7 May - Happy birthday

No poem from Mr Nash in 1959 today, 7th May, which was Marianne's birthday. It's likely he didn't know her well enough yet to know this date. But poems to Marianne on this date in subsequent years, as well as books with inscriptions that he must have given to her as gifts, show that he went on to honour her birthday with his words. For example, on her birthday in 1962, he gave her The Handbook of Swindling, by Douglas William Jerrold under the pseudonym of Barabbas Whitefeather. Some fabulous illustrations by Phiz inside.

And another birthday gift (no year indicated) - the somewhat racily illustrated 'Eastern Love Poems' which features a pencilled inscription inside:

"— but true love is much nearer.

Wishing you a very happy birthday

Cyril"

So, happy birthday Mummy. She would have been 78 today. Here are a few photos of her from the family photo albums, there aren't many as she tended to hide as soon as a camera appeared...

Marianne and a hen - aged 7?

Marianne with her mother Hilda (far left) and friends

Peeling something in the kitchen, 1960s? I don't know what the Kinloch Policy is, and neither does Google.

A party somewhere in London - 1960s? No idea who the men are...

Holiday in early 1970s

Little me on the left, so it'll be from 1973!

Our last holiday together, Prague 1988, with family friend Joy

x x x