I’d like to introduce you to my nan (standing) and her sister, my great aunt Ethel. 

People are often surprised, when I have so many beautiful old photos, that my favourite is this fuzzy 1980s snapshot.

I love this photo because it captures my nan and great-aunt exactly as I remember them, always giggling and always with a cup of tea in hand. 

They both went through tough times during World War 2. Their husbands were away for the duration, they had 6 children under 10 between them and after being bombed out of their homes they all lived in a one-room attic for nearly a year. Throughout this time the sisters slept in chairs so the children could have the beds.

Despite all of this, I only ever remember them giggling together in their later years. And their giggling was infectious, everyone around them giggled too.

I took this photo with my first ‘proper’ camera that I was given for my 18th birthday, and I’m amazed I  managed to take it, we were all giggling so much.

Whenever I see this photo, it takes me straight back to that day with these two wonderful ladies and the giggles we shared.