Leonard Turner

Len Turner was a florist and market gardener at The Grange, Cottingham. Mark "Kitch" Wilson and Len Turner were brothers-in-law, Len having married Mark's sister Elsie Wilson. They worked together at Grange Gardens which Len and Elsie leased during the 30s and 40s until the Council took back the lease in 1951. He originally joined the Home Guard and was recruited to Auxiliary Units but after breaking his leg was declared unfit and returned to the Home Guard. .

The Patrol OB was hidden by the green houses at the Grange Gardens, Len knew all about it and was involved in a large explosion under the green houses during the war, this was kept quiet for obvious reasons. He is mid to late 30's in the photo. He does not feature on the nominal rolls as a member but the family are sure he was.

He was married to Elsie (nee Wilson) and had two daughters Maureen and Susan who were born at The Lodge.

Grandson Phil Dunn; "Grandad Len and Uncle Kitch were in the Secret Army based under the glasshouses during the war. A life long regular at the Blue Bell pub, Len continued as a florist and gardener after the War and Elsie, as well as being an industrious provider for all the family, was active in the local British Legion and carried the flag at parades including the Edinburgh Tattoo. They were well known around Cottingham and East Yorkshire coming originally from large extended families rooted in Rudston. After a few years in a prefab they lived in Southwood Drive. My Mother, Maureen, was a gifted singer and stride style piano player from a young age and was well known for entertaining around the area. She continued as pub pianist and singer throughout her life and became a sought after personality on the free and easy circuit around North Tyneside where she lived with husband Ken and their three children and grandchildren until she passed away aged 90 in 2019. A kind talented, stoical woman with a long memory she often spoke about her childhood and we were lucky that she responded to our requests to write down her memories."