed at Podington during the war.

She worked for five years at L. B. Bagley's, which was formerly in Midland Road, Wellingborough.

The American children, who have met their young cousins from Yardley Hastings for the first time, and are making friends with youngsters in Bozeat, are Peter (16), John (14), Betty (12), Janice (9), Buddy (6) and Alice (5).