Funny tales and heaps of wisdom create a great read

Amusing antidotes mixed with heaps of nostalgia and big helpings of wisdom have created a book full of memories for future generations.

Ann Desborough, mum of five, grandmother of seven and great grandmother of five, who is being supported by the Hospice, first started collecting together stories and ideas for her recently published book – The Chicken and the Egg – in the 1970s.

Originally intended only for her grandchildren, after discovering the works on her computer, Ann’s daughter thought her collection of stories, practical advice and recipes deserved to be shared further so the family arranged for the book to be published.

Ann, who lives in Hundon, explains: “I started writing things down in about 1970 so I have definitely covered a lot of ground.

“Every day I would just come home and start typing. I did it for years. It was just little things, funny things that made me laugh. I would put everything and anything in there.

“At first I thought it was maybe a children’s book – just full of funny events that have happened and things that have made me smile, and things that I would enjoy doing with my grandchildren.”

The former gamekeeper’s wife starts the book with a letter to her grandchildren, with the final chapter including advice for them as they grow older.

Ann, who taught A-level Psychology for around 25 years, explains: “It was something I had never expected. To see the book with its IBSN number on the back was brilliant. I was so shocked and so pleased.”

Having kept farmyard birds, the book’s pages are also filled with practical advice, setting out a highly entertaining guide to rearing chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowl, making the most of eggs of all kinds and cooking poultry.

Ann, who has cancer, has been supported by the charity in the community and has spent time on the Hospice’s inpatient ward.

“Coming to the Hospice I have realised I am not here to learn how to die, I am here to learn how to live, how to make the most of the time I have been given,” adds Ann.

The book costs £15.99. If you would like a copy email enquiries@stnh.org.uk £5 from the sale of these copies will go to the Hospice.