In a time before television, when access even to the radio was a luxury, the world may have been further apart, but community was never closer. Older readers will remember fondly the days of seaside holidays and Vera Lynne, and those younger will be inspired by this heart-warming account of a young girl’s life, growing up in a working-class neighbourhood of Manchester, during the 1930’s and 40’s.And whilst there were no strangers in the street, life behind closed doors could be particularly tough. Money was scarce, family tragedies struck with merciless frequency and war was ever looming. Yet through it all a spirit of camaraderie enlivened her community, giving its members the strength to face these dark times with courage, and even hope. Further proof, perhaps, of that old adage, which asserts that sometimes the most adverse conditions of life provide the most fertile soil for happiness…