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Birth
I was born in Darwen as the first child of the family. I was delivered at Bull hill hospital under the NHS. My mum was allowed to stay in hospital for a full week so that she would recover from the birth and she was encouraged to care for me correctly. All this was provided free. -
Period: to
Lord Street nursery
Nursey was wonderful. I remember having to have afternoon sleeps and playing outdoors a lot. -
Nursery
I was placed in a state nursery as my mum had to return to work when her marriage broke up. It was a time when only children who were in need were given a place in nursery so as a single mum she received a subsidised place for me. Without a place at nursery I might not have mixed well with other children and we might have lived in extreme poverty if my mum hadn't worked -
my early schooling
Even though |I had all the usual immunisations given to me by our GP, I became very ill with whooping cough just as I was about to beginning school. Compulsory school for me started when I was 5 but I couldnt begin till I was better. This made me feel the "new" girl for a long time in my first year. School was free but the teachers could teach how they wanted - there was no formal curriculum, lessons were mostly English and "sums". I remember the teachers took us on nature walks every week. -
Marriage
I was a teenager when I got married although I didn't need my parents consent as I was over 18 years of age -
First granddaughter
Evie Violet was born at lunchtime. We hadn't been told the gender of the baby nor had we known any suggested names. She was born at Blackburn Royal Hospital and there was a midwife supervising the birth. On her second day she had a hearing test which was carried out by professional staff. All these services are provided free under the National Health Service working at the hospital. -
Retirement
I think I may be ready to retire but I will need to be sure I have enough money in my pension to support me as I didnt start paying into a pension fund till I started at Blackburn college so I will have to depend partly on the State pension which might not be enough. However I will get free prescriptions and free public transport
