Chapter 1: Tuesday 6th January 1914

It's a bitterly cold day and I am lighting a fire in the small shop stove. My boy Billy is building a wall using lumps of coal from the scuttle. Florence walks through in her finery, off to meet up with her sister Annie to peruse the sales. This activity will likely lead to the purchase more finery. She looks horrified as she is about to open the door to leave and Billy runs towards her with coal filled hands ready to hug his Mum. Fortunately, disaster is averted as I sweep Billy into my arms and take him into the scullery to scrub him clean. Florence tuts a bitter rebuke before making a hasty exit.