A couple of years ago, Daisy gave all her Grandparents a journal each for Christmas, in which they could write memories of their lifetimes, for Daisy to treasure. These books are very daunting to complete, if I'm honest (she bought me one too and I haven't even started writing in it at all!!), but Daisy was so happy to find that Nanny Jean had taken the time to share some of her childhood memories with her, and she'd like to share some of these with you. The following stories are all Jean's own words.

Tell me about the time and place you were born ....
St Leonards Hospital, Shoreditch, London. Time? Taken home to live with my Mum (Annie) and Grandparents (Grandad was Henry), Crossbow Buildings, Kingland Road, Shoreditch.

What are your earliest memories?
Going to school (Hammond Square), lessons in the morning and playing in a Wendy House and having a sleep in the afternoon, before I was taken home by Mum ... very happy days.

Friday used to go to Nile Market where my Grandad had a market stall, selling fruit and veg.

Evening, my Aunts & Uncles used to meet at my Grandparents home where we had fish and chips, our Friday night treat.

We used to collect jars to give to a trader .. in return we had pigs trotters .. delicious with pepper and vinegar.

I'd like to know about your parents ... names, dates of birth and tell me some stories about them ...

Mum's name was Annie.
Grandad was Henry.
My grandparents had a family: 6 boys, 2 girls; eldest was Harry, Jimmy, Andrew, Robert, Alf, Jack, Sue & Annie. Harry had 2 children; Leonard & Vera. Jimmy had 3 boys. Andrew had 5 children. Robert has Robert & Jean. Jack had 3 children; Charlotte, Rosie & Alfie. Alf had no children.

Uncle Jimmy moved to America, Miami. Their sons lived in New York. Auntie Jane moved there when she was on her own. She came to Wembley to meet us and gave your Daddy and Uncle Alan $5 each to buy 'candy'.

Tell me what you know about your Mother's parents and family ...
Gran & Grandad had 6 sons and 2 daughters. I had 11 cousins and am still in touch with Jean & Robert and their families. Their Mum & Dad, Auntie Vi & Uncle Bob, used to take me on lots of seaside holidays and for days out to Buckingham Palace, changing the guards and feeding the pigeons.

Tell me what you know about your Father's parents and family ...
No recollection of my Father, sadly.

.... to be continued ....